11-year-old Bailey was surrendered to the shelter in September when his owner could no longer provide the care he needed. A real laid-back dude, Bailey took this change in stride and would have been quickly made available for adoption except he was covered in dozens of benign growths that were irritating him. So first he underwent two surgical procedures to remove them. Bailey also had bloodwork done which sadly showed that he is in the beginning stages of kidney failure and likely has Cushings Disease, a prognosis which means that his time is likely limited.
At this point a call went out for a special adopter that could provide Bailey with a loving hospice home and fill his life, however long or short that may be, with joy. On November 8th our call for help was answered and Bailey was adopted by an amazing couple! Since being adopted Bailey has gotten a bath, a whole new wardrobe, and has been spending time with his people following them everywhere that they go!
Bailey will be spending his first Christmas with his new family and it will be a merry one for sure! Thinking of adopting yourself? Be sure to take a look at the old ones, the ones with health issues, the ones that need you most. Their time may be short but, as Bailey's family can verify, full of love and happiness!
Merry Christmas Bailey!
Santa Paws is coming to town and he's bringing great deals with him! All 5 dogs have found their Home For The Holidays but there are plenty of cats with their paws crossed that they will be spending Christmas in their new home! The next 6 cats to be adopted will have their adoption fees reduced to just $25 including microchip registration! Give the gift of love, adopt today!
Let's get these pets HO-HO-Home For The Holidays!
Adoption hours are:
Monday & Thursday: 2-6:30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday: 12:30-4pm
Saturday: 11-2:30pm
Meet all adoptable pets at: bit.ly/DCASadoptables
 It’s the most wonderful time of the year and many people want to celebrate the season of giving by surprising a loved one with the pet of their dreams! As there are millions of homeless pets living in animal shelters across the country this time of year, what sounds like a dream for animal adoption agencies can actually be a source of stress. Many shelters will even place a moratorium on adoptions in the weeks and days leading up to Christmas. This baffles many adopters. Why would an agency whose goal is to find homes for homeless pets make such a decision?
First, we would like to applaud you for thinking adoption first.
Why would an agency discourage adopting a pet as a surprise gift? The reason is that bringing a pet home requires a considerable amount of preparation to ensure the animal’s safe and successful integration into their new home and new family. Why?...
Pets are creatures of habit. Change is hard. And it is especially hard on an animal whose life has already been turned upside down. And for those that have been living in a stressful environment for weeks, sometimes months. Our pets crave what's familiar - people, places, sounds, smells and even schedules. We humans love spontaneity. Our animal friends however, prefer things to be much more predictable.
New people and places can sometimes be scary or stressful. Let’s face it. We’re not all extroverts always looking for the next party. The same is true of our animal friends. The first few days and weeks that an animal is in their new home are best spent bonding with immediate family members. Taking the time to build this bond builds trust and strengthens an animal’s confidence. A slow transition is an especially important step for a somewhat shy or fearful animal. Skipping this step can often set a new pet up for failure. These important first few days are not the best time to introduce a new pet to the entire extended family – especially Aunt Matilda who wears way too much perfume. Not to mention the scary dude in the fuzzy red suit with the excessive facial hair who Ho-Ho-Ho’s a lot. After all, who doesn’t get just a little anxious about holiday family gatherings? You may have to grin in bear it, but your pet doesn't have to.
Don’t “wing it”. Like welcoming home a new baby, bringing home a new pet requires a lot of research, forethought, supplies and planning. You wouldn’t dream of bringing home that new bundle of joy without first stocking up on a crib, bottles, diapers, blankets, and all that baby needs from the moment it arrives. Or head into the delivery room without first gaining the knowledge that a dozen doctor’s appointments, Lamaze classes, and books have provided. For the same reasons you wouldn’t want to “wing it” with a new baby, you also don’t want to “wing it” with a new pet.
Some people simply don’t like surprises. Many shelters, DCAS included, experience a high number of surrendered pets following the holidays because the recipient wasn’t prepared for a pet, or the pet and new owner were simply not a good match. There is joy in excitedly preparing for the arrival of a new pet. There is even more joy in playing an active part in saving an animal’s life and giving that animal his or her “Freedom Ride”. THAT is a gift worth waiting for.
