In this Issue: DuPage Foundation Community Impact Grant, Pet of the Month, Pawction, Holiday Donation Drives, Pawcasso Night, Humane Education, Thankful For You, and More

West Suburban Humane Society Receives $20,000 Community Impact Grant from DuPage Foundation

This December, West Suburban Humane Society received a $20,000 grant through DuPage Foundation's Community Impact grant program to help support on-site medical care for homeless cats and dogs to reduce off-site veterinary costs and prevent companion animal euthanasia. The Providing Quality Onsite Medical Care for Homeless Cats and Dogs at West Suburban Humane Society project makes a direct impact on rescue animals in need.


“We are deeply grateful to the DuPage Foundation for their generous $20,000 grant supporting above-and-beyond medical care for the animals at our adoption center. Thanks to the support of The Mary L. Voigt Fund, the Phil and Judy Barnett Family Fund, and the Robinwood Legacy Fund, we are able to provide lifesaving treatments, specialized care, and comfort to animals who need it most. This generosity makes a profound difference in their recovery and their journey toward loving forever homes.” Said Carolyn Mossberger, Executive Director of the West Suburban Humane Society.


“It was such a joy to award these grants to so many amazing local nonprofits this season,” said Betsy Goltermann, DuPage Foundation Trustee and Grant Committee Chair. She added, “These funds help them keep doing incredible work in our communities. Hearing about their plans and celebrating all the good happening in DuPage County is truly inspiring.”

Pawction: Winter Wonderland was a Blisteringly Good Time!

Pawction 2025: Winter Wonderland on December 6th was so much fun! The event had cute puppies, exciting auction items, a delicious mash-tini bar, a white elephant game, a hot cocoa bar, and so much more. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make Pawction a success, raising over $32,000 for rescue animals in need!

Thank you to our amazing sponsors: Gerald Subaru of Naperville, Oak Brook Kennel Club, and Mike Agruss Law.

Associates Board Hosted the first Pawcasso Night!

There was hot cocoa, crafts, and lots of animal time at Pawcasso Night: Winter Workshop hosted by the Associates Board. Thank you to everyone who participated for making the first Pawcasso Night a success, raising over $1,000!

Pet Of The Month: Beaux!

This December, the pet of the month is a 9 month old hound mix named Beaux! He is a typical hound dog who likes to snoop, explore, play, and talk about everything.


He lived for a little while in Chicago, but all the hustle and bustle was stressful, so a quieter neighborhood might be better. Beaux loves the outdoors, so a fenced in yard to run around in or walks on nature paths would be great.


This sweet guy loves having other dog friends, and has a lot of energy to play and run around. (Special Requirements: Must live with another dog, No cats) If you are looking for an active hound dog to join your pack, apply to meet Beaux today!

Not sure what to get your pet for the holidays? We've got you covered! For $10, get a bag of holiday goodies for your dog or cat. Purchases can be made at our Adoption Center anytime during business hours.

Holiday Donation Drives


All December long, we are excited to be partnering with Enjoy Your Dog and Oak Brook Kennel Club to collect items for the dogs and cats at WSHS.


The OBKC's 5th Annual Toy & Treat Drive is collecting toys, treats, enrichment goodies, and more for the rescue animals at WSHS. Donations can be dropped off at Oak Brook Kennel Club (3110 Meyers Rd, Oak Brook).


You can pick an ornament from the Angel Tree at Enjoy Your Dog featuring a WSHS shelter pet's photo, name, age, and holiday wish list. Donations are accepted at Enjoy Your Dog (501 Rogers Street, Downers Grove) through December 22nd.

Pictures With Santa


Santa visited the WSHS Adoption Center! Dogs, cats, families, and even pigs got to visit and take photos.

Humane Education Classes For Kids


Dinner and a Movie (Elf) - Friday, December 19th, 5:00-7:30pm, Grades 2-8


One Day Camp - Monday, December 29th, 9:00am-12:00pm, Grades K-8


Barks & Books - Tuesdays at 3:30pm beginning January 6th, Grades K-5


Cat Tales - Wednesdays at 3:30pm beginning January 7th, Grades K-5

Humane Education Programs For Adults


Foster Forum - Thursday, January 15th, 6:00-8:00pm

Winter Merch Collection


Did you see the new designs in our Threadless Merch Storefront? The winter merch includes LIMITED EDITION festive designs for the holiday season and some fun new volunteer apparel items and accessories.

You can help animals in need, and right now your gift is DOUBLED!


Thanks to anonymous donors, all year-end donations are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000, providing critical care for dogs and cats in crisis. That means $25 becomes $50, and $100 becomes $200. Every dollar makes a difference!

Madison is 6 years old, and all she wanted for Christmas was to make sure the rescue kittens at WSHS feel loved. Thank you for the donation, Madison!

Ben hosted a lemonade stand fundraiser and donated $67.

Next Phase Advisory Group deep cleaned the cat enclosures in the intake room, painted the foster supply cubby and donated $800.

Despir Logistics, LLC held a company raffle fundraiser and donated $1,250.

The Petfinder Foundation awarded WSHS with the 2025 Dog Enrichment Grant, funding brand new dog beds for the kennel at the Adoption Center.

Holladay Properties helped to decorate the Adoption Center for the holidays.


Become a Paw Pal!


WSHS is funded entirely by animal lovers just like you. Become a Paw Pal by signing up to give monthly, every dollar helps!


THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MISSION

Because of you, we are able to provide shelter and love for homeless dogs and cats!

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The West Suburban Humane Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

EIN: 23-7355420