In this Issue: Rescue Beagles, An Awesome Announcement, Mental Health Action, Pit Stop For Pets, National Pet Month, Summer Camp, Food Drive, Get Involved, Upcoming Events, and more

Eleven Rescue Beagles Began Their Next Chapter at WSHS!

Earlier this month, the West Suburban Humane Society joined a national rescue effort, welcoming eleven beagles from a dog breeding and biomedical research facility in Wisconsin.


For many of the beagles, it is the first time they will experience the simple joys of everyday life—feeling the warmth of the sun, going for walks, and receiving the care and affection of a family. 


“Our mission is about making sure these dogs go into loving homes,” said Carolyn Mossberger, Executive Director at WSHS, “We are honored to play a role in this national effort. Together we can give these beagles the happy and healthy lives they deserve.” 

Currently, the beagles are all being cared for in foster homes, there they will have the chance to acclimate slowly to freedom and gently learn what it means to be in a loving home. They will need time to decompress and learn how to be a dog before they will be ready for adoption.


Each dog will receive comprehensive veterinary care, including spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, and microchipping, along with daily enrichment, proper nutrition, and socialization. No matter how much time they need, WSHS remains committed to ensuring each of these beagles is placed into a compassionate, permanent home where they can thrive.

Rainbow the rescue beagle enjoying a walk

We will share updates on the journey of these eleven rescue beagles at WSHS on social media and via email. The beagles are named Raisin, Sesame, Bran, Marble Rye, Poppyseed, Rainbow, Onion, Jalapeño, Plain, Pumpernickel, and Wheat; we are calling them the bagel beagles!


Caring for these dogs requires significant resources, and community support will play a critical role in the care of these animals. Donations will directly fund medical treatment and ongoing care, helping ensure each beagle has the best possible start in their new life. 

An AWESOME Announcement!

After a highly competitive selection process, WSHS was voted by the Project for Awesome community as one of just 34 nonprofit organizations chosen from hundreds of entrants worldwide. As a result of the community vote, WSHS will receive a $44,000 grant to support its mission of providing above and beyond rescue care and critical resources for dogs, cats, and the people who love them. 


Founded in 2007 by John and Hank Green and their online community, Project for Awesome (P4A) was created to spotlight organizations working to “decrease world suck.” Over the years, the annual event has grown into a worldwide effort that uses online storytelling and grassroots support to amplify causes making a difference in their communities This year’s campaign raised a record-breaking $4.2 million through more than 20,000 donations, with each winning organization receiving a $44,000 grant from the Foundation To Decrease World Suck.

Through its video submission and the enthusiastic support of community members, volunteers, adopters, and animal lovers everywhere, WSHS earned international recognition alongside much larger nonprofits operating on national and global levels. This honor shines a spotlight on the organization’s commitment to animal welfare and lifesaving rescue work throughout the community. 


Thank you to Project For Awesome and the Foundation To Decrease World Suck! We are honored to be a part of the P4A community and to stand with so many nonprofits that make a meaningful impact in the world.

It's National Pet Month!

We've partnered with our friends at FreeWill to celebrate National Pet Month! Honor your furry friend by ensuring they always have the love and care they need.


You can create your will to:

  • Designate a trusted guardian for your pet(s) so the animals in your life are always in good hands
  • Describe how to best care for your furry friend(s), expressing any medical, dietary, or other specific needs
  • Support the people and causes close to your heart for years to come


Because every pet deserves a future filled with safety, love, and compassion.

Pet Food Drive at Two Bostons

Support us this June in the annual pet food drive at Two Bostons!


IN-STORE DONATIONS:

Supporters can also donate at any Two Bostons location during checkout by selecting meals or cases in support of your organization.


HOW ONLINE DONATIONS WORK:

  1. Visit TwoBostons.com/donate
  2. Click your organization’s logo to open your custom donation page
  3. A pop-up will appear asking for a shipping method — either option is completely fine to select as no shipping charges or tax will be added at checkout
  4. Supporters can then choose either: Single Meals or 12 Meal Cases (remember, Two Bostons will match any full case donation)


The winning organization gets the total meals donated DOUBLED by Two Bostons!

Summer Camp

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Summer Camp is almost here! Our Humane Education program is getting ready for another year of learning and summer fun. There are still open time slots for children grades 2-8, register now!


For teens entering grades 9-12, we are looking for Teen Camp Assistants, learn more and register at the button below!

Want to get involved? Even if the kennel or cattery shifts are full, we still need volunteers to help with events, outreach, Humane Education programs, and more! Plus, we are in need of more Foster Volunteers for rescue dogs.

Pet Spotlight: Mr. Boss


Mr. Boss is a 3 year old cat who was found outside but he was definitely not meant to live there. He loves people of all ages, and is quite happy to be in the cattery with the other cats, rather than out on the street.


His favorite thing to do is to sit by the bird feeder and pretend to catch all the birds! He is a playful, energetic guy, and a very social fellow. He doesn't mind being picked up, though he might not want to be held onto for too long. Mr. Boss has an independent, curious, and affectionate personality.


If you think Mr. Boss sounds like the guy for you, apply to meet him today!

Mental Health Action


May is Mental Health Month, and we helped to spread awareness this Mental Health Action Day!


West Suburban Humane Society is an official Mental Health Action Network Partner, alongside more than 2,700+ nonprofits, brands, organizations, and influential leaders from over 100 countries. Together, we can spread the message that, just like our physical health, we can take actions to improve our mental health.

Mental health is health, and having the tools to support the people around you is important. Grit2 has local mental health resources for teens here.


If you have concerns about your or someone else's mental health, please contact a mental health professional or call 988 for a free, confidential conversation. Click here for more free resources.

Trivia Night

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at Trivia Night! It was a full house with so many fun table decorations, amazing raffle baskets, and competitive trivia questions from Baig of Tricks Entertainment! Thank you to our amazing sponsor, Oak Brook Kennel Club!

Congratulations to our winning trivia team “All Dogs Go To Heaven” and to our winning table decorating competition team “Operation Beagle Freedom”


Together we raised over $14,000 for animals in need. Thank you for supporting our lifesaving work!

Pit Stop For Pets


All month long, we partnered with Castle Automotive and hosted 3 Pit Stop For Pets events in honor of National Pet Month!


These pop-up events featured adoptable pets, face painting, and taco trucks. We had such a great time meeting community members, and we think the rescue animals had fun too. The event in Villa Park even included a car show!

Thank you so much to Castle Chevrolet Villa Park, Castle Hyundai Downers Grove, and Castle Volkswagen Downers Grove for partnering with us!

Humane Education Programs For Adults


Cat Enrichment - Thursday, June 25th, 6:00-8:00pm


Healthy Dog Treats - Thursday, July 23rd, 6:00-8:00pm


Healthy Cat Treats - Thursday, August 20th, 6:00-8:00pm

Kids, Clubs & Canines!

We partnered with the PGA TOUR Superstore in Downers Grove for their Kids. Clubs & Canines event! It was a fun event with a photo booth, Chicago style hotdogs, activities, and golf ball art. Our rescue pups had such a fun time meeting everyone!

We're partnering with Chicago Fire for a giveback night on August 16th! Use our link to get tickets and $5 from each ticket will be donated back to WSHS.

Click on the images below to learn more and get involved:


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