Stray Thoughts 2018 Volume 4 Fall 2018 Stray Thoughts_Digital

Stray Thoughts News, Events & Adoption Information Fall 2018 Inside Our Mission: Giving Animals Like Nadirah A Chance At A Happy Life Page 2: Holiday Gift Pawction General Information Ways to Give Page 3 Ready for a Home Page 4: Ask the Trainer Page 5: Pet Watch with Dr. Main Emails & Letters Page 6: Volunteer Spotlight Barkapalooza Pledge and Raffle Winners Page 7: Hearty Thanks! Page 8: Barkapalooza Sponsors Stray Thoughts is an official publication of the West Suburban Humane Society, a not-for-profit, volunteer- based animal shelter. No city, state, or federal funds support WSHS. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please call [phone], ext. 25 to submit articles or receive donation information. Adoption Center: 1901 W. Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 E-mail Address: [email protected] Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] www.WSHS-DG.org I t was a cold winter morning, when a good samaritan looked out her window and saw something huddled up against the side of her house. She went outside to see what it was and found Nadirah. It was obvious that she had been living outside for a long time and was in bad shape. She was skinny and had a gaping wound on her neck. If she had not been seen, she would have likely frozen to death. That is how Nadirah ended up at our shelter. On closer inspection we realized that the wound was from a collar that was embedded in her neck. We rushed Nadirah to the vet where she had surgery to remove it. The collar was not the only issue Nadirah had to deal with. She was severely underweight, covered in fleas and FIV+. FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus. FIV typically causes a weakening of the cat’s immune system. The odds were stacked against her but we knew we couldn’t give up on her. After surgery, Nadirah went to a foster home to recuperate. Finally, after 2 1/2 months, her neck had closed completely. A lot of medical intervention and home care gave this FIV+ girl a chance to heal faster. Nadirah also gained 1 1/2 pounds since being rescued from outside. At last, with her fur growing back, a full belly, complete range of motion in her neck and not feeling like she is being strangled, Nadirah could show her loving side. Nadirah is back from foster care and ready to find her forever home. Because she is FIV+ she cannot live with another cat so she is currently living in my office. She is a huge cuddler and adores attention! She is also very playful and loves to bat around her toy mouse. She is such a great cat, I can’t believe she hasn’t been snatched up yet! I will miss her when she is adopted but she deserves to have a home of her very own. WSHS has a proven history of treating and caring for countless sick and injured animals that other shelters won’t. These animals have no one but us to advocate for them. With your support, we can continue this mission of compassionate care for animals in need. From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your continued support!