to read the Fall 2014 issue - Anti

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Challenge: Accepted
Healthy Teeth
Living the Shelter Life
FALL 2014
Oldie But Goodie
Our Mission & a Letter from Dr. Robyn
The Anti-Cruelty Society
“SPCA of Illinois”
Founded in 1899 by Rose Fay Thomas
(Mrs. Theodore Thomas)
Our Mission
Building a community of caring by
helping pets and educating people.
Adoption Center/Animal Shelter
510 North LaSalle Drive
Chicago, IL
Adoption Hours
Mon.–Fri. Noon–7 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. Noon–5 p.m.
Receiving Hours
10 a.m.–6 p.m., 365 days a year
Mailing Address
157 West Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 644-8338
Fax: (312) 644-3878
The Anti-Cruelty Society is a private,
independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. We are not funded
or operated by any parent organization
or governmental agency. Contributions
are tax deductible according to IRS laws.
Become a friend, fan, or follower on
Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, or YouTube:
www.facebook.com/anticruelty
www.twitter.com/anticruelty
www.flickr.com/photos/theanticrueltysociety
www.youtube.com/user/anticrueltytv
www.anticruelty.org
Page 2 The Anti-Cruelty Society
A Letter from Dr. Robyn
What a summer! Many Chicagoans
talked about the unusual weather,
but at The Anti-Cruelty Society, talk
was all about the ASPCA Rachael Ray
$100K Challenge. Five months went
into planning, and June, July, and
August were all about implementing
new ideas and saving more lives than
last year. We are proud to announce
that we surpassed the minimum goal
of 300 more lives saved, and for that,
we will receive at least $6,000. Final
results will be announced on October 7,
but we already feel like winners! Staff
and volunteers pulled together to try
many new things. Some, like our One for
the Purrfect One and Empty the Shelter
campaigns were extremely successful, and we broke all of our previous records for the
number of adoptions. We also tried some new programs that we will continue, such
as Foster to Forever. Granted, not every promotion would be considered successful,
but the important thing is that we always learned something worth remembering. For
a more detailed summary of the Challenge, please read the article on page 16.
This summer we were also fortunate to have five high school interns help us, thanks to
a grant from After School Matters. These young women helped in various departments
at the Society and were incredibly dedicated and remarkably mature. We look forward
to hosting another group next summer.
On page 20, we highlight Oliver, a senior dog, who has touched many hearts, including
my own. It’s so great to see someone adopting an older animal, and even better to see
that dog give back to the community! Pets bring such joy into the lives of so many.
I love the name of one of our newer volunteer programs, Knitters for Critters!
We want to take this program “on the road,” so if you know of any knitting groups
or senior centers that may have residents who knit, help us spread the word.
We can have someone visit the group, explain all that we do and how the blankets
and toys will help, and perhaps also bring a cat or dog to visit and inspire the knitters.
For more information, please email volunteer@anticruelty.org.
As always, thank you for joining our community of caring. We couldn’t help as many
animals as we do without your continued support.
Robyn Barbiers, D.V.M.
President
In This Issue & Board of Directors
Board of Directors
W.B. Martin Gross
Chairman
Daniel S. Jaffee
Immediate Past Chairman
Barbara McLucas
Vice Chairman
In This Issue
Freeman Wood III
Treasurer
Sheldon Rubin, D.V.M.
Features
Secretary
2 Mission Statement, Facility Location, and Hours of Operation
2 A Letter from Dr. Robyn
4PET Trends
6 Ask Our Experts
7 Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Pet
10 A Little TLC Goes a Long Way
Sandra P. Manne
Executive Committee Member-at-Large
Elliott Otis
Constance Steinhaus
Celeste (Candy) Stevens
Michael Grossman
What’s Going On
Steven H. Klein
Barbara Provus
12 Knitters for Critters
14 Living the Shelter Life
16 Challenge: Accepted
Steve Shanker
Carole Wood
Honorary
Lester E. Fisher, D.V.M.
Giving Back
Shirley Gambill
20 Oldie But Goodie
22 Thank You for Supporting The Anti-Cruelty Society
24 We Are The Anti-Cruelty Society
Michael Kuzma
Alvin Shapiro
Gloria Vaughan
President
On The Cover
The Anti-Cruelty Society is fortunate
to have many different kinds of
supporters, from major donors to
hundreds of volunteers and people
of all ages who craft toys for the cats
and dogs in our care to play with
while they wait for their “happily ever
afters.” We are so grateful for each
and every one of you! Even by just
reading this magazine - and sharing it
when you’re done - you are helping us
continue our commitment to caring!
Cover Photo: Emily Dullum
Featured on the cover of this
magazine is Oliver, a gentle dog
whose fascinating journey is both
touching and inspirational. Read
Oliver’s story on page 20.
