I n s i d e. Aye Chihuahua!... 2

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1 D upage County Animal Care & Control SPRING 2013 I n s i d e Aye Chihuahua!... 2 In Loving Memory of Scratch... 3 Donations at Work... 4 Scratch s Fund Statistics... 5 Meet the Staff... 6 Animal Education Day Camp Registration... 7

2 Letter from the Administrator Spring has arrived! As the days get longer and the temperatures climb, we at DuPage County Animal Care and Control are preparing for the busy days of summer. As with every year, we will see a seasonal increase in the number of animals in our care. With new programs in place, and with continued support from the community, we are ready to help more animals succeed and find forever homes than ever before. In this special memorial edition of Head to Tails we say goodbye to Scratch, our loyal companion, friend and official office cat for eight years. Although his passing leaves a hole in our hearts (and an empty space on the copy machine) we move forward with smiles on our faces as we remember his antics. It is in his honor that we renew our commitment to the homeless animals in our care. As we continue to work toward our goal of ZERO animals euthanized for space (see the Fall 2012 edition of Head to Tails, available on the DCACC website), we ask for your continued support. In order to reach that goal we will need the help of everyone involved; the Foundation for DCACC (Friends of DCACC); our rescue partners; foster families; the trap-neuter-return community; adopters; and of course responsible committed pet owners. We are excited and hopeful that 2013 will be the year of reaching our goal of ZERO! D u P a g e C o u n t y A n i m a l C a r e & C o n t r o l Aye Chihuahua! That was the shelter slogan this winter. Between November 1st 2012 and March 4th 2013, we had 21 Chihuahuas come to the shelter. The number of Chihuahuas the shelter receives yearly is definitely increasing. Last year between the same dates we took in 15. The breed became popular in the last decade or so due to commercials and movies frequently featuring them. Now there are more Chihuahuas than there are homes for. The staff worked very hard to get the dogs adopted or into area rescues. In an effort to raise awareness and promote Chihuahua adoption, DCACC has joined Famous Fido s Chihuahua awareness task force. We are looking for dedicated volunteers to participate in events held to help these sweet dogs find loving homes. If you are interested in joining the Chihuahua task force please contact Brandi at brandi.mcneely@dupageco.org. Have you checked out our new volunteer Facebook page! We are now highlighting our volunteers and volunteer activities on Facebook. M. T. Faraone, DVM (Dr. Todd) Animal Care and Control Administrator Please join our page by going to We look forward to seeing you! 2

3 D u P a g e C o u n t y A n i m a l C a r e & C o n t r o l Loving Memory of Scratc h Official Cat of DuPage County Animal Care & Control??? - December 28, 2012 In On December 28, 2012 we mourned the loss of a member of the DCACC family. Our very own Office Cat and spokes-cat Scratch, age (give or take) crossed over the Rainbow Bridge due to complications resulting from heart failure. He passed peacefully in the front office where he lived and worked, surrounded by those who loved and cared for him. Much can and has been written about Scratch, the most well-known cat in the Chicagoland area who heralded as a stray from the mean streets of Glen Ellyn. Scratch s time at DCACC started like many other homeless pets before and after him, but since he became an official part of the DCACC family on March 6, 2005, his life and adventures were anything but ordinary. We would prefer to remember him as the cat that connected with many and kept us all in stitches with his sharp-witted humor and mood swings. A cat that enjoyed more accessories and wardrobe changes than Madonna - and wore it just as well. Our very own let s-see-how-this-dogdoes-with-cats tester. A cat that witnessed thousands of homeless pets stories - both joyous and somber - from the vantage point of his perch atop the front office copy machine (visitors often commented Is that a real cat? several times a day). And who spun yarns better than the best storyteller. As the tears begin to subside, we prefer to remember the laughter he brought to our lives through his stories and photos that will live on. In celebration of his life and adventures, we hope you enjoy his blog post from March 2011 ( where Scratch himself recounted the story of his Gotcha Day and how he came to be The Official Cat of DuPage County Animal Care and Control. In the words of our feline poet: So, really, it doesn t matter where I came from. It really matters where I am. And where I am is at the best place in the world. Rest in peace friend. Until we meet again over the Rainbow Bridge. It s that time of year again! The Groundhog predicted an early spring, which means with the nice, warm weather we will be getting cute, little kittens! We are in need of more foster families, particularly families willing to take bottle babies. If you are interested in joining our foster care program you can go to our website org/animalcontrol or stop into our facility to fill out an application. 3

4 F r i e n d s o f D u P a g e C o u n t y A n i m a l C a r e & C o n t r o l Donations at Work Activity Period: FY2007-FY2012 Net Available Cash Assets = $212,800 Expenses n Administrative Expenses n Marketing/Advertising n Statuatory and Fiscal Fees n Special Event & Fundraising Expenses n Subsidized Adoption, Critical Care & Programs n Shelter Purchases Income n Annual Fund n Volunteer Crafts n Special Events & Fundraising n Unrestricted Donations n Restricted Donations n Membership Go Green! Head to Tail is now available electronically! If you would like to receive the DCACC newsletter via , please us at GoGreenAnimalControl@dupageco.org, please include your name and mailing address to be deleted from our mailing list. I m Lovin it! Come out, have a meal and support the shelter! DCACC adoption animals will be available for viewing at The Wheaton McDonald s (at the corner of County Farm Rd. and Roosevelt Rd.) AND McDonald s will donate 20% of the total food sales during that time to the shelter! Sunday, April 21st noon-2:00pm Wednesday, May 22nd 4:00-7:00pm 4

