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| Did you know? |
....that CCHS found new homes for 1,538 animals in 2009?
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| Calendar |
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Po' Boys BBQ and Pizza of Urbana will donate 10% of Monday night proceeds to CCHS on the first Monday of every month. The donation will be based on proceeds earned between 4 and 9 pm.
Wed Jan 20 - Youth Volunteer Orientation - 3:30pm - 5pm. Please e-mail Laura at 2.volunteer@cuhumane.org to register or for more information.
Tue Jan 26 - Level One Dog-Walker Training. 4 - 6 pm.
Wed Jan 27 - Cat Socializer Training. 5:15 - 6:15 pm.
Wed Feb 10 - Adult Volunteer Orientation, 6 - 7 pm at the Champaign Public Library in Robeson A/B. Open to all, no reservations necessary. (There will be no orientation in January)Now until February 2010 - for every Yotini at Boltini, $1 will be donated to CCHS. | |
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| From the Executive DIrector |
| Dear friends,
The end of the calendar year is always a busy time in fundraising. Many supporters wait until December to send in annual gifts, making it a challenge to keep up with processing the donations and getting those thank-you letters out. Mind you, I'm not complaining!
It's exciting to see the seasonal increase in donations and it's heartwarming to read the cards and letters that our supporters send in during the Holidays. Many people send updates on the pets they adopted from us over the years. Others send notes expressing appreciation for the work we do and for our wonderful staff. Rest assured, even when no donation is enclosed, we love hearing from you and receiving photos of your CCHS alums.
One of our year-end donors did a remarkable thing during the last few days of December. After recieving our thank-you letter--in which I mentioned that donations are down overall (true for us and many non-profits)--she phoned me to talk about our needs. At the end of our conversation, she told me that although she had already named CCHS in her estate plan, she was doing well despite the economic downturn and would like to make a substantial gift now, to help us through this tough time. Her generous donation came in on December 31st and helped to make it a happy new year for CCHS.
It is knowing that we have such a wonderful and generous family of supporters that causes me to remain optimistic about our futue, despite the challenges we're facing now.
Happy New Year to all of you and your four-legged friends! I hope you enjoy the first E-Newsletter of 2010.
Very truly yours,
Tief
CCHS Executive Director
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Humane Education Seminar
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The University of Illinois College of Aces presents
Who's the Bully?
Examining Modern Day's Most Prolific Breed Type
A One-Day Humane Education Seminar
February 20, 2010
The Champaign County Humane Society is proud to be a sponsor of this one-day seminar focusing on issues related to the group of dogs commonly referred to as bully breeds. These breeds include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as well as other breeds and mixes thereof. The seminar features four presentations by national leaders in the field and is ideal for everyone in the animal welfare field as well as community leaders who seek successful solutions to conflicts surrounding these breed types. Veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians can obtain up to 4.0 CEUs for attendance at the seminar.
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Alum of the Month: Homer
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 Rebecca Swartz and her husband, David Scherba, adopted Homer from CCHS in 2004, after a stint as cat sitters for their landlord convinced them that they needed a feline of their own.
Rebecca was first drawn to Homer when she saw his picture on the CCHS website, but meeting him in person clinched the deal. When a staff member handed Homer to Rebecca to hold, Homer snuggled into her shoulder, and she was smitten. However, Homer wasn't available for adoption at that time because he was being treated for an upper respiratory infection. One week later, with Homer's health restored, Rebecca made her official application and was approved to adopt her new family member.
Homer had been surrendered to the shelter along with a group of stray cats that were living by Homer Lake. Although Rebecca had had a different name in mind, Rebecca decided that Homer should keep his name, in part to honor the shelter staff member who had named him and was so helpful to Rebecca in the adoption process.