A publication of The Anti-Cruelty Society
Graphic Design
John-Ryan Griggs
Photography
Arleen Burke
Meghan Coen
Emily Dullum
MK Jansen
Todd Rosenberg
The Society Staff & Volunteers
Editorial Staff
Paul Adee
Michael Garrity
Lydia Krupinski
Karen Okura
Trisha Teckenbrock
Leslie Villasenor
Fall 2014 Page 3
Pet Trends
PETtrends
We’ve grown to embrace pampering our pets. After all, they aren’t
just random cats or dogs that live with us—they are members of our
families! We cook for them, we play with them, and sometimes, we
even dress them better than we dress ourselves! Why even try to be
shy about how much you love your furry friend? This selection of
products is all about celebrating your affection and embracing just
how clever (and sometimes silly) pet products can be.
Rocking Bird Laser Cat Toy
by Contempo (from $9.99)
Her name is Bella, and her purpose is to drive your cat
bananas! As Bella wobbles to and fro, a laser light inside
her bounces across surfaces making her the ultimate
chasing game for cats. This is an ideal toy for active cats,
because it is motion activated and encourages those notso-active kitties to play, too! www.bengalsillustrated.com
Cat Doormat by La Finesse ($25)
Let your guests know how you really feel
by giving the unwashed masses a message!
Atypical but honest, this doormat lays out the
philosophy of your kingdom and is made of
durable, natural coir. This rough and tumble
rug knocks the dirt right off boots and bare feet
alike and helps spread a message of kitty love.
fab.com/product/cat-doormat-462516
Triangles in Colorful Spring Pastels
by Blueberry ($16.99)
I’ll admit it: I have a whole bin full of collars for
my dog, and if you’ve been paying attention to
this column over the past couple years, I suspect
you may be in a similar boat. Who can resist the
lime, pink, lavender, and orange colors? This is the
awesome design that your furry friend has been
waiting for. www.metropaws.com
Page 4
Fabulous Things for our Furry Friends
Grumpy Cat “NO” T-Shirt
by Grumpy Cat ($19.98)
One of the internet’s most famous felines, Grumpy Cat, is no
stranger to the world of entrepreneurship. How could one say
“NO” to the Grumpy Cat “NO” t-shirt? Heathered charcoal with
a distressed print, this screen-printed shirt has a soft feel and a
trim fit. It features a portrait of Grumpy Cat and the word “NO”
in large white letters—perfect for those days when you just don’t
feel like being positive. www.stylinonline.com
Throw Me a Bone by Cooper Gillespie and
Susan Orlean with Sally Sampson ($14.95)
Cooper Gillespie, an extremely literate Welsh springer
spaniel, teamed with cookbook author Sampson to compile
50 delectable recipes for snacks, meals, and treats to satisfy the
most discerning doggie palate. Illustrated by Cami Johnson
with more than 50 endearing black-and-white photographs
of Cooper and friends and liberally seasoned with stories,
quotes, and nutrition tips, Throw Me a Bone makes a dog’s
dinner something to look forward to. www.amazon.com
Tuffy T-Rex Dog Toy
by Tuffy ($22.78)
Tyrannosaurus Rex is the terror that once walked these lands, and
now it will once again—through your living room! I’ve watched firsthand as this king of dinosaurs was forced to submit to the vigorous
jaws of an eager modern-day pup, and it holds up very well! While
many other toys will last only moments as they are whipped about
the house, Tuffy products are designed for the “more enthuasiastic”
dog in mind. Each toy is made with four layers, including industrial
grade luggage material and a layer of soft fleece on the outside.
Each toy is sewn together with two layers of cross stitching and then
two layers of linear stitching. www.dogtuff.com
Fall 2014 Page 5
Ask Our Experts
Ask Our Experts
Our experts answer questions about your pets
Send your questions to help@anticruelty.org or call (312) 644-8338 ext. 343
Dear Expert,
I just adopted my cat, Pete, and the ride
home was a bit stressful. I know I will need
to take him to his veterinarian in the near
future. How can I make this experience
less stressful for both him, and me?
— Joey
Dear Joey,
Karen Okura
A Staff Behaviorist
First, always travel with your cat in
a secured cat carrier. Cats that are
loose in a vehicle are not safe. They
could cause or be severely injured in
an accident. Second, make the carrier
a fun and welcoming place to be and
you’ll be worry-free.
The carrier should be secured in the back seat with bungee
cords or the car’s seat belts. Face the front of the carrier
toward the door, so that Pete cannot see too much of the
world passing him, as visual stimulation contributes to
motion sickness. While you drive, talk to him in a soothing
voice or play soft music.
Do not release Pete from the carrier until you are safely
inside your destination. Make sure to always have current
identification on him, as well as a microchip implant.
For more travel tips, see our article “Acclimating Your Cat
to Car Travel” at www.anticruelty.org.
