Cause4Paws desperately needs fosters

Cause4Paws is the rescue that assisted with the largest dog fighting ring bust in Illinois history. They have a couple of beagles and a lab that need help asap. You can see more at their website.

www.MyCause4Paws.petfinder.com

or send an email to cause4paws@gmail.com.

Leroy needs a foster NOW

This pup is located in Springfield, IL.

Breeders

I was at the dogpark yesterday and overheard two young women excitedly discussing the breeder from which they got their chocolate labs. They discussed other places they checked out or tried, and why they decided on the one they did (and they were extra excited because it turned out they used the same breeder). They were talking about wanting to get more from the breeder, but when this and that happens.

I sat there and mulled over whether I should interrupt their excited conversation and tell them there were a couple of gorgeous labs down at the shelter where I volunteer, and that there’s no need to support breeders who contribute greatly to animal overpopulation.

THERE ARE SO MANY WONDERFUL ANIMALS AT THE SHELTERS! (The animals I have pictured in this entry are all at ADOPT in Naperville.) And there are the breed rescues. If you want a purebred animal, you don’t have to go to a breeder. Save one that’s already alive and out there because someone gave him/her up. We don’t need more bred. We need to home all of the lives we’ve already created.

In the end, I decided not to be confrontational, as I wasn’t sure how articulate I’d be. I didn’t know how to start the conversation without being abrasive or self-righteous. But now I wish I had. I feel like I failed at what I’m doing here on this blog and by working in the shelters. I NEED to educate people and this was the perfect opportunity.

Lesson learned, I will take advantage in the future.

But how do we get the word out there that the animals in shelters are just as good as (if not better) than those from breeders? I have had many conversations with a coworker who was insistent on using a breeder for a Golden Retriever. He assumed all of the dogs at the shelter were given up for a reason - that they are somehow damaged goods. He said he wouldn’t know their background or temperament. I said you never know that from a breeder either. I think over time I got him to see that there are a lot of wonderful, perfectly normal, healthy dogs that come into the shelter through no fault of their own.  I shared pictures and stories with him and I could tell that he would consider this, even though he adamently refused before.

There are all kinds of dogs/cats/bunnies/etc at shelters who are the result of unforeseen circumstances or irresponsible humans. There’s all ages of purebreds and mixes; Poodles, Puggles, Golden Retrievers, Italian Greyhounds, Whippets, Labs, Yorkies, Bulldogs, Shitzus, Maltese, Huskies, Hounds, Labradoodles, Corgis. This, off the top of my head, is what I’ve seen come through.

With cats there are all ages and temperaments. There are short-, long-, medium-hair. There are Siamese, Himalayans, Maine Coons, Russian Blues…and again, breed rescues.

Next time…

IL Euthanasia Rates

On this site, you can see the number of animals taken in and either adopted out or euthanized for each shelter and animal control facility in the stat of Illinois. All of the information was collected by the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

The problem it highlights is pet overpopulation and the need to spay and neuter to decrease the number of strays and unnecessary deaths.

Something I found troublesome is, many times, people donate to rescues/shelters/organizations who claim to be “no-kill,” when in fact they have a high rate of euthanasia. Some of these places need turnover and/or have no room, so they are rigid about what animals will be put up for adoption. The rest are euthanized. They don’t have the luxury of allowing for imperfections.  I realize this is the reality of the overpopulation situation. My problem is calling yourself a “no-kill” shelter to get donations, but then manipulating the rules (such as temperment testing) so that you can, in fact, euthanize an animal that is adoptable.

The website says:

This website was created for the purpose of creating transparency regarding what happens to companion animals in shelters in Illinois.  As you will see, there are challenges and opportunities that exist in every county. Some facilities take in very large numbers of animals:

• City of Chicago: 24,364
• Winnebago County Animal Services: 8,600
• St. Clair County Animal Services: 7,295
• Peoria Animal Welfare Shelter: 6,983
• Sangamon County Animal Control Center: 5,997
• DuPage County Animal Care & Control: 4,866
• Madison County Rabies Control: 4,851
• Rock Island County Animal Care & Control:  3,990
• Macon County Animal Control: 3,462
• Aurora Animal Care & Control: 3,343

Most of these organizations have very low “reclaim” rates — less than 25% of dogs being reclaimed at these facilities and approximately 2% of cats being reclaimed.

