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Shelter News from Shorty the Cat's Point of View (the cat about town)
Shorty Needs Help with a Blue Tooth, Ipods and Bling
Hi!
Well guys, I did it this time!Shorty, what's the matter, you look upset.
I'm worried, that I may have bitten off more than I can chew.
What's the matter, maybe Tiny, Stinky and I can help.
Thanks Sam, I think I may need all the help I can get. With all the trips to the vets, among so many other things they have to do at the shelter, our people friends have been looking a bit frazzled to me. Feeling sorry for them, I asked if there was anything I could do to help out. Almost in unison, they said "Oh Shorty, would you?" I didn't know I would be sticking my foot in my mouth, when I said, "Sure, anything, just name it." I should have asked what it was first, before I gave my reply.
Shorty, what did they need you to do?
They want me to ask for donations of prizes for the shelter's upcoming raffle in June.
Well, that doesn't sound too difficult, why are you so worried?
They said in order to sell lots of chances we need prizes valued at $100.00 and up (the items must be brand new.)
That sounds simple enough, Shorty.
Wait, you didn't let me finish. I thought it was a simple task too until I asked them to suggest items that they thought would generate lots of raffle ticket sales. They mentioned gift certificates, a getaway trip for two, spa certificates, a night on the town, and tickets for the theater or a sporting event.
They're right Shorty, I think those are all great choices.
I do too, but then they said, "See if you can get donations of bling, a blue tooth, or an ipod." What in the world are they talking about? How can I ask for donations of that stuff, when I have no idea what those things are?
Shorty, I know that bling is any sort of nice jewelry, something with sparkle and pizazz. That always goes over big with the ladies.
Fine, now that we have that figured out. What about a blue tooth? Why would anybody want to have someone make one of their teeth to be blue?
No Shorty, it does not mean that people have one of their teeth colored blue. A blue tooth is something people stick in their ear.
Tell me why in the world would someone want to put a blue tooth in their ear?
I have no idea, but then remember Shorty, after all that is part of what separates dogs and cats from humans. People do some very funny things, and you gotta love 'em for that.
You're right Sam. And as for that ipod thing, I am not even going to make an attempt to guess what that might be.
It beats me Shorty, I haven't a clue.
I think the best thing I can do is just ask our friends out there if they would be willing to donate a prize for the upcoming raffle in June. I know it seems a far way off right now but June will be here before we know it. I do know that Raffle prizes must be in hand no later than March 15th, in order to list them on the raffle tickets which takes a while to have printed up. I also want to let our friends know that by donating a prize for this years raffle your name or your company's name will be on the front page of the next issue of Paw Prints. It's a great way to show the community your support of TLC, and your concern in helping homeless animals.
And each and every person who contributes a prize will also get a big kiss from me. Slurrrrppppp!
Thanks, Sam I needed to have my face washed right now yuch! I just want to let our friends know that the nicer the prizes are, the greater the number of chances will be sold, which means more money raised and more animals will be helped!
One last thing, get your tickets now for the February 10th Cosmic Candlelight Bowl. You don't want to miss out on this fun event, and I know I don't want to miss out on the food! Hmmmm wonder if they allow doggie bags.
"Shorty!"
Just kidding! Gotta run!
Love,
Shorty
Melody's Happy Ending
Reprinted with permission from The HOMER HORIZON 12/14/06
By Jeff Ranos, Eighth grade, Homer Junior High Staff Writer
What a great day today has been! We got a new puppy! Back in June it was a very sad day when we lost our dog Bailey, she was the best dog ever and I miss her every day. There have been so many things that make me think about her, the memories are all happy, but sometimes they make me sad.
After almost 6 months, my mom and dad and I all started to feel that the time was right to get another dog. We looked at puppies at numerous places and on-line at TLC. Yesterday my mom and I went after school to check out one of the puppies we had seen on-line. She's an 11 week old beagle/golden retriever mix. We loved her right away. We took her into the getting to know you room and she seemed to love us too. She had two brothers and one sister. Her sister was adopted yesterday, one day after they arrived at TLC.
We wanted my dad to see her. Since it was almost closing time for TLC, we asked if we could put a hold on her. They were going to open at 11:00 the next morning (today) and they said they would hold her until 11:30.
My dad left work before 11:00 and met my mom at TLC about 11:15. There was another family asking about her when they got there, but the man said she was being held until 11:30. It's a good thing my mom and dad got there on time. My dad loved her right away, too. After a few minutes in the getting to know you room with her, the decision to get her was made. They wanted to leave her there until after school so I could go with to pick her up, but they were told they would have to take her right away.
I got home from school at about 2:30, I walked in and my mom asked me how my day was. I said, "Okay...what happened?" She said, "With what?" I said "With the puppy." "She looked at me with astonishment and said. "Oh no, I forgot." Right then I heard the jingling of a dog tag. My dad had been holding her in the family room and he let her go so she could run to see me.
When we were trying to think of names we were talking about movie or TV characters that we like, my mom suggested Melanie from "Gone With the Wind." That made me think of Melody. It's a pretty name and since my whole family loves music, we thought it would be perfect.
Exerpts taken from Melody's update written the following week by Jeff:
We have had Melody a week now and she is great! She acts like she's been here forever. Melody is doing very well with her potty training, she is catching on quickly. She is smart and cute. Melody loves to play and she also loves to snuggle. She sleeps on the floor at the foot of my mom and dad's bed. It was her choice from the first night. She sleeps through the night and wakes up when we wake up. She is a very special dog and we all love her. She is a part of our family.
