End the Use of Gas Chambers for Euthanasia in Illinois

A bill (H.B. 4844) has been introduced in Illinois that would end the use of decompression and gas chambers for euthanasia. Gas chambers are seeing their last days in this country and it is time for Illinois to move permanently to a more humane form of euthanasia. Euthanasia of any form is a tragedy; however, it is an unfortunate reality in the animal control field. Therefore, there is a responsibility to provide the most humane death possible when it becomes necessary.

It is critical that your state representative, Sara Feigenholtz, hear from constituents who support this legislation!

TAKE ACTION
Please make a brief, polite phone call to Representative Feigenholtz at (217) 782-8062 to urge support for H.B. 4844.

When you call, you will likely speak to a staff member who will pass your message along to your representative. Remember to be polite and professional, and leave your name and address so it is clear that you are a constituent. You can say:

"Hello, my name is [your name] and I am calling from [your town] to urge Representative Feigenholtz to support H.B. 4844 to end the use of gas chambers for euthanasia in Illinois. Thank you."

After making your call, please send a follow-up email to your representative in support of legislation to end this inhumane form of euthanasia.

And please don't forget to tell your friends and family in Illinois how they can take action, too.

Thank you for all you do for animals.

City of Chicago Animal Care & Control

Today was my first day volunteering at the City of Chicago Animal Control (CACC). I chose to volunteer here because this is the shelter that has the most volume of animals, the least amount of funds, and needs the most help. Sadly, due to the incredible volume of animals that are brought in, this is not a no-kill shelter. However, CACC does everything possible to get every animal a good, forever home. That's where the volunteers come in. Volunteers walk and play with dogs, exercising and socializing them, and making hem more adoptable. Volunteers also assist the public in finding a pet to adopt. This shelter is run by the city, and therefore runs on very limited funds. If a dog is going to get walked, or a cat is going to be adopted, it is because of a volunteer. In that sense, the volunteers are literally saving the lives of these animals.

I attended orientation and learned about the process, the rules, and then was given free reign to take out some dogs! My first few walks were with another volunteer to show me the ropes. It's a little intimidating at first, and somewhat tricky in that the number one rule is to make sure no two dogs come in contact with one another. With the hundreds of dogs at the shelter, that can be somewhat difficult! My first dog on my own was a rambunctious dog named "Brandy". We ran around the large enclosed yard and then inside the "dog run" kennel where we played ball. There were enough volunteers today that I was able to spend a good amount of time with Brandy. There are other days when some dogs do not get walked at all due to lack of volunteers.

You can see animals at the CACC on pet finder if you are looking to adopt! Click here: PETFINDER.

The people I met today were really great. You can tell they are all obviously animal lovers. Everyone there wants to help these animals get a loving, forever home. I'm so glad to be a part of it!

Of course, Razzle was in my thoughts all day today. As I played with Brandy and said, "Good job!!" when we were playing in the dog run, I was reminded of how I would say that to Razzle when he was running on his wheel. I do credit Razzle as the reason I was at the shelter today. Even though the CACC doesn't have hedgehogs or exotic pets, Razzle really made me realize how many animals need our help.

I can't wait to go back tomorrow!!

Puff the Magic Dragon

A video of Razzle set to one of his favorite songs. I'd like to think that Razzle is out there frolicking somewhere in the warm autumn mist...

Easy, Free way to help Shelter Animals!

Hi, all you animal lovers. This is pretty simple. Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily to meet their quota of getting free food donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals' for free.

This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3

Or just click HERE.

The very picture of sweetness

Friday during my lunch hour at work, I took a walk to the art store and picked up a set of radiograph technical pens. I haven't drawn in pen & ink since college (many moons ago) but want to get more into art to offset the lack of creativity at my day job.

So I tried out my pens tonight, and what better subject to draw than my dear Razzle!!

Cute, but doesn't do him justice.

I drew this little guy too because I love squirrels.

Back before I had a blog, this was my first attempt at watercolors:

It's great to have such an inspiring subject. :)