FuzzBuzz Spring-06June

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H E L T E R
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N C
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FUZZ BUZZ
Issue 7, Spring/Summer 2006
Shelter Buzz
We finally did it! We completed the
move from Barrington to Huntley,
our new facility is up and running
and we are currently caring for
over 300 abandoned animals.
Thank you to everyone who gave
their time and support to make
this shelter a reality!
“No one
appreciates
the very
special
genius
of your
conversation
as a dog
does.”
Christopher
Morley
Since AHS opened in June of 2002 over
5,200 abused or neglected dogs and
cats have been rescued, rehabilitated
and placed in loving homes. Much of
our success is due to recommendations
and positive feedback from adoptive
families, volunteers and other rescue
organizations. In addition this work
could not be accomplished without
your generous donations and support.
The new facility is running more
efficiently every day but costs of
construction, maintenance and utilities
are ongoing. There are also many
special needs dogs and cats in our care
requiring costly medical treatment.
Please help us continue our
rescue and adoptive efforts
by sponsoring, adopting,
fostering, volunteering or
donating. Your compassion
for these rescued animals
makes a huge difference.
Thank you!!
Lesley Irwin,
President AHS, inc.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Happy Tails
2-4,12,13
Sponsor-a-Pet
5
New Cat Habitat
6
New Huntley Facility & Needs
7
Cute as a Pit Bull
9
Older & Long Term Residents 10,11
Waiting for Adoption
14
How You Can Help
15
Heartworms – The Silent Killers
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that infects, weakens and
has the potential to kill both dogs and cats. Over 250,000 dogs in
the U.S. were reported to be
positive for heartworms in 2004.
Animal House Shelter alone had
over 60 cases in 2005. Although
this disease is 100% preventable,
it can only be treated in the early
stages in dogs, so it leads to many
deaths each year.
The parasite is a worm that is
Tika
transmitted by a mosquito bite.
The larvae grow and mature into adult heartworms in the vessels of
the lungs and heart. Heartworms do most of the damage in the adult
stage, at which time the worms can reach a length of 6 - 14 inches.
A few months after being bitten pets may develop symptoms,
(Cont. on page 9)
Bambi Learns to Walk
Bambi is a sweet, 10 month old greyhound mix who has a congenital
deformity of both rear legs in which
there is no groove for her kneecap.
She could barely walk and if left
untreated she could have ruptured
her cruciate ligament. Recently
Bambi underwent surgery and a
section of bone was removed to
allow the kneecap to work properly.
She is recovering from repair of one
leg but has to undergo surgery on
the other leg soon. She needs
lots of encouragement and
assistance during this recovery
and would do well in a foster
home. Please call AHS if you
think you could give Bambi the
care she needs through this
rehabilitation period. She is a
wonderful dog and, with a little
help, will one day be able to run
and play in her own backyard.
HAPPY TAILS!
Chula and Rudy
Midnight’s Amazing Tale
Congratulations on the new facility! We adopted Chula in
December 2003 and came back for her sister Rudy in February
2004. They are litter mates from
Pumpkin, who was rescued by Lesley.
They are best friends and such good
girls, who even love the new kitty and
try to nurse the new puppy. We love
them so much and are so happy we
adopted them. I cry every time I read
the Fuzz Buzz articles and wish we
could save and house every pet you
have.
As soon as we met Midnight we knew we had no choice but to
take her home with us.
It was fate. Midnight
weighed only 4lbs and
her body was half
shaven and filled with
stitches because she
had her leg amputated
the week before due to
a coyote attack. We
adopted her that very
night and were able to
bring her home a few
days later. We couldn't wait to introduce Midnight to her "twin"
sister Dani. You see, the reason
we were meant to bring her
home with us is because Dani
(adopted from animal control in
Sept 05) is also a 3-legged black
cat...it gets better...they're both
missing the same leg! Dani &
Midnight love to chase each
other around the house and
then take long naps together in
the sunlight. Thank you!
Susanne McCaron and Kelly McKenzie, Marley & Zoe
Lindy aka London
We would just like to share some of our pictures with you.
London (Lindy as we renamed her) is a
wonderful asset to our family. She has
adjusted well, as have we, but I'm still
wondering about our two cats. They have taken up some new
games of tease the dog. Lindy is a great dog and an even better
walking partner for me. Thank you for all you have given to us
and all that you do for others.
Lisa and Trent Smith (and kids too!)
Babe Mends Broken Hearts
Babe has made awesome progress and has been a life saver. In
the winter of 2004 we lost our other dog, Bojangles. She has
filled the hole in our heart! Babe is the
princess of our house and is spoiled rotten.
She has overcome most of her silly issues but
one thing she cannot get over is needing to
be with us. She follows us everywhere and
freaks out if she doesn't know where we are!
Anyway, she is loving her new home, where
she has a huge fenced-in back yard and tons
of space to sprawl out and play with her
toys. She barks rarely, but when she does it
makes you want to jump out of your seat.
She is a very protective dog and loves being part of our family. I
have enclosed a picture showing how big she is compared to the
scrawny thing she was when we adopted her. I want to thank
you for finding this dog and letting her come into our home, she
is just a joy...I can't believe anyone would abandon her! Thank
you!
