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Warrenville woman committed to helping DuPage's ownerless pets

Eleven years ago, homemade dog biscuits changed the course of Barbara Zeiler's life.

The Warrenville resident had always wanted to spend her retirement helping animals. But when she applied in 2003 to become a volunteer at DuPage County Animal Care and Control, months passed with no one getting back to her.

Zeiler's luck changed that November when dog biscuits she made didn't sell out at a bake sale. She took the leftovers to the animal shelter in Wheaton.

The manager who accepted the doggy treats was so appreciative that she invited Zeiler to an orientation.

Now Zeiler is one of the longest-serving volunteers at the shelter. Colleagues affectionately call her “Biscuit Barb” because she's always bringing in goodies for the shelter's animals and staff.

She also has become an inspiration for the 200 to 300 people who volunteer at the facility.

“Barb is a wonderful asset for the shelter,” said Dr. Todd Faraone, the veterinary administrator who oversees the facility. “Her first thought is always for the animals and what she can do for the animals. She is one of the kindest, most generous people I've ever met.”

When she's at the shelter, Zeiler spends most of her time in the cat room socializing, cleaning and grooming the animals. She also helps introduce cats to potential adopters.

“Barb has many times played matchmaker with potential adopters,” said Kristie Lecaros, coordinator of the Friends of DuPage County Animal Care and Control Foundation. “She'll get to know what it is that they're looking for. And because she knows the cats so well, she can match them up with the right people.”

It was during her time with the cats that Zeiler discovered another way to help the shelter.

“When I started here, the cats were on what I call threadbare towels,” she recalled.

So she set out to make pet beds for all of the shelter's cats.

The project began with Zeiler putting two pieces of fleece together. She soon started using stuffing to make the pet beds thicker.

Even though she'd never sewed before, Zeiler learned how. She eventually perfected ways to make beds for dogs and cats of all sizes.

In 2006, someone suggested to Zeiler that pet owners might be interested in buying her handmade beds, dubbed Barb's Beds.

So she started selling the pet beds — along with other homemade toys and pet accessories — in the lobby of the shelter and at various events throughout the year. The beds also can be purchased during the holidays at Warrenville Grove Animal Hospital in Warrenville.

However, the goal isn't to make money for herself.

Zeiler pays for all the supplies and materials out of her own pocket. She then donates 100 percent of the money she earns from the sale of her creations to the foundation that supports the shelter's animals. Last year, she raised nearly $2,000 for the foundation by selling pet beds.

Zeiler said she volunteers and spends countless hours making the pet beds because she believes in the mission of the shelter, which cares for 3,500 to 4,000 animals every year. The facility relies on fees for its income and doesn't receive tax dollars.

“I'm happy the animals are here as opposed to being on the streets looking for food,” Zeiler said. “While they're here, the volunteers and staff can make a difference in their lives by getting them adoptable and getting them a home.”

Zeiler says it brings her great joy to see ownerless pets at the shelter get adopted. “I almost jump up and down,” she said.

Lecaros said Zeiler has adopted and fostered many cats over the years, often taking some of the neediest cases and saving them from euthanasia. All four of Zeiler's pet cats — Katrina, Catherine, Biscuit and Pixie — were adopted from the shelter.

“She will also take the occasional shelter dog for a mini-break at her home during the day,” Lecaros said.

From 2007 and 2012, Zeiler served on the board of directors for the Friends of DuPage County Animal Care and Control Foundation. She continues to serve as volunteer liaison to the board.

“In addition to volunteering her time and talent, Barb is one of the foundations' most generous donors,” said Lecaros, adding that Zeiler has helped fund everything from cat beds and cat towers to grooming and veterinary care for animals.

Currently, Zeiler is financing a makeover of the shelter's outdoor dog runs. The project includes construction of an expanded play area that will give the dogs an opportunity to frolic and exercise.

“It's something that I really feel will enhance the dogs' lives,” she said. “It's going to make them more adoptable.”

Faraone said he was “kind of overwhelmed” by Zeiler's generosity when he learned about the project.

“She put a lot of effort into it to get things going,” he said. “There have been some delays because, being a government agency, there are protocols that have to be followed. But it will make a big difference.”

Once the project is completed in the spring, Zeiler's efforts will continue.

When asked how long she plans to volunteer at the shelter, she said, “Until I can't walk. I love it here. I really do.”

  Barbara Zeiler says it brings her great joy to see ownerless pets find a home. The volunteer work she's doing at the DuPage County Animal Care and Control facility in Wheaton is aimed at helping the animals she interacts with become more adoptable. Scott Sanders/ssanders@dailyherald.com
  In addition to volunteering at the DuPage County Animal Care and Control facility in Wheaton, Barbara Zeiler spends hundreds of hours making handmade pet beds, toys and pet accessories that she sells to raise money for the foundation that supports the shelter's animals. Scott Sanders/ssanders@dailyherald.com
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