Friday, April 17, 2009

Breaking the Chain


Kids, this is your chance to show off your story telling talents! This contest is open to all 3rd thru 5th grade students. It has been endorsed locally by the Mayor of Naperville, George Pradel and the Naperville Animal Control Department. The national non-profit organization, Dogs Deserve Better, which is dedicated to advocating on behalf of chained and penned dogs, has also fully endorsed our contest.

The winner of this contest will receive a day with the staff at the Naperville Area Humane Society. They will be able to go “behind the scenes”, have lunch and enjoy a day with the shelter animals. The winning entry will also be posted on our website and a press release will go out to our local newspapers.

Read the story here. Feel free to send along a picture to help tell your story. Contest entries will be accepted until May 1, 2009. The winner will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week, which is the week of May 4, 2009. Entries will be judged based upon creativity and the humane values expressed in the story.


Be sure to include your name, address, school name and grade along with your phone number. Mail entries to: Naperville Area Humane Society, Attn: Terri Hancock, 1620 W. Diehl Road, Naperville, IL 60563.

Contact Terri, Humane Education Manager, with any questions (630) 420-8989 x17.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Chips!

Hello again, friends! I was a little bored today so I wanted to interview somebody who I knew was full of fun. Chips is a great dog who has been here at the shelter for 60 days. If you ask me, the only reason such a lovable dog is still here at NAHS is because he is very energetic and needs a super active family who isn't intimidated by his playful nature. Sure, he loves to run, but there just has to be a family out there that can keep up!

Chips, I know you're quite a catch, but what can you tell potential adopters about yourself?

There is so much I'd like people to know about me! I'm just about a year old and I'm a Catahoula Leopard Dog. Pronounced cat-a-hula, my breed is the state dog for Louisiana, and I hear we're quite popular in the southern part of the USA. Dogs like me were bred for hunting black bears, wild boars and other large game. I've also been told that we can be highly intelligent so I would love a family that would take me to obedience classes. I can learn very quickly! But don't get me wrong, even though I'm active and smart, I'm also very affectionate. I am a staff and volunteer favorite here at NAHS because I love to play and give hugs and kisses.

What kind of family are you looking for?

One that will love me! And play with me! And give me lots of toys! I'm not too picky, I love just about everyone. Kids in my new home should probably a little bit bigger because I'm a big guy. I would never try to hurt one of my friends, but my size can sometimes make it seem like I play a little rough. I probably shouldn't be left alone full time because I am awfully smart and I will look for any way to keep myself entertained! I also love to play with other dogs and wouldn't mind living with another playful dog like myself. The one thing I really shouldn't be around is cats. I think they're great, so great that I just wouldn't be able to resist chasing them all day!

What's your favorite thing about being here at NAHS?

Great question! There are so many things I like here at the humane society. Some volunteers will come and take me on long walks through the forest preserve. I even got to walk in the Naperville St. Patricks Day Parade with my friend and NAHS volunteer, Ken Moore! I also like how the staff and volunteers are always trying to find ways to keep me entertained in my kennel. They make me doggie pinatas and give me frozen Kongs. I also love to play in the dog run with my buddy, Timby, who's a great black lab looking for a home too. Although I do have a lot of fun here, I can't help but hope to find a family to call my own.


I hope you folks come in and meet Chips soon. A dog like him would be a great addition for the right family.