YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK!

One of the commitments we make to our animals is that once adopted from us, we will always take them back if things don't work out. Gemma was originally adopted from WSHS 9 years ago, and recently was found at an apartment complex that caught on fire. Gemma was found under a fallen couch in the rubble, which caused a back injury. She was traced to us through her microchip, and we were unable to contact her old owners, so now she’s back at the shelter awaiting her adoption.

Her back injury makes her a bit wobbly, but she has no lasting smoke inhalation damage or burns. Gemma is a sweet 10-year-old girl who just wants a nice home where she can sit on someone's lap and look out the window while being pampered

Above & Beyond Volunteers

We recently presented our Above and Beyond Rescue Care awards to three more amazing volunteers. Read what their nominators had to say about them below!

Marie Wasielewski, Kennel

Marie has always been one of the first volunteers to fill in when needed in the kennel. Due to a new work schedule, Marie had to step down from her regular shift several years ago. What could have been a loss was actually a huge gain. Marie continually subs on any and all shifts, several times a week, and is always checking in to make sure the shifts are covered when she has availability. Several volunteers have Marie "on speed dial" when they need back up. Marie's concern for the WSHS animals is unparalleled. As a bonus, the dogs love when Marie comes in because they know they will be getting exceptional care on their long walks

Tim Campbell, Cattery, Events, Grant Writing

"Tim has been volunteering for a little over a year, and has been going above and beyond from the start. He frequently volunteers for the shelter at events, has been helping with grant writing, and subs on holidays. During our regular Wednesday evening shifts he is reliable and upbeat, always willing to go the extra mile. He isn't phased by aggressive or shy cats, I've seen him get bit by a cat, put a band-aid on, and go back to the same cat to try and make up.

"He spends extra time with the especially shy cats to help get them out of their shells, and worked hard with Chester to get him used to accepting pets. In the short time he's been here Tim has made a big impact on our shift and the shelter, and he is incredibly deserving of recognition."

Christy Dan, Kennel

"Christy goes above and beyond every time she is in the kennel. She volunteers on two morning kennel shifts every week and subs often, especially when the STAR dogs are in need. She not only gives of her time but her heart. Christy takes her role in the care of the dogs seriously and makes sure that each dog gets the attention they need to help them cope with being in the shelter.

"Christy is always communicating with the animal care team to find out what can be done to provide the dogs with enrichment and to provide feedback as she works with the dogs. Christy can often be found staying later in the morning to clean the inside and outside drains and the scooper stations in each yard. None of these are pleasant tasks but they need to be done and Christy attends to them regularly. Christy will also provide additional training and support to volunteers outside of her shift, all for the benefit of the dogs."

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for going Above and Beyond for our animals? Fill out a form in the Volunteer Breakroom or nominate someone online here:

Barkapalooza is COMING!

Barkapalooza is our largest fundraiser of the year, and our $100,000 goal will cover almost 1/3 of our animal related costs for the year. Please help us make this our most successful event ever!

Rescue Fest includes family and pet-friendly activities and giveaways. Join us for:

• Meet our Adoptable Dogs!
• Blessing of the Pets (bring your crowd friendly dogs to the event!)
• Food Trucks
• Dog Costume Contest
• Animal Art (create memorable art with your furry friend!)
• Alumni photo (all WSHS alumni dogs are invited to participate in this group photo)
• Shopping

and MORE!

Our Rescue Run is a 5K chip-timed walk/run (eligible for time awards – overall and by age group). All Rescue Run participants will receive a performance fit shirt and finisher medal, as well as entry to Rescue Fest.

Our Waggin' Tails Walk is a 1 mile walk for families and crowd-friendly pets. All Wagging Tails walk participants will be eligible for fundraising awards, as well as entry to Rescue Fest.

Register your dogs into our Barkminster Dog Show! Enter into one or more of the following categories:

Dog & Owner look-alike

Waggiest Tail

Silliest Tricks

Best in talking / speaking

Join us for all this AND MORE, to make a difference for the homeless cats and dogs of WSHS!

Can't join us? Donate to one of our amazing fundraisers!

SAVE THE DATE!

Friday, October 25, 2024

12:00 pm

Learn about estate planning, the West Suburban Humane Society's Legacy Society, and get your questions answered at an informational seminar with estate attorney Michael J. Drabant. 

• What is a pet trust? 
• How can I remember the shelter in my will? 
• Do I need to have a fortune to leave a legacy gift? 
• Will I need a lawyer to write my will? 
• What if I don't know how much money I'll need later in life? 
• How can I ensure my family knows about my wish to give to charity?

More information will be coming soon, but if you'd like to get on the list for this event, please send an email to Development@wshs-dg.org 

Kick off the holiday season by joining us for our annual Pawction event on Saturday, December 7, from 6-9 p.m. at our adoption center.

This fun-filled evening will include tacos, beer and wine, along with some fun games!

While you don't have to be present to bid on our auction, why join us at the shelter to browse the auction catalog in person and meet some of the adorable and adoptable cats and dogs we are raising money for!

Your continued support allows WSHS to say yes to more animals and their needs.

Questions? Contact Hailey Nicewanner, Development & Events Coordinator at events@wshs-dg.org

Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Heather Kash, Director of Development, at Development@WSHS-DG.org