Will Shorty Spill the Beans?
Hi!
Can I tell them? Huh? huh? I can hardly wait, a big photo shoot and all with you know who, and I feel if I don't get to tell someone I'm going to explode!
"No Shorty don't say anything yet, we agreed to hold off on the surprise we have in store until next issue, and we have everything worked out."
HUMPH! That's no fun! And another thing, while I'm on the subject of not having fun, I think we cats are being discriminated against. I just so happen to notice that dogs had an open invitation to the walkathon, but no, not one word about cats! I also noticed all dogs who participated were getting a complimentary bandana ..... again no mention about cats.
"Sorry Shorty, we wanted to thank all the canines who will be attending by giving them a little token of our appreciation. We just didn't think, most cats would like to go for a three mile walk on a leash!"
Uhhhh...... did you say three miles? (Leave it to me to open up my mouth at the wrong time) But on second thought who said cats can't do it? You know the old phrase "dogs drool cats rule", I'm tough, three miles shouldn't be all that bad. If dogs can do it I surely can! Let me try to figure that distance out in my own terms. Let's see if I'm not too hungry it takes me about 2 minutes to saunter into the kitchen for something to eat, the kitchen being approximately 20 feet away from the office. Now, if I'm real hungry, I can do it in about 30 seconds. So in order to go one mile, 5,280 feet, (or in my terms 264 trips to the kitchen) it would take me roughly 6 hours, if I kept a steady pace at 1 minute per 20 feet, (of course you will have to figure in time for catnaps and snack stations stops, whew! All that walking is really tough on a guy) Let's see I could complete the entire route if I hurried, in 18 hours! Hmmmm I might even make the Guiness book!
"18 hours?" "Snack Stations, catnaps?" "Shorty, first off the walk starts at 10:00 A.M. and it ends at 11:00 A.M. on the 16th. As for snack stations there is only one snack station and that is at the end of the walkathon!"
Ugh my stomach will never make it! And no cat nap either, boy this is going to be grueling.
"That's what we thought too Shorty."
"lnstead, why not just tell all our friends to meet you at the baby shower the shelters holding!"
Yuck, baby shower! I know it is for the puppies and kittens and all, but a guy like me hosting a baby shower...never!
"Shorty, there'll be plenty of refreshments!"
Well if you put it that way, how can I very well refuse? Life is hard, but a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do.
love,
Shorty
P.S.
As long as nobody is around, and you promise not to tell, I'11 let you in on a little secret, before I explode ... Guess who I did a photo shoot with, for an upcoming event the shelter is holding? I'I1 give you a couple of hints. He impersonates a famous celebrity. He sings a song about a hound dog... he gyrates... his name is
"Shorty!" "We told you we are saving that surprise for next issue."
Uh oh! Gotta run I guess you'll just have to wait till the next issue to find out! But if you bring me a bag of potato chips the day of the baby shower I can whisper it in your ear..
"Shorty!"
"I should have figured you were up to something when you agreed to let us use the picture of you and the baby bottle!" "Come to think of it what in the world were you doing in that picture?" "Shorty what are we going to do with you?"
I have an idea --- FEED ME!
Craft Show Omissions Oops!
As much as we tried to mention everyone who donated items much to our chagrin wqe forgot mentioning Joyce Murphy and Barbara Griffin and Mr. and Mrs. Juricic for their donation to the Christmas Craft Show. I hope that covered everyone. If not please believe us when we say your donations were very much needed and appreciated!
Job Opening
Requirements: must have the time, space, and more importantly a big heart! There isn't any pay, little recognition, but the benefits if you are an animal lover are immeasurable, knowing deep inside all the help you have given!
This Dalmatian who is presently at the shelter, represents just one of the many "mamas" brought to us throughout the year. Unfortunately the shelter does not have an ideal maternity ward! We lack the space to maintain a large number of pregnant animals during the gestation period and then an additional 6 to 8 weeks after the delivery.
We also face the constant worry that the newborn may pick up a virus, since we are unable to vaccinate a pregnant or lactating animal. In most cases with the mother being so run down from malnutrition, her young do not enter the world in the best condition. As hard as we try to keep things as clean and germ free as possible, viruses that pose no threat for vaccinated animals can be deadly to the unprotected newborn.
That is why we are seeking people who would be willing to provide temporary care and housing for these particular cases. Please contact us if you would be willing to do this. You will not have a lot of animals thrust upon you, just one case at a time, you may not even be called upon at all. But at least we would like to know that we do have viable alternatives for these animals, and should the need arise we know we can count on you for help. Again, this is a foster home situation and the animals must be brought back to the shelter for adoption. Of course that does not say that a foster family may not put their claim in first for the mama or one of the little ones!
If you are interested in possibly fostering one litter this year please call us so we can discuss the details with you. (708) 301-1594.
Business With a Heart
Many companies encourage their employees to "give a little back to their community." The company does it's share of giving too, through a matching gifts program. For those of you not familiar with this, here's how it works. You make a contribution to your favorite charity (hopefully T.L.C.) and after your contribution to the selected charity has been verified then the company matches your gift usually dollar for dollar or sometimes even doubling the amount! This could make your donation go twice as far! Why not check with your place of employment today?
