Laying the groundwork for another lifesaving year

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Dear Friend,

This year began with some devastating trends, including a continued rise in euthanasia at Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), the city pound—it reached its highest point since 2016. Drastic and immediate action needed to be taken.

As CACC’s #1 transfer partner, the PAWS Chicago community sprang into action to protect the pets we love.
Help finish 2024 strong for the pets you love. Give now and DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT with a $65,000 Matching Gift Challenge by animal welfare champion Barbara Smith and our friends at Turtle Wax. ([link removed])

Rallying our animal-loving supporters, PAWS Chicago launched new programs and expanded existing programs under the 360@CACC umbrella to tackle escalating euthanasia from every angle.

Chief among these initiatives was offering spay/neuter surgeries for CACC dogs and cats, a necessity in order for them to be adopted by the public or transferred out by other rescues without veterinary capabilities. We have performed more than 1,000 of these surgeries this year, focusing on their most at-risk populations, such as large-breed dogs. Combined with our existing efforts at Chicago’s only remaining high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, we will reach 17,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries by the end of this year.

We have also increased our focus on accepting relinquished pets and strays directly from the public, preventing the majority of these pets from being admitted to CACC as euthanasia requests due to overcrowding. From January through November of this year, we prevented 1,887 animals from entering CACC.

"Despite all of the challenges, we are making progress, and it's all thanks to our animal-loving community. We are so grateful you make our work possible,” says Paula Fasseas, PAWS Chicago Founder & Executive Chair.

There’s so much in this world we can’t control. But the PAWS Chicago community shows time and time again that we have the power to make this city a better place for homeless dogs and cats.

As the year winds down, please keep homeless pets in your heart and join us in working toward a No Kill Chicago. Your gift today is their tomorrow.

Donate now and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $65,000, by animal welfare champion Barbara Smith and our friends at Turtle Wax.
You Give. They Live. ([link removed])
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** Ziggy’s Royal Transformation
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Ziggy’s journey shows how the perfect pet can find you unexpectedly.

His Rescue Story ([link removed])

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** LAST DAY of Holiday Adopt-a-Thon
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Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center
1997 N. Clybourn Ave Chicago, IL 60614

Don’t miss the last day of the annual Holiday Adopt-a-Thon, our biggest adoption event of the year! This is the perfect opportunity to find your new best friend and winter cuddle buddy.

With so many dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the perfect addition to your family this holiday season. Join us today, December 21, at the Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center and find the pet that melts your heart and completes your home.

See Adoptale Pets ([link removed])

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** Help PAWS Chicago Win "Best of Chicago" Awards!
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We are excited that PAWS Chicago has been nominated for two awards this year in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago 2024 Poll: Best Pet Adoption or Animal Shelter ([link removed]) and Best Charity ([link removed]) .

We need your support to bring home the win! Every vote counts and, with your help, we can bring more attention to our mission to save lives, provide hope, and build a more compassionate Chicago for animals in need.

How to Vote:

1. Visit Chicagoreader.com/best ([link removed])
2. Cast your votes in both categories!
3. Share with your friends and family to spread the word.

Thank you for being part of the PAWS community and for your unwavering support. Together, we’re making a real difference for animals in need!

Vote for PAWS Chicago ([link removed])

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** Volunteer of the Month: Sara Cuautle
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After attending our Volunteer Open House back in September, Sara Cuautle was so inspired that she logged 70 hours in her first two months of volunteering. Find out what sparked her passion.

Meet Sara ([link removed])

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** Gifts that Give Back
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Looking for creative gift ideas this season? Want to help raise lifesaving funds? Peruse our list of businesses donating a portion of proceeds to PAWS Chicago this holiday season. From candles to coffee to custom ornaments, we're sure you’ll find the perfect feel-good gift right here.

2024 Gift Guide ([link removed])

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** PAWS Chicago in the News
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In this heartwarming news segment by FOX 32, we’re thrilled to showcase the incredible work of PAWS Chicago's fosters and volunteers who dedicate their time and love to helping animals in need. From providing safe, loving homes to caring for animals on their journey to adoption, these selfless individuals are the backbone of our lifesaving efforts. Watch to see how their compassion is making a real difference.

Watch the Segment ([link removed])

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** Zahir Goes Home Again
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Six years after being adopted from PAWS, Zahir returned to us when her owner could no longer care for her. Over the next seven months, Zahir stayed in five different foster homes. Then, she met Holly—the person who would change her life forever.

Zahir's Journey ([link removed])

Thank you for all you do to save the lives of homeless pets,
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mailto:[email protected]

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1997 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

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