(708)301-1594 
Open 11 am-4 pm Tuesday through Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday webmistress                   |
Spring Issue 2007
Tributes
Rafflemania!
Check this out: 18 GREAT PRIZES! And 2 ways to win!
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
2nd Prize: Beautiful stained glass copper foil 21 x 37 1/2 window hanging
Donated by Sheri Law Art Glass Ltd., Homer Glen, Illinois
3rd Prize: Mario Tricoci Spa Essentials package
Donated by Don and Jan Rose, Orland Park, Illinois
4th Prize: Sterling Silver and Citrone Bracelet
Donated by Kathryn and Peter Ashe. Orland Park, Illinois
5th Prize: Beautiful Patricia Locke bracelet and earring set
Donated by Sharon Wilson, Villa Park, Illinois
6th Prize:Beautiful Ladies Diamond and 14 kt gold ring
Donated by Jennifer Schaefer, New Lenox. Illinois
7th Prize: Ladies 14 kt Gold Bracelet
Donated by Katheryn and Peter Ashe, Orland Park, Illinois
8th Prize: Axion 4.2" Portable DVD Player
Donated by Darlene Novak, Lowell, Michigan
9th Prize: Valet Remote Car Starter
Donated by Sound Decision, Montgomery, Illinois
10th Prize: and a second Valet Remote Car Starter
Donated by Sound Decision, Montgomery, Illinois
11th Prize: Woven Moments Photo to Tapestry Throw
Donated by Clare Ann Paskiet and Brit, Lockport, Illinois
12th Prize: $100.00 Gift Certificate for Shell Gasoline
Donated by the GiantTancisco Family, Orland Park, Illinois
13th Prize: $100.00 Target gift certificate
Donated by Bev and Don Ermler, Homer Glen, Illinois
And now for your second chance to win!
The 5 people selling the most raffle tickets will win the following:
1st Prize: A $200.00 Shell Gas Card
Donated by Darlene Novak, Lowell, Michigan
2nd Prize: $150.00 Old Gold Jewelry Gift Certificate
Donated by Katheryn and Peter Ashe, Orland Park, Illinois
3rd Prize: 4 $25.00 Hollywood Boulevard Gift Certificates
Donated by Hollywood Boulevard Woodridge
4th prize: $100.00 Body Energetics Medical Rejuvination and Day Spa Gift Certificate
Donated by Kathryn Kittler, Joliet, Illinois
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
If you need chances you can pick them up at the Shelter between 11:00 A.M. & 4:00 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday, or call 708-301-1594 if you would like chances mailed to you.
You need not be present to win
all prizes will be awarded
REMEMBER: with every chance you buy, it is one more chance to help the animals at TLC!
Cats and kittens in this farm community, it is sad to say are considered a dime a dozen, so what chance did a little orange kitten with a deformed leg have? It was hard enough for the shelter in this rural area to find good homes for healthy cats and kittens, let alone one with a deformity. The folks at the shelter felt sorry for the kitten and called TLC in hopes we would take the kitten they had named Buffy. After hearing about how sweet she was, we were certain, we would be able to get her a good home. Even after the stress of a 4 1/2 hour ride to TLC, little Buffy was all cuddles and purrs. It didn't take long for Buffy to find her forever home. This young man and his mother saw beyond Buffy's deformed leg, and saw a wonderful loving kitten that was to become part of their family.... Buffy had found her forever home.
From time to time people tell me "lighten up, it's just a dog." or "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me the comfort and reason to overcome the day. If you too think it's "just a dog", then you probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and your unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that made me a better person. Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look lovingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment. "Just a dog" brings out the good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man." So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog," just smile, because they don't understand.
On January 3, 2006, we lost our beloved friend and companion, Louie. Louie was a tenacious little Pomeranian-poodle mix, who ruled the roost with a tough little iron paw. When Louie was 7 he dislocated his back knees. After a month of medications and treatment it was time for his surgery. Unfortunately the medication had affected his liver and the surgery was postponed. A month later he returned to the vet, and to his surprise, a combination of exercise and good weather had strengthened his knees and the surgery was cancelled. Can you imagine a 12 pound Pomeranian pulling a cart?That is the kind of courage and determination we came to respect and admire from him. He was a proud dog who was loved by everyone, even people he nipped on occasion. It was a sad day when he succumbed to heart failure, and we miss him dearly, especially his pal Buddy.
Buddy is a 16 year old Shepard-Husky mix. He is very independant and aloof when it comes to humans and other dogs except Louie. When Louie came into our household they became instant friends. Louie had that small dog complex, and Buddy always looked after him. They played together and developed their own unique relationship. Buddy became the big brother and allowed Louie to think he ran the house. The love and friendship between them was a wonderful thing to watch and be a part of.
When Louie died, Buddy was literally devastated. He stopped eating and went into a state of depression. His daily mile walk in the woods became a chore for him. He missed his little pal. We immediately began looking for a new companion for Buddy. We looked at several shelters, and then began searching the internet. On February 4, 2006 we found him, a three year old Pomeranian on your website! We decided we would arrive at TLC as soon as you opened and we brought Buddy with us. We took Champ (formerly Sonic) outside to meet Buddy and it was love at first sight for all of us. There was an instant change in Buddy's demeanor. Immediately he began eating, running, and playing again. Our house is filled again with all the nuances that only a relationship between 2 animals can provide. Champ and your shelter gave us this wonderful opportunity.
The fact that we were treated so kindly by your shelter cannot be understated. We were beside ourselves when we arrived at your shelter, and left so full of hope. Champ is a kind, affectionate, playful, stubborn and very much loved Pomeranian. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do.
This modest donation we make to the shelter at this time of year cannot begin to thank you for who you are and what you do. Thank you for making it possible for the Buddy's and Champ's of the world to find each other. And thank you for making our family whole again. Throughout the whole year and especially during this holiday season, we say THANK YOU!!
Randy and Mary Doggett, Buddy and Champ