5 F r i e n d s o f D u P a g e C o u n t y A n i m a l C a r e & C o n t r o l Scratch s Fund Statistics In memory of our beloved Scratch friend and official DCACC office cat the Friends of DCACC Foundation has officially re-named its Subsidized Adoption Fund Scratch s Fund in his memory. Scratch, like the thousands of animals before and since, arrived at DCACC as a homeless stray and is an example of the many animals that need a little extra help finding their forever homes. Scratch s Fund provides that help, and more importantly, HOPE. 136 the number of senior animals receiving help finding their forever homes through Scratch s Senior Adoption Fund. 8 the number of bonded animals (4 pair) that have found their forever homes together through Scratch s Bonded Pair Adoption Fund. 1,374 the number of cats and kittens receiving help finding their forever homes opening up lifesaving space for more cats and kittens awaiting adoption through Scratch s Feline Adoption Fund. 6 the number of dogs and cats that have been given a second chance at life through the Critical Care Fund. 30 the number of dogs and cats waiting on the adoption floor for 30 days or longer that have found their homes sooner thanks to Scratch s Extended Stay Adoption Fund. 7 the number of small animals finding homes through the newly established Scratch s Small Animal Adoption Fund which encourages those looking to add a small animal to adopt rather than buy from a pet store. Data represents animals helped from inception of fund through February 28,

6 D u P a g e C o u n t y A n i m a l C a r e & C o n t r o l 6 Meet the Staff: Kristie If you ve ever been to an event to support the Friends of DuPage County Animal Care and Control Foundation (eg. The Feast, festivals, movies in the park, pictures with Santa), then surely you have had the pleasure of meeting Kristie Lecaros! And for those of you that haven t, trust us when we say that she is someone you want to know! Kristie is the Friends of DCACC Foundation Coordinator. The Foundation was created to raise funds to support the humane initiatives of the shelter. The monies they raise through special events and donations directly benefit the lives of the homeless animals in the shelters care. The Foundations funds support special medical needs of animals (critical care fund), subsidized adoptions for harder to adopt animals (bonded pairs, seniors and felines), and enrichment needs of the animals (kuranda beds). As the Foundation Coordinator, it is Kristie s job to take the ideas of the Foundation Board and bring them to life. She is the creative force behind adoption promotions (remember the Hunk a Hunk a Purrin Love, the Big Fat Feline, and the Grad-mew-ates of Summer promotions?). She sends the constant contact s keeping you up to date with the happenings of the shelter. (If you don t get these please her so she can add you to our contact list! Kristie. lecaros@dupageco.org). She organizes and promotes the Foundation fundraising events, coordinates STAR obedience class, helps promote adoption animals and represents both the shelter and the Foundation at special events. Kristie is a busy woman who works tirelessly for the animals, always giving 110%. The journey leading Kristie to DCACC was less than typical. In college she studied International Studies and her professional career started in software marketing. Eventually she moved to the non-profit world working with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation where she learned the art of organizing and promoting special events. Later she worked for Lincoln Park Zoo and then the DuPage County Convalescent Center Foundation. Kristie always had a tremendous love for animals, and hoped that her career would move in that direction. As a child, Kristie s best friend was her dog. She Caruso Solomon pets of her own. As an adult, she chose to spend her free time learning about and working for animals. She volunteered as a docent at Brookfield Zoo, spending over 100 hours in training and surrounding herself by other passionate, knowledgeable and animal-loving people. Kristie also volunteered at her vet s office and at Naperville Area Humane Society, working events, providing animal care and dog walking. Kristie began to educate herself on the world of animal sheltering and animal rescue. When the opportunity came to blend her experience with non-profits and events, with her passion for animals, she became the Foundation Coordinator of Friends of DCACC. When Kristie is not working, she spends her days with her husband Max (She d like to note that her husband has the number one dog name in America!) and the rest of their furry family (all adopted). When asked about how supportive Max is of all the pets, she states that she did explain to him when they got married that their home would be an ark, however perhaps he didn t know quite what he was getting into... Max is completely on board now, and is every bit as in love with them as Kristie is. Kristie and Max adopted their first dogs Koa and Lani from a local adoption agency. They were darling 8 week old puppies longed for the day when she would have Wow! In 2012 Dr. Todd performed Kristie with Luna and Koa who quickly captured their hearts. Sadly, within days, the pups became very ill with parvo, and little Lani didn t make it. Kristie states that it was an eye opening experience, not only to the challenges faced by shelters (in dealing with the health of a population of animals), but also to the magic of adoption. Kristie and Max have since added a few more critters to their family including Luna (pictured here with Koa), a few cats and even guinea pigs! Kristie frequently fosters animals for the shelters. She has raised bottle baby kittens, taken pregnant cats home and provided them with a quiet room to deliver and raise their kittens, and she has helped many a scared dog that needed a break from the stress of the shelter. In addition to all of this Kristie volunteers for PURRS Naperville (feline rescue partner of DCACC), and is currently serving as the co-chair for the American Cancer Society s Bark for Life Aurora event this July. Kristie considers herself lucky to work at DCACC. But we know that truly DCACC is lucky to have her. It is because of Kristie s hard work and dedication that so many of the programs, events and special promotions happen. Thank you Kristie for the countless ways that you help animals and the amazing work that you do! a total of 949 surgeries!

