PRESTON'S STORY

A Husky mixed-breed, Preston wasn't among the approximately 1,100 dogs euthanized at Sangamon County Animal Control Center in 2008.  He was an Illinois Humane New Hope dog who was “pulled” from the “pound” after a stay of about 10 weeks. Many people who adopt from animal control facilities are looking for small dogs or young dogs, so Illinois Humane’s emphasis in selection is not only temperament but also the at-risk status of the dog. In this case, Preston was young, about 10 months old, but it was obvious he was going to be a very large dog, and he had no manners, jumping crazily on humans who gave him some attention. He would lunge against the wire kennel gate, drop quickly to the floor and then whirl in circles begging for attention. “Kennel crazy” is a term devised to refer to dogs like Preston!

Illinois Humane’s pound rescue program is known as its New Hope program. 

When Illinois Humane’s New Hope Coordinator Rose Hutches goes to an animal control facility to choose a dog, she is not looking for a cute dog or a pretty dog. She is looking for a dog she has reason to believe will be a safe dog in the adopter’s home. Preston met that criterion. Before she could pull him, however, she had to know that funds were available through Illinois Humane to pay for his shots, neutering, microchipping and housing. She took him outside and to a visiting room to temperament test him, which only served to confirm her initial impression that he had a great temperament and personality. Luckily, Jeanne, a new volunteer, came forward to provide a foster home, so that worry was taken care of.

After Rose  signed the necessary paperwork and took him in for veterinary care, Rose  delivered him to Jeanne’s house to see how her dogs accepted him. That went smoothly in spite of the age differences in her two dogs and Preston, the older, rambunctious puppy. 

Rose, along with other Illinois Humane volunteers, took Preston to Illinois Humane’s  weekly nursing home visits. Soon Preston’s foster mom was taking him to training classes to improve his leash-walking skills and to improve his chances of being adopted and staying adopted. Jeanne also worked with him at home, taking long walks to reinforce what was  learned in class.

Rose took him for Illinois Humane’s bi-weekly appearance on WDBR-FM’s “Find a Home Friday” and then on to Channel 20’s “Pet of the Week,” where he charmed everyone from the video photographer to the staff and visitors coming to the station. Jeanne began bringing Preston to Illinois Humane’s Sunday adoptions at local pet stores. It wasn’t long before Ashley came to an adoption and fell victim to this fellow’s charms. Ashley also owns three Chihuahuas, but she wanted a big dog to exercise and spend time with, too. She submitted an application that very day.

It is Illinois Humane’s policy to do a veterinarian reference check before acting on an application if the applicant has other animals. Rose called Ashley’s veterinarian the next day, and her record of care was excellent. Soon Jeanne and Rose were taking Preston with them to do a home visit. Illinois Humane is unique in the area in requiring a home visit prior to finalization of the adoption.

Rose questioned Ashley about how Preston would be cared for in her absence and how he would be exercised. Rose was particularly concerned about how Preston would be with the trio of much smaller dogs. Ashley had thought all this through and provided safety adjustments to her home. Rose and Jeanne examined the fenced back yard carefully, and the dogs were allowed to become acquainted. All went well. Jeanne filled Ashley in on Preston’s likes and dislikes, habits and quirks. Every report from Ashley since the adoption was finalized has been positive, and soon Rose will be going to do a follow-up visit. Rose can’t wait to see him again!

Rescuing dogs like Preston through the New Hope program has become Rose’s passion. Rose loves working with all of the Illinois Humane dogs, many of whom are with the organization because of other at-risk situations. Something about seeing that dog behind the gate and being able to take it out, getting to know it, temperament testing it and, finally, opening the kennel and leaving its “jail,” though, is where Rose finds her greatest fulfillment. Rose is limited in how many New Hope dogs she can save by the availability of housing (whether foster homes or reduced-cost boarding) and funds to pay for their medical care.

Rose hopes that you share with her the desire to continue to add to the 356 dogs already rescued via her work in pound rescue under sponsored New Hope programs. You can do that by being generous to Illinois Humane in this endeavor. Rose gives her heart to each of these dogs she sees released from probable death. Her greatest happiness is visiting them later and having them happy to see her, receiving e-mails or calls from their new moms and dads and sometimes getting photographs of them doing something cute or funny. She looks at them, often fat and sassy, with their beaming owners and knows that what she has done is significant. She hopes you see it as significant, too. 

CHLOE'S STORY

Chloe, surrendered to Sangamon County Animal Control by her previous owners due to a divorce, is a purebred Akita with a superb temperament.  Chloe had a couple of features that allowed her to be bypassed.  Her left rear foot is deformed and useless. She moves easily, appears to have no pain and veterinarians said it could have been congenital or from an earlier injury that had not been treated. Secondly, she is already six years old, and her tail stands straight out.  Her tail is more humorous than by any means otherwise problematic, but it is not attractive to a breed purist.  A true Akita tail curls at least once, and some are tightly double curled.