All that being said, the holidays CAN be a WONDERFUL time of year to welcome home a new four-legged friend when done properly…
Time off work. The holidays often provide us with more free time to help an animal make the gradual transition from shelter life into your family’s routine before heading back to work. And it provides you with some extra quality time to bond with your new pet.
Gift Cards! With all those gift cards you receive at Christmas you can take your new pet on the shopping spree of their DREAMS!
Tis’ the season for giving. And there are few greater gifts than saving the life of an animal in need.
DCAS is all for giving a loved one the gift of a furry best friend as long as it is done responsibly. Instead of surprising a friend of family member with a live pet, give the promise of a new pet. We'll help you do just that. Now through December 22nd, stop by the DCAS shelter to pick up an Adoption Gift Certificate and gift box to place under the tree for your loved one. Then return with the recipient after the holidays to let them pick out the perfect furry friend for them.
There’s no better way to ensure that your gift won’t be returned!
Fine Print: DCAS Adoption Gift Certificates possess no monetary value and does not imply a pre-paid adoption fee. There is no charge for a DCAS Adoption Gift Certificate. Adoption fees must be paid at the time an adoption is finalized.
To view adoptable animals please visit: bit.ly/DCASadoptables
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Dear Santa Paws,
My name is Stella and I have been the goodest girl this year. Well there was this one cat chasing incident, but I say he was asking for it! I've been at the animal shelter for 2 MONTHS and I would really, really like a home of my own! This year for Christmas I am asking for the greatest gift in the world, a family of my own that will make me the center of their world (no other pets please!) I know this is a lot to ask for but Santa Paws please make my wish come true! I have so much love to give!
Love & Licks,
Stella
Learn more about adoptable Stella at: bit.ly/StellasChristmasWish
Help DCAS staff make Christmas merrier for the shelter animals! The animals at DCAS heard that Santa Paws was coming to town and put together a Christmas wish list of items that can keep them happy and engaged while they wait for the ultimate gift of a loving home. Spread some holiday cheer and brighten the lives of the shelter pets at DCAS! No coal please! Only the goodest of boys and girls are here!
Give the gift that gives back! Shop Amazon Smile and a percentage will be donated back to DuPage Animal Friends!
Interested in giving the gift of a home to a homeless pet this holiday? View the amazing adoptables at DCAS here: bit.ly/DCASadoptables.
The holiday season is a hectic time of year. Halls are being decked, bells are being jingled, and family is coming to town. We all want our pets to partake in the festivities but the holidays can be stressful and potentially dangerous to our furry family members. Use these tips to help you pets enjoy a safe and merry holiday with you!
For more information please visit the ASPCA website.
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Does your child love animals? Do they want to be actively involved in helping animals but are too young to volunteer? Fur Buddies might be the right fit for them! Kids will leave Fur Buddies with a strong understanding of responsible pet care, animal safety, animal behavior, and will feel empowered to make the world a better place!
Registration information can be found at: https://www.dupageco.org/AnimalServices/Programs/
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Starting January 2019 DCAS will be rolling out Pages & Purrs, an adult book club for animal lovers!
Join fellow animal lovers for a delightful evening of book discussion and mingling with adoptable shelter pets! Snacks and beverages will be provided. Feel free to bring your own treat and non-alcoholic beverage for yourself or enough to share!
Pages & Purrs will be held the second Wednesday of select months from 6:30-7:30 at DuPage County Animal Services. There is no registration fee for Pages & Purrs, an in-kind donation from the shelter wish list would be appreciated!
Visit: https://www.dupageco.org/AnimalServices/Programs/ for the reading list and RSVP on Facebook, the shelter can accommodate 12 participants. We can't wait to see you!
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December 24th- the shelter will be closed in observance of Christmas Eve
December 25th- the shelter will be closed in observance of Christmas
December 31st- the shelter will close early (4:30pm) in observance of New Year's Eve
January 1st- the shelter will be closed in observance of New Year's Day
January 9th- first meeting of Pages & Purrs Book Club
Januray 15th- first meeting of Fur Buddies
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