West Suburban Humane Society's new adoption center brings more pets and families together

For the past five decades, the West Suburban Humane Society (WSHS) has connected thousands of animals with loving homes. On Dec. 4, WSHS kicked off its 50th anniversary with a celebration and tour of its new facility during an Adoption Center Open House. While the new Adoption Center opened in March 2020 and has been operating since then, WSHS was thrilled to be able to officially unveil the space during an in-person gathering for longtime supporters, friends and the community.

"After being in our Adoption Center for almost two years already, it was so nice to see that our community is still interested in seeing our new space and learning more about our work," said Christina Morrison, director of development for the West Suburban Humane Society.

During the day, attendees toured the new Adoption Center while they enjoyed refreshments and a hot chocolate bar free of charge. Humane educators provided fun crafts for both children and adults. In the evening, a ticketed event was held to celebrate WSHS' 50th anniversary and continue raising funds for the cause through the organization's popular Pawction. WSHS also debuted a permanent timeline artwork in which various events and special animals from WSHS' first 50 years are featured.

"Through evening ticket sales, games, donations, holiday items for purchase, and the Pawction online auction, we raised over $20,000 that will go directly toward the care of our dogs and cats," Morrison said.

Generous sponsors, including Gerald Subaru of Naperville, sponsored the Pawction to help get the humane society's dogs and cats through the winter months. Their support helped WSHS put their auction online, which allowed them to reach more supporters and raise more funds.

"We are thrilled to continue supporting the West Suburban Humane Society," said Alec McKean, Vice President of Service for the Gerald Auto Group. "We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can't wait to see what the next 50 years brings."

Morrison said the new Adoption Center has been a turning point for WSHS, as the upgraded HVAC system and additional space has allowed the organization to continue caring for and matching families with a dog or cat throughout the pandemic. The new Adoption Center is 8,600 square feet, almost triple the size of WSHS' former buildings. The new Adoption Center still sits where WSHS has operated since 1987 - at the intersection of Ogden and Stonewall avenues in Downers Grove - but now with new and improved features. The new Adoption Center houses all animals who are not in foster care and provides each of them more space than the previous buildings. The new space allows for more separation between dogs and cats as well as sick and well pets. In addition, the new facility features a large room where humane education classes can be held as well as a large indoor play and adoption room for available dogs.

"If people didn't get a chance to attend the Open House, they can stop by our Adoption Center any time we are open to take a quick tour and peek at our timeline to see how far we've come," said Morrison.

To learn more about WSHS, visit wshs-dg.org.

To learn more about Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit https://www.geraldsubarunaperville.com.