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Shelter News from Shorty the Cat's Point of View (the cat about town)
Puppies & Kittens & Bears Oh My!
Puppies and kittens and bears oh my! Puppies and kittens and ZzzzzzzZzzzzzZzzzzz.....
Shorty wake up! Were you having a bad dream?
I guess because we are right in the height of puppy and kitten season, that caused me to have a bad dream. I dreamt that puppies and kittens kept streaming into the shelter, and we had run out of space for them.
Oh that really was a bad dream, Shorty. By the way, I've been meaning to ask you if anything's the matter, you just don't seem like yourself lately. And although I don't want to embarrass you, I did notice you dragging an old teddy bear around the other day.
I'm okay Sam, it's just that this time of the year I start feeling a little melancholy. I begin thinking about the past, when I was a kitten, and when I hear the kittens crying I remember only too well, the day I was taken away from my Mom and given away. I was barely 6 weeks old! They told my Mom not to worry, that the lady who was taking me was very nice and that I would be getting a good home. New home? I did not want a new home, I was happy there with my mom and my 2 brothers and 2 sisters, we were one big happy family. We played together and had so much fun, and when we were tired we would nestle close to Mom, and she would purr and wrap her paws around us. What more could a kitten ask for?
Shorty then how did you end up with TLC becoming your permanent home?
Ahhh that's another chapter in my life which I'll tell you about another day, but getting back to the days when I was a kitten suddenly my entire life changed. Much to the dismay of my Mom, and protests of the children in the family, I was given away. The only thing they sent with me was this teddy bear to comfort me .... comfort ha! Although it was a nice teddy bear, it sure wasn't warm and cuddly like my mom and it didn't give me kitty kisses either, but it was a good place for me to lay my head upon and catch my kitty tears.
I know Shorty, I feel the same way around this time of year when I think back to my puppy hood. I felt the same way you did, when I was taken away from my mom when I was 8 weeks old......sigh.
I think one good thing we can say about where we came from is, the people we lived with at the time found homes for us; unlike other people who say their dog or cat had a litter and now what are they going to do? Then they bring the kittens and puppies to the shelter, expecting our people friends to take care of their "problem."
That's true Shorty, but at least when people bring puppies and kittens to the shelter, it is by far better than having these little guys handed out to just anybody or worse dumped in a desolate area or in the garbage which has happened to so many other poor kittens and puppies.
You're absolutely right Sam. Better yet, they should have their cats and dogs spayed or neutered if they know they don't want an unwanted litter. People need to be more responsible about their pets. After all we can't just pick up the phone and make the appointment, or drive ourselves over there.
Oh Shorty just think of the things we could do if we could pick up the phone and make a call. I could order all kinds of carry out food.
And Sam if I could drive I would hop in the car and drive right over to the Cold Stone Creamery that just opened.
I heard of that place, where is it?
It's in Lockport at 16527 West 159th Street, and they were also one of the sponsors of this years' walkathon. The owners Erika and Brian Enguita, came up with an idea of making a special ice cream in my honor. I know I am kind of partial to "Our Strawberry Blonde" or "Honey Don't You Want Some," maybe they could combine the two. Puuuurrrrsonally I think I should try all the combinations.
You're making me me hungry Shorty.... slurrrrrpppp
Another case of dogs drool cats rule!
Heehee Shorty I wouldn't be too quick to go there.
What makes you say that?
Remember the walkathon?
I was hoping you wouldn't mention that.
The dogs swept every category with the exception of Top Cat which was awarded the second year in a row to Tiny for all he does on his VIP visits.
Well a bunch of drooling dogs may have won the events in the walkathon, but let's see who wins the most votes in the photo contest! So far the cats have more entries WooHoo!
Shorty, we're up to that challenge!
And may the best cat win!
Love,
Shorty
PS. Talking about that ice cream sure makes me have a taste for some. Sam, I have an idea, let's sit here looking like we are roasting and maybe our people friends will take us up to Cold Stone Creamery. I'll dab a little water on my forehead and then you just sit there thinking about ice cream, that will make you drool and look hot.
"Shorty! What are you two doing?"
Ugh caught in the act, I gotta run!