7 D u P a g e C o u n t y A n i m a l C a r e & C o n t r o l DuPage County Animal Care & Control A n i m a l E d u c at i o n Day C a m p 2013 Registration Form: Ages 5-7 Meets 9am to Noon Mon. -Thurs., Ages 8-10 and Ages Meets 9am to 2pm Mon. - Fri. Please indicate your top choices Session 1: June for ages 8-10 Session 4: July for ages 8-10 Session 6: July 29-Aug 2 for ages & Jr. Counselors 14 and up & Jr. Counselors 14 and up & Jr. Counselors 16 and up Session 2: June for ages Session 5: July for ages 5-7 Session 7: Aug 5-9 for ages 8-10 & Jr. Counselors 16 and up & Jr. Counselors 14 and up & Jr. Counselors 14 and up Session 3: July 8-12 for ages 8-10 & Jr. Counselors 14 and up Camper Information: Child s First Name Child s Last Name M.I. Address City ZIP Parent/Guardian Name Home Phone Cell or Work Phone (Please indicate the best number to reach parent during camp hours) address Emergency contact if Parent/Guardian cannot be reached (Name, address, and phone # s) Child s Age M / F Birthdate Been to our Camp in past years? Y / N (list) Health Information: Attach additional sheet if necessary 1. Any illnesses or allergies that need special attention or consideration? Please explain: 2. Any physical, mental, or emotional disabilities which require special consideration? 3. Any other information which would be helpful to camp leaders? RELEASE, CONSENT, AND INDEMNIFICATION The undersigned parent or guardian of ( Minor ) hereby consents to the Minor participating in the Animal Education Day Camp of the DuPage County Animal Care & Control Department, Wheaton, Illinois (the County ) and all of its activities and programs, and in consideration thereof provides this Release, Consent, and Indemnification. The undersigned, for himself, or herself and on behalf of said Minor, does hereby absolutely and unconditionally release, indemnify, hold harmless and forever discharge the County, its employees, successors, assigns, and agents and each of them, from and against all claims, demands, obligations and liabilities of every kind and nature whatsoever, including, without limitation, negligence, including the negligence of the County and its Agents, occurring directly or indirectly resulting from or arising out of the Minor s participation in such Animal Education Day Camp. As to matters covered hereby, the Release, Consent, and Indemnification shall pertain to all claims, demands and rights which the undersigned Minor (and/or each of their heirs, successors, and assigns) has or may ever have against the parties released and indemnificated hereby, or any of them, for any injuries, costs or damages to the Minor occurring during, directly or indirectly resulting from or arising out of the Minor s participation in such Animal Education Day Camp whether such injuries, cost, or damages are known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, ascertainable or unascertainable, or suffered by participant or any other person. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Minor s Signature Date Photo Release The Education Department uses slides, videos, or photos of various educational activities. If you would be willing to allow us to use pictures of your child for our public service or educational materials, please indicate this by signing below. You may use photos, slides, or videos of my child in public service or educational materials for DuPage County Animal Care & Control. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Fees: Camper Age 8-13 Registration: $150 Session 5 Age 5-7 Registration: $100 Jr. Counselor Registration: No Charge MAKE CHECKS OUT TO DUPAGE COUNTY ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL Please return with payment to: Public Education Department - Attn: Dina DuPage County Animal Care & Control 120 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton (630) ** Each session is limited to a minimum of 10 children and a maximum of 25 children. There are 2 Jr. Counselors per session. Registration is first come, first serve. Mail-in registration will be processed at the end of each business day. Mail-ins received with incomplete forms or without fees cannot be processed. Registration must be received 2 weeks prior to the start of the camp session. Alternates will be placed on a waiting list for each session in the event that a session is full. Cancellation policy: There is a $25 cancellation fee. Cancellations must be in writing, and be received 2 weeks prior to the session start date. There will be no refund for cancellations with less than a 2 week notice. 7

8 DuPage County Animal Care & Control 120 N. County Farm Rd. Wheaton, IL Pre-Sort First Class U.S. Postage Permit No Carol Stream, IL Facebook.com/FriendsofDCACC Twitter.com/FriendsofDCACC YouTube.com/DuPageAnimalFriends Hours of Operation Monday and Thursday 8:00-7:30 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00-5:00 Saturday 10:00-3:00 Sunday Closed For more info. www. dupageco.org/animalcontrol Hours of Adoption Monday and Thursday 12:00-7:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 12:00-4:30 Saturday 10:00-3:00 For information on upcoming events, visit the DCACC website at or the Friends of DCACC website at