Guy's Blog

May 15, 2013

We have a pretty cool program that is about to take place this Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 p.m.  It is called Side Tour. Now you might be thinking, what the heck is Side Tour?
 
Well, friends, it is actually a really neat one-time thing that give people the chance to go behind the scenes of The Anti-Cruelty Society and meet my awesome coworkers and roommates! So the event starts at 2 p.m. and will focus on learning positive dog-training techniques in order to gain a better understanding of pets.

My friend and colleague, Jenny Magill, will be leading the event. If you attend you will get the chance to spend time with some of the cats and dogs available for adoption, and speak with the shelter staff about how they are cared for. Learn new behavioral tips and play a game to discover the effectiveness of positive training methods. Create hand-made cat and dog toys that will challenge your pet’s brain – and make a few extra for the shelter cats and pups if you’d like. Your visit may have you contemplating a new addition to the family, but for now, you’ll leave with new skills and warm fuzzies in your heart.

Sounds awesome, right?! Good thing we will be offering it twice! The next one will be Sunday, June 2!

You will even have the chance to meet yours truly in person!! How can you say no now?
Visit http://bit.ly/YWbfw4 to register.

Later,
Guy
 

May 2, 2013

Bark in the Park, Bark in the Park, Bark in the Park!!! It is here! This Saturday, May 4 marks the day for our biggest fundraiser of the year. We are going to have so many activities going on it is going to blow your mind!
 
In addition to the fun 5K walk/run along Montrose Harbor, you get to come back and enjoy a dog obstacle course, pet massages, doggie tattoos, face-painting, Denise Zak pet psychic, nail clipping spa, souvenir photo booth, a ton of product samples from our sponsors, free snacks, contests, 50/50 cash raffle,  and fun for the kids, and MORE!
 
OK, so if you have not signed up yet, you have until 11:59 p.m. tonight, May 3, to purchase your tickets online at www.barkinthepark.org or you can register the day of, starting at 7 a.m. at the red registration tents at Montrose Harbor.
 
If you are already signed up and want to pick up your t-shirt, bib number and other Bark in the Park goodies beforehand to avoid the lines, you can visit my homegirl Alison at the Road Runner Sports in Chicago (1435 N Kingsbury St.) today from 3-8 p.m.!
 
Remember, if you are a cat lover, don’t forget to grab a cat button from our booth to represent your love for the felines…because us felines rock!
 
Later,
 Guy
 

April 26, 2013

This week has been one crazy one over here at the Society! We kicked off Volunteer Appreciation Week with a brunch to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work and support! What the heck would we do without them?!
 
Our volunteer manager, Lydia, had a lot of fun activities lined up for the week to honor our friends. She also put together this awesome video to thank the volunteers for all of their life-saving work. All of my co-workers did a fantastic job and have really great singing voices…NOT! If I have to hear that song one more time…
 
Anyway, I would like to personally thank our volunteers because without them we would not be able to do all of the great work that we do. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! You guys ROCK!
 
Check out the video here!
 
Later,

Guy

April 19, 2013

If you are up for a fun night out on the town, I have a divine party for you to check out! The best part is that proceeds from the event will go directly to help my roommates here at The Anti-Cruelty Society!

The Tails in the City Anniversary Party is coming up on Friday, May 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This is one "pawty" you do not want to miss—they are celebrating 9 years of business! The event is going to be hopping at Proof nightclub located at 1045 N. Rush St. According to my sources, advance tickets are $60 per person and my doggie friends are free! Oh and did I mention that proceeds from this event benefit us? You should definitely go.
 
Our friends at Tails in the City will have a fun filled evening planned for you and your pup and activities will include: Open Bar, Light Hors D'ouvres, Red Carpet Photos, Pet Intuitive Readings by Denise Zak, Pet Caricatures, Doggie Massage, Doggie Makeovers in the Bobbi Panter Beauty Lounge, Stella & Chewy's Demos and Samples, and much more!
 
To purchase tickets you can get them online or call 312-649-0347 to reserve your space for this exciting VIP event. Please note you will not receive a ticket for this event.  Your name will be added to the guest list at the door. Oh and again, proceeds from this event will go to The Anti-Cruelty Society!

Later,

Guy

April 12, 2013

Quick! You are hanging out with me and all of the sudden I am having trouble breathing and fall to the ground. What do you do???

