Love is an  8-Legged Word

Adoption promotion through February 20th

In honor of Valentine's Day, we're promoting adoptions X 2!

For only one adoption fee, you can take home a pair of feline companions 

and enjoy twice the fun - and twice the love!

We have cats already paired up, or you can select from several cats that

we know will get along well with others. 

New Reduced Adoption Fees 

We've expanded the Valentine's Day promotion for it's final week

to include the following:

Matchmaker Special

Five Things You Should Know About Ice Melts

While we all hope that we've seen the last of the bad weather for this winter, there is still a chance that we'll be dealing with ice on sidewalks and roads for another month or so. 

If you've been wondering whether the extra cost of "paw safe" ice melt is worth it, or why your dog gets sore paws after a winter walk, you'll find some answers in the ASPCA Poison Control Center's informative release on what pet owners need to know about ice melts.

See the ASPCA news release here >>

Disney Veterinarian to Lecture March 8

Volunteers of the Month:  Sarah Pawlicki and Molly Rannebarger

Sarah Pawlicki and Molly Rannebarger

Sarah and Molly have been best friends for a long 

time and share a love of animals (especially cats).  They began visiting CCHS regulalry, spending time in the communal cat rooms.  When a CCHS staff member recognized the girls as repeat visitors, she suggested that they consider becoming volunteers.  Sarah and Molly liked the idea and submitted their applications right away.  

Molly's favorite part of volunteering is socializing with cats.  She likes that they all have "very distinct personalities."  But Molly confesses that doing other chores at the shelter is o.k. too:   "even cleaning the bathrooms or doing the dishes can be fun because Sarah and I get to hang out and talk while doing it." 

Sarah also puts cat-socializing at the top of her list of volunteer activities.  However, she also admitted to getting a "certain satisfaction" out of "scrubbing a particularly tough staind off the floor or finishing a load of laundry."  The CCHS staff is impressed with Molly and Sarah's great attitude about hard work!

Outside of CCHS, Sarah and Molly share an interest in theatrical performance and last year they put on their own production and donated the proceeds of ticket sales to CCHS. 

 Molly and Sarah - for your great attitude and commitment to the animals!

Employee of the Month:  Lindsay Siniawski

Lindsay joined the CCHS Medical staff in May, 2010 and quickly learned the ropes.  Now, co-workers often turn to Lindsay when they have questions about animal care.  Lindsay is also admired for her interest in learning new things and has a reputation for being "sweet" and "genuine."   

Lindsay is currently a Junior at the University of Illinois, majoring in Animal Sciences with a concentration in pre-veterinary medicine.  She received the Burger King Scholarship based on scholastic merit in 2008.  She is also a member of the Companion Animals Club and the Production Animals Club.  Lindsay has also worked as a veterinary assistant at the Animal Clinic of St. Charles since August of 2006. 

Pet of the Month: Monty

Alum of the Month: Gracie Lou

Allison Haines first saw Gracie Lou's photo on the "Paws & Reflect" blog last summer.  Although she was charmed by Gracie's "wonky ears and snaggle tooth," Allison wasn't ready for a new dog at that time.  But Gracie didn't go away!  Allison kept tabs on her through the CCHS website and the Pups Is Pups blog.  Then, in early December, Gracie's picture was "popping up everywhere," even on the Facebook pages of Allison's friends.  It felt like "a sign" and Allison couldn't ignore it.  She called the shelter to find out if Gracie was still available and then filled out an application and made an appointment to meet Gracie Lou.  A match was made!

Fast forward to today and you'll find Gracie living the good life, snoring outloud and hogging the covers on the bed.  Allison's other pets are still getting used to Gracie.  Chuck, the cat, was thrown for a loop at first, but is now back to his normal routine.  (For some reason he didn't appreciate Gracie's attempts to pat him on the head.)  Meanwhile, Llama, a 9-year-old Cocker Spaniel mix, has been teaching Gracie the fine art of running through the house without doing damage.  And last but not least, Gracie is "very curious" about Allison's two parrots, Gonzo and Squid.  Gracie's curiosity has provided Allison with the perfect opportunity to teach Gracie about "impulse control."

All in all, Allison says that the transition has gone smoother than she thought it would.  She is grateful for the encouragement she has received from her veterinarian (Dr. Mary Welle), Gracie's former foster parents (Tom & Harriett), and her family and friends.  She looks forward to taking Gracie Lou to training classes and hopes to help Gracie earn her Canine Good Citizen certification some day. 

Congratulations to Allison and Gracie on your new life together!