Congratulations to Nugget!

Chips, along with the staff and volunteers from NAHS, is happy to announce that Nugget was adopted today and has gone to live in his forever home. We will always remember him as the first interview on 'Prowler's Ponderings', but we couldn't be happier that he has gone to a wonderful, loving home. Keep in touch, Nugget!

Oh Happy Day!

The staff and volunteers at NAHS are thrilled to announce that the one and only Prowler has found a forever home. He is currently getting settled into his new home, and although we couldn't be happier for him, we do miss his morning and tea-time "singing".

Since Prowler is too busy being spoiled and training his new family on when to feed him, he's left the blog in the capable hands of one of our favorite dogs, Chips. For more information about Chips, please read his interview below. The blog won't be changing names, as we would like to always honor Prowler as the founder of "Prowler's Ponderings".

Meet Rose

This week I wanted to interview one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. Rose has been here just over 200 days. She came in with five little kittens who have all been adopted and now she is waiting to find a forever home of her own. Please enjoy my first ever interview with a local super model.

So, Rose, how did you find your way to NAHS?

Hi Prowler. Well, last year, I was a stray kitty on the mean streets of Bolingbrook. I started hiding under someone's house and on Labor Day, I had a litter of 5 kittens! The nice people who found me brought me here to the shelter. I went into a foster home with my kittens for a few weeks and then I made my way back to the shelter to go up for adoption. I've been here since October and I'm still waiting for the right family to rescue me!

In your opinion, what is the right family for you?

I'm hoping for someone who will take very good care of me. I'm very snuggly and sweet. I'd love to hang out with my new family and watch tv. I've lived with kids before and I'm very gentle and tolerant.

What's your favorite thing about NAHS?

The staff and volunteers are very nice to me! They take very good care of me! I get treats, brushed frequently and lots of snuggling! I don't want to like it too much though, because I'm hoping to go to a nice home soon!

If an actress was going to play you in a movie about your life, which actress would get the role?

Hmm...I think Kate Winslet. She would best portray my struggle as a stray cat, then a single mom and a sweet shelter kitty.

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to me, Rose. I hope this helps you find a forever home quickly. I know any family that is lucky enough to adopt you is sure to have a wonderful new companion.

PS From Prowler : Good news! Shortly after posting our blog, a fabulous couple came into NAHS and decided to welcome Rose into their home. Although I was sad to see her go, I am so extremely happy that she has found a forever home.

30th Anniversary Reception

I had to hold down the fort here at NAHS on Tuesday, April 14th while the staff, board members, volunteers and supports of the Naperville Area Humane Society went to enjoy a reception in honor of 30 great years!

But luckily Mark Hartman, one of our volunteers and a great photographer, was there to take pictures, so enjoy!

These amazing looking cupcakes were generously donated by Sugar Monkey, a fabulous cupcake bakery here in Naperville. And let me tell you, these cupcakes taste even better than they look. One of the staff here innocently sat down with a delicious cupcake next to her, I snuck up to her and tried to steal it. I cannot get enough of Sugar Monkey cupcakes! I know they're not made for cats, but I definitely consider myself their biggest fan (The cookies n' cream variety is my favorite).

But there wasn't just treats there for our human friends! The best place to shop for your favorite furry friends is Two Bostons Pet Boutique and Gourmet Bakery. Not only do they offer a ton of support to NAHS, but they have a great selection of quality goods in their two Naperville stores. They donated all these super tasty dog treats. I've heard dogs love them!


This cute couple is AdreAnne and Andy, the Two Boston owners. They named their store after their two adopted Boston Terriers.

Everyone who came to the event was greeted by these two smiling faces. I'd like to introduce you to two of the lovely ladies who take care of me. On the left is Kelley White, the NAHS Office Manager. On the right is Becky Wyatt, our Volunteer Coordinator. Not only are they awesome at their jobs, they also make sure I have food and give me a lot of attention. Thank goodness they're around to take care of me until I find a forever home!









And now I'd like to introduce some of our fabulous volunteers : First is Sue Brunner and her husband, Bob. Next is Celeste and Tom Wasz. And last, but certainly not least, is Jodi Bender and her husband. NAHS would be lost without them and all the other fabulous volunteers who donate their time here.

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.

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.

Meet Nugget!

While waiting for my perfect family to come in and adopt me, I've been putting my free time to good use and interviewing some of my fabulous feline and canine friends. You would not believe how many great cats and dogs are here! It is really something you need to come in and witness for yourself.

For my first interview, I just knew I had to go to my good friend, Nugget. Nugget has been here at NAHS for a shocking 190 days. No one can figure out why, given that he is extremely affectionate and devastatingly handsome. Unfortunately, Nugget just might have fallen prey to the dreaded 'Black Cat Syndrome', where an otherwise completely perfect companion gets passed solely because he is, indeed, a black cat. Black cats (and dogs) are often long time residents here at NAHS. But don't let the 'bad luck' notion fool you! Proud owners of black kitties often swear that their cats make up for not having a flashy coat by dazzling everyone with great personalities. Nugget is no exception, he is a great cat, and although I would be sad to see him go, my goal is to help him find a loving home where he can bring smiles and laughs to his new family.

Without further delay, enjoy my interview with Nugget:

So, Nugget, what brings you here to NAHS?

I came here to NAHS on October 1, 2008. Before that I was stuck in stray holding over at the Naperville Animal Control. Sure, the girls there were super nice, but what I really wanted was a chance to find a forever home. After spending a week snuggling and winning over all the great animal control officers, they finally gave in and brought me over here. I've been enjoying my time here, but it really can't compare to being in a home.

You mention finding a home quite a bit, can you tell me what you're looking for in a new family?

Honestly, I'd probably do great just about anywhere. I enjoyed a stay up here in the NAHS lobby for bit and got along with the other cats and didn't mind most of the dogs that came in to visit. I also enjoy snuggling and playing with most people, but sometimes real little kids can make me feel a tiny bit nervous. What's most important to me is just to find a home where someone will love me, spoil me and keep me inside! I really don't want to be thrown to the streets again!

It sounds like you're not too picky, what can you tell potential adopters about yourself?

Well, without sounding too conceited, I really am a great catch. If you're looking for an affectionate cat, then I'm your guy. I absolutely love snuggling with my people! I also enjoy spending time laying around in the sun and taking naps. I love to play, eat and just spend time with my family. I really hope someone will come by soon to meet me!

One last question, what's your favorite thing about NAHS?

I really enjoy how the volunteers here spend time just being with the cats. I get super excited when I see a cat socializer coming in to be with me. They talk softly to me and give me lots of love. I'm just hoping I can find somebody who will love me just as much in their home!

Big thanks to Nugget for being my first interview. I really hope you'll come meet him (and me) soon. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of Nugget lounging in the sun.