Wags, Heartland earn four paws up

Lionel the cat is a big fan. So is Aerith the dog.

Both of those animals were treated under the Dr-Do-More-Fund of Northbrook's Heartland Animal Shelter.

The shelter has created this donor-funded medical resource to care for seriously ill rescue dogs and cats. It covers extraordinary expenses for treatable animals needing specialized care before they can be put up for adoption.

Mary Bowler, owner of the Wags on Willow pet groomer in Northfield, heard of the fund and wanted to help. She started her own fund on Oct. 17, seeded it with $250 of her own money, and invited her clients to help reach a goal of $500 to donate to the Heartland Animal Shelter for the Dr-Do-More-Fund.

"Each year we try to help Heartland in some way," Bowler said. "For us, it was just a chance to raise the awareness for the fund."

The campaign is in its last days; it ends Nov. 7. Every little bit counts. Most donations range from $1-$5, though a generous donor did provide $1,000, said Nathaniel Harrington, Wags front-end manager.

"We're pretty much on schedule for meeting the goal that we wanted to fill," he said.

Wags on Willow has supported rescue shelters before. The grooming salon has collected and donated pet toys, collars, leashes, food and bedding supplies.

Bowler said the COVID-19 pandemic has actually been a boon for shelter animals, who have been adopted by people shut in and looking for companionship. Still, help like the Heartland's Dr-Do-More-Fund is needed.

"Things are going really well," Bowler said, "but there's still animals in need before they can be put up for adoption."

Aerith and Lionel approve.

"I think we're on course," Harrington said.