2
Michelle & Joe Crisp
Ryan and Tara Anderson
Bosco
To our friends at Animal House,
To help celebrate Bosco's first Anniversary at our household, I
thought you might
like photos and an
up-date. Bosco is a
cherished member
of our family! He
and Red are very
close and spend a
lot of time together.
He and Moses
participate
in
regular tug-of-war
games. The four of
us take daily hikes in the woods. He has even developed some
muscles!
While the vet
says that his
blindness is
irreversible,
Bosco is an
otherwise
healthy and
very happy
dog. He also brings cheer to my mother and her neighbors in
the Sunrise Home. Thank you for saving his life - he is so loved!
Carol Gitman
Harrison
A Note from Buddy
We just wanted to
thank you for saving
such a wonderful dog!
We adopted Harrison
from you a few months
ago, and he is more
than we could have
ever hoped for. His
voice is no longer
hoarse, he has no
complications from his
pneumonia, and he is
in overall great health!
Here is a picture of
him. Thank you again!
Jim Kugath, Dawn & Raven
KD aka Hurricane
Hi! Just wanted to let everyone know how KD (formerly known
as Hurricane) is
doing and send
some pictures for
you to see. She is
just the best dog -very sweet and
good natured. She
loves to play with
us, our 17 month
old daughter, and
our neighbor's dog
as well. They enjoy
running along the
fence line together.
She is so full of energy!! We are thinking of taking her to an
agility class -- I think she would love it. I will keep in touch.
Take care.
Rick, Michelle, Keira & KD Miscinski
Roscoe aka Kaylo
Hey, this is Katherine. My family adopted Kaylo, a puppy you
had at your shelter in
January! We renamed
him Roscoe. He knows
Sit, Stay, Come, Paw
and Other Paw. He is
housebroken and has
learned not to chew.
He has been soooo
good!
We are so
happy we got him. My
other dogs just adore him! He sleeps on my bed now. Roscoe is
crate trained but he has been so good we thought we'd give it a
shot -- and he did just fine!
Thanks for taking care of
me for the past month.
My new home is great
and I'm getting along well
with my two sisters Ashley
and Brownie. They still
don't want to play as
much as me, but that's
OK since I like to take a
nap now and then anyway. I'm
spending my time taking long walks in
the park and playing in the big back
yard. It is full of hiding spots since I
steal the treats from my sisters and bury
them outside. I also have my own sofa
in the master bedroom that I sleep on at
night. I hope all of my old friends at the
shelter find a new home soon.
Buddy
Farley aka Survivor
Hello,
We just wanted to give
you all an update on the
puppy we adopted from
you. You knew him as
Survivor. He is now
Farley. He is doing very well and is
more loved than can be explained.
Have a great year.
Chris McCarthy, Kim Urbinati and Farley!
Trey
Just wanted to
share a current
photo of Trey.
He is getting
cuter and cuter
every day.
Kathy Anzalone
Katherine
3
HAPPY TAILS!
Winnie aka Ruby
Chicago aka Ivy
I just wanted to send a quick note to say "THANK YOU!" We
adopted Winnie (aka Ruby) on October 19th of this year. We
were a little
worried on how
our 5 year old
Boxer would like
having a sister,
but Bean loves
her. Winnie and
Bean
bonded
immediately and
hate
to
be
separated. They
follow each other
everywhere, sleep next to each other, play with toys at the same
time, and on an occasion are eating the same bone together.
Bean has started to eat more and is more active. Winnie now
knows her
name, sit,
come and
leave it.
Winnie
will start
obedience
training in
February.
Bean and
Winnie
are
the
best
of
friends and we couldn't be happier with her. We can't thank you
enough for rescuing her and for allowing us to adopt her. We
can't imagine our home without her. Thank you!
I adopted a beagle mix from your shelter who was under the
name Ivy. I just wanted to thank Cindy for helping me pick the
right dog! She and I are
so happy and she has
quickly grown very
attached to me…and I
am definitely attached to
her. I took her to the vet
and she checked out fine
(other than some ear
bacteria for which she is
on meds). I have named
her Chicago and she has
already begun to respond.
Thanks so much!
Manali Jacob
Scarlet aka Bebe
When we adopted Scarlet
last summer she was
considered pretty feisty and
not a cuddler. Well, you
should see her now! Her
older “brothers” accepted
her very quickly. They groom her
and sleep with their arms around
her. She cuddles with us, sleeps on
our lap and is the sweetest little girl
imaginable. Thanks for taking such
good care of her.
Tracey, Michael, Bean and Winnie
Toby aka Scout
Apparently we need to
work on Toby's table
manners!!!!
He still
cracks us up and we are
loving watching him
grow. Thank you again!
Wendy Karch
Joe with New Brother Max
4
Pat & Taylor Radley
Shiloh aka Odie
We love ODIE (who is now Shiloh). He is doing great and is
fantastic with the kids.
We've had him since
December 16. We have him
in a dog class on Friday nights
and I may have mentioned to
you that we had the trainer
come for a few hours over
Christmas break. She thinks
he's wonderful (so do we).
The dog trainer and a few
other people see Collie in
him - long nose, intelligent,
some other features. Thanks!
Wishing you all the best.
Jen Grant
(More Happy Tails on Page 12)
WILL YOU SPONSOR ME PLEASE?