Leave 'em Alone!
It's spring time, time for many wildlife babies to be born. Please, please, please remind children to leave wildlife babies alone, not only for their own safety but also for the welfare of the animal. The majority of wildlife young if taken from their mothers will die. Remind children that Moms have to leave the nest or den to find food for herself too, she will not come back until she feels it is safe. That means keeping children and pets away! If a baby animal seems to be in trouble contact the shelter and we can evaluate the situation to see what course of action should be taken if any, or put you in touch with a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
She Couldn't Take them All... So She Thought She Would Do the Next Best Thing
Robin Colant had adopted a couple of cats from the shelter, and had only wished she could have taken them all. A working mom with a busy schedule, Robin still wanted to do something to help the animals that she couldn't adopt. She wanted to raise money to help care for the rest, her brainstorm, hold a raffle where she worked. After calling us to get an okay, Robin had her work cut out for her.
Robin was able to count on the generosity of her bosses and owners of the Carousel, Mike, Pat and Tim O'Brien, to allow the raffle to be held there. Now she had to locate prizes, easier said than done. But with the help of her friends and a lot of generous folks she was able to pull it altogether. We want to thank the following people for donating their time and prizes: Ruth Govoni, Pretty Crafty, Sears Hardware, Ludwigs, Lloyd Hoster, Wendy Trinkler, Jennifer Kaczmarczyk, Kristen Graves, Annie Coleman, Prince Meats, Sandra and Tony Galati, Lubemaster, Sandra Biggest, Old Oak Country Club, Fantastic Sam's Lockport, Fantastic Sam's Lemont, Turnabout Pizza, Total Image, Sybaris Downers Grove, Ronald Zezulka, Archer veterinary Dr. Johnson, Bill & Sherry Soosh, A Perfect Tan, Subway, Hayes Auto and Truck Repair, Dotties Mystique Boutique, Chipains Finer Foods, Four Star Video, Christmas Inn, Lindys & Gerties, Mulberry Market, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Pheasant Run, Auto Time Oil Change and Lube, Sharon Buschman, Gary Krueger, Jim and Lois Sevcik, U Ride Limo, Sue Greenburg, Peterson's Ace Hardware, Italian Accents, Sure Fire Auto Parts, Karen's Body Shop, Don Petkus, Woodbine Golf Course, Travel Desk, Nancy's Pizza, Oak Brook Hills Resort, Chuck Koerner Burke Beverage, Waterford Video, United Cleaners, Canal Street Collectibles, Love Your Nails, Brown's Chicken, Great Clips for Hair, Lang's Woodland Florist, Rosati's, Tony's Auto Repair, Karen Lee, Essence Suites, Dog Gone Purrfection, and Mike, Pat and Tim O'Brien. Thanks one and all.
There were a lot of lucky winners but win or lose everyone had a great time! We "teased" Robin that next year we should have her run the shelter's raffle and have the drawing at the Carousel! Well Robin what do you think?
True Devotion
Some say they are only dumb animals, emotionless creatures, with the inability to think, feel true emotion or love. We beg to differ with them. Case in point, Nickie the husky pictured here. You couldn't ask for a more faithful companion, she brought a great deal of joy to her owner, and she received a great deal of love from her master in return, a man and his dog, no truer devotion. Nickie had no idea that their time together would be cut short, but even death could not cut the bond. Her owner had died suddenly, and her masters body was not immediately discovered. For two days straight, Nickie lay beside the body of her dead master, keeping a steadfast watch. Nickie felt it her duty, Nickie did it out ofher unrelentless love and devotion.
The sister of the deceased thought she would be able to incorporate Nickie into her family situation. Not only did she want to do this for Nickie's sake, but also to do one last thing for her brother. But alas that was not to be. The woman already had two dogs of her own, and her dogs had other ideas. They fought with Nickie. Nicki was not a fighter, and would not stand up to defend herself. Already broken hearted, Nickie withdrew all the more. With much remorse the woman realized this situation was not in Nickie's best interest, and with heavy heart she brought Nickie to the shelter to be placed for adoption.
We are looking for a very special home for Nickie. She is 8 years old, spayed, loves to go for rides, good with other animals, housebroken, and without a doubt a very devoted companion. If you would like to adopt her or know of somebody who would give her a real good home please contact us...you'll be glad you did and your rewards will be many!
Tours available on Request
Is your group interested in having a tour of the shelter, call us and it can be arranged. Tours usually last about a half an hour. With youth groups we recommend no more than a dozen children and at least 4 adults to help monitor the group. Tours must be arranged in advance (sorry no Friday or Saturday tours available, as we are just too busy on the weekends to accommodate group tours.)
Sending Flowers?
With Easter and Mothers Day approaching, if you're thinking of sending flowers try Floral Alliance. Not only will your gift delight the recipient it will also be helping the animals at T.L.C.! Just call 1-800-423-5903 to place your order, and remember the shelter's code number NP-1136 so the shelter receives credit.