Save me, of course. That is…if you even know how! Did you know that you can perform CPR on animals? I think that you should know how to do this in case you ever find yourself in an emergency situation with your pet. Lucky for you, we offer a Pet First Aid and CPR class taught by an American Red Cross authorized instructor right here at The Anti-Cruelty Society!

Here are the deets:
The emphasis on this class is on cats and dogs and cat and dog manikins will be used, so there is no need to bring your own animal to class. The course length is 3 hours and the fee is 50 bucks. You will receive course materials, a pet emergency planner and pet emergency stickers.
Pre-registration is required, please! Class sizes are limited so you better register quickly to reserve your spot! We offer this class once a month, so check out our events calendar to see when the next couple of sessions are. I can tell you that our next one is Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Click here to register. For more information call my girl Tammie Bouschor at (312) 644-8338 ext. 344 or e-mail tbouschor@anticruelty.org. Tell her I sent you! Also note that the $50 course fee must be made prior to the class date. All classes will be held in The Anti-Cruelty Society Education and Training Center located at 169 W. Grand Avenue. The perk? Free parking is available in The Anti-Cruelty Society parking garage. Enter from Wells Street.

See you there!



Later,


Guy
 

April 5, 2013

Shhhhhhhhhhh! Get this… I found out a secret that I am going to share with everyone even though I am probably not supposed to ;) Just one of the many reasons why I am the coolest cat around!
 
So Bark in the Park is coming up on May 4. I know you have been seeing a lot about it, but I bet you have not seen anywhere yet that you can get $5 off your registration fee when you use the code "Bark19" through April 15! All you have to do enter "Bark19" in the promo code box when you go to check out!
 
Hopefully a lot of you have already signed up and have begun the fundraising process. If you have not signed up yet, just go to www.barkinthepark.org to get going. And don’t forget, use promo code Bark19 to take $5 an adult registration fee through April 15.
 
If you have any questions, email me at guy@anticruelty.org.
 
Later,


Guy 

March 28, 2013

I am here to let you in on some stellar information about the Petco Foundation "Life is Better Together" Photo Contest! It is happening from March 18 - April 29, 2013 and it is an awesome fundraiser to benefit homeless pets!
It’s true, life is a lot better with a pet! When you

bring one into your home, it is expected that this pet will help make your life better in some way. We have pets as lap warmers, work out buddies, homework breaks, secret keepers, face lickers, plate cleaners and home redecorators. We bring them in because Life is Better Together.

What better way to brag about your favorite alum from The Anti-Cruelty Society than via a national photo contest?? All you have to do is help our organization raise $1,500! Post a photo of your pet and have your friends, family, coworkers donate to your picture and help us fundraise a bunch of money so that we can win a grant! 1 vote=1 dollar! It’s easy! Just follow this link: https://www.360photocontest.com/185, hit “enter contest” and don’t forget to choose Anti-Cruelty Society as the shelter you would like to benefit.

Good luck! I can’t wait to see all of our alum in the spotlight!

Later,


Guy
 

March 21, 2013

So I know that it is only March, and although it may not feel like it, it is indeed the second day of spring! I would beg to differ based on the bundled up people walking past my window, but it is what it is.
Since it is officially spring there has been a lot of buzz around Bark in the Park. I know, I know, this is a dog-friendly event and all of you cat lovers must think that I am betraying our feline friends by even mentioning it, but truth is, it is our biggest fundraiser of the year that helps ALL of the animals in our shelter. And hey, if it makes my canine pals happy, then I can’t complain!

Saturday, May 4 marks the day for Bark in the Park. Go right now and put it on your calendar so you don’t forget. I’m serious, do it right now. Now go to www.barkinthepark.org to register and start fundraising. Then, meet us at 9 a.m. at Montrose Harbor for the biggest dog party in Chicago. It is our infamous 5K walk with your dog, and this year we have brought back the option to run (without your dog, please!).  After the walk enjoy everything from Denise Zak pet psychic, to pet massages, dog tattoos, nail clipping spa, souvenir photo booth, and product samples from our sponsors. There will also be free snacks, a random raffle, 50/50 cash raffle and more! How cool does that all sound!

Again, visit www.barkinthepark.org for more info and to get all signed up!

Hope you can make it for the sake of our animals.