★
Leo
Leo is one of 7 abused
Chow/Lab pups who were
rescued by Animal Control.
They had been kept outside
with no food or water and
rescued when 13 weeks old.
They need love and kindness
to learn to trust humans again.
Kessel
★
Kessel is a sweet little cat
who is positive for Feline
Leukemia and FIV. She
needs a home with other
positive cats or no cats.
Although she is doing well
now she will have to be
watched for future problems.
What to Expect from
Your New Shelter Pet
•
She may not eat right away
Try cottage cheese, canned chicken or tuna
•
He may have trust issues & growl at people
Give 2 weeks quiet time to gain his trust
- then introduce your friends
•
She may be skittish, have accidents, chew
things or have excessive salivating
Try training classes to form a bond between
you which will alleviate stress
•
He may hide (especially true for cats)
Limit his space but allow him to see other
family pets. Give 2 weeks quiet time.
Onyx
Sprout
Snoop
Onyx is a 5 month old
who has been severely
abused in the past. This
has left him very fearful
and mistrustful of new
people and situations.
Right now he only trusts
his brother, Tanner, and
needs a great deal of
socialization.
Sprout is a sweet, 3 year
old, lap kitty who has
tested Feline Leukemia
positive. At present, she
is not showing symptoms
of the disease and may
not for some time, but
she needs a home with
no other cats or other
FeLV positive cats.
Snoop is a 3 year old JRT
who has a condition
called “dry eye” in which
his eyes do not produce
tears as they should. He
has to have special eye
drops applied to his eyes
four times daily for the
rest of his life. The
medication is costly but
essential for his sight
Trinidad
Katrina
Snooch
4 year old female who
was severely abused.
Loves other cats but
scared of people. Her
best friend, Chloe, was
recently adopted. She
may never leave us.
2 year old female Am
Staff Terrier. Rescued from
New Orleans with no
food or water, she was
scared but happy to be
saved. She has been
through so much.
Snooch is a 5-7 year old
Shih Tzu who, like
Snoop, has “dry eye” and
needs eye drops. He is a
loving little dog but his
condition keeps him
from being adopted.
Brunsen
Wanda
Pablo
Brunsen is an 8 year old
terrier who is blind and
losing his hearing. He is
a very sweet boy in spite
of his handicaps but still
hasn’t found a home.
Wanda has heartworm
disease. She is being
treated with strong
medication and rest. Her
X-rays, bloodwork and
treatment cost upwards
of $450 so far.
Pablo is 2 years old and
has lived his whole life at
the shelter because he
has chronic diahrrea.
Every test has been done
and nothing medical has
been found.
A SPECIAL NOTE: I want to tell you how impressed my
husband and I were with your shelter. Neither one of us had
adopted an animal from a shelter before, but I had been to
several and had been troubled by what I had seen: the dogs
crammed into crates and the shelter staff more concerned
with finding any home for the animals, rather than the right
home for each animal. The feeling at your shelter was
completely different. The staff at the shelter clearly cared
about each animal in their care and wanted to ensure that
each dog found the right, permanent home for them. The way
the shelter was run (not allowing walk through viewing,
requiring all family members & other pets to be there before
meeting any dogs) was extremely impressive. It was also
refreshing how many puppies and younger dogs you had
available. I have passed along the name of your shelter to
everyone we know that is looking for a dog!
Jessica L. Raben
With your help we can give them the long-term
care & medical help that they so urgently need!
★ PLEASE see page 15 to sponsor one of these pets ★
5
NEW CAT HABITAT AT AHS!
The “AHS Cat Hotel” & Adoption Room
The new Animal House Cat Habitat is nearing completion and already in use by over 40 delighted felines! The room is whimsical and
sunny with a glassed in view of the lobby. Two openable skylights allow fresh air in on most days. The room is complete with a rustic
rope swing bridge, two sets of wall stairs leading to separate walkways
near the 15 foot ceilings. A high bridge connects the walkways and
affords plenty of room for cats to pass without incident. There are two
tree houses with cozy apartments, tiled porches and lots of sissel for
climbing and scratching. There are “kitty tents” lining the floor and lots
of other “nesting” boxes and beds for the cats who like the ground view.
Two divided benches with charming animal cutout windows give cats a
more interesting view of the outside world from six comfy cubicals.
Please stop in to see this state-of-the-art habitat for our rescued kitties -there are people benches too!
6
SAVING LIVES
Back from the Brink: Four Rescued Pets
O
ften times the animals that we rescue are abused, neglected
or in desperate need of medical attention. Below is Pickle
who came to us extremely emaciated. He is only 1 year old.
Since AHS staff has been tending to his nutritional needs and
giving him lots of attention he has responded beautifully. He is
gaining weight, absolutely loves people but still needs a home.
Stud then...
Pickle
Stud is an 11
month old boxer
who was starving
and emaciated
when we picked
Stud (aka Jack)
him up from
Chicago Animal Control. Thanks to your contributions to AHS
for his rehabilitation and to the Johnson family who adopted him
he is now healthy & beautiful in a very loving home. He also
got a new name, “Jack Dempsey,” after another great boxer!
now!
Webster, the 2 year old airdale mix pictured below, has not been
so fortunate. He came
to us with mange all
over his body and was
extremely weak and
thin. He is doing
much better at AHS
but still hasn’t found
his forever home.
