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In This Issue
Did you know?
Foster Parents Needed
Summer Tips from the Red Cross
Volunteer of the Month
Employee of the Month
Pet of the Month
Featured Alum
Care for a Taste?
Quick Links
Did you know . . . 
That CCHS Foster volunteers cared for 596 animals last year?
Calendar
Thursday, June 25th - 6:30 PM - Volunteer orientation at the Urbana Free Library.

Sunday, June 28 - 2:30 - 4:30 PM - CARE Center Fundraiser at Milos.
 
Saturyday, July 18 - Stop by the CCHS booth at the Market-at-the-Square, Urbana's farmer's market. 7:00 AM to Noon. 

Now until February 2010 -  for every Yotini at Boltini, $1 will be donated to CCHS.
Join Our Mailing List!
From the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
 
I'll start off by extending an enormous THANK YOU to every one of our Garage Sale volunteers, and to all the shoppers who came out to support CCHS at this year's sale.  We broke all previous records with a final gross income of over $50,000! 
 
Although the Garage Sale left many of us feeling tired and achey, it also left us feeling reinvigorated and inspired.  More than any other CCHS fundraiser, the annual GIANT Garage Sale is a real community event that affords us an opportunity to meet hundreds of people who support our mission.  When you experience such an outpouring of support, you can't help but come away with a renewed sense of purpose and a touch of pride, too. 
     
Coincidentally, just a few days before the GIANT Garage Sale, Laura Davis joined the staff of CCHS as Volunteer Coordinator.  Laura just completed her Master's Degree in Applied Animal Behavior at the University of Illinois in May, and brings a unique wealth of knowledge and experience to our management team.  We're delighted to have Laura on board!  
 
While I'm on the subject, if you've been thinking about becoming a CCHS volunteer, our next general orienatation for new/prospective volunteers is coming up on Thursday, June 25th, 6:30 pm, at the Urbana Free Library.  At this meeting, you'll hear more about CCHS and the variety of volunteer opportunities available.  If you can't make the orientation but would like more information in the meanwhile, feel free to contact Laura at: [email protected]. She'd love to hear from you. 
 
It's not on the calendar yet, but plans are in the works for a Kitten Shower later this summer.  Speaking of kittens . . . I'll sign-off and leave you to next article. 
 
Very truly yours,

Tief
CCHS Executive Director
Foster Parents Needed
Foster kittensVolunteers are needed to help foster CCHS pets in need. If you are interested in opening up your home, please attend our next volunteer orientation on Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Urbana Free Library. You'll be asked to complete an application form to indicate which type of animals you're interested in fostering (dogs, cats, small mammals, etc.) and to determine your level of availability and experience.

Potential foster parents will be interviewed by the volunteer coordinator and then by a medical staff member. The Illinois Department of Agriculture requires all approved foster homes to pay a $25 fee to become a licensed foster home. The licenses are good for one year. Once your application and fee  are submitted and processed by the state, CCHS will work with you find appropriate foster animals for your home environment.  

Many supplies, like litter pans, bowls, food, toys, etc., are supplied by CCHS to the foster parent. Foster animals must also always be separated from other  pets in the household. If you think you are interested in becoming a foster parent and would like more information, please contact Karen Simmons, medical supervisor, at [email protected]

For more about the Foster Program, click here.
Hot in the Summertime
Dog lying in the grassAs summer arrives, many pet owners like to include their pets in everyday activities and some also take their animals on weekend trips and extended vacations. Most pets enjoy getting outside and being active with you, but you'll want to watch your pet for signs of heat-related illness when the temperatures really start to rise.

Heat stroke, or hyperthermia, occurs when an animal gets severely overheated, most commonly in the summer months. It is a dangerous health condition. The American Red Cross reminds pet owners that animals can suffer brain and organ damage after only 15 minutes in excessively hot conditions.

On an 80-degree day, the inside temperature of a car can quickly become deadly to a pet, reaching 109 degrees in 20 minutes.  A body temperature of 104 degrees or higher is considered to be a sign of hyperthermia.  Many consequences of hyperthermia won't become apparent for hours or even days and can be fatal.

Excessive exercise in hot, humid weather is also a common cause of heatstroke.  Limit exercise outdoors to early in the morning and late in the evening when temperatures (and sidewalks) are cooler.