Dear Expert,
her teeth on a regular basis. There is even a toothpaste out
there that tastes like chicken, so I don’t mind getting my
teeth brushed anymore! Here are some easy steps to help
you get started:
— Suzanne
Hi Suzanne,
Swollen gums are certainly an
indicator of a possible health issue. I
recommend that you take Gigi to your
veterinarian as soon as possible. If gum
inflammation is left untreated, it can
lead to tooth loss or even more serious
problems. You can tell a lot about us
cats by just looking at our teeth and
gums, so pay attention to them!
It is important that you keep up with
Gigi’s dental health, because it can
lead to many other health issues later.
An easy way to do this is by brushing
The carrier should be comfortable. A towel in the bottom
of the carrier will help to keep Pete from slipping, as well
as catch any vomitus should he become motion sick. Spray
the towel with a synthetic pheromone product called
Feliway® to help ease your cat’s anxiety.
Build good associations with the carrier
by feeding, offering treats, and placing
My cat, Gigi’s gums look red and
swollen. Should I be worried?
Guy Thomas
Society’s Cat Ambassador
your cat’s favorite toys in the carrier to make him more
comfortable. Do all these things well before you ever need
to take Pete somewhere.
• Get your kitty warmed up to the idea of having her
teeth brushed. Start by gently massaging her gums with
your fingers or touching them with a cotton swab.
• After a few rounds, place a small portion of catformulated toothpaste on her lips, so she is able to get
used to the taste. Trust me, it’s delish!
• Next, introduce a toothbrush that is made for cats.
We have them in our store here at the Society, so stop
by if you are having trouble finding one. They also
make toothbrushes that fit over your finger that you
may want to try.
• Finally, apply the toothpaste to her teeth and brush
gently.
Regular visits to the veterinarian can help Gigi stay healthy.
Later,
Guy
Healthy Teeth for a Healthy Pet
Healthy
Teeth
for a
Healthy
Pet
We all love to get big kisses from our pets, but let’s be
honest: Sometimes our furry loved ones could use a breath
mint or four. However, you should know that there’s a
good chance that your pet’s bad breath could indicate a
more serious issue brewing underneath his pearly whites.
Maybe it was just something he recently ate, but bad
breath can also be a sign of dental disease in your pet;
other symptoms include mouth sensitivity, excessive
drooling, facial swelling, loss of appetite, yellow or brown
deposits on his teeth, loose or missing teeth, difficulty
chewing, and bleeding, inflamed, or receding gums.
If you notice your pet is frequently pawing at his or her
mouth, that may also be a sign of dental disease.
Fall 2014 Page 7
PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Periodontal (gum) disease begins when a bacterial film
known as plaque, coats the tooth. Over time, the plaque
calcifies, or hardens, into tartar, which can be seen as a
thick layer of yellow or brown matter covering the teeth. The
tartar will eventually begin to irritate the gums and create
an environment where bacteria thrive.
As this issue progresses, the gums become red, tender, and
swollen, and eventually, they will pull away from the teeth
to create pockets that trap food particles and even more
bacteria. This will cause the gums to bleed, the roots of the
teeth to become exposed, and/or the teeth to loosen from
the gums, all of which can cause pain. Should the trapped
bacteria enter your pet’s bloodstream, it can affect the heart,
lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Some studies have shown that approximately 80% of dogs
and 70% of cats already have periodontal disease by the time
they are 3 years of age. Factors that determine the likelihood
your pet will experience periodontal disease include genetics,
diet, age, and previous veterinary care.
PREVENTIVE CARE
Obviously, as a pet owner, you’re going to want to take
preventive measures to quell the onset of periodontal disease,
and the best way to do that is by taking a new pet to see
your veterinarian shortly after adoption. The veterinarian
will help you outline a dental plan, which may include
a recommendation to change your pet’s diet, treats, or chew
toys. If there is already significant tartar buildup on your pet’s
teeth, the veterinarian will recommend a dental prophylaxis
Unhealthy mouth
(dental cleaning). Cats and dogs don’t understand the
process and will not keep their mouths open during this
procedure, so to safely and thoroughly clean your pet’s teeth,
anesthesia is required. Your veterinarian may recommend
some basic blood work to determine the best anesthetic
agent for your pet, but no matter what, a veterinarian will
almost always recommend that you regularly brush your
pet’s teeth as a means of preventing periodontal disease.
In addition to regular checkups, brushing your pet’s teeth
is by far the best form of prevention, and the younger your
pet is when you start brushing, the better and easier it will
be to continue doing it.
BRUSHING FOR BEAUTIFUL SMILES
As with any activity you participate in with your pet, tooth
brushing should be approached like a bonding experience
by constantly reinforcing the pet’s positive behavior with
praise and rewards. It may take weeks to teach your pet
to easily accept brushing, so be patient. The first step is to
slowly and gently rub the outside of the pet’s teeth and gums
with your finger for as long as he or she will allow it. At first,
you may want to dip your finger in something tasty, such as
beef broth for your dog or tuna juice for your cat.