High Point Students Aware of the Needs of TLC
The students at High Point School realized the needs of the animals at TLC and wanted to do something to help raise money for them. The students raised $650.00 for TLC by making Paw Prints and selling them! Way to go! TLC Volunteer Michele Chalifoux (pictured center back) did a power point presentation about the shelter explaining what we do at the shelter and featuring some of the animals there. In return the students in the High Point Student Council along with their teacher Donna McDonoug proudly presented Michele with a check for TLC. Thanks again!
Bertha Fund Helps Even More
The Bertha Fund once again came to the rescue of many more animals these past couple of months. The cost of these medical procedures and surgeries takes a quite a bit of money, and your donations have helped us tremendously. But it doesn't take a crystal ball to predict that there will be more animals in the future that will need more extensive care. Donations to the Bertha Fund are always appreciated, and very much needed. I know if the animals could they would give you a big thanks. So on behalf of alI of them we want to thank you and let you know that they appreciate your help in saving their lives.
What everyone has been waiting for - Taadaa! And the raffle winners are:
Ellen Pusateri winner 1st Prize: Weekend Get Away at the Wilderness Resort for 2 Adults and 2 children in the beautiful Wisconsin Dells. Enjoy the fun of two indoor and 2 outdoor pools, saunas, hot tubs, fishing, golfing and delectable eating at nearby restaurants. Shuttle service via bus or pontoon provided by the Wilderness enables you to enjoy the attractions at both Wilderness Sites! Choose the package you want and time of year you want to go.
Donated by Bill and Patty Robinson, Orland Park, Illinois
Lisa Rakiewicz winner 2nd Prize: Beautiful stained glass copper foil 21 x 37 1/2 window hanging
Donated by Sheri Law Art Glass Ltd., Homer Glen, Illinois
Viola Wuske winner 3rd Prize: Mario Tricoci Spa Essentials package
Donated by Don and Jan Rose, Orland Park, Illinois
Marja Norberg winner 4th Prize: Sterling Silver and Citrone Bracelet
Donated by Kathryn and Peter Ashe. Orland Park, Illinois
Joe Sedevic winner 5th Prize: Beautiful Patricia Locke bracelet and earring set
Donated by Sharon Wilson, Villa Park, Illinois
Mrs. Reiss winner 6th Prize:Beautiful Ladies Diamond and 14 kt gold ring
Donated by Jennifer Schaefer, New Lenox. Illinois
Joe Mallagni winner 7th Prize: Ladies 14 kt Gold Bracelet
Donated by Katheryn and Peter Ashe, Orland Park, Illinois
Brock-Foreman winner 8th Prize: Axion 4.2" Portable DVD Player
Donated by Darlene Novak, Lowell, Michigan
Elizabeth Herman winner 9th Prize: Valet Remote Car Starter
Donated by Sound Decision, Montgomery, Illinois
J. Ambroz winner 10th Prize: and a second Valet Remote Car Starter
Donated by Sound Decision, Montgomery, Illinois
Valerie Moore winner 11th Prize: Woven Moments Photo to Tapestry Throw
Donated by Clare Ann Paskiet and Brit, Lockport, Illinois
Arlene Eagleton winner 12th Prize: $100.00 Gift Certificate for Shell Gasoline
Donated by the GiantTancisco Family, Orland Park, Illinois
Judy Hennenfent winner 13th Prize: $100.00 Target gift certificate
Donated by Bev and Don Ermler, Homer Glen, Illinois
AND THE WINNERS ARE...
The 5 people selling the most raffle tickets:
Keith Miller sold 640, winner 1st Prize: A $200.00 Shell Gas Card
Donated by Darlene Novak, Lowell, Michigan
Barb Nietzke sold 618, winner 2nd Prize: $150.00 Old Gold Jewelry Gift Certificate
Donated by Katheryn and Peter Ashe, Orland Park, Illinois
Elizabeth Herman sold 600, winner 3rd Prize: 4 $25.00 Hollywood Boulevard Gift Certificates
Donated by Hollywood Boulevard Woodridge
Patty Robinson sold 560, winner 4th prize: $100.00 Body Energetics Medical Rejuvination and Day Spa Gift Certificate
Donated by Kathryn Kittler, Joliet, Illinois
Annie Coleman sold 300, winner 5th Prize: $50.00 gift Certificate for Devono's Italian Dining and a $25.00 gift card for AMC Theater
Donated by by Patty Robinson, Orland Park, Illinois
A big thank you to one and all!
