Magic For Shelter Dogs: New Jersey Magician Helps Dogs Find Forever Homes

Editor’s note: Staten Islander previously published a question and answer article with PETA about the current plight of shelter dogs across the country, especially since the end of the pandemic. 

New Jersey magician and mentalist John Stessel has been using magic tricks to help tenured shelter dogs show off their personalities. When people can see who they really are (and what makes them unique), they become able to see them in their home with their family.

John has been around dogs his whole life, and doing magic tricks for dogs he knew was something that he regularly did. When he and his producer friend were doing a show for TBS, John wondered what it would be like to do magic tricks for shelter dogs to help them get adopted. Being in the beginning of the winter season, it could even be in time for the holidays. His friend said that’s the story, and the idea was born.

The first video in the series had over a million hits, becoming part of the trending category on YouTube. Even better, every dog featured was adopted into their forever home by the holidays.
Most of the dogs he worked with were ‘tenured’ dogs, which means they’ve been in the shelter system for a while and are likely older dogs. Since that first time, John visits shelters to do these videos with the dogs whenever he has time, along with helping in whatever other ways he can.

Readers may remember our story with PETA about the plight of shelter dogs. Many shelters are overcrowded, and many of them are under staffed. They are always in need of volunteers (as well as donations), and it can be very rewarding to help in this capacity.

Foster charities (such as the Brooklyn based Badass Animal Rescue which John worked with whose motto is: “Saving Badass Dogs From Idiot Humans”) also exist and are a popular way to temporarily care for a dog, cat, or other animal. This also helps reduce overcrowding since they’re in a home not a facility.

But it isn’t a permanent solution. They are all looking for their forever home, or at least their next semi-permanent family.

In closing he reminds people to “Adopt, don’t shop.” And to only get a dog or cat when you are ready. If you wait until you’re ready, it’s much more likely to work out so that you’ll be their forever home.

Dogs, cats, and other animals are part of your family so it’s important to bring them home when you have room in your life and you can provide the nurturing and caring that they need.

John also performs regular magic shows for audiences in New Jersey. Next weekend, he is having a one man show at Whitechapel projects in Long Branch.  Tickets are still available.

Staten Islander News Service Staff Writer

This byline indicates that this article was penned by a member/members of the Staten Islander News Organization office team. Our staff writers are the backbone of our newspaper, performing all sorts of important tasks like conducting interviews, investigating leads, besides writing the news stories you see.