Tarzan
Tarzan was rescued covered in matts and skin infections. After
AHS care and treatment he is now home with a loving family!
Senior to Senior Program
A
nimal House has put in place a new program to help our
adult pets find their forever homes. It is available to anyone
over the age of 50 who adopts a dog or cat over the age of 5.
The adoption fee is only 1/2 of the animal’s posted fee on the
website.
P l e a s e
consider this
wonderful
opportunity
if you are
over 50 and
would like to
share your
home with a
grateful and
l o v i n g
companion.
These four rescued and
rehabilitated animals
represent hundreds that need our help! Please see page 15 to
sponsor Pickle or Webster and help us save more like them.
Webster
SPECIAL THANKS!
Thanks to Charlene Prentice for her loving care of the rabbits.
Thanks to volunteers Kelly Kane, Jane Redmann, Ellen Petrick
and Jerry Aurigemma, A.R.T. Thanks to the Girl Scouts for their
donations of bedding, to Mary Ann Hetreed for transporting
animals and to Barbara Koreman for donating carriers and
proceeds from a garage sale to benefit AHS cats. Special thanks
to Pet Vet’s Dr. Deb, Donna Alexander and to Sheri Berliner for
posting our special needs dogs on the net. A huge thank you to
Steve Gendusa for construction of the new facility and fence!
Please visit
the AHS booth
next spring at
the Arlington
Pet Show!
March of 2007
7
ANIMAL HOUSE SHELTER
Shelter Summer Wish List:
Our New Huntley Home!
The sign is up and the animals are finding new homes! The lobby is
finished and affords a glassed in view of the new cat room. There is
also a kids’ table with coloring books and a close-up view of a cat tree
house. We now have a 1/2 acre fenced dog walking “yard”. The two
adoption rooms are complete and dogs can get to know their
prospective owners inside or play with them in their own outdoor
fenced area. We have Kuranda beds for the kennels but need many
more to accommodate all of our dogs. (Please see wish list at right)
Lobby
8
Rt 47
Adoption Room
Animal House Shelter
13005 Ernesti Rd • Huntley
AHS
Main St
NW
Hw
y
River Rd
Algonquin Rd
A Transport Van urgently needed!!
KURANDA Dog Beds desperately needed for our
indoor/outdoor runs! You can donate straight from their
website to the animals at AHS. www.kuranda.com
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Bedding (sheets, towels, blankets, bath mats, etc)!
Driver to transport animals to spay/neuter facilities
Vet to donate time to do wellness exams.
Vet practice to build on new property with us.
Prescription I/D (at your vet clinic)
Friskies Canned Cat/Dog Food
Fancy Feast Cat Food
Cans of tuna fish
Cans of chicken chunks
Iams Cat food (dry)
Collars - all sizes
Leashes - all sizes
Toys (stuffed animals, tennis balls, squeaky toys, ropes)
Bones (rawhides, nylabones, dentabones, etc)
Newspapers / Paper Towels / Toilet Paper
Shop Vac / Brooms / Mops
Revolution for dogs and/or cats
Clorox Clean Up / Windex
Garbage Bags / Wheeled Garbage Cans
Stainless Steel Bowls
Frontline Plus - all sizes
Heartgard - all sizes
Tide & Bleach
Litter boxes
AA batteries
Electrosol Tabs
Computer Paper / Ink
Ad Space in Newspaper
Tools of all kinds
HUNTLEY
Inte
rsta
te 9
0
Higgins (Rt 72)
Rt 25
Rt 31
Lake Cook Rd
Randall Road
Just stop in
between
11am and
7pm any
day of the
week.
Ernesti
Rt 47
Volunteers
needed!
Coyne Station Road
Benny on his Kuranda Bed
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To make your gift go to work faster,
credit card donations are accepted at:
www.animalhouseshelter.com
Thank You for Your Help!
Heartworms
(Cont. from page 1)
depending on the number of
adult worms that are present.
The disease may be well
advanced before the animal
begins to have problems. A
cat or dog with heartworms
will typically be tired,
sluggish and listless. They
may eventually exhibit
labored breathing, vomiting,
weight loss, inability to walk
long distances or coughing blood. Left untreated,
heartworms can cause congestive heart failure, liver or
kidney failure and death.
Since the
symptoms
usually
d o n ’ t
present until
the animal
is very sick,
the best way
to diagnose
heartworm
disease is by
Advanced stages of heartworm disease
a
simple
blood test. However, in the heartworm positive dog,
treatment is only possible in the early stages and in the
positive cat it is not treatable at all! The elimination of heartworms from a dog requires a powerful medication containing
an arsenic compound that kills the heartworms. The dog
must rest for 4-6 weeks while the dead worms are slowly
reabsorbed.
It is extremely important that you have your animals tested
and put on preventative medication. Heartworm disease is
entirely preventable! Talk to your veterinarian about
heartworm protection for your cat. To protect your dog and
to help control heartworm disease consider the following:
• Puppies should be started on preventative
medication at 8 weeks of age
• Your dog should be tested and, if negative,
put on preventative medication
• If your dog is positive, it should be treated
by a veterinarian to prevent permanent damage
• The BEST approach to heartworms is prevention
Cute as... a Pit Bull?