Animal Shelter Stats >>

Animal Control Facility Stats >>

Lance needs some lovin’

Special cats need homes

If you are interested in any of these cuties, contact Tree House Humane Society.
Tree House Animal Foundation
Uptown
1212 W. Carmen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 784-5488

Bucktown
1629 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 227-5535

In 1997, four-year-old Gordy was admitted to Tree House, and just a few months after his arrival was adopted. Sadly, Gordy was returned in June of this year when his guardian became too ill to care for him. Readjusting to shelter life, particularly after having lived in a home for many years, can be difficult for cats, and though Gordy initially seemed to being doing well, he has recently regressed. This once laidback cat who seemed at ease amidst the hustle and bustle of the shelter environment, can now be found hiding in the bathroom or curled up in a corner of the reception area. He is still a loveable and affectionate cat, but seems too overwhelmed to come out of hiding and seek attention from people. Gordy would undoubtedly thrive in a home environment where he can get the the attention and one-on-one time he so deserves. If you or anyone you know is interested in a big, goofy fifteen-year-old cat who runs to you when called and gives kisses, visit the Uptown Shelter today and meet Gordy!

Mack the Knife came to Tree House in April of this year. He arrived in rough shape. He was thin, filthy, crawling with ear mites and fleas, bleeding from wounds on his neck and suffering from an severe upper respiratory infection and mouth infection. Despite all his ailments, Mack was sweet and loving from the moment he was admitted. He charmed the clinic staff members with his extremely loud purr and his affinity for being carried around in people’s arms. It took Mack more than two months to recover from his multiple injuries and illnesses, and during that time he was also diagnosed with FIV. Mack currently resides in the Cypress Room at the Uptown Shelter. If you are looking for an incredibly unique, adorable, fun cat, Mack is the one for you. Come to Tree House and fall in love with him today.

Maggie Tulliver and her brother, Tom, were surrendered at Animal Welfare League in January of this year. The siblings were transferred to Tree House where they were treated for severe vomiting and diarrhea. After a month of intense treatment, Maggie and her brother were given a clean bill of health and made available for adoption. Tom was adopted out quickly, but, sadly, Maggie has not been as lucky. She was adopted, but returned after a very short period through no fault of her own. Maggie is again available for adoption and would be a great addition to any family! She is a little shy at first, but once she warms up to you, is extremely loving. She meows for attention, flops onto her side for petting and loves to rub faces. If you’re looking for a sweet, cuddly young cat, then visit the Bucktown Branch and meet Maggie.

Dognap victim?

From a fellow rescuer:

This has been a very bizarre story.  Their Dakota is one of their kids-of course.  He has dropped off the face of the earth, yet someone spotted a large white dog at a local shelter around Sheridan,the shelter denied it-yet would not let her go inside!!, and a few people have talked about knowing where he is, that the person that has him is waiting for the reward to go up?

Somebody out there knows something, I have talked to Dakota’s ‘Mom”, and the whole family is living a nightmare, just not knowing where he is.

Animal-friendly accommodations

Your pet is family, so why not take them on vacation too?! Below are a few sites with information, from accommodations to activities. Call ahead to verify that animals are allowed as the rules may have changed.

http://www.dogfriendly.com/

www.travelpets.com

PETA’s guide to animal-friendly accommodations.

Rescue Dog Lost Downtown

From Puppy Love/Love Cats:

PLEASE HELP!!!

I NEED HELP PLASTERING FLYERS FOR MY LOST DOG!!!!

PLEASE PUT THESE ANYWHERE & EVERYWHERE!!!!

She was lost Monday near Des Plaines & Lake…

One of my foster parents did NOT double collar her, and she slipped out of the ONE that she was wearing.  We have not had her very long.  She was supposed to go to ACS yesterday to be spayed and chipped.  A person who saw it happen and tried to help catch her saw her get hit by a car at Randolph & I-90.  SHE’S INJURED!

Her name is HAZEL, but the foster person was calling her TAYLOR…

EVEN IF YOU JUST PUT UP ONE FLYER…IT WILL HELP!!!

THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!

Great Dane needs a home

Fabulous, housebroken, kid/dog friendly 3-year-old, gray and white, male, Great Dane looking for a forever home. Pictures available upon request. Please contact Jenny at 847-373-7999 for more information.