The TLC Walkathon Another Success
There are months of planning that go into the walkathon to make sure that everything goes perfectly, but one thing you can never count on is the weather. Originally the weather forecast had called for a nice clear day for Saturday, but towards the end of the week the forecast predicted storms for Saturday. There was not much we could do about the rain, except pray that it would hold off since the walkathon would be held as stated "rain or shine." After mentioning our worries about the rain, Keith Miller went to the Dollar Store and purchased a batch of inexpensive rain ponchos and umbrellas. We were lucky though, as the walk began the sun came out and it was a beautiful day!
We want to thank everyone who attended and especially our sponsors for their generosity including: All Pets Hospital in Lockport, Animal Care Clinic of Homer Glen, Archer Veterinary Clinic in Lemont, Berman and Sons Accounting, Inc. in Plainfield, Cold Stone Creamery in Lockport, Don's Dental Repair in Orland Park, Grand Prairie Animal Hospital in Manhattan, Happy Tails Pet Sitting in Joliet, Jake's House of Kibble in Mokena, K-9 Guardians Training Center in Lockport, Reliable Home Improvement in Naperville, State Street Animal Hospital in Lemont and US Bones.Com.
We couldn't have held this event if it were not for all of our great volunteers, especially Annie Coleman for organizing it and Sandi O'Brien for all the work she put into the Pet Tricks contests and the website update of the walkathon. A big thanks goes out to George Mikota, Phyllis Klingensmith, Judy Kunkle, Nina Pellicci, Michele Chalifoux, Josh Chalifoux, Jerry Przybyla, Mary Ann Lukas, Keith Miller, Casey Carter and Denny Carter. We also want to give a special thanks to Gary Tippett of K-9 Guardians Training Center for the agility demonstration he put on, and to the Animal Care Clinic of New Lenox, Jakes House of Kibble, and Grand Prairie Animal Hospital for the booths they had set up for the event.
We hope that everyone had a good time, and that you will be back again next year, as the event just keeps getting bigger and better. The money raised will certainly give a boost to the Bertha Fund. Thank You!
ID Tags still a proven way to get a pet back home
Your pet should have an ID tag on at all times. Perhaps you have been fortunate enough to never have a pet get lost, but 75% of the lost pet calls we receive are from folks whose pet had never gotten out before! There is always that possibility even in the most watchful household. An Id tag can make all the difference in the world in getting your pet back home! Microchipping is great, but that means anyone finding your pet, will have to transport it to a local animal hospital, humane society or the area's animal control to have the chip scanned. Then they have to call the company the chip is registered with, to get the information on the owner. That works well but on the other hand like with our dog would someone want to put a 100 pound drooly dog in their car, not everyone is like you and me. Another problem that is frequently encountered is that the owner failed to send in the registration form to the chipping company. Then what? The chip is traced back to the veterinarian or humane society that did the chipping. But what if it is after hours and the vets office, animal shelter or animal control is closed, then what? Will the finder be willing to hold on to your pet overnight, and call the facility as soon as it opens in the morning? Chipping is great for identification and a way to prove your pet belongs to you, but don't forget a simple ID tag, it still is a good way to help identify your pet should it ever get lost. It makes getting a lost pet back home, fast and simple.
Remember to check the TLC Website regularly
The TLC website is always being updated whether with photos of the animals for adoption or with information about things going on at the shelter. Sandi O'Brien our Webmistress has added a new dimension to the website which is adorable. Sandi has been making mini videos each week, featuring a different animal that is awaiting adoption. Sandi compliments the video with accompanying music, which is just delightful. I know I found myself watching the videos several times, and each time the video clip brought a smile to my face. Sandi also made a video of this years walkathon which I am sure you will enjoy. Remember to mark our website as one of your favorite spots.
Special thanks to:
Dr. Caffarini of the Lockport Animal Hospital for the VSSI Way scale he donated to the shelter, something we have needed for some time. We also wish to thank Artisan Heating and Cooling, Inc. in Frankfort, for taking care of all the shelter's heating and cooling needs without charging us anything.
bringfido.com
Going on vacation but don't want to leave your pet behind? Then check out bringfido.com to find a pet freindly motel/hotel wherever your destination might be. You can find over 10,000 pet friendly locations in all 50 states, and the site even lets you know if there are any pet oriented events going on during your stay.