Later,
Guy

March 14, 2013

Hey Y’all,

Happy Thursday! I am feeling twangy today!
 
I had the pleasure of getting a mid-construction tour of our new veterinary clinic that is being built in the basement of our education wing. Whoa! It was crazy exciting! We have done so much with the giant space beneath our building so far. Being the official cat ambassador for the Society, I must say I was very impressed and have given my paw stamp of approval on the work that has been done.
 
I sat down with our president, Dr. Robyn, to talk about what we have done thus far. Here is a quick update:
 
We have had to do a lot of very loud saw cutting. Holy moly, when that was underway I was able to hear it all the way up in my office! Lucky for us, they are done with that loud part of the process, although I still hear random noises from time to time (that is to be expected!). The next thing that the construction guys did was pour concrete…now that was as quiet as a church mouse. Yummy! Mice! A lot of our electrical wiring and water pipes have also been moved around to their correct spots, and just the other day the materials for the duct work and door frames were delivered!
 
We are well on our way to opening this brand new state of the art veterinary clinic that will help all of my animal friends that find themselves at the Society! We sure are lucky to have such great supporters and donors who have made this happen. Without all of you this would not be possible. There are still many naming opportunities left, so if you are interested in giving a donation towards the clinic please contact Nadine Walmsley at nwalmsley@anticruelty.org. 

I will keep you updated as we move forward with this awesome project.
 
Later,

Guy
 

March 7, 2013

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US, HAPPY BITHDAY TO USSSSSSSSSS, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!
 
That’s right! Today is March 7 and that means it is The Anti-Cruelty Society’s birthday! 114 years ago we were founded by Rose Fay Thomas, wife of Theodore Thomas, founder of the Chicago Symphony! We were Chicago’s very first animal welfare organization and have grown into the city’s largest, comprehensive animal welfare organization. We are proud to do the work we do and look forward to serving our community for the next century! If you want to check out our whole entire history, visit http://www.anticruelty.org/history.
 
Hey, I have a good idea! If you would like to give a gift in honor of our birthday, please visit our donation page here, or text RESCUE to 20222 to give $5 in a quick and easy way!
 
Now let’s party!

Later,
 Guy
 

February 26, 2013

Happy World Spay Day, everyone!
Raise your paw if you are a responsible pet owner and have gotten your pets spayed or neutered! Good for you! 

Spay/Neuter Clinic
As you may already know, spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you could do for him or her. Lucky for you, The Anti-Cruelty Society's veterinary clinic offers these important surgeries at a GREATLY reduced price—just 20 bucks for cats and 95 bucks for dogs. What. A. Steal.

I am here to let you know that my animal friends that are spayed or neutered typically live much longer, healthier, and happier lives and are also helping to solve the serious problem of pet overpopulation. What can be better than spending a long, healthy life together with your favorite furry friend?

For these reasons, and many more, all of my roommates at The Anti-Cruelty Society have already been spayed or neutered before going up for adoption. However, you may have a pet at home or have a friend with a dog or cat that has not yet had this simple surgery (boo!). Here are some of the reasons that spaying or neutering is one of the best things you can do for your pet, yourself, and your community:

• Spayed or neutered pets are typically better behaved, calmer, and more affectionate than those that are not altered.
• Male animals are less likely to mark their territory by urinating or spraying and less likely to run away in an attempt to find a female; no, this does not mean you should leave your neutered animal outside unattended.
• Spaying an animal eliminates their heat cycle and the undesirable elements of a heat cycle such as bleeding, crying, and nervous behaviors.
• Want to take your dog to that fun dog park down the street or the daycare around the corner? Then your dog needs to be spayed or neutered as most dog parks and daycares require it.
• Every year approximately 4 million animals, the vast majority of which are medically and behaviorally adoptable, are euthanized. By spaying or neutering your pet you are directly helping to reduce this number.
• Due to the fact that it helps reduce the incidence of some of the most common types of cancers (breast, uterine, prostate, and testicular), your animal is likely to live a longer and healthier life.
• Spaying and neutering decreases the number of stray animals which results in a decrease in animal bites (to both humans and pets), car accidents, and destruction to property.
• Spayed and neutered animals get along better with each other and exhibit less aggressiveness towards animals of the same gender.
• Spaying and neutering are straightforward surgeries and are performed under anesthesia. Like any surgical procedure, there is some risk but the overall incidence of complications is extremely low.

