Petals for Pets supports suburban Humane Society
The West Suburban Humane Society started in 1972 from humble beginning with a simple mission: to help return lost pets to their owners.
Today, the organization is much more full service. Stray cats and dogs are sheltered, their medical needs are treated and efforts are made to match them with compatible families looking to adopt a pet. About 800 pets a year find new homes through the West Suburban Humane Society.
To help continue its programs of shelter, adoption and advocacy, the agency has its Petals for Pets greenery and plant sale Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9.
West Suburban Humane Society Executive Director Carolyn Mossberger discusses the shelter and its efforts to help cats and dogs.
Q. What is your mission?A. The West Suburban Humane Society is dedicated to operating an animal shelter for the purpose of finding safe, permanent, compatible homes through adoption of domestic dogs and cats. We are committed to educating and encouraging the public in the humane and responsible care of dogs and cats.Q. How do you work toward accomplishing that goal?A. The West Suburban Humane Society will achieve and sustain our place as a premier humane organization by focusing on the following endeavors:Advocacy: WSHS will promote the humane and responsible care of dogs and cats by reaching out to pet owners through public education. We will work with government agencies and other organizations to promote the humane care of animals. Animal care: WSHS will work with area veterinarians on providing medical treatment for non-terminal conditions of cats and dogs in our care in the hope of finding a new home and alleviating suffering. Education: WSHS will educate our staff, volunteers, members and the community on pet health and safety. We will provide information and support to our adoptive families and act as a resource for the public at large. Fundraising: WSHS will remain financially solvent and will continue to find and maintain new sources of revenue to provide services and achieve our goals.Q. Who do you serve?A. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.Q. When and why did the humane society start? How has it grown?A. We started in 1972 as a lost and found service. Today we are a full adoption facility with space for 20 dogs and 65 cats. We adopt out 800 animals annually.Q. What kind of successes have you had?A. We always consider it a success when an animal that has been neglected finds its forever home.Q. What challenges does the organization currently face?A. The economy.Q. What do you wish the community at large knew about the organization? A. Unlike most humane societies, we are unique in that we treat any and all medical conditions. We have done hip-replacement surgeries, treated heartworm and parvo as well as a variety of other conditions. We also send dogs with behavior issues to training. When the dog is adopted, the owner receives a free session with the trainer so that they can continue the training.Q. How can readers get involved?A. By volunteering their time or donating money.Vital statisticsNumber of requests for help: 150 per monthBudget: $430,000Funding: adoption fees, general donations, fundraisersFull-time employees: TwoVolunteers: 350Wish list: bull; Paper towelsbull; Food - Purina or IAMS (dry) cat and dog, kitten and puppy formulas; light formula and senior formula for cat and dog; any canned cat, dog, kitten and puppy foodbull; Kitten milk replacementbull; Small baby bottles and nipplesbull; Dog and cat toys (washable and indestructible)bull; Cat litter (not scoopable)bull; Postage stampsbull; Garbage bags, 13 and 30 gallon sizesbull; 6-inch paper platesbull; Lint trapsTo donate: 1901 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515To volunteer: (630) 960-9600, ext. 45, or volunteer@wshs-dg.orgInfo: (630) 960-9600 or Website: WSHS-DG.org <p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p><p class="News"><b>What:</b> Petals for Pets greenery sale </p><p class="News"><b>Why:</b> Proceeds support the West Suburban Humane Society</p><p class="News"><b>When:</b> 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 8-9 </p><p class="News"><b>Where:</b> West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove. </p><p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 960-9600 or <a href="http://wshs-dg.org" target="new">wshs-dg.org</a></p>