Once your pet accepts this, switch to rubbing the teeth
and gums with gauze wrapped around your finger, and
then gradually change to using a specially designed pet
toothbrush (or baby toothbrush) and some pet toothpaste.
Never use toothpaste that is meant for people, as it can upset
your pet’s stomach.
Healthy mouth
Tooth brushing should be
approached like a bonding
experience by constantly
reinforcing the pet’s positive
behavior with praise and
rewards
When you brush, focus on the gum line, working up to 30
seconds of brushing on each side of the mouth at least a few
times each week. Try to do this at a time when your pet is
feeling most comfortable; for instance, if he or she is most
at ease sitting in your lap, leave the toothbrush next to the
spot where you sit together, so that you can easily access it
during a quiet, peaceful moment. And remember, you can
always make the overall experience even more enjoyable by
rewarding the pet immediately following each session.
REDUCING PLAQUE
Some pets may not accept getting their teeth brushed – no
matter how relaxed the environment may be. Luckily, there
are other ways to reduce or possibly prevent plaque (and of
course, these methods can always be used in conjunction
with regular tooth brushing). Although there is no real
substitute for regular dental care, a diet consisting mainly of
dry food will help keep teeth and gums in good condition;
there are even special plaque-reducing foods, treats, and toys
that can help. The Seal of Acceptance from the Veterinary
Oral Health Council appears on products that meet defined
standards for plaque and tartar control in cats and dogs. Ask
your veterinarian for recommendations.
Proper dental care can have many long-term benefits for your
pet, and just a few minutes of brushing each week could help
your pet live a longer, healthier life, and keep both you and
your cat or dog smiling for many years to come.
Fall 2014 Page 9
A Little TLC Goes a Long Way
As our pets age, their well-being tends to become a priority
so that we can keep them healthy and with us for as long as
possible. As pet owners, we tend to become more cognizant
of the health status of our pets as they age, but in reality,
we should be paying close attention to our pets’ health
throughout their entire lifetimes.
Animals of all ages are surrendered to the Society, and their
conditions vary. Dental cleanings, amputations, hernias,
kidney stones, broken bones, severe matting of fur, flea
bites, etc. are all issues that need medical attention. It is our
responsibility to care for these animals in need, so that they
can reach their full potential (health-wise and behaviorally)
and find their forever homes. In order to help all these
animals, we turn to our Dr. Lester Fisher Veterinary Care
Fund, established to help meet extraordinary medical needs
of animals cared for by our veterinarians.
A Little TLC Goes a Long Way
Dr. Fisher is widely recognized as a pioneer in humane and
comprehensive health care for all animals, large and small. He
helped establish modern standards for veterinary medicine in
zoos by carefully recording and compiling information from
zoos around the country. He also had a hand in developing the
“squeeze cage,” to restrain large animals for examination with
minimal stress. Since 1956, Dr. Fisher has been actively involved
in pursuing the mission of The Anti-Cruelty Society by serving
on the Board of Directors. He was elected an honorary board
member in 1985.
Each animal that enters our facility is automatically given a full
veterinary exam, spayed or neutered, implanted with a microchip
and given a heartworm or feline leukemia test, as well as receiving
food, water, and daily loving care. The Dr. Lester Fisher Veterinary
Care Fund covers additional, sometimes extensive, medical procedures, such as dental care, repair of fractures, treatment of abused
or neglected animals, and much more.
Francis, a 3-year-old domestic shorthair mix, is a great example of
why the Fisher Fund is so essential. Francis was surrendered to us
in May 2014 when his owner could no longer afford him. After his
medical exam, it was determined that he had several loose teeth
and was in dire need of a dental cleaning. Dental issues are quite
common among felines and it is important to keep up with your
cat’s dental needs. You can learn more about the side effects of
neglected dental work on page 8.
After Francis’ teeth cleaning and extractions – which were able
to be performed thanks to the Fisher Fund – he was feeling like
himself again! While in our shelter, he proved himself to be a calm,
gentle, and laid-back sort of guy who loved nothing more than just
hanging out with human friends who would stop by to visit. We are
happy to say that Francis found his perfect match in July when his
new friend, Jordan, adopted him! Francis is now happily living in a
home where he will enjoy the rest of his life.
If you would like to learn more about the animals helped via the
Fisher Fund, or would like to donate to help cover the medical
needs of our animals, visit www.anticruelty.org.
Fall 2014 Page 11
Knitters for Critters
Gene rous
volu nteer s
are helpi ng
the Society’s
cats and dogs
find happiness:
One stitch
at a time!
K n it t e r s
for Crit t e rs
Photo: Meghan Coen
Knitters for Critters
“By knitting
for one of the
critters at
The SOCIETY, I send
a little warmth
and love...”