The photo above was taken during Rebecca and David's first winter in Colorado, to show their family and friends how much snow had fallen. Although Homer didn't mind serving briefly as a yardstick, he was certainly glad to get back inside! Homer is a playful cat who greets Rebecca and David at the door when they come home. He likes to play fetch with sparkle balls, but only when he initiates the game. Like most cats, Homer also enjoys napping. He can often be found snoozing alongside the Rebecca and David's second adopted feline, Henrietta (adopted from a humane society in Boulder, CO).
Rebecca and David have moved back to the Champaign-Urbana community along with Homer and Henrietta. They are expecting their first child in February and we wish them all the best! To see more of our alums, click here.
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| Pet of the Month: Pepper |
 You've heard the phrase, "will work for food?" Pepper lives it.
Pepper is a sweet boy who is eager to earn his treats. He knows how to sit, shake, and lay down - assuming you have the good cookies of course!
Pepper loves for people to pet him and is happy to lie down with his head in a lap. But don't get too comfy . . . Pepper is a two-year-old Lab mix with a lot of energy and will jump at the chance to play with balls and toys.
Pepper's adopters will be required to take Pepper to a basic dog training class.
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Employee of the Month: Christina Craven
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 Christina Craven is a member ot the Medical Care staff, the group of employees responsible for the health of our shelter animals. These staff members walk through the entire shelter every day, looking at each animal for signs of illness or discomfort. They administer vaccines and medical treatments, perform physical exams, and examine a variety of substances under the microscope to screen for parasites and infections.
Christina's supervisor says that when Christina is left in charge of the Medical Care Department, there is no need to worry. Christina makes sure everything gets done, she knows how to handle surprises, and she picks up on things that other staff members miss. Christina is also a hard worker who is willing to put in extra time when necessary.
Christina started at CCHS as a member of the Animal Care staff back in April 2008. In May 2010, Christina will be graduating from the Veterinary Technician Training Program at Parkland College.
Christina is one of the employees that make our Medical Care Department great! Thanks, Christina!
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Volunteer of the Month: Jackie Abbott
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 Jackie has been a volunteer at CCHS since 2004. Jackie works at the shelter every Friday morning, cleaning cat cages, doing laundry, and spending time socializing our feline residents. Our animal care staff voted Jackie "Volunteer of the Month" because she is reliable and does a great job at the shelter. When Jackie is on the job, the staff know that the cats are in good hands!
Jackie's relationship with CCHS started in May of 1988, when she adopted a cat (Max) from our facility in Bondville. Max passed away at the age of 16 in 2004. Soon after, Jackie and her husband adopted Molly from CCHS and Jackie became a volunteer.
In May 2003, Jackie retired after working 30 years as a school psychologist for Macon-Piatt Special Education in Monticello and Decatur. Besides volunteering, Jackie enjoys traveling and reading mystery novels.
Jackie really enjoys visiting and interacting with the CCHS cats. She distributes toys and towels, which most of the cats seem to enjoy. Jackie told us that she pays special attention to our senior feline residents and would like to spend even more time with them. That would be o.k. with us!
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Become a Volunteer in 2010
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Is one of your New Year's resolutions to get out, get active, get involved or make new friends? We've got some ideas for you.
For adults, the next general volunteer orientation will be held on February 10 from 6 - 7 pm at the Champaign Public Library in theRobeson A/B meeting room. This session is open to the public with no reservation necessary. Come and learn about the variety of ways you can help CCHS as a volunteer. If you can't make it on the 10th, don't despair; orientations will be scheduled on one Monday each month at 6 pm through July.
Advanced Training Schedule
If you've been a shelter volunteer for four weeks or more, why not take it to the next level to help with the behavioral and fitness needs of our animals?
Level 1 Dog Walker Training - Tuesday, January 26, 4 pm to 6 pm.
A level 1 dog walker helps give the dogs at CCHS the love and attention they
deserve! As a level 1 dog walker you'll take the dogs outdoors for bathroom breaks
and exercise and help teach basic commands. Level 2 dog walkers are also trained to use dog walking equipment (no-pull harnesses and head collars) to promote walking on a loose leash. Level 2 dog walkers are also trained how to teach CCHS dogs tricks and manners to make them more adoptable.
