Stray Thoughts Fall 2018
Volunteer Spotlight
M
onday mornings can be “ruff” for some people,
but the WSHS dogs are happy to see the kennel
cleaning crew each Monday morning, and the volunteers
are happy to see them. Cathy Better says that she most
enjoys “the time helping animals who desperately
need the love and attention.” Tina Janopoulos agrees,
saying, “I love caring for the dogs, they are so grateful.”
Mark Furlong, who has been volunteering at WSHS for
more than eight years, says he’s gotten to meet a lot of
great dogs but also has enjoyed making some lasting
friendships with other volunteers.
These volunteers work so well together that they
all say they all know every job and take turns with
cleaning responsibilities to ensure that everyone has the
opportunity to walk dogs, since that is the fun part. Cathy
says, “we take great pride in claiming we are the best
cleaning shift!”
more mischief than a blind dog.” Cathy lost her beloved
14-year-old lab/border collie mix shortly before starting
at West Suburban, but says she has two “grand-puppies
that we watch for my son and his wife. A pug and a pit are
always good for an entertaining visit!” Colleen has a five-
year-old “special needs” Australian shepherd.
The shift has also been a learning experience for many.
Colleen Murphy has learned a lot about dog behavior
and anxiety. Tina has become much better at handling
dogs, and Cathy has enjoyed learning that all dog breeds
have their own tendencies. Mark says, “I have also
learned that there’s a lot of good that can be done with
very limited resources.”
There are always problems to be solved when working
in the kennel. Cathy says, “it’s always a treat in the winter
when the doggy doors freeze shut!”
Mark remembers back when he first
started he banged his head pretty hard
on a length of pipe that protrudes
down into run number ten. On his
second day he “found an old tennis
ball, cut an X in it with my pocket
knife, and stuck it over the end of that pipe. Eight-plus
years later, that tennis ball is still protecting my, and many
others’ skulls. I consider that to be my most significant
contribution to WSHS.”
It’s no surprise that these kennel volunteers also have
dogs at home. Tina shares her home with a “24 pound
schnoodle named Libby, who I love more than I love my
teenagers some days.” Mark and his wife adopted “Fritz,
a blind schnauzer who had come to WSHS from south
Chicago with heartworm after a winter of surviving on the
streets.” When Fritz passed, they adopted Frida, from Blind
Dog Rescue. Frida’s vision returned and Mark admits, “We
have learned that a sighted dog is able to generate FAR
Congratulations to Our Barkapalooza 2018
Pledge and Raffle Winners!
This Year’s Barkapalooza Walk-A-Thon and Pet
Expo Top Pledge Contributors
1st Place – Ruth Cloonan of Lisle raised $5,825. She donated
the $500 prize for Top Pledge Collector back to the shelter.
2nd Place – Carolyn Mossberger of Romeoville raised $5,275.
3rd Place – Cindy Johnson of Downers Grove raised $3,098.
4th Place – Colette Loesher of Wood Dale raised $2,650.
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Congratulations to our
2018 Wags to Riches
Raffle Winner!
Debbie Kreide of Oak Lawn
was the $1,000 winner of our
Wags to Riches Raffle!
2018
Wal
kathon