The new Knitters for Critters program is a fun opportunity for
crafty people who are looking to help a shelter pet. Using basic
knitting or crochet skills, volunteers in this program create
blankets, toys, and other enrichment items for cats and dogs – and
all from the comfort of their own homes!
Clara Orban, who joined the Knitters for Critters team in late
2013, has been busy this season, not only crafting blankets and
toys for shelter pets, but also leading the way in recruiting other
people in the community to take part.
“I had been volunteering at other organizations for more than
a decade, but had always been a big supporter of the Society.
I wanted to start volunteering, but wasn’t sure where or how.
When I discovered the sewing group, and heard that they were
looking to start a knitting circle, I realized that would be a great
way to begin volunteering. With Knitters for Critters, knitters can
make something for cats or dogs from their own supplies. It’s a
great way to enjoy crafting and make a cat or dog feel at home
while waiting to be adopted. I love working on these projects;
I think I’m up to my seventh dog blanket now. By knitting for one
of the critters at The Anti-Cruelty Society, I send a little warmth
and love to a furry friend.”
The Knitters for Critters project is a great opportunity for groups
or individuals looking for an easy way to impact a cat or dog’s
stay at the shelter. If you’re interested in creating a set of items
to donate to the shelter, would like to start your own Knitters
for Critters group on our behalf, or have supplies like yarn
and needles that you’d like to donate, get in touch with us! We
have starter kits available as well as an ever-growing set of preapproved project instructions that we can send your way. Details
about starting a project or group can be found on our website at
www.anticruelty.org/ways-to-get-involved.
Fall 2014 Page 13
Living
the
Shelter
Life
The summer of 2014 was both exciting and busy at the Society.
Our participation in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge
inspired a number of new promotional endeavors and events that
caught the public’s attention and helped save the lives of more
animals than we adopted last summer. Fortunately, the Society
got some help during this busy season from five enthusiastic and
hard-working high school students who worked here as interns
for 6 weeks thanks to a grant from After School Matters.
In order to help them receive a well-rounded education about
day-to-day life in an animal shelter – and to provide assistance to
all of our busiest departments over the summer – the five interns
were placed into three different positions. Carly, a senior at Jones
College Prep, and Andrea, a junior at Lane Technical College Prep,
worked in the shelter; Olivia, a recent graduate of Lincoln Park
High School, served as the Communications intern; and Kirstin,
a senior at Nazareth Academy, and Lisa, a junior at Jones College
Prep, lent their efforts to the Humane Education Department.
Most of the interns had previous experience with the Society
as participants in “Exploring The Link,” the anti-violence after
school program for teenagers. These students initially joined the
program because of their passion for animals, and that experience
piqued their interest to continue to explore this line of work.
“I applied for the internship because I really enjoyed the After
School Program and was curious about what the staff members
do at The Anti-Cruelty Society,” explained Lisa, who eventually
wants to study veterinary medicine.
Adding to that sentiment, Carly expressed an eagerness for
experience. “The Anti-Cruelty Society offered the opportunity to
explore the inner workings of one of the largest and most renowned
animal shelters I have ever come across. I have been volunteering with
a different shelter for several years, but gaining another perspective of
the shelter experience was very exciting to me,” she said.
The students were motivated to apply for this internship for different reasons that are nearly as diverse as the many departments
within The Anti-Cruelty Society. Carly plans on working with
animals and is currently interested in pursuing a degree in animal
science. On the other hand, Kirstin is interested in pursuing
a career as a special education teacher, while Olivia is interested
in getting experience working for a large-scale non-profit,
as she intends to work for a human rights-focused organization
after college.
The interns also frequently worked together to complete projects
that would benefit the entire shelter, such as a series of videos
on kitten behavior or making crafts for the Society’s Star Wars
Day promotion. In addition, they did a lot to help out in their
respective departments. For example, Lisa and Kirsten, working
in the Humane Education Department, saw themselves quickly
promoted to not only assisting, but actually leading a significant
number of the different off-site summer camp programs for
youngsters of various ages.
Reflecting on her first time leading one of those programs, Lisa
said, “I felt very nervous, and it was reflected in my performance,
seeing as the children reacted to whatever you put in. Put little
in, get nothing out. Afterward our supervisor provided feedback
on what we could have done and how to improve for next time.
We also met another young lady who gave us tips, and after that
I feel my presentation skills improved substantially. The knowledge
and practice I gained in public speaking will always be helpful
in both classroom and work settings.”
As the Communications intern, Olivia wrote blogs for the Society’s
website, and as shelter interns, Carly and Andrea were thrown
right into the day-to-day realities of working with hundreds of
cats and dogs, including occasionally having to clean “poopcovered laundry.”
“Even though I had a lot of shelter experience coming into the
program, the grand scale of The Anti-Cruelty Society’s operations
brought to mind the proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’”
said Carly. “In this case, however, it is not a child, but a cat, dog, or
even a rabbit or guinea pig. Every person in the shelter contributes
to every animal’s path to a new home. From the shelter personnel
to the clinic staff, the maintenance crew to the public relations
team, behavior and training staff to the dedicated volunteers,
everyone plays a part. It’s very inspiring to watch that taking
place, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.”