Cat Socializer Training - Wednesday, January 27, 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm.
Volunteer Opportunities for Young People
For kids and teenagers from 10 - 17 years old, a general Youth Volunteer Orientation will be held on Wednesday, January 20 from 3:30 pm - 5pm. Children between 10 - 13 can become Junior Volunteers, and young people between 14 - 17 are eligible to become Apprentice Volunteers. Among other things, volunteers in these programs help us provide fresh bedding and clean toys for shelter animals. The general orientation is required for both groups and parents must attend. To register, please e-mail Laura Davis at 2.volunteer@cuhumane.org or call her at 344-7297.
To learn more about the interesting volunteer opportunities and programs at CCHS, visitthe Volunteer Home Page.
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Pet U
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| The Pet U series continues at the UI School of Veterinary Medicine
 Monday, February 8 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Why Dental Care Is Important for Your Pets
and What You Can Do to Keep Their Mouths Healthy
Carol Akers, DVM
The teeth and mouths of dogs and cats are similar to humans in many ways, and almost any type of dental procedure that can be done on human beings can also be done on dogs and cats. This includes basic ultrasonic cleaning of teeth, taking dental x-rays, performing root canals to save teeth, putting crowns on broken teeth, repairing broken jaws, placing dental implants, treating cavities, and the use of orthodontics to make sure pets can have functional, pain-free bites. A basic understanding of how to take a look at your pet's mouth and teeth and how to recognize when you need to seek veterinary dental care is a good way to help maintain your pet's oral health and contribute to the general overall health and well-being of your pet.
Early Registration - $8.00 - Deadline: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Regular Registration rate - $13.00
To register for Pet U classes, click here! |
Pizza, Barbeque and Martinis!
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  Enjoy a night out on the first Monday of every month with some great food at Po' Boys BBQ and Pizza on High Cross Road in Urbana, where 10% of of sales from 4 - 9 pm will be donated to CCHS. They have salads and a kids menu too!
And remember - the "Martini Bar Extraordinaire" -- also known as Boltini's Lounge at 211 N. Neil in downtown Champaign -- is donating $1.00 from every Yotini sold to CCHS through the end of February.
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Drop Off Wish List Donations at Bone Appetit
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 Many thanks to Bone Appetit Pet Boutique and Bakery for collecting CCHS Wish List donations at their Champaign store. Just leave items you'd like us to have, then shop the newly stocked boutique and pick up some tasty treats. The folks at Bone Appetit will deliver the items to the shelter once a month.
Bone Appetit is located at 1912-B Round Barn Road in the Round Barn Shopping Center next to Smoothie King. Hours are Mon - Fri from 10 am to 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Bone Appetit on Facebook
CCHS Wish List |
Special Needs
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CCHS seeks the following in-kind donations to help with some pressing needs.
Animal Care Items:
Sturdy buckle collars for Medium and Large sized dogs
Easy-Walk (Premier) Harnesses for Dogs
We especially need sizes Medium and Large
Extra Large (XL) Kong dog toys
Other Goods & Services:
Digital Photo Frames
We need digital photo frames (8" x 10" or larger) to display photos of our adoptable animals at events.
Interior Paint
The lobby area and cat rooms need a fresh coat of paint. If you are a hardware store owner or paint supplier, we'd love to work with you.
Pot-hole repair in our parking lot
Driving through our parking lot may be hazardous to your car.
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Shelter Hours
AdoptionsMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 2 pm to 7 pmSaturday: 11 am to 6 pm Sunday: 11 am to 4 pmRelinquishing an AnimalMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 2 pm to 4 pmSaturday and Sunday: 11 am to 1 pm The shelter is closed on Tuesdays and legal holidays.Address: 1911 East Main Street, Urbana, IL, 61802 Phone: 217-344-7297
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