Signs of heat stroke can include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, collapse, vomiting, increased heart and respiratory rates, salivation, depression, stupor or seizures.  

Be sure to monitor your pets closely this summer. Make sure they're kept in a cool location like in an air-conditioned house or in a shady, supervised area while outside. Never leave your pet in a parked car and never leave home for a walk without plenty of water for both you and your animal.

A good rule of thumb is that if you think it's too hot to be outside, it's too hot for your pet to be outside, too.

For more safety advice on how to prevent heat injuries visit the American Red Cross Summer Safety Guide for Pets.

Volunteer of the Month: Jody Peterson
Picture of JodiJody has been a dog walking volunteer for many years and has helped to exercise and train hundreds of CCHS canine residents. However, Jody is being recognized this month for her outstanding performance as a volunteer fundraiser! Last month, Jody raised over $4,000 in sponsorships for our annual Mutt Strut. This is the largest amount of money raised by one person since Mutt Strut began. We thank Jody for being a dependable and dedicated CCHS volunteer and a highly motivated fundraiser.
Employee of the Month:  Tief
Picture of TiefTief is the Executive Director of CCHS; she oversees every aspect of our nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. Tief works to assure CCHS remains dedicated to its mission to prevent animal cruelty, promote animal welfare and educate about humane care and treatment for all animals. She strives to inspire the shelter staff to go above and beyond their necessary duties in order to make every shelter visitor's experience truly amazing. Whether it is fundraising, thanking donors, representing CCHS in local media, or researching and implementing better shelter practices, she makes a positive contribution to our mission. Tief is always around with a witty comment and a helping hand for every member of the staff. She does so much behind the scenes that we forget to give her the credit she is due. Thank you Tief for being such a valuable CCHS team member and an inspiring leader.
Pet of the Month: Whoopi
Picture of WhoopiWhoopi is a one and a half-year old German Wirehaired Pointer mix.  She is smart, energetic, and highly social with both people and other dogs. Whoopi has had some obedience training and knows basic home skills such as sit, down and stay.  She is house trained and will let you know that she has to relieve herself by jumping up and down-not unlike many of us! Whoopi needs to work on walking on a leash, because her exuberance can get the best of her at times.  She's a high-energy girl looking for a family to match-maybe yours is the one to make her jump up and say, "Whoopi!"
Alum of the Month: Fluffy
Photo of cat
 
Laura and Steve Osterbur started their search for a new family member online at cuhumane.org. They were looking for a second cat who might enjoy living with their resident cat, Dee. When Laura saw Fluffy (known as Liberace at CCHS) online, she decided to visit him at the shelter to see if his temperament might complement Dee's. When she was sure, she filled out an application and prepared to take her new cat home. As it turns out, Fluffy got more than a good home. He found a best buddy in Dee.

Laura says the boys play with each other constantly and have a great time. "I highly recommend adopting two cats or kittens, as opposed to just one," she said. "They really do keep each other company." There is one side effect to a great playtime companion who also likes to romp and wrestle - more clean up is involved; Laura says. "There's a lot more straightening up (or repairing!) to do when we get home."   


To read more alum stories, visit our Alum Pages
CARE for a Taste?
CARE Center LogoThe Companion Animal Resource and Education Center (CARE) is celebrating their 5th anniversary on Sunday, June 28 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. with a fundraiser at Milo's Restaurant in Urbana.

Participants can enjoy a sampling of gourmet foods and desserts paired with specially selected wines while they peruse auction items that include: two front row tickets to an Illinois Men's Basketball game, a one-of-a-kind cat tree by Kevin Brown, a framed Mutts collectible edition print, gift certificates to local businesses and more!

Tickets are $50 per person and a reservation response card can be printed from the CARE website and returned by mail. Reservations are due by June 23.

Pawprints
Shelter Hours
Adoptions
Mon, Wed, Thu, and Fri: 2 PM to 7 PM
Sat: 11 AM to 6 PM
Sun: 11 AM to 4 PM

Relinquishing an Animal
Mon, Wed, Thu, and Fri: 2 PM to 4 PM
Sat and Sun - 11 AM to 1 PM
Tuesdays by appointment
 
The shelter is closed on Tuesdays and legal holidays.

Address - 1911 East Main Street, Urbana, IL, 61802
Phone - 217-344-7297