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Anthony Sanderson, An Angel on Earth

Our beloved volunteer, dog walker and dog trainer Anthony Jason Sanderson, of Nutley, NJ, formerly of Harrison, NJ passed away peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning, August 21th, 2022. He was just 3 days away from turning 20 years old (August 24, 2022) He was also just a few weeks away from completing an online and hands on dog training program.  In a relatively short, but dynamic time period, Anthony had amassed hundreds of hours of volunteering service. He participated in fostering, pet sitting, dog walking and training under various mentors including Jerome Watson for all kinds of Peace4Paws dogs, especially the challenging ones.  He was a great student. He was such a talented young man that starting a year ago, we were able to refer him as a trainer and hire him ourselves for training just like we hired other adults for training purposes.  And we were so proud of him. He handled so many necessary and urgent situations involving animal care in a timely manner. In rescue a timely manner typically means immediately. He never said no.  Anthony saved so many lives.  His mother or his aunt always drove him wherever needed. As he became mature enough to head into New York City alone for special pit bull assignments all over the city he performed those assignments with enthusiasm and reliability as well. He managed and trained dogs that few if no other people could handle. Anthony loved being a part of our community.  He truly loved working with dogs. He worked with dogs with serious medical problems (like advanced heart murmurs or heartworm).  He worked with dogs that had unappealing behavioral issues. He worked with aggressive dogs, skittish scared dogs, and mouthy large breed pit bulls to cite just a few scenarios. He worked with Veronica Tejado’s dog Lucy of Jersey City, NJ who used to bark at every dog and person around, but with Anthony’s regular help she stabilized and was a sweet, well behaved dog. Anthony patiently gained the trust and methodically taught the dog behaviors to make them appealing and adoptable.  He was so kind and gentle, he was able to teach the owners how to best direct their dogs. We were so proud of Anthony.  His passing is an absolute huge loss to the family, to Peace4Paws and to the world.  He always had such a positive aura. He was always full of love and enthusiasm. Every time he showed up we all felt a sense of relief. Our stress was reduced with the thought that “Anthony is here” or “Anthony is handling it”. Because he was intuitive, smart, and compassionate and committed his legacy must live on. And thus we are starting the Anthony Sanderson Dog Training Scholarship fund for volunteers who have demonstrated service and commitment so they may continue their education. To donate in Anthony’s honor and continue his mission, please click on this button. Thank you.  

If you are unable to contribute financially Anthony would love nothing more than if you (or your child) would volunteer to walk, care, groom, foster or adopt a dog in need.  Anthony’s mom said that once he started volunteering for Peace4Paws his grades improved and his confidence grew exponentially. The chemistry we had with him was always uplifting. Thus we ask you to honor his legacy.