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Autumn Issue 2005
Tributes
It's an Issue of Money
As you read this issue of Paw Prints, you will note the many fundraisers that were held, along with two sizable grants which were awarded TLC. It would appear that money was just rolling in, and so to speak it was, but on the flip side of the coin, that same money was going out faster than it was coming in. There were numerous veterinary bills to be paid, money needed for routine day to day care on the cats and dogs at the shelter, upkeep on the building, and add to that mixture a few unforeseen bills we had not planned on ........ so it did become and issue of money for the Shelter.
Our terrific volunteers put a great deal of time and energy into various fundraisers that were held and we certainly appreciate all their time and hard work. Unfortunately several of the fundraisers fell far short of their projected goals, goals that represented monies needed for the Bertha Fund, and monies needed to purchase the medical supplies we needed for the animals ...... again it's an issue of money.
You will also read about the two grants each for $5,000.00 that were bestowed upon the TLC. One grant earmarked specifically for the Bertha Fund and the other grant to be used to provide care for the animals. We are indeed grateful for these benevolent contributions, but even generous gifts like these can only go so far and do so much. We have been besieged with a greater number of cats and dogs needing more extensive veterinary care. The vet bills we have paid this year to date are by far greater than any previous year, and I'm quite sure there will be several more animals in dire need of medical care in the not too distant future ...... again it is an issue of money, how far can will we be able to stretch the money we have.
In addition to all the extra bills we have been burdened with, we worry how we will pay the gas bill this winter, especially since the utility companies have said to expect this year's heating bill to be $700.00 over what it was last year! Knowing how brutally cold Midwest winters can be, the cost to keep the building warm for the animals is a major concern ...... another issue of money..
Our country has just been through a natural disaster, gas prices are atrocious, which is playing havoc on our economy. In view of all of this we are hesitant to ask you to make a donation to the Shelter, but we are not asking for ourselves, we are asking for the animals. My Grandmother had always said. "for a lazy mouth the whole body suffers" but to paraphrase my Grandmother's wisdom, If we are too meek to ask, many helpless cats and dogs could suffer ....... because of an issue of money.
We have taken in and been able to help over 2,000 battered, unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats so far this year, and by the end of the year the projected figure of cats and dogs needing our help will increase by at least one thousand. In addition, we threw out a life line to over 200 transport animals during this same period of time, it was an issue of helping desperate animals ..... animals that had used up the last of their time at remote shelters in more oppressed areas.
We realize these are tough times right now, but in order to care for these animals we need your help. Remember, for these cats and dogs in dire need of our help, it is no longer an issue of money, it becomes the issue of their very lives.
The Executive Committee of the Wanda Muntwyler Foundation for Animals for approving a grant in the amount of $5,000.00, for the Bertha Fund.
We also wish to thank the Joyce Hewes Dennehey Charitable Fund of the Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund for the $5,000.00 contribution made to help the animals at TLC.
These generous gifts will help us out tremendously in providing care for so many animals in need, we sincerely appreciate it.
When Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka looked into the sad eyes of the disabled mixed breed puppy while visiting an animal shelter four years ago, she couldn't help but fall in love. It was not too long afterward that Ms. Topinka adopted "Raggedy Andy", and also "Mollie McDoo," a Scottish Terrier. This personal experience led Ms. Topinka wishing to do something to help place other unwanted pets into loving homes. Like so many of us who love animals and try to place homeless cats and dogs, Judy too ran out of friends, family and staff willing to adopt a homeless animal. So she thought of another way to help.
"There are thousands of animals born each year that end up in shelters due to lack of spaying and neutering," Ms. Topinka said. "Because of this and the large number of animals euthanized, we have to find a way to address overpopulation." In 2002 the Treasurer began an initiative and added a link to her website called "Treasured Pets" to help connect pets to owners. To date, 24 shelters have joined the Treasured Pets family, with TLC being one of the latest to join forces. Ms. Topinka noted that the program has helped adopt out several hundred animals throughout the state.
Despite the growing number of committed shelters, there are many animals waiting to be adopted. The Treasured Pets link on the Treasurers website, displays the various participating shelter's logo and allows people to visit the shelter's link to view pets available for adoption.
We were pleased that Ms. Topinka asked TLC to be a part of her Treasured Pats link. As Ms. Topinka stated, "The greatest gift that we could give a cat or dog is the opportunity to become a true "Treasured Pet."
Additional information about the Treasured Pets program can be obtained by calling (312)814-1700 or (217)557-6477 or by visiting the website at www.state.ilus/treas/Photo by Teresa J. Potasiak
Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka with her own Treasured Pets Raggedy Andy and Mollie McDoo
Your discount book with numerous coupons for fine dining, informal dining, amusements, and goods and services. Also makes a nice gift and a good stocking stuffer for Christmas. The cost of the book is $25.00 which will pay for itself in just a couple of uses.
"It was hotter than blazes" exclaimed Annie Coleman, when asked how this year's garage sale went. It was so hot, Annie, Donna Holous and Pat Hooper were about ready to put on their bikinis in order to stay cool, but opted to use a squirt gun to try and cool each other off. Although the temperature was hitting the 100 degree mark, the threesome would not close up shop, they stood steadfast to their objective which was raising money for the animals at TLC. The ladies were happy when the garage sale was over, but they were even happier after adding up the total for the two days which came to $1,113.75! Thank you!