Recently, TAF’s founder and President Sue Naiden eloquently summed up why TAF helps an open access shelter rather than a “no kill” shelter.
The Animal Welfare League’s Intake Facility accepts all animals that are dropped off at its door, regardless of age, health, temperament or anything else. This also includes the animals that some “no kill” shelters do not want to euthanize themselves.
Until TAF started publicizing the animals at AWL Intake, there was virtually no way for other shelters and rescues to find out about the animals at the facility (other than through phone calls by Diane Spyrka, the Shelter Manager). TAF’s Facebook page has changed that and we are proud to bring together shelters and rescues to help the animals at AWL Intake. If you scroll through our Facebook page, you will see many examples of TAF joining with multiple organizations to transfer and adopt AWL Intake dogs and cats.
The AWL Intake facility is not set up to adopt out animals. Its main organization, Animal Welfare League, however, does adopt out animals. AWL is just as overcrowded as every other shelter. It is also very expensive to cover the medical bills of sick animals. This has made many shelters go into the red and eventually have to shut their doors.
This is why TAF helps AWL Intake. Simply, is it one of the neediest shelters in Chicago. Diane and her staff are incredibly dedicated and we are pleased to assist. TAF has had many happy endings since we started working with AWL Intake:
1. South Suburban Humane Society, another open access shelter, has truly stepped up and helped out. SSHS has taken numerous dogs and adopted them out. SSHS has also shared their most precious resource–volunteers. For example, SSHS’s volunteer groomer Maureen visits AWL Intake regularly and grooms dogs. Here are photo’s from a recent visit.
The pile of nasty, matted fur was carried by the dog for years. When Maureen shaved the dog down, she discovered he was missing a leg! TAF is helping pay for this dog’s medical care.
2. The dog runs are here! The dog runs are here! TAF and its generous donors raised enough money to purchase and install 5 desperately needed dog runs. Now, the dogs at AWL Intake will spend quality time in the fresh air each day. Previously, the dogs were only out of their cages for short periods of time.
We will be announcing a special dedication ceremony shortly. We are still hoping to raise funds to spruce up the yard with trees and Astroturf.
3. TAF’s Facebook page has raised awareness of the AWL Intake Facility and the dogs housed there. Many rescues and shelters have now transferred dogs and cats after hearing about them through TAF. Rescues and shelters, such as SSHS, Puppy Love-Love Cats, ALIVE Rescue, Project Rescue, Hyde Park Cats and others have transferred dogs and cats and we heartily thank them. We have also been the beneficiary of incredible kindness and assistance from Tree House Humane Society and its veterinary clinic.
4. TAF brings a group of volunteers to AWL Intake approximately once a month. We play with, socialize and cuddle the animals, walk and groom dogs, clean, pack food for the pet food bank and perform other needed tasks. We have fun and the animals are incredibly relaxed and happy as a result of our efforts.
Of course, all these great works need volunteers and funding. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact: jill@trioanimalfoundation.org. Donations can be made online our TAF’s website.
