CCHS News - August 2009

On August first, the folks at Prospect Bank were slightly stunned at the turn out for their grand-opening dog wash fundraiser. Bank employees must have washed at least one hundred dogs in three hours! Despite the sore backs and knees, they jumped for joy when it was announced that the morning's take was over $1,400. Thanks to all who brought their dogs out for a bath, and many thanks to Prospect Bank.

No sooner had I recovered from the dog wash when it was time to promote a fundraiser at the Ron Sickler Salon and Spa. Salon staff members volunteered to come in on a Sunday to offer reduced-price services and donate 100% of the proceeds to CCHS. As soon as word got out, appointments started filling up, and when all was said and done, the event brought in $855!

Working with local businesses to plan these mini-events is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. In the process, I make new friends and engage in a collaborative process that brings great results to both enterprises. Best of all, every event is an opportunity for CCHS to connect, or reconnect, with members of the community who share our love of animals and support our cause.

We've got more events coming up this month and next, so please stay in touch!

Very truly yours,

Tief
CCHS Executive Director

Homeless Animals Day

In recognition of National Homeless Animals Day, animal welfare agencies of the Central Illinois Animal Welfare Coalition (CIAWC) will line up their booths at Market-at-the-Square, Urbana's weekly Farmers' Market. Stop by and meet all the folks who are working hard to help homeless animals in Champaign & Douglas Counties.

Saturday August 15th
7:00 a.m. - Noon
Market-at-the-Square
Vine Street, Urbana

Bark for Life

The American Cancer Society is holding this second "Relay for Life" event that welcomes human-canine walking teams. If you enjoyed our Mutt Strut event, you might enjoy this opportunity to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society while having fun with your dog. Stop by the CCHS booth at Bark for Life to meet CCHS adoptable dogs, pick up some information, or just say hello to our volunteers.

Saturday August 15th
9:00-10:00 a.m. Registration
10:00 a.m. - The Bark for Life Walk Begins

For more details and registration information, visit the Bark for Life web page.

Kitten Shower!

We're Up To Our Whiskers in Kittens!

In summer months, the number of kittens surrendered to our shelter typically rises into the hundreds. Although we are working hard with other animal welfare agencies to reduce the number of unwanted litters born, we still need your help in caring for the kittens that are already here.

The CCHS Kitten Shower is your chance to attend a unique "baby shower" where it's all about the kittens! Please come to meet our adorable new feline arrivals and drop off a shower gift that will help us provide the little ones with all that they need for a strong start in life.

Bring any item from our Kitten Shower Wish List or make a cash donation.

If you don't want to leave empty handed, you can stock up on CCHS merchandise (including crocheted catnip balls) or take home some free educational materials. And, don't forget to fill out that application for a kitten . . .

Saturday, August 22

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Inside Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana

Help Equip Fire Trucks for Animal Rescue

The Pampered Pet and Eastern Prairie Fire Department are raising money to purchase animal oxygen masks for all fire departments in Champaign County.

Just like humans, animals are highly vulnerable to smoke inhalation during a household fire. Pets are often exposed to smoke for an extended period because during a fire they will go into hiding somewhere in the house. Unfortunately, human oxygen masks don't fit properly on animals, and can't be used to provide them with oxygen after they're rescued from a smoke-filled home.

Picture of animal oxygen masks

These cup-shaped pet masks were originally developed for use by veterinarians and form a seal around the muzzle of an animal. The design helps firefighters deliver the right amount of oxygen to the pet and also protects them from the bite of an injured or fearful animal. This mask set is so versatile it can take care of just about any air breathing animal species, from a tiny bird or reptile to a large St. Bernard.

How can you help? Donations will be collected at the August 15th Homeless Animals Day event (see first article). Cash donations can also be made at the Pampered Pet Grooming and Dog Training, Inc. shop (link) on University Avenue in Champaign, or mail a check payable to Eastern Prairie FPD at the following address:

Nada Cagle
C/O Fund Drive for Champaign County Canine
Rescue Equipment
2547 CR 1375 N. Ogden, IL 61859

Does Your Cat Play Rough?

