Dear Friend,
It’s hard to believe, but we’re already halfway through the year. And even more unbelievable is how much our PAWS Chicago community has already accomplished for homeless pets.
In the first six months of 2024, PAWS Chicago distributed over 52,988 pounds of food at our pet food pantry, administered 20,278 vaccinations, provided free or low-cost medical care to 11,495 homeless and at-risk pets, performed 8,052 spay/neuter surgeries, helped 2,120 dogs and cats find loving families, fostered 1,250 pets in 895 foster homes, and rescued 18 cats from a shelter in Milford, Iowa when they were devastated by flooding. Additionally, we held 16 adoption events throughout Chicagoland and 2,299 PAWS volunteers donated 61,996 hours of their time, talent, and love to help homeless pets.
On top of all that, PAWS Chicago 360@CACC, a campaign to prevent euthanasia at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), the city impoundment facility, was launched to help the city’s most vulnerable.
Through 360@CACC, we have treated 30 parvo-positive dogs and puppies and 13 directly exposed puppies that would have otherwise been euthanized, including Ruffles. Plus, to encourage adoptions and transfers, PAWS has transported 300 high-risk pets from CACC to the PAWS Chicago Medical Center each week for spay/neuter and vetting, including many large-breed dogs, like bright-eyed Kasia.
We also help prevent overcrowding at CACC by accepting them directly from the public. January–May, PAWS accepted 523 pets directly from the public, including Madison and her babies.
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So much has already happened this year, but we’re just getting started. Again and again, the PAWS Chicago community proves that anything is possible when we put our hearts together. Thank you for being a champion for the pets we love.
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Fairytale Endings for a Former Stray and Her Babies
Kitten season brings countless new moms and their litters into our city impoundment facility during the most vulnerable moments of their lives, just like Rapunzel and her little princes and princesses.
Meet the Royal Family
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Putts and Pups: Golf Open Spotlights Community & Close Friends
PAWS Chicago’s 4th annual Peter Fasseas Golf Open was the most exciting one yet, with special guests in attendance and lifesaving in action. Passionate animal lover and Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren served as the keynote speaker. And Barstool Sports’ Jersey Jerry welcomed a new family member—an 8-month-old, Parvo survivor named Ruffles (see this pup's story above).
Tell Me More
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Upcoming Adoption Events
Meow Mixer
Wednesday, July 24, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Virtual Cat Adoption Event
Registration Required
Give these kitties a second chance without leaving your sofa. Sign up for our Meow Mixer, a virtual adoption event for our cats living in foster homes! This event features cats that prefer an adults-only home. If you have experience owning cats and are interested in one who may take time to open up, then this event is for you!
Sign Up
Barn Owl Adoption Event
Saturday, July 27, noon–3 p.m.
Barn Owl Garden Center
1N583 S. Gary Ave., Carol Stream, IL 60188
PAWS Chicago is coming to the western suburbs. Join us at the Barn Owl Garden Center in Carol Stream where, for one afternoon only, you’ll find more than produce, home decorations, and garden items—you’ll also find adorable, adoptable dogs and cats!
North Shore New Friend
Sunday, August 4, noon–3 p.m.
Glenn L. Felner North Shore Adoption Center
1616 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
Calling all animal lovers in the northern suburbs! PAWS is bringing adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens to Highland Park for an afternoon of mixing, mingling, and shaking paws. With luck, your family will be a little larger when you leave.
Gearhead Outfitters Adoption Event
Saturday, August 10, 1–4 p.m.
Gearhead Outfitters
621 Central Ave., Highland Park, IL 60035
Looking for a best friend who can keep up with your active lifestyle? Look no further. PAWS Chicago is bringing adoptable dogs that love to run and play to Gearhead Outfitters in Highland Park. Stop by and take your first step toward a new adventure.
Angels with Tails Barrington
Saturday, August 24, noon–4 p.m.
At storefronts across downtown Barrington
The event that launched PAWS Chicago’s lifesaving mission over 27 years ago is coming to Barrington. Please join us for Angels with Tails, a homeless pet adoption event for the whole community! Adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens will take over your favorite storefronts across downtown Barrington. No appointments are needed and the whole family is invited.
Learn More
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Volunteer of the Month: Forest Oden
When he moved to Chicago, Forest Oden didn’t even unpack his boxes before becoming a PAWS volunteer. “My time at PAWS has been more rewarding than I could have imagined, and I hope it is for you too!” says Forest.
Forest's Volunteer Story
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What Moves You?
PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives
Saturday, September 7, 7:30 a.m.–11 a.m.
Montrose Harbor, Grove 16
400 West Montrose Harbor Drive, Chicago, IL
Don't miss the lowest registration prices of the year! Plus, the sooner you register, the sooner you can start unlocking prizes and perks, including access to our VIP Hero Hangout on event day for all participants who raise $250 or more.
The PAWS 5K is a day of fun, friends, sponsor giveaways, a dog agility course, pet massages, prize raffles, treats, and tons of surprises. Don’t miss this great event for an even greater cause.
Sign Me Up!
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ASK PAWS: How do I know if my pet is too hot, and what do I do?
Unlike people, dogs cannot control their body temperature by sweating—their primary way of regulating body temperature is by panting. But remember, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
Heatstroke symptoms include excessive panting, trouble breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, weakness, seizures, and disorientation. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, move them to a cooler area, offer them water, and wet their body with lukewarm water or wet towels. Most importantly, if your pet is suffering, get them to a veterinarian immediately.
Pets most at risk during high temperatures include young or elderly animals, animals with thick or dark coats, overweight animals, and animals with short muzzles.
Explore our tips for keeping your pet safe in hot summer weather:
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Adoptable Pet of the Month: "Baby" Benita
Benita recently gave birth. Now it’s time for someone to baby her!
For a while now, she has been in the search for her perfect match. Could it be you? Benita is a 3-year-old, 53-pound sweetie-pie who deserves all the attention. She loves playing fetch and showing off by leaping onto the couch with her favorite toys: enrichment puzzles and snuggle mats.
In her more pensive moments, Benita enjoys looking out the window. She’s also quick to learn new commands. But, in the end, all Benita really wants is someone who will give her belly rubs and chin scratches.
If you have a pet-free home, work remotely, and can spend time with Benita during the day, you might be the one she’s been looking for. Make your adoption appointment now.
Meet Benita
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Thank you for all you do to save the lives of homeless pets,
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