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CSTR
Fundraisers
| Online Pampered Chef Part
CSTR is holding an online Pampered Chef party! 20% of the proceeds will go to the CSTR vet fund, so if you have Christmas shopping to do, be sure to check out this party! To shop, visit the Pampered Chef website, click "Shop Online", type in "Crossroads", click the link for CSTR and start shopping! Win Front Row Tickets To See Larry The Cable Guy! 
CSTR is currently selling raffle tickets to win a pair of front row tickets to see Larry the Cable Guy at the Joliet Rialto Square Theater on December 17, 2010. Tickets are being sold at CSTR events or click here for a flyer with details on how to get yours! 100% of the proceeds go to the CSTR vet fund. | |
Click the image above to shop our online fundraising store for magazines, jewelry and restaurant gift certificates/cards!
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President's Message
November turned out to be a quiet month for CSTR for both adoptions and intake. Unfortunately, intake is directly tied to our rate of adoption. As each foster dog is adopted, a spot is opened up to save another dog, whether waiting in an animal shelter or being released from a puppy mill.
It wound up being a busy and stressful month, though, as we worked  hard to get enough votes to be a finalist in the Pepsi Refresh contest. I think I must have an ulcer the size of a dinner plate by now, but I am so pleased to say that we did finish in the top 15 and so are one of the finalists for a $25,000 grant. We haven't won the money yet, but we have a good chance. I have a large packet of information that I have to work on and provide to Pepsi by the 10th of this month, so that is my current project (after I finish this newsletter!) My sincerest thanks to all of you who voted every day and put up with our multiple daily posts on Facebook.
Our proposal that we hope to receive the grant for is to convert a small building/shed into a "Shih Tzu Retirement Home". I do the intake for CSTR, and it breaks my heart to see all of the older/elderly dogs that
 | | Cora |
are winding up in kill shelters around this country. With this grant, we plan to create a warm, comfortable place for some of those dogs to spend the remainder of their lives, however long - or short - that may be.
One of the dogs that will have a place in that retirement home came into the CSTR program in the month of November. Cora was found as a stray in a small Florida town, and it was obvious she had been neglected for quite some time. She is a tiny little girl, approximately 12 years old, mostly blind with severe untreated dry eye and skin infections. She was significantly underweight, and two weeks later when she was spayed, Dr. Quarterman removed 8 mammary tumors. She is a sweet, happy girl, though, and very obviously glad to be in a home with a comfortable bed. And her tail never stops wagging.
Dogs like Cora are who we hope to help by creating our "Senior Dog Retirement Home." I hope to report to you next month that our grant application has been approved and that the "home" is well on its way.
We are unable to use any of the grant money for vet bills, however,and sadly, donations - and adoptions - have slowed to barely a trickle. So, as we come to the end of the year, please consider making a tax deductible contribution toward the care of these wonderful dogs who depend on us. If you can donate - even $10 or $20 - we, and the CSTR foster dogs, would greatly appreciate it.
To keep up on what's happening throughout the month with CSTR and our dogs, be sure to "like" our Facebook fan page. We update regularly on what's happening in CSTR and will be updating as the plans for the retirement home are brought to life. Remember, as always, the dogs need us and so we need you.
Lastly, on behalf of the CSTR board, foster parents, volunteers and especially the CSTR foster dogs, thank you for your support this year, happy holidays and we wish you all the best in 2012.
Leann
Leann Lund
President
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Foster Mom - Krisandra Hanson
 | | Krisandra and Brad |
I learned of Crossroads a few years ago, while attending the Pet Expo at Arlington Race track. At that time, I met Leann and met a few of their pups who were in the refuge program. What drew me to them was the fact that they do not turn any dog away because of their age, health or behavioral problems. At that time, I lived in a small condo and with two personal dogs of my own we just could not adopt at that time. So we made sure to donate throughout the year, keeping updated with their progress via Facebook and their newsletters.
A year ago, things changed in our life. I had lifesaving surgery. After this happened, I took a good look at life and saw there was a lot more I could be doing to help out in the world. I'd always had a great love for animals, but I could only donate; however, this was different! We had moved to a house and had the extra room. I also started working from home, so I got in touch with Leann- we spent countless hours emailing, talking about fostering. I was amazed at how much their group did! We sent in our application, we received a call, the home visit came, and that's when a beautiful angel walked into my life. His name is Bradley. When Bradley arrived, he had just been released from a puppy mill about two months before. He was so afraid, he would urinate in fear. He would stay wherever we placed him.. not moving for hours. If you walked up to him, he would "take cover and drop to the floor". Slowly, Bradley started to come around, playing with our two other Shih Tzu. I still remember, as if it was yesterday, when he picked up a toy! First time in his life he had ever had that, when he gave us his first kiss, first time he ran around the house and outside, when he found his voice for the first time, first belly rub, first time he took a treat from our hands. When he went to his first "spa day" as we call them, you would have thought I was first time mother, crying because I missed him so much. It hit me! Bradley needed me just as much as I need him! He saved me! We made him a permanent resident here shortly after he arrived. A lot of people with my health problems could easily just lay in bed and do nothing. Bradley gave me a reason to get out of bed; he brought my heart back to life. He taught me how to love again. Since Bradley, we've had about ten dogs walk through these doors. A few others now call this place home, some we just helped them learn how to trust, and we've showed them what the TRUE meaning of love is. They've since found forever homes. I will never forget any of them! They all hold a special place in my heart. For Bradley, he won mine.
People often ask me if I get paid for doing this. I say, yes, I do - with love! We are given these animals voices. Animals are amazing who deserve rights just as any human. I'm beyond proud to say that I'm a foster mom and foster flunk. Fostering, by far, is the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life!
Yes, my life has hit many bumps like most, but I've never been happier! My heart and home is filled with more love than I ever thought was possible. Every day is a treat - waking up and seeing all of these beautiful fur kids with a smile on their face, happy and running around. I always encourage people to help in any way they can. It always does not mean you have to donate money, you can foster, help with everyday duties that make a rescue run. Donate blankets, food, toys, beds...etc
Happy Holiday's from my home to yours!
Krisandra |
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Home At Last
November was, unfortunately, a slow month for CSTR adoptions. We are thrilled,though, for Bethany, Lyssa and Raina!
If you've been thinking about adding a new canine member to your family, be sure to visit our IL/IN Petfinder page and FL Petfinder page to see the dogs we currently have for adoption.
 | | Lyssa and the Michelottis. |
 | | Raina and the Hatts |
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 Attention: CSTR Adopters!
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