Kittens and young cats can play for hours on end, and watching them chase feathers and "attack" cat toys is entertaining and amusing. But when your kitten decides to make you the object of attack, the fun can quickly become a painful ambush for you and a dangerous situation for your cat. The ASPCA has an online article tht explores rough feline play and offers suggestions for training and management of cats who get a little too rambunctious.

To read the article, visit the ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist.

Volunteer of the Month: Wendy Huang

Wendy has worked with CCHS's medical program since last fall. Like a lot of our volunteers, she entered the program without any medical background. In the brief time she has been with us, Wendy has excelled beyond our expectations. She is proficient in every aspect of our medical program and has helped to train new volunteers, interns and staff members. Wendy is efficient and highly motivated, and we are very lucky to have her as part of our medical program volunteer team.

Employee of the Month: Laura Davis

CCHS is excited to welcome Laura Davis as our new Volunteer Coordinator. Laura is no stranger to CCHS, having been a foster care provider and co-trainer of dog walkers and socializers for the past two years. She also has extensive experience in animal welfare and sheltering. Her previous work includes being kennel manager and volunteer coordinator at Watauga Humane Society in North Carolina; manager and senior training instructor at a dog day-care center in Muncie, Indiana; and member of the behavior staff at the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center in Urbana. Laura is currently working towards her Master of Science Degree in Biology at the University of Illinois with a specialization in applied animal behavior. CCHS is extremely fortunate to have someone in this field to oversee our animal behavior and enrichment programs. Laura has already implemented a variety of kennel enrichment programs for both dogs and cats.

Laura is working tirelessly to increase our volunteer base and to create a great environment for our volunteers. Laura's welcoming personality, energy and enthusiasm are great motivators for all. We look forward to the unique contributions she will provide as a member of our team.

Pet of the Month: Willy

This is Willy's second visit to the Champaign County Humane Society. Willy is an American Pitbull Terrier and a staff favorite. He is energetic and great with other animals and people. Despite his high energy level, Willy enjoys cuddling up in bed and taking a nap with his human friends. He loves to run, play fetch and swim. Willy is a handsome dog who is seeking his forever home. Once you look into his big, brown eyes, you will be as enamored we are!

To see more pets available for adoption, click here

Alum of the Month: Ella

Kate Higgs always knew she wanted a pet of her own, but her life never seemed stable enough until she settled down in Champaign-Urbana to complete a Master of Education degree. In 2004, she decided to visit CCHS to inquire about adopting a cat. She perused all of the cats and was overwhelmed by the number of choices. Kate wondered how she'd ever know which cat was the one for her.

" A friend was with me. She told me I might not find my cat on the first visit, but as it turns out, I saw Ella (then Lexie) in the bottom set of cages in one of the cat rooms. She was black with gorgeous green eyes. When I picked her up to take her to a get- acquainted room, she went straight for my chest, rubbed the side of her face against my chin and purred. I knew she'd chosen me."

After Kate's application was approved, she returned to pick up Ella. As she was signing forms, a volunteer asked if she had been told Ella's history. Ella had been found, injured, at the bottom of a trashcan. She required surgery to remove several BB shots and a great deal of post-operative care and TLC at CCHS before she could be made available for adoption.

"I would have adopted her no matter what, but I knew after hearing about her past that she was going to be completely spoiled by indoor life." Five years later, Ella still loves curling up on Kate's chest and getting love and attention.

Save the Date: Fur Ball 2009

Friday, September 25, 2009

Hilton Garden Inn
1501 South Neil Street, Champaign

Cocktails and Entertainment - 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Silent Auction 6:00 - 8:15 pm
Dinner 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Live Auction Begins 8:15 pm

Please join us at the Fur Ball for good food, good wine, and

good company--for a great cause!

Join us on Facebook!

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

http://www.cuhumane.org

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