Community helped pull Grayslake's Save-A-Pet through tough times

An outpouring of community support has allowed the Save-A-Pet animal shelter to address its immediate financial problems and keep its doors open, say officials at the Grayslake facility.

“Our community has saved us from closing our doors,” development manager Marc Portugal said.

But he emphasizes that the no-kill shelter is not in the clear yet and that continued community support is needed to gain true stability and security.

Portugal said the community responded to Save-A-Pet announcements in September that it may need to close its doors within three to six months due to financial constraints.

The shelter received donations from families, businesses, churches and schools that represent seven to nine months of operating revenue, he said.

While those funds will help staff care for its 300 dogs and cats, Portugal said officials need to direct attention to the second phase of recovery money to resume rescuing homeless and neglected animals and plan for capital improvements and maintenance to the shelter.

Portugal said it costs $200 to $300 to take in and care for a healthy animal. Save-A-Pet receives requests at the shelter, by phone and by e-mail to save animals' lives every day.

“There always will be animals in horrible conditions, looking for a second chance at love and a home,” he said. “We always want to be that second chance.”

The key to Save-A-Pet's survival, he said, is supporters making a long-term investment. Some examples are including Save-A-Pet in a will or estate, donating stock, or making a donation of kindness such as services and pet supplies. While a large monetary donation can go a long way, Portugal says that it takes only $7 to feed a cat or a dog for a week.

“That is how quickly you can help,” he said.

Save-A-Pet is planning fundraisers to assist its operations. That includes the Ales and Tails fundraiser from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Stevens' of Gurnee at Riverside Plaza on the northeast corner of Washington Street and Milwaukee Avenue in Gurnee. The event features a silent auction, a live band, door prizes and raffles. Tickets cost $25-$45 and will be limited to the first 150 people.

Save-A-Pet also is planning a holiday mailer that will include details on the recovery's first phase and how people can make donations at the shelter or through the website.

Save-A-Pet officials understand the recession affects everyone, but the shelter's need is crucial as the weather gets colder, Portugal said.

“They (dogs or cats) are in a different kind of danger if they are being neglected or abandoned outside,” he said. “It's literally life or death.”

Following staff cutbacks last year, Portugal said volunteers also are needed to take dogs out to exercise, socialize with cats and raise money. To offer ideas, the shelter plans to hold a workshop on creating fundraisers. Portugal said a date will be listed on the website.

The shelter has received many calls from people happy to hear it is staying open. Save-A-Pet officials are grateful, but stress they still need support to stay open for years to come.

“We don't want to lull supporters into a false sense of security,” he said. “We are not safe yet.”

Save-A-Pet fundraising events

<p>• Through mid-November, Vickie's Personal Touch in Wauconda is offer $15 off a manicure and pedicure when you bring in three items from Save-A-Pet's wish list or make a donation of $15 or more. Call (847) 526-6162 for details.</p>

<p>• The Ales and Tails fundraiser will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Stevens' of Gurnee at Riverside Plaza, Washington and Milwaukee, Gurnee. The event includes a silent auction, a live band, door prizes and raffles. Tickets cost $25-$45 and are limited to the first 150 people. Call Nikki Nedza at (847) 740-7788, ext. 103.</p>

<p>• The annual holiday open house features gift baskets, crafts, vendors, raffles, ornaments, a bake sale and more from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5, at the Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, 31664 N. Fairfield Road, Grayslake. Call (847) 740-7788 for details.</p>