 Celebrate Happy Cat Month and Responsible Dog Owner month this September with one word: enrichment.
Enrichment is a fancy word for letting our pets *be* pets. Let your cat do cat stuff and let your dog do dog stuff. Think of all the things your pets love to do - especially those hobbies that drive you insane:
- Chew
- Scratch
- Steal food
- Dig
Our pets do these sometimes cute, sometimes annoying things to satisfy natural instincts. By providing outlets, you'll reduce undesired behaviors. Think of it like providing your kids with an art set so they don't "redecorate" the living room walls.
Enrichment can engage the mind and body and is important throughout a pet's life. After a fully enriching day, a pet can then relax allowing *you* to relax as well. Try out a new enrichment activity today. It's sure to put a smile on everyone's faces!
 Find additional enrichment ideas and resources online for cats and dogs.
Harper Appel, Animal Caretaker I
DCAS is pleased to welcome our newest Animal Caretaker I: Harper Appel. Originally from Palatine, Harper moved to Colorado to attend college majoring in Biology, focusing on zoo and aquarium management. Their passion for wildlife and all the fascinating parts of nature are showcased in their favorite animal: the spotted hyena. Harper’s previous animal experience includes the Cosley Zoo and wildlife rehabilitation at Willowbrook Wildlife Center. Having primarily worked with wild or farm animals in the past, Harper is excited to take a different track with the shelter pets at DCAS. “There’s so much to do in community shelters,” Harper said. They are especially excited to work with the community, making sure the people and pets in DuPage County are living their best possible lives.
Outside of work, Harper can still be found exploring the wonders of nature either hiking or horseback riding, or creating their own wonders through mixed media art. At home, Harper enjoys spending time with dog Echo and cat Paladin (named after their and their father’s favorite western character). Harper prides themselves on their attention to detail – much to the embarrassment of National Geographic. In high school, Harper discovered an error in the National Geographic Periodic Table poster. We know Harper will use those powers of observation to benefit the pets at the shelter and explore their passion for helping all members of the community: whether they walk, fly, slither, or swim!
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Jillian Boyle, Foundation Coordinator
Transitioning from volunteer with DuPage Animal Friends (DAF) to Foundation Coordinator, Jillian Boyle is thrilled to join the DCAS team. Originally from Downers Grove, she attended college and taught Kindergarten in Kansas City. After a few years rooting for the Chiefs, which is apparently an unbreakable habit, Jillian moved back to the area to be closer to friends and family. Jillian did leave one true love behind in KC – and his name isn’t Kelce - her roommate’s cat Otis (pictured here), “the best cat ever.” Challenge accepted.
Moving into the corporate word, Jillian missed the passion she felt in her previous career and began looking for opportunities to give back to the community. A huge animal fan, she decided to spend her free time helping homeless pets. She made a big impression with her work on the Raise the Woof Gala and Giving DuPage Days helping DAF reach their fundraising goals. DCAS will now get to benefit from her organizational skills full time! Outside of work, Jillian can be found spending time with her family and friends, traveling, building her baking skills, and going to country music concerts.
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Guinea pigs and rabbits need full, enriching lives as well. There are so many options to give our littlest friends ways to explore and engage. DIY puzzle toys made from leftover paper tubes means your trash becomes their treasure. Even human toys, like toddler stacking cups, can be wonderfully repurposed. Click adoptable Root Beer’s photo to watch a video of him mastering the stacking cup puzzle.
We have some unique opportunities to provide enrichment for the pets waiting at the shelter for their forever homes. Root Beer got to visit a preschool over the summer to teach children about how to safely handle animals. He was particularly taken with the classroom’s full-length mirror and the incredibly handsome boy he spotted in it. But even the best enrichment a shelter can provide is no match for a loving family and home to call his own.
Root Beer would thrive in a home that could provide room to roam. He’s an adventurous, intelligent boy who is incredibly food motivated. Are you looking for your next agility partner? Someone who can leap small couches in a single bound? Root Beer is bound to sweeten the life of any family!!
Fill out an adoption application to meet him today!
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 DuPage County Animal Services loves to go out into the community to meet the residents - both people and pets! Find us at these upcoming community events:
See you there!!
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