The program gave the interns a chance to learn what it means
to work in an animal shelter through invaluable real-life
experiences that they would not have been exposed to otherwise.
However, the interns also helped out all over the shelter during
a very busy summer season – learning by actively assisting in
work and projects – which was greatly appreciated by the staff.
Not only did the Society get a few extra helping hands this
summer, but we also got the chance to begin training the next
generation of animal welfare advocates.
Fall 2014 Page 15
Challenge: Accepted
Challenge:D
E
T
P
E
C
C
A
Challenge: Accepted
It’s been quite the summer at The Anti-Cruelty Society. Our
participation in the ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge has
been both exhausting and exhilarating for all our staff and
volunteers, who have been working tirelessly since June 1 to help
us meet our goal of finding forever homes for more cats and dogs
than we did last summer—a goal that we were able to surpass with
flying colors.
New Summer Looks at The Anti-Cruelty Society
At the beginning of the summer, we introduced our mascots,
Grand and LaSalle to the community. Their “marriage” on June 1
launched our first adoption promotion celebrating weddings.
They have since been seen on the streets of Chicago promoting
adoptions and voting during the Challenge.
Beyond saving the lives of so many animals, a notable part of
the Society’s participation in the Challenge has been the wide
array of new events and promotional campaigns that we have
undertaken in the last few months in order to drum up support
and find homes for as many cats and dogs as possible. Of course,
as tends to happen, some of these endeavors were more successful
than others, but all of them were met with great excitement and
enthusiasm from the Society’s staff and dedicated volunteers.
Many of the new programs launched this summer will be
continued after the Challenge. This includes our new Foster to
Forever program, which gives long-term shelter residents the
chance to live with volunteer foster families in order to meet
potential adopters outside the shelter environment. Likewise, our
Virtual Foster program will also continue, allowing social mediasavvy animal lovers from all over to “foster” a shelter cat or dog
by sharing photos and information about the pet on their favorite
social media sites.
“Our 500+ volunteers truly went above and beyond this summer,
helping with everything from special events and community
outreach to dog walking and cat socialization. Our team of
dedicated shelter helpers were key to our success,” said Lydia
Krupinski, Director of Volunteer Services.
Another big hit during the Challenge was the introduction of the
“Adopt Me” vests that were put on Foster to Forever dogs and shelter
dogs any time they were out and getting some exercise. These
vests helped identify the dogs as available for adoption and were
Fall 2014 Page 17
Challenge: Accepted
especially handy in drawing attention
to another new shelter initiative that
will likely be sticking around (weather
permitting): Puppy Parades! During
the month of August, teams of staff and
volunteers reached out to a wide array
of local River North businesses to act
as destination sites. Teams, along with
adoptable dogs, would walk through
the neighborhood and garner attention
for all the great companion animals
available back at the shelter.
And finally, although it took some
trial and error, the Society was able
to find just the right promotions to
bring people in the door and break
all previous adoption records. Early
in the summer our staff organized
various off-site adoption events and
coupon promotions (including offering
a Groupon for half-off adoptions and
handing out coupons at the Chicago
PRIDE Parade) that returned less-than-
stellar results. However, on the weekend
of July 11–13, the Society lowered
the adoption fee for adult cats to just
$1 in its “One for the Purrfect One”
campaign. By the end of the weekend,
74 cats had found new homes.
The success of the 1 dollar “CATpaign”
inspired everyone to go one step further,
and on August 22 and 23, every animal
in the shelter had his or her adoption
fee completely waived, although we still
performed standard adoption screenings.
It’s safe to say that although everyone
was expecting it to be busy, no one was
prepared for what happened. For two
days straight, the shelter was completely
crowded with potential adopters, staff
members, and volunteers. By the end of
the weekend (including Sunday, August
24), 157 cats and dogs (plus a few rats
and guinea pigs) found new homes,
compared to just 43 during the same
weekend last year.
Challenge: Accepted
David Dinger, Vice President of Operations,
had this to say about the event, “You just knew
something wonderful was happening when,
in spite of all the extra effort and hard work
by everyone, there were giant smiles, high
fives, and laughter all day long. It was truly
exhilarating!”
Howdy, Partner
Outreach is another important part of what
we do at The Anti-Cruelty Society, and the
Challenge presented us with a great opportunity
to take the initiative to reach out to local
businesses and form new partnerships that can
continue to grow long after the competition is
over. The Humane Education Department –
in conjunction with Volunteer Services – has
hosted a number of corporate volunteer groups
for one-day volunteer sessions, including
Google, Allstate, and Salesforce, many of which
have continued to help after their day of service
by assisting the Society in getting out the vote
on Facebook during the Challenge.