From The Courier News, 4/16/06
by Nathaniel Zimmer
It would be difficult, maybe impossible, for opponents of banning pit bulls to
find a better symbol for their cause than Joe Remijas' four-year-old pit bull
Taysia, a registered therapy dog who has brightened the days of the sick and
elderly on more than 300 visits to a local hospital and a nursing home.
On Tuesday morning at Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Vivian Kruse, 73, lay in
bed in the comprehensive rehabilitation unit, the 47pound Taysia at her side. “She's my lover,” said Kruse,
who, when she is in better health, works the hospital's
reception desk. Looking very much the lady in
lavender sweater and feather boa, with the nails of her
front paws painted Pompeii purple, Taysia leaned over
and gave Kruse's cheek a good licking.
Just how much devotion pit bulls can inspire became
clear Wednesday, when dozens of people, Remijas
among them, crowded into the Elgin City Council
chambers to oppose a ban on the breed, three weeks
Taysia ready for a rehab visit
after the council first discussed the possibility.
photo Marina Makropoulos
Their passion and arguments, plus a deluge of critics from ban critics to council
members, seemed to have had an effect. Councilman Robert Gilliam, who first
proposed a ban after recent accounts of a pit bull attack that injured six people
last year in Cary, backed away from the idea at the meeting. And on Friday,
Councilwoman Brenda Rogers, whose support for a ban had seemed firm, said
her mind was not made up. Both said they would be looking into alternatives,
including increasing penalties for owners of problem dogs.
Their apparent change of heart is sure to be welcome news at Provena St.
Joseph and Rosewood Care Center, where Taysia and the talkative, affable,
Ramijas, a 43-year-old postal worker are regulars.
Cont. on page 11
Pit Bull Cuties at Animal House
Chyna
Rusty
Mega
3 years
1 year
2 years
Gabe
Ester
Misha
2.5 years
2 years
3 years
The American Heartworm Society estimates that 27 million
dogs in the U.S. are currently not on a heartworm
preventative, needlessly exposing them to potential infection.
Please, don’t let your pet suffer this deadly disease that is so
easily and absolutely preventable!
9
ANIMAL HOUSE SHELTER
AHS MEMBERS
Carol Adams
Christina Alvarez
Teresa Amburn
Gisela Baltensperger
Thomas & Annalisa Barrie
Sonia Beranich
Paul Berlin
Andrea Brennan
Bette Brinkerhoff
Ruth Bruch
Ed & Carole Cooke
Richard & Connie Curto
Carolyn Dalton
Michael Defranze
The Donoghues
Ed & Cinder Dowling
Ted & Penelope Duke
Jack & Terri Ellingham
Kirk & Pilar Freundt
Jay & Annette Frischkorn
Frances Garvey
Mario Giannone-Marz Photography
Julie Gibson
Eryn Gitelis
John & Kay Golitz
Linda Hamilton
Nicholas Harkovich
Geraldine Harrigan
The Hayden Family
Jill Hermann
John & Mary Ann Hetreed
Cindy Hollebeck
Jerome & Mary Ann Holzer
Lisa Horn
The Jackman Family
Don & Ann Jerome
Joseph Johnson
The Kapcheck Family
Aram & Diana Kevorkian
Dr Sharon Kobak
Sarah Kotva
Frieda Labruno & Christine Howe
Kaye Lange
Rick & Melanie Langos
Steven & Jean Larsen
Santo & Gerlinde Locasto
Jan Lovering
Elena Lovoy
Dr. J.A. Koblish
Matt & Denise Macleod
Suzanne McCaron
Grandma & Grandpa Meece
Monica Meyerkord
Michael Miller
Rick & Cathy Murray
Dorothy Nelson
Gail Oddo
Barbara Ohara
Panzer Family
David & Ellen Petrick
Bruce & Deborah Pfaff
Charlene Prentice
Terrie Radzis
Reid Redmann
Beth Redpath
Charles & Karen Rickert
Peter & Sabine Riehle
Kathleen Riehle
Susan Rosene
David & Judy Saban
Roxanne Schramer
The Sciaccotta Family
Yvonne Selle
Ellen, Terry & Jacob Sievert
David & Vicky Smith
Joanne Snyder
Mary Solymossy
Anthony & Mary Stallone
Vivian Szcupak
David & Kathy Tabak
Leslie Teraji
Phyllis Timmons
Christopher & Kirsten Waack
The Welch Family
Bruce & Alice Whalen
Debra Willis
Frank & Kathleen Woodin
10
For the Love of an Older Companion
"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little
worn around the edges, but they fit well." – Bonnie Wilcox
Please consider adopting one of our older or long-term residents. There are many advantages
to bringing a senior pet into your home. Older dogs are
housetrained and usually have learned what “no” means.
They are most likely past the chewing stage and assimilate
well into households with other animals. Older cats have
mellowed. Kittens need much more attention and
supervision than older adults. If the potential adopter works
outside the home or is
frequently away, an
older cat may adapt to
their home much more
Capulan - 9 years
comfortably than a
kitten. Senior pets can
be good for seniors as
they are calmer and a
better fit for someone
without the stamina to
Farley - 8 years
keep up with younger,
more energetic animals. Older cats and dogs are very
loving once they get settled in their new homes. They are
grateful for the second chance they have been given. With
all the wonderful qualities that older dogs and cats have,
Everitt - 11 years
it is unfortunate that they are of sometimes overlooked.