 What is the best age to spay or neuter my pet?
Your veterinarian can advise you on the timing based on your pet’s breed, age, and physical condition. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT best to wait until your female pet has gone through her first heat cycle. The Anti-Cruelty Society supports early age (usually 8 weeks) sterilization.
The facts are simple—spaying and neutering saves lives. There are just too many pets and not enough homes for them. It is one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet. Not only does it help him or her live a happier, healthier life, it will save the lives of many others.

Got it?

Later,

Guy

February 21, 2013

JACKPOT!! If you want to feel like the luckiest person on earth between now and March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, come over to The Anti-Cruelty Society and adopt your new best friend! Our Jackpot CATpaign features the 5 longest-term cats in our care, and guess what, their adoption fees are waived!
 
Right now, the cats being featured during the CATpaign are Charlie, Gabiola, Tips, Nala, and Telly! I recently treated them all to lunch the other day and as we dined over shrimp and salmon they each told me how much they are looking forward to finding their forever home! They dream about snuggling up on a cold winter night, playing with a laser, weaving in and out of human legs, etc. Trust me, these cool cats are keepers!
 
Basically I am telling you to try your luck and stop by the Society to fall in love with a feline friend. It will be totally worth it!
 
Later,


Guy
 
 

February 13, 2013

The spirit of Valentine’s Day is taking over The Anti-Cruelty Society!
 
In my day I was the king of Valentine’s schmoozing- my go-to was a nicely wrapped Fancy Feast® and squeaky mouse toy. Because human’s tastes are not as refined as this classy kitty’s, you might be out buying some special human food or drink for your valentine. However, there are some important things to consider about these treats in regards to your animal family members.
 
Even though I do love the look of a heart-shaped box of chocolates, everyone knows that the sweets are poisonous to dogs and cats when consumed in large amounts. You might need to keep your valentine’s snacks out of your pet’s paws even if you didn’t go the novelty chocolate route. There are many foods that we pets shouldn’t be fed that a lot of people might not know about.
 
For example, though a nice glass of wine certainly makes for a romantic Valentine’s evening, alcohol is very harmful to me and my friends, either cat or dog. Giving alcohol to your pet can harm its liver or brain, put them in a coma, or even kill them. Not even a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc is worth that!
 
Some other foods that are important not to let us have include milk, grapes, onions, and candy or gum.
 
So while you’re out buying your significant other, or yourself, some delicious treats don’t forget to pick up some pet treats for us! (Some Whiska’s® Temptations might even bump you to the top of my cupid’s list).
 
Later!
Guy 

 February 6, 2013

Hey everyone!
 
Valentine’s Day is approaching and unfortunately I can’t be ALL of your valentines. I hope you all have someone ready to cuddle up with- two or four-legged! Personally, I have a hard time deciding whom to spend the day with- I just have too many options. I guess that’s life when you’re as handsome and charming as I am.
 
If you find yourself without a valentine you might think about adopting one of my friends! The Anti-Cruelty Society has a CATpaign going on to place some of my best cat friends with their forever homes. During the “Feel the Love” CATpaign Tony, Ally, Latoya, Grady, and Tangerine—the cats that have been here hanging out with me the longest—have their adoption fees waived. Visit www.anticruetly.org/feelthelove for more details.
 
Can you believe that? Any one of these guys would make more than a great valentine- they would be your lifelong friend.
 
If you think one of these loveable kitties could be cupid’s match for you, I suggest you come to the shelter pronto! Clovis, Pizza Pie, and Miles have already been scooped up by wonderful families and my other friends won’t be here much longer either. This is the purrrfect opportunity for you cat lovers to meet your new cat-panion with no adoption fee. Can you feel the love?
 
Meanwhile, I’ll be awaiting everyone’s valentines in the mail!
 
Later,
Guy

February 1, 2013

Update time!

So if you recall, about a year ago I wrote about pet obesity and how I myself was going on a diet. Well since then I am happy to report that I have lost 1 lb. and 1 oz. since last February. That is about 10% of my body weight! Go me!

How did I do it? Well, hard work and dedication my friends. Oh, and fun activities, too!