The sale date was set for December 23rd - we just wondered how many people would respond to our need for baked goods with it being just 2 short days before Christmas, but respond they did. We want to give a thanks to Stephanie Thompson, Brandy Gergescz, Kathy Przybyla, Carol Migalski, Michele Chalifoux, Annie Coleman, Sandi O'Brien, Janice Faikus, Dorothy Roczkowski, Judy Kunkel, Chris Ader, Linda and Larry Conrath, Patty Buchino-Sitarz and Penny Johnson, Kathy and Steve Therry, Maria Witasczcyk, Marilyn Yucaitis-Jarzembowski and Darcy Fenoglio. These folks did a terrific job baking so many yummy things that filled the tables for the sale!
We also want to give a big round of applause to Michele Chalifoux, Annie Coleman and Sandi O'Brien for running the sale and a special thanks to Dave Moore for allowing us to hold it at Sears Essentials, Homer Glen. This bake sale raised more money than any other that we have held with a grand total of $746.50. The money was put to use immediately as we had 2 dogs at the shelter at that time that were in need heartworm treatment. Thanks again everyone!
Craft Show Update
Every year the craft show becomes more and more like old home week. So many of the same familiar faces, come back year after year for the delicious bakery, and beautiful crafts and a chance to chat with fellow animal lovers.
We have to thank our loyal volunteers for all of their efforts including Annie Coleman, George Mikota, Clare Paskiet, Mary Ann and Amy Lukas, Barb Gunderson, Kathy Przybyla, Donna and Wayne Holous, Phyllis Klingensmith, Michele Chalifoux, Clare Paskiet, Judy Kunkel, Nina Pelicci, Connie Bylsma, Valerie Kot and Kathy Kanak. Each and every one of them deserve a big round of applause for all the hard work they did.
We also owe a big thank you to everyone who generously donated so many beautiful handmade crafts and delicious homemade bakery, including Betty and John Zaramba, Lisa Smith, Robb MacNal, Judy Kunkel, Mary Ann and Amy Lukas, Phyllis Klingensmith, Jim and Bev Roseth, Marilyn Enisn, Erika and Jo Ann Follkie, Larry and Joan Reylek, John and Michaeleen Fraschetti, Marilyn Jarsembowski, Greg and Pauline Liszka, Chris Pieczonka, Katherine Ashe, Clare Ann Paskiet, Gerry Pajkos, Sandi O'Brien, Janice Faikus, Judy Albright, Nichole Kucharzyk, Donna Trambech, Patty Robinson, Lillian Teeling, Michelle Williams, Patty Bolattino, Judy Pell, Kristine Torina, Beth Manion, Dorothy Novak, Sharon Teeling, Rob and Linda Whitehead, Jolee Price, Erin Lash, Bonnie Ryder, Dorothy Mitchell, Tina and Chris Frazier, Mary Nicholas, Joyce Krueger, Marilyn Kip, Rita Ballard, Mary Seinmetz, Jimmy and Lee Ann Mayr, Selma Carmichael, Mrs. Losey, Joan Wick, Mrs. Montvillen, Rosemary Adams, Kathleen Canello, Chris Wlodarski, Judy Swiontek, Dr. Kim Ogden, Rita Kot, Nina and Debbie Pellicci, Jennifer Nehring, Valerie Kot, Wayne and Donna Holous, Paula Bickel, Andy and Barb Pacygna, Gail Eliasek, Jimmy and Lee Ann Mayr, Chris Knop, Lila Konow, Annie Coleman, Kathy Przybyla, Barbara Gunderson, George Mikota, Jackie Connolly, Ethel Rodriguez, Nancy Vales, Charlotte Wright, Alison Andrews, Mike Tully, Steve Therry, Pat Sitarz, Michele Chalifoux, Connie Bylsma, Kathy Kanak, Valerie Schehr, Jennifer Nehring, John Small, Florence Mitchell, Judy Kunkel, Susan Abel-Cuntrel, Larry and Joan Reylek, John and Michaleeen Fraschetti, and Pam Brown. We also want to mention that Pam Brown not only donated bakery for the sale but also held her own bake sales for TLC where her husband is employed, which raised and additional $360.00 for the shelter.
What happens to the leftovers we were asked? Annie rented a table for the shelter at another craft show in Lemont and Judy Kunkel had a table at Curves to sell leftover items there. Thanks again Annie and Judy! All tolled this years craft show made $5,574. 27!
* Please note: We have tried to make sure we have everyone's name that helped or donated for the sale. If your name was missing it was not done intentionally, please let us know and we will acknowledge you in the next issue of Paw Prints. It goes without saying we really appreciate all the effort and hard work each and everyone of you put into this event.
Tickets Now Available for TLC's 5th annual Cosmic Candlelight Bowl
When: Saturday February 10th
Time: 8:30 P.M.
Price: $25.00 per person which includes dinner and 3 rounds of bowling fun!
Where: Strike & Spare II located at 811 Northern Drive, Lockport
There will be many terrific raffle prizes and several split the pot drawings too!
GET YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY'RE GONE!
You may pick up your tickets at the shelter or if you are unable to make it in, we can mail them to you. This is always a sell out event! For further information call us at 708-301-1594
* Also contact us if you would be interested in donating a raffle prize for this event
Cans for Critters
We are still collecting aluminum cans, which helps bring in an extra $200.00 to $400.00 for the shelter (depending on the fluctuating price of aluminum).
We ask that ONLY ALUMINUM be brought in as the scrap company does not take steel cans. We also request that garbage not be thrown in with the aluminum cans which makes it harder since we have to sift through the garbage and dispose of it before we can bring the cans in. Not only is this time-consuming, it is not fun to have to sift through garbage and it is also dangerous since at times there has been broken glass mixed in with the cans.
Thanks for helping and for being so understanding.