 Click on the image for more details
Reflecting on the past year, my initial reaction is…WOW! Much of the beginning of the year was filled with planning. With the feedback from our staff, we designed the interior and exterior of our $275,000 specialty veterinary vehicle (generously donated through a grant) and prepared for its arrival in mid-June. Our focus for its initial use was to curb the County’s cat overpopulation and, by November 1st, 299 animals - most of them feral cats - were spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and more on the vehicle. The community also welcomed the vehicle at a variety of festivals, parades and it was featured on ABC, NBC, Naperville’s NCTV17, etc.
2018 also brought our highest rate of animal lives saved…just over 84% (compared to 76.58% for 2017). We are incredibly proud and will continue to save as many lives as possible, while keeping public safety a high priority. We receive many pets who lack care, including a lack of veterinary care, or are at their life’s expectancy, and it’s only through the hard work and compassion of our staff, DuPage Animal Friends, volunteers, rescue partners, and donors that we are able to give so many pets a second chance at life.
The year also welcomed DuPage County Animal Services’ new name and logo which reflects our renewed effort to save the lives of animals (all animals), and our renewed effort to be a resource for and of service to our community. Really there are too many other projects and initiatives to list (some of them are mentioned further in the newsletter)…so we welcome visitors and our County Board members (new and existing) to drop in for a tour of the shelter and learn about all our new programs.
Dr. Barbara Hanek, DVM
 Click on Brandi's photo to watch Snow Days with Brandi!
And there's a girl in this Midwest town and she works layin' down (good dog!). They say Brandi, fetch another round. She serves tennis balls just fine! Brandi, you're a fine girl! What a good pet you would be! So come on a winter's day. Bring gifts (treats!) from far away. Make it clear at the shelter Brandi shouldn't stay. Your place is her home!
Brandi came to DCAS as a stray and shelter staff learned that this poor girl had been passed around 5 different homes before finding herself alone as a stray. A truly spectacular dog Brandi has become a staff and volunteer favorite at the shelter and has become the go to pooch to bring out to assist with after school programs and scout tours. Despite how wonderful she is Brandi has been waiting for 2 MONTHS to find her home, possibly because Brandi needs to be the only animal in the home (but she promises to give you all the love you can handle!). Can you see what a good dog she could be? Make her a part of your family!
Please visit: bit.ly/DCASadoptables for more information on Brandi and the adoption process.
 Click on Raymonds photo to see a playtime video!
The story of Raymond: How an adoption dog became an urgent dog; and a plea for help.
What can we say about Raymond? He arrived at the shelter on 11/28/18. Our first assessments were that he was just a giant goofy boy who had had no training and had clearly learned that rough-housing was fun. He passed his evaluation and everyone loved him. He is a gorgeous dog and SUPER dog friendly with big and small dogs alike. He was cat tested and we think that with some management that could work. Raymond was neutered and became available for adoption.
THEN, shelter stress kicked in. We know that the stress of kenneling effects different dogs in different ways and with Raymond it wasn’t good. Despite the fact that he can settle nicely in his kennel, it was clear that stress was taking its toll. Raymond, the social butterfly could no longer contain himself or act appropriately when interacting with people. When meeting new people he lost it; not knowing what to do with himself and with all his excitement he started humping people, jumping on people and mouthing. His mouthing was at a glove, or a coat or whatever he could get his mouth on.
An urgent meeting was set up with our trainer. What can we do? How can we help him? We needed some guidance. At that point it was decided that Raymond would no longer be available for adoption. He is too overstimulated and could not handle the meet and greets. His only hope out would be for rescue placement. He needs a foster home where he has time to decompress and let the real Raymond come out. An urgent plea with a deadline was sent out.
Additionally guidelines were established addressing how volunteers should work with Raymond. He needed to work on Relaxation Protocol and calming activities that would engage his brain like puzzles, scent work and nose work. DCAS Orange Paw volunteers rallied around him. He also was started on medications. Quickly we started to see improvement and week by week we hear that he is improving. Now that he is acting calmer and making better choices we have introduced exercises to work on greetings and meeting new people.
Raymond is a work in progress. He is making great strides. We hope that there is someone who can save his life, someone who will give him the chance that he deserves. We believe that that person is out there. If you are interested in fostering for a rescue partner and saving Raymond email DCAS Foster & Rescue Coordinator, Dina at dina.schubert@dupageco.org who will provide more information on how/where to apply to foster Raymond.
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The next meeting of Pages & Purrs, an adult book club for animal enthusiasts hosted at DCAS will focus on Homer's Odyssey, a true story about a blind cat that taught his owner love isn't something you see with your eyes. Interested in joining? Click on the photo to go to the Facebook event page and information on how to register! |
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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!
Classes have already started but there is always room for more!
Registration information can be found at: https://www.dupageco.org/AnimalServices/Programs/
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To show our volunteers how much we love them and appreciate all of their hard work and compassion for the animals at the shelter DuPage Animal Services will be hosting a volunteer appreciation luncheon on February 16th. Volunteers will be treated to a delicious meal and get to hear all about the exciting new changes that are coming to DCAS!
We could not do what we do for the animals in DuPage County without the dedication and compassionate care provided by our amazing volunteers!
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Saturday, February 16th- DCAS volunteer appreciation luncheon
Monday, February 18th- DCAS will be closed in observance of President's Day
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