Often they can be just
the right fit for families
or individuals. Take a
moment to ponder the
possibilities of an older
dog or cat before you
rush to see the puppies
and kittens. You may be
surprised what you find
and who finds you!
Mario - 6 years
Sheba - 8 years
Would Your Company Like to Support AHS?
Y
our company can gain more than just financially by donating to Animal House
Shelter. Donating is a way to give back to the community by supporting a Non-profit
Organization that fills a valuable need. It is a strategic investment that offers benefits
to your company, your employees, the community and animals throughout Northern
Illinois. Your company gets a reputation as a good corporate citizen when it shows
compassion for all animals and a willingness to help protect them from cruelty and abuse.
Consider helping through Corporate Sponsorship. Sponsor our website, newsletter, a van
or one of our direct mail fundraising appeals by offering to match donations made by our
supporters. You may also be able to make an In-Kind Donation of products or services.
Does your company provide a service or sell a product that could benefit AHS? Consider
office supplies, appliances, groomer visits, or veterinary care.
So, if you are an employee who is already or soon will be active in helping AHS, consider
extending the value of your contribution by getting your employer involved. Not only will
you be making a tax deductible donation to a beneficial non-profit organization but you
will be helping animals right in your own neighborhood through Animal House Shelter.
Pit Bulls
(Cont. from page 9)
Taysia had been found abandoned by the side of a road. Just
five months old, her belly was covered in mange, and her
ears had been cut off at her broad skull---either, Ramijas
guesses, as a result of a botched cropping or because her
original owner was preparing her to fight.
AHS Long Term Residents
If you can’t adopt, please consider sponsoring: (see page 15)
Walker
On Tuesday, the idea of Taysia as a bloodthirsty killer, seemed
nothing short of comical, as one patient clapped her hands to
her cheeks in delight when she spotted the dogs nails,
another cooed, “You're beautiful, Yes you are,” and a nurse
called out to a patient, “Your friend is here.”
5 years, Walker
Coonhound
For much of the visit Taysia lay draped over Ramijas' lap
while he rolled on a stool from one wheelchair-bound patient
to another. People petted her, scratched her chin, grabbed
her tail, leaned down to stare into her mournful eyes. “I
believe in dog therapy,” said Julie, a patient who declined to
give her last name, as she reached for Taysia. Lillie Hancock,
77, was all smiles after a visit. Did it brighten her day? “It
did!” she said.
When Ramijas played drums on Taysia's side, then on her
head for a moment, she hardly seemed to mind. When he or
anyone else pushed a finger into one of her stubby ears, she
closed her eyes contentedly.
In some areas of the Elgin, you don't have to look too hard to
find loose pit bulls. On Thursday afternoon, three dogs, at
least two of the pit bulls and all unleashed, were running up
and down the sidewalk on Raymond Street as several men
stood by. “I think it's been clear that we need to make the
owners more responsible for the actions of their dogs,”
Councilman Juan Figueroa said Friday.
Thank you to the Courier News for allowing us to share the
above article. Note: The American Temperament Test Society
put 25,000 dogs through a ten-part standardized drill
designed to assess a dog’s stability, shyness, aggressiveness
and friendliness in the company of people. 84% of the pit
bulls tested passed. They are very good with children and, as
shown by Taysia, make excellent licensed therapy dogs.
Gwen
2.5 years, Shepherd 3.5 years, Spitz/Lab
A big boy!
Protective of her
owners
Sassy
BrownSugar
Gracie
3 years, male, with
us since he was a
kitten, loves cats
3 years, Collie Mix
Afraid of new
people
3 years,Terrier
loves people, cats
and other dogs
Sassie
Fay
Amber
3.5 years, Rott Mix
passed over
because she’s 98 lbs
2.5 years,
Collie Mix
Afraid of men
15 years, male,
with us since AHS
opened, lap kitty
Such docility, Ramijas said, was what inspired him to get
Taysia registered as a therapy dog. For Taysia, that meant
passing the American Kennel Club's canine good citizenship
test and a temperament test administered by Therapy Dogs
International Inc.
“Once I got her home and saw how sweet she was, I had that
thought,” he said. “I just figured I might as well share her.”
Kruse and the other women who work at the front desk at
Provena bring Taysia treats every week. “We all look forward
to seeing her,” Kruse said. “We just love that dog.”
Guy
Why Spay or Neuter your Pet?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Decreases aggression dominance toward people and
other dogs or cats
Decreases desire to mark with urine
Reduces the incidence of prostate and breast cancer
Prevents uterine and ovarian cancer
Eliminates the possibility of testicular cancer
Decreases desire to wander
Increases life span
Keeps animal shelters from becoming overburdened
with unwanted animals
Makes pets healthier, more affectionate companions
11
HAPPY TAILS!
Scraggles
Brandon
It has been a perfect match! Thank you.
