Chips Ahoy!

Hi! I'm Chips! Do I look familiar? Maybe it's because I was profiled on the blog a few weeks ago. As you may have heard, our resident reporter cat Prowler was adopted by a wonderful family last week. It was a whirlwind departure and right before he left, he text messaged me to ask me if I'd take over for him as the blog reporter. "Oui, tout à fait!," I replied. (Yes, I speak French.) He gave me a crash-course on how to use the internet so here I am blogging on his behalf.

As my first assignment, I'd like to introduce you to my pal Bentley. He's a suave 1 year old tabby cat who's been here for 3 months. We met over a late lunch on a drizzly spring afternoon. He ordered the Salmon and Egg Soufflé with Pacific Shrimp and Garden Greens. I opted for a Gourmet Beef Entrée with Potatoes and Rice. Over lunch and water, we chatted it up about our backgrounds, the shelter life and how awesome I look in my reporter uniform.

Bentley. Tell me. How did you end up at NAHS?

I have no idea how I ended up at NAHS! One day I was in a warm, snuggly home and then the next thing I remember is wandering around the cold streets of Naperville, looking for my family. Luckily the lovely ladies from Naperville Animal Control took me in and kept me safe and warm. When they felt confident my family wasn't coming for me, they sent me over here to NAHS where I have been meowing for playtime ever since!

Where do you see yourself in 6 months?

Well, I either see myself as an extreme BMX biker and/or skateboarder but if that doesn't happen, I really want to find myself a family to call my own. I'd love a home that I can explore, chase dust bunnies and romp around in. As I'm sure you can tell, I have a lot of energy and I need to find a way to get it all out!

What's the typical "Bentley day" like?

There is no "typical" day in the life of a cat like me! I look for fun and adventure in everything I do. I suppose you can assume that at any given time I'm trying to decide what I can play with, what trouble I can get into, and how I can charm the people around me into not getting mad!

At this point we toasted waters and ordered treats for dessert...

What kind of family are you looking for?

I am looking for a family that can keep up with me! I'll be honest, I'm not a cuddle in your lap and purr kind of kitty, I'm a crawl up your leg and play with your hair kind of guy! I absolutely love to play and explore. I need a family that will appreciate my independence and won't take it personally when I give a little 'love bite' to let you know I'm through with being petted. Any kids in my new home should be a little older, like I said, I prefer to play rough. And I'm awfully picky about being friends with other animals, so I just might do best in a one pet sort of place.

Finally, don't I look awesome in my reporter uniform?
Yes.

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.