For the Puppy Parades, the Society teamed
with local businesses and organizations like
MB Financial Bank on Ontario St., Chosen
Model Management, and Open Books, using
their locations as stopping points for the
parade to allow their employees, as well as
curious passers-by, to stop and meet the dogs
while they rested. Going one step beyond that,
Groupon actually allowed the Society to hold
an adoption event right in the lobby of its office
building on Chicago Ave.
Needless to say, it’s certainly been a summer
to remember here at The Anti-Cruelty Society.
We tried to find many new ways to increase
adoptions, most of which were successful. Of
course, none of it would have been possible
without the hard work and focus displayed
by everyone involved, from shelter staff to
volunteers to our many corporate partners, new
and old. Although we won’t have the official
contest results until October 7, we already feel
like winners! The summer of 2014 will likely
be looked upon as a significant time in the
Society’s history, for all of the reasons outlined
above, but most importantly, because we were
able to find homes for so many animals and
make a real, positive impact on our community.
FOSTER
TO
FOREVER
The Anti-Cruelty Society has developed the new Foster to Forever Program as an
innovative way to find long-term animals their forever homes. This groundbreaking
project, which was modeled on the ASPCA’s Adoption Ambassadors endeavor,
empowers Society foster parents to recruit, screen, and adopt shelter pets straight
from their care, creating a seamless transition between the foster and permanent
family.
Animals that enter the Foster to Forever program are 100% adoption-ready.
Vaccinated, altered, and temperament assessed, these are cats and dogs who are
already adoption-approved. All they need is a family or individual willing to
house them while we work together to secure them a permanent home.
Not only is the Foster to Forever program an inventive way to place available
animals, it’s also a great opportunity for people interested in fostering who are
not yet ready to make the leap into caring for sick or under-age pets.
Foster to Forever volunteers are provided with medical and behavioral support
directly through the Society, as well as a customized media package for each
animal who enters their care. With posters, business cards, and a social media
strategy created to help in each pet’s promotion, the foster caretakers have the
support needed to successfully find an adoptive home for their current charge in
4 weeks or less.
For more information about the Foster to Forever program, or the foster team,
visit our website at www.anticruelty.org/ways-to-get-involved.
Fall 2014 Page 19
Oldie but Goodie
It takes a special
person to adopt
an elderly animal,
and Patty Mills is a
wonderful example
of such a person.
Thousands of animals come through the doors of The Anti-Cruelty Society
each year. Since we are open-admission and take in any animal in need, we
greet a wide variety of animals that arrive at different stages of their lives.
We encounter healthy animals, sick animals, very young animals, energetic
animals, shy animals, and elderly animals. Our job is to rehabilitate these cats
and dogs – behaviorally and medically – in order to prepare them for adoption.
Many times, elderly animals (older than 7 years) will spend a longer time in
our shelter waiting for their forever homes, simply because they are not spry
young pups or kittens. The truth is that elderly animals make some of the best
companions. Although we may not know our older animals’ history, our focus
remains on their futures and where they can live the rest of their lives. It takes
a special person to adopt an elderly animal, and Patty Mills is a wonderful
example of such a person. And Oliver, an 8-year-old Labrador retriever mix,
is a perfect example of why elderly animals make great companions.
Photos: Emily Dullum
Oldie but Goodie
Oldie but Goodie
Oliver was transferred to the Society in October of 2013 via the
PetSmart Charities® Rescue Waggin’®. He came from a Tennessee
shelter with minimal information regarding his history. All that
we could tell was that he was a sweet, mild-mannered dog who
loved to lean on humans for attention. Upon his arrival, Oliver
was examined by one our veterinarians. It was determined that he
had arthritis and significant enamel wear on almost all his teeth.
In order to alleviate his pain and prepare Oliver for adoption, our
medical team removed ten of his teeth.
A couple weeks after Oliver healed from surgery, Patty, a human
resources director at The Fountains at Crystal Lake senior community, came to the Society wanting to adopt a dog that she
could take to work with her every day. This dog had to be special,
because he would be in charge of bringing a smile to the faces of
the community’s senior residents. As a senior dog himself, Oliver
fit the bill perfectly!
Each day, Oliver arrives with Patty at the retirement home and
picks up the treats that three of the residents leave for him outside
their doors. He then goes and sits with Patty as she does her daily
duties up until lunch, when he gets to walk around and say hello to
everyone. He even provides inspiration for the residents who are a
part of the community’s Knitters for Critters club (read more about
that on page 12)! One big job for Oliver is going into the Alzheimer’s
wing. Many times, his presence has inspired emotional reactions
in people, and it is said that he tends to bring out the best in those
suffering from the disease. When he is able to get certain people
who would otherwise stay quiet to open up and talk, it makes
everyone understand and appreciate why Oliver has become a
permanent resident at The Fountains. The impact that animals have
on the human spirit is truly inspiring, and Oliver has the pleasure
of making an impact on people each and every day.