Suanne & Susan
Miracle
Thank you so much for Miracle! She has settled in with us
wonderfully! She has learned several new commands and is
walking on her lead almost 2 miles a day, 5 days a week and
really enjoys going to Pet-Smart for a new toy! She really enjoys
her new "sister", our yellow tabby cat - they spend a lot of time
cuddling each other. She is a real treat and LOVES to play fetch
with her basketball and run laps around our fenced in yard after
breakfast. We take her with us every opportunity - she loves to
ride in the car. We are having a wonderful time with her - she
is a real sweetie and a great addition to our family.
We first were only going to foster 14 year old Brandon. We
picked him up on
Christmas Eve. He
quickly showed
what a sweet, low
maintenance dog
he was. He is
alpha dog over our
two younger dogs,
despite weighing
in at 8 lbs! He loves belly rubs, car rides, and Merrick canned
dog food, which he cannot get enough of. We ended up
adopting him on January 8th. We never thought we would
adopt an older dog, but he has truly enriched our lives.
Gabriele Woodall
Jillian
Jillian & Casey have been great! Here are 2 pictures of Jillian.
Kate Younger
Thank you again so much! Sabrina Even
Merial aka Posh
I want to give you an update on Merial (formerly known as
Posh). My boyfriend and I adopted her in
2005 on Memorial Day. Merial is such a
lover, she sleeps with me every night!
Although she and our other 3 cats aren't
the best of buds, they deal with each
other quite well considering they are all
spoiled and fight for affection. Since I
work at petco as an animal groomer, we
took the girls for their photo shoot, and I
wanted to send you the pictures. Merial
is the larger siamese (we fattened her up
when she got home), Phelie is the small
siamese, Carissma is the russian blue,
and Hermione is the tabby. Thank you for our angel!
Stella
Here is a picture of
Stella who we
adopted on 12/26.
Please share with
Christine at AHS
who brought this
awesome dog to
our family!!
The Haddad Family
Jackie Jockell
Eli aka George
Enclosed are pictures of George who
my wife and I adopted 2/4/06. We
named him Eli and as you can see he
has adapted to our home and family.
He is great. Thanks for your help.
Jerry Rankin
12
Lillian
Butkus aka Rompers
We adopted a dog
named Lillian. I thought
you may like to know
we already love this
little girl so much. She
is the sweetest dog. She
follows us everywhere.
She cant decide who to
cuddle with so she runs
from person to person.
She is great. We are so
happy. We could not
have made a better
choice. Thank you for
your help.
Cindy Krzysik and family
Chili aka Aruba
I just wanted to send an update on a dog we adopted from
Animal House Shelter,
and also a big *thank
you* for recommending
her! It's been three
months
since
my
husband and I took in
Aruba (now know as
Chili Bean), and she has
been a wonderful
addition to our family.
Very loving, obedient,
and great with people-and we've even gotten
her to enjoy the
company of some dogs! She is slowly losing her fears and
distrust of strange dogs, can coexist peacefully with other more
submissive dogs. We went through beginning training and are
now in an intermediate training course. She is very smart, and
picks up things quickly. I hope to work towards agility training,
and other specialized obedience. It is hard to think we've only
had her 3 months, as I cannot imagine how life was without her.
She is an absolute joy, and as the volunteer had described her,
"as close to perfect as
you can get". Thank
you for taking care of
Chili and all of the
other rescues at
Animal House Shelter.
Chili couldn't be
happier.
P.S. Here is my
favorite picture of
Chili, in all of her
goofy glory...
Alisa
and
DeMarco
Nick
My name is Tom
Christman. On May 21st
we adopted a dog you
had
there
named
Rompers. We renamed
him Butkus after the
famous Chicago Bear
player. I just want to
thank you for accepting
our application and giving us
that dog. He is the most kind,
fun dog I have ever had. I grew
up with dogs and I know when
you have a gentle, good-natured
one and Butkus is it. He is very
obedient and well behaved too.
Not ONCE has he had an
accident in the house. I also
wanted to thank you for taking
care of these dogs. I could tell
from the second I walked in there that you will not just give these
animals to anyone. You all take the time and effort to find these
animals proper homes. You do not have to worry about this
dog. My fiance and I baby, play with, and love this dog more
than you could imagine. I have attached a few pictures of
Butkus so you can see how he is now living. Thank you again
for your help and for introducing my fiance and I to Butkus.
Tom Christman & Angela Laughlin
Pumbaa
Our family adopted Pumbaa from
Animal House Shelter in March of
this year, and he's doing great!
One reason we adopted him is that
our 10 year old daughter, Kayleigh,
had been begging for a dog. We
under-estimated the extent to
which she wanted a dog, and that
is the reason I'm contacting you.
Kayleigh's 11th birthday is on May
28th. Rather than ask for toys and
clothes, this year she enclosed a
print out of the donation wish list
from Animal House with her party
invitations. She did this because
in her words, "I already have too many toys, and all I really
wanted was a dog."
She'll be unwrapping her 'presents' at the party, and then we
would like to subsequently deliver them to you. I've attached a
picture of Kayleigh and Pumbaa, so you can see how well he's
doing. Thanks so much for rescuing him. He's only been with
us a few weeks, but we can't imagine our family being complete
without him!
Karen Aleck
13
WAITING FOR A HOME..................
