Pawesome News - February 2026

In this Issue: Gordy Goes Home, Summer Camp Registration, Annual Report, Pop Up Events, WSHS is Platinum, Humane Education for Adults, Upcoming Events, and More

Gordy Goes Home!

After two years at the Adoption Center, Gordy was still waiting. At 6 years old, Gordy looks just like Scooby Doo. Gordy loves people, and thrived when he stayed in foster homes. When he arrived back at the Adoption Center, we could tell he was sad to be back in the kennel. Gordy just wanted to be in a home!

He spent his Valentine's Day alone again, despite all the love he has to share. This February, we asked our community to help share Gordy's story to spread the word and help find him a family. After some time we heard the best news of all, Gordy was ADOPTED. Thank you for helping us find his forever home!

Pal-entine's Day PopUp!

Thanks for joining us at Clara’s for our Pal-entine’s Day PopUp! From Colleen’s candy table to candle making to heart shaped pizzas, the event was sweet. We loved seeing everyone come together in support of the best pals of all, pets!

Pit Stop For Pets

We partnered with Castle Mazda of Downers Grove for a pop up event! Adoptable rescue puppies and kittens had a wonderful time visiting and meeting community members. What a wonderful way to support animals in need!

Volunteer Leadership Opportunity

Are you a young professional looking for a volunteer leadership opportunity? Join the WSHS Associates Board!

The Associates Board is a group of passionate young professionals dedicated to the mission and work of WSHS: To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need, while promoting responsible pet ownership and community education.

To learn more, contact us at development@wshs-dg.org

Summer Camp Registration Opens Soon!

Registration opens on Sunday, March 1st for WSHS Summer Camp! Our Humane Education program is getting ready for another year of learning and summer fun. Register by May 15th to get a FREE Summer Camp T-Shirt!

Animal Friends Camp

For kids entering grades 2 & 3 in Fall, 2026

Why does a cat meow and a dog bark? Learn about how animals communicate with people. There will be fun activities, crafts, and lots of interaction with our shelter animals.

Session A: June 8- June 12: 10:00 am- noon

Session B: June 8-June 12: 1:00 pm -3:00 pm

Session C: June 15-June 19: 10:00 am- noon

Session D: June 15-June 19: 1:00 pm -3:00 pm

Animal Care Camp

For kids entering grades 4 & 5 in Fall, 2026

Do you want to learn to care for your 4-legged friends? Come spend a week learning about and caring for our cats and dogs.

Session A; June 22–June 26 - 10:00 am- noon

Session B: June 22–June 26 - 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Session C: July 6-July 10: 10:00 am-noon

Session D: July 6-July 10: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Session E: July 27-July 31: 10:00 am-noon

Session F: July 27-July 31: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Session G: August 3- August 7: 10:00 am- noon

Session H: August 3-August 7: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Animal Investigators Camp

For kids entering grades 6, 7, & 8 in Fall, 2026

Discover all the hidden secrets about animals and their environments and learn some impactful ways to make a difference. You'll interact with our cats, dogs and other animal guests.

Session A: July 13–July 17: 10:00 am - noon

Session B: July 13–July 17: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Session C: July 20-July 24: 10:00 am-noon

Session D: July 20-July 24: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Teen Camp Assistants

We are looking for Teen Camp Assistants! (TCA's) Teens entering grades 9-12 will support summer camp staff and act as role models as they guide campers in crafts and games, engage campers in lessons, and assist with animal guests. TCA's should enjoy working with children and animals, are good team players, and are enthusiastic self- starters.

Learn More

WSHS is Platinum!

Great news, the West Suburban Humane Society has earned the 2026 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid! This achievement is the highest level of recognition awarded by Candid, which is considered the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations.

WSHS Candid Profile

We partnered with Two Bostons and Pet Harmony to host Cabin Fever, an in-person enrichment event designed to help pet parents better understand what their dogs need when winter makes the usual options harder.