As a senior dog with many health issues, we know that Oliver
had a rough upbringing. We thank Patty for opening her heart
and home to a very special senior animal in need. In the ten short
months that she has had him, he has touched so many people in
this world!
To see all of our animals available for adoption, from puppies to
seniors, visit our website at www.anticruelty.org.
Fall 2014 Page 21
Thank You
Thank You for Supporting
We want to say thank you to our wonderful donors for generously
supporting The Anti-Cruelty Society. We are so fortunate to have
each and every one of you as partners in our important work. You
belong to a strong, committed group of individuals, corporations,
and foundations that choose to make gifts to support our animals
and programs on an annual basis. Your generosity contributes
greatly to our ability to cover our expenses, which totals more
than $7.1 million for this year.
There is no question that The Anti-Cruelty Society has outstanding
support from the community! We were curious about why you
contribute to us, so we asked that question in a recent survey.
Here’s what we discovered:
• You care about and love animals and want to help them find
loving homes.
• You want to help reduce animal overpopulation.
• You like to keep your contributions in your community.
• You trust that the Society uses your gifts effectively.
• You support the fact that no animal is ever turned away.
• You appreciate the active role the Society plays in the
community.
• You were previous adopters or employees.
Many of you shared personal stories about how the Society
impacted you, including one person who surrendered a cat 40
years ago and contributes now in order to help others faced with
similar situations.
Thank You
Without your support, we simply would not
be able to do the important work that we do!
Your gifts make it possible for us to serve more
than 50,000 animals and families annually
through adoption services, humane education
and community outreach programs, our low
income veterinary clinic, affordable spay/
neuter services, and cruelty investigations and
rescue. Your gifts also support the trainers and
behaviorists who work with our shelter animals,
operate a free behavior hotline for concerned
pet owners, and oversee the SAFE (Short-Term
Accommodations for Emergencies) program
for pet owners in crisis situations who are in
need of short term support.
As a comprehensive animal welfare organization, The Anti-Cruelty Society meets the
needs, and often exceeds the expectations, of
both the animals and people in the Chicago
community. We are so much more than just
a shelter.
With your partnership, we are able to provide
much needed support for our animals awaiting
their forever homes, and have a positive impact
on the people who adopt them, including
animals like Hunter and Kat, whose stories are
featured on this page.
Hunter
Alexia shared her story about adopting Hunter from The Anti-Cruelty Society.
“Earlier this summer, I decided I wanted to rescue a dog. I’ve suffered from OCD
my whole life, and now that I’m 24 and have just purchased my first home, I thought
a dog would help me. I ended up rescuing a 13-week-old shepherd mix from the
Society. Hunter has made such a wonderful impact on my life, and my OCD and
anxiety have reduced tremendously. We are doing puppy training classes and puppy
play dates, and he has made me so happy. Never did I think a dog could save me.”
Kat
In closing, we would once again like to express
our sincere gratitude for your support. Thank
you so much for:
• Taking the time to open, read, and respond
to the cards and letters that we send to share
our latest stories.
• Attending an event, hosting a supply drive,
and all of the other ways you support us.
• Your generosity and for each gift you make,
as we know these gifts come from your heart.
• Supporting our mission.
• And most of all, for caring for our animals
and helping us find their forever homes.
We look forward to our continued partnership
over the coming years.
If you have any questions, or would like further
information about The Anti-Cruelty Society,
please contact the Development Department at
(312) 645-8036.
Kat is a beautiful 6-year-old who was surrendered to The Anti-Cruelty Society
when her owners moved and could not keep her. After being at the shelter for
several months, we noticed that Kat was declining in sociability, not eating, and
beginning to lose weight. These signs indicated that the stress of the shelter was
affecting her well-being, so she was chosen for a vacation from the shelter and
went to a foster home.
Kat made incredible strides and really blossomed in her new environment.
Her appetite improved dramatically, and she began to gain weight. Her foster
parents learned that Kat loves to play with dangly toys, chasing the toys and
happily rolling around the floor with them. She also enjoys catnip nibblers, and
chewing on them keeps her content for quite some time.
We’re pleased to share that Kat’s story has a happy ending. After spending time
with her foster family, they fell in love with her and kept her as their very own cat.
These are known as “foster failures,” and we think they’re great!
Thanks to your support, Kat, Hunter, and thousands of other cats and dogs are
able to get the extra special care they so deserve while they wait to be adopted.
Fall 2014 Page 23
We are
The Anti-Cruelty Society is a community
of businesses, classrooms, partner
organizations, families, and individuals
who actively care for the welfare of animals.
We are a community of caring.
We want to celebrate this community
through the stories told by you. Please tell
us how the Society has impacted YOUR life.
Please share your stories and photos
with us at: pr@anticruelty.org

to read the Fall 2014 issue - Anti

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