14
Phoebe
Cabana
Toby
Tigger
Buddy
8 weeks, female
DSH
1 year, female
Beagle Mix
14 month, male
Coonhound
1 year, male
Am Staff Terrier
2.5 year, male
Lab/Shepherd
Alloway
Ralph
Harriet
Kanga
Olivia
1.5 year, male
Great Pyrenees/Lab
1 year, male
Lab/Border Collie/Terrier
4 year, female
Himalayan
10 month, female
Bluetick Coonhound
2-3 year, female
Lab Mix
Becca
Mariah
Pinnochio
Sam
Gordy
2 year, female
Terrier Mix
2 year, female
Shiba Inu
3 year, male
Rat Terrier
1.5 year, male
Beagle
8 month, male
Cattle Dog Mix
Tootsie
Jupiter
Dauber
Dreyfus
Aaron
5 year, female
Border Terrier Mix
2 year, male
Boxer/Am Staff
2 year, male
Bernese Mt. Dog/Collie
3 year, male
Beagle/Rat Terrier
8 weeks, male
DSH
Lawrence
Starsky
Snowflake
Peetey
Theo
1 year, male
St. Bernard Mix
2 year, male
JRT/Chihuahua
10 month, female
DSH
6 month, male
Italian Greyhound/Terrier
2 year, male
American Bulldog
Help Us Save A Life Today
Please use the enclosed envelope to send this form
and your donation to help the AHS animals.
✭✭✭ All Donations are Tax Deductible ✭✭✭
YES, I Want to Help Animal House Shelter, Inc!
❏ Sponsor A Pet:
With your sponsorship of ANY AHS dog or cat you will be sent a progress update and photo
Name of Sponsored Animal:
1st choice _________________________________________________
Please tear off or photocopy and mail to AHS in the provided envelope
2nd choice _______________________________________________
❏
$75 = 3 months
❏
$150 = 6 month
❏
❏
$300 = 1 year
$600 = 2 years
Please make this sponsorship in the name of: ___________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
❏ Make a Tax-deductible donation in the amount of:
❏ $500
❏ $250
❏ $100
❏ $50
❏ $25
Other $__________
❏ Become an AHS Member:
Membership includes newsletter, invites and all updated Animal House Shelter news for 1 year!
❏
$20 Student
❏
$20 Senior
❏
$30 Individual
❏
$40 Family
❏
$100 Corporate
To VOLUNTEER at AHS please just stop in, go to our website or call 847-961-5541
Name ___________________________________ Address ___________________________________________
City ______________________________________________ State ______________ Zip __________________
Email _____________________________________________ Phone __________________________________
Total Amount enclosed $___________________
❏ Visa
❏ MC
❏ Check (payable to Animal House Shelter, Inc.) ❏ Credit Card
Card Number ____________________________________________________ Exp ________
Signature __________________________________________________________________ 3-Digit Code ________
Please Mail to: Animal House Shelter • 13005 Ernesti Rd • Huntley, IL 60142
or go to our website to donate on line: www.animalhouseshelter.com
15
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 170
Barrington, Il
ANIMAL HOUSE SHELTER
13005 Ernesti Rd. Huntley, IL 60142
847.961.5541
AHS BOARD:
Lesley Irwin
Maggie Pfannenstiel
Allen Gabe
Ellen Petrick
Shirley Irwin
Jane Redmann
Shane Adams
Lawrence Irwin
Jennifer Jackman
Gary Personette
Visit AHS online at www.animalhouseshelter.com
Lives Saved: Blondie’s Story
Galileo & Tanner Walking Tall!
This was Blondie’s home before she was rescued and came to AHS. An
Animal Cruelty Investigator was alerted to dogs being kept in a garage
with no heat or air conditioning. When she investigated she found three
dogs locked
inside small
carriers in
deplorable
conditions.
They were
all rescued.
Blondie, a
1 year old
American
Eskimo dog,
was in one
of those tiny carriers with barely enough
room to turn around. She came to AHS
thin, scared and dirty. After getting
medical attention and huge doses of
kindness from AHS staff, her bad luck
changed forever. She is now a beautiful,
healthy, loved and loving member of a
wonderful family complete with another
happy dog!
G
For those who question whether to rescue a
dog from a shelter or purchase a new one I
can tell you that knowing that we saved this
beautiful animal from whoever had been so
cruel to her, got
her out of a cage
and provided her
with a home that is
full of love and
laughter where her
personality can
bloom -- I must say
that the satisfaction is worth the risk.
Sincerely, Dana Chandra
alileo is a 7 month old AmStaff Terrier who had to undergo FHO
surgery on his hip to
correct a condition in which
the head of the femur is not
properly seated in its socket.
This can cause pain and
arthritis even in a dog as
young as Galileo. During
the surgery part of his leg
bone was removed so scar
tissue can eventually fill in
and act as a “false-joint” to
allow him good movement
without pain. The operation
cost $1600. Galileo is
recovering well and is a
wonderful happy dog who
loves other people and is
X-rays before and after the FHO surgery where part of
ready to find his new family. the femur was removed to allow mobility without pain.
T
anner is a 10 month old shepherd who recently had major surgery
on his fractured leg, costing upwards of $1200. A graft had to be
taken from his back to aid in the repair. He is very shy and takes time to
warm up to new people. Like his brother, Onyx, he endured some severe
abuse in the past. Tanner is very close to his brother
and has a hard time being separated from him.