Early on after her release, Michele, another volunteer, and Rose took Chloe for a bath to remove the “top layer” of dirt on her gorgeous, primarily white coat. Rose took her with other volunteers to Illinois Humane’s weekly nursing home visits. Soon a volunteer was taking her to training classes to improve her leash-walking skills and to improve her chances of being adopted and staying adopted.

It is Illinois Humane’s policy, whenever possible, to find a breed-specific rescue group for a purebred animal. With Chloe’s age and deformity, this was not as easy as if she had been younger and “sound.” This policy allows Illinois Humane to save purebred dogs because its funds do not have to be used for medical treatment and housing, which the breed rescue group would do, and also allows for saving another dog, a mixed-breed.

Even though Illinois Humane would still have liked to get Chloe into rescue, volunteers took her to adoptions just in case the right person came along and to give her more outings and chances for socialization.

That is just what happened. Bob showed up at an adoption in August and totally fell in love with Chloe. By this time she was less stained and had put on some weight. He spent a long time with her, asked many questions and then filled out an application.

Rose took Chloe with her on the visit to Bob’s home, during which Rose inspected the home and the fencing in the back yard. Rose questioned Bob about how Chloe would be cared for in his absence and how she would be exercised. Chloe remembered Bob from when he had met her at the adoption, and it was obvious the two were mutually attracted.

Rose has been back to visit Bob and Chloe since her adoption in September. He says she loves to ride in his truck with him, and they take almost daily walks in a north-side park in Springfield. He says people stop and talk to him about what a gorgeous dog she is. His neighbors are crazy about her.  He no longer crates Chloe while he is at work, and he has found a dog food that she likes. It appears both of them have bonded well and are soul mates.

TREBO'S STORY

One last story to tell.  At the beginning of December, Illinois Humane received Trebo who was the subject of a court-ordered relinquishment that resulted from one of Illinois Humane’s  neglect cases.  Trebo is pictured here.  You might note that his right hind leg is off-center and turned outward.  Trebo was rolled over by a car and his owner failed to provide veterinary care for the injury.  If the injury had been treated immediately, the leg could have been addressed without surgery.  Now it can’t.  Trebo, under treatment for pain, awaits his $1,000 plus surgery to become whole again.   

Chloe, Preston and Trebo owe their lives and their well being to you.  There isn’t a soul among all of Illinois Humane’s many volunteers who doesn’t deeply appreciate Illinois Humane’s generous donors.  Please take another look at the transformations depicted here  – that is, the lives saved, the healing power of love and tremendous new emotional bonds formed.  Please continue to play a role in our work saving these innocent lives.

Jane McBride
President

To download the pdf version of these letters, right click on the links and select 'Save target as' YearEnd08

Colin

Colin is an older Airedale/possibly German shepherd mixed-breed fellow who should be an ambassador for senior dogs!   He is microchipped, up-to-date on shots and looking for loving, appreciative folks to spend his time with.  He is very good with other dogs and thoroughly enjoys visiting nursing homes with Illinois Humane volunteers.  Please see our adoption pages for adoption forms or visit this Petfinder link for more information. 

Dolly

A cattle dog mix, waits to be the affectionate, devoted companion of an individual or couple who enjoy interacting with an intelligent dog who requires the handler to always be a step ahead.  Being a cattle dog, she will take charge if you don’t.  However, if you are an individual who truly enjoys interacting and working with dogs, she will do her part and more to make the relationship everything it can be.

Reliant

If you value the Rottweiler breed, and even if you have not yet fallen in love with a Rottie, Reliant is triple the dog for you.  Reliant has been fostered by two professional dog trainers.  What more could you ask for in a shelter animal.  Reliant performs for children's groups on Halloween, taking giant leaps while costumed like a frog.  The kids love it.  Reliant is approximately 4- to 5-years-old, neutered, and microchipped.

He is a hound/Rottweiler mixed-breed. He is an animal of the Gulf Coast hurricanes' devastation. He came to Illinois Humane via relief efforts assisted by Ft. Worth Animal Care and Control. Reliant was very thin and malnourished when he arrived in Illinois. He has since regained his health and energy. His foster mom, in particular, has taught him numerous tricks. He does high five, rolls over, tossing treats and just ask him ... he'll do his whole repertoire for an audience!  Reliant responds very well to consistent handling and training, and would be best in a home with devoted adult companions, older children and non-challenging, submissive dogs, preferably his size or larger. 

For adoption forms, please see our adoption pages or for more information, visit this Petfinder link.

Abbey's Story (click the image)