One of my favorite activities to get moving is to do agility. That’s right, people! Cats are super awesome and can do agility just like dogs. My canine friends are always impressed when they see me go through the course. I mean, I think they are impressed when they just look at me in general, but to see me doing something that they think is just for dogs makes me look EXTRA special!

We actually have an article in our latest magazine regarding pet obesity. Definitely something to check out! You can read our magazine here.

Anyway, check out this footage of me getting my exercise in for the day. I. Am. Awesome.

Later,
Guy

January 24, 2013

HOLY CANNOLI! I have some AWESOME news to share!
 
Today, January 24, through January 30 we will be featured as Groupon’s Grassroots Charity! This is very, very exciting news for us! I feel like everyone who is anyone has Groupon…I mean I, A CAT, even have a Groupon account. Where else would I get $20 worth of dried shrimp treats for $10? Exactly! Groupon is thebomb.com.
 
Anyway, since the deal started this morning, we already have over 710 donations!!! That means we have raised more than $7,100! And we still have 6 more days left to go! Not only is this a great way to receive a bunch of donations, but is also a great way for us to educate people about our programs and services. We hope that a lot of people learn about what we do and continue to donate in order to help out the many cats and dogs in our care.
 
If you are interested in donating just $10, please visit http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-anti-cruelty-society. If you don’t have Groupon account, NOW is the time to get one! Just go to www.groupon.com.

Please share this with your friends and family. It is as easy as a click of a button! Call me or email me at guy@anticruelty.org if you have questions on how to donate.
 
Wowzers! Let’s hit $20,000 people!



Later,

Guy
 

January 16, 2014

So I really have something to gripe about…this whole black dog and black cat syndrome idea. I can’t believe that someone would look past an animal just based on the color of their fur! I have so many pals on the adoption floor that have a black coat who are searching for a home, and guess what, they are just as cool as my lighter-colored friends. For example, take Baxter, a young, dashing fellow. Of course nowhere near as handsome as yours truly. Let’s just say if he is Matt Damon, then I am definitely George Clooney. I believe George was crowned the “sexiest man alive” a few years back, right?!
 
Anyway, back to Baxter. This 1 1/2-year old cat was featured on ABC a couple of weeks ago.  He is still in Charlotte’s Corner waiting for his perfect match to visit him. If you come check him out I guarantee that you will not leave empty handed. He even does great with hanging out with other cats, so if you already have a cat at home, Baxter would make a great fit.
 
Modelo, a 1-year-old lab mix, was also featured in the ABC segment. He was one of my favorite dogs to come through The Anti-Cruelty Society. Always so happy and wiggly. I could always count on him to make me laugh. Earlier this week Modelo and his shiny black coat caught the attention of a couple that came to visit the Society. They fell in love with Modelo and are now providing him with a loving forever home where he can romp around and show off his black coat all day long.
 
We have a large variety of animals that come through our doors—black animals, white animals, brown animals, spotted animals, and even hairless animals! Each animal that I meet has its own personality that shines through no matter what they look like. THIS is what potential adopters should pay attention to, rather than just looks. What’s that old saying? Don’t judge a book by its cover? Yeah, that saying. Just follow it.
 
Later, 
Guy

January 10, 2013

Hi Folks!
 
I have some exciting news to share that is sure to get all of you do-good people doing cartwheels. We are having our very first Foster Open House that is taking place on Saturday, January 26. If you have ever wondered what it is like to be a foster parent for an animal, or just wondered about the process in general, our Foster Open House is the PURRFECT opportunity for you to learn about the ins and outs of the life-saving program.
 
My pal, Lydia, will be hosting the open house and will be there to answer any questions you may have. You may even qualify to go home with an animal that very day. There will be current foster volunteers at the event so that you can pick their brains! You will get a tour of our facility and meet my furry friends that are current foster animal candidates. Oh, and don’t forget we provide easy and convenient free parking in our garage.
 
Here are the deets broken down:  


What: Foster Open House

Where: The Anti-Cruelty Society Auditorium 169 W. Grand Ave

When: Saturday, January 26 12-2 p.m.
 
Visit The Anti-Cruelty Society’s foster blog to get some more insight and see updates on our current foster animals: http://acsfosters.wordpress.com/

See you there!
Later
,

Guy
 

January 3, 2013

CALLING ALL RUNNERS!!
 
It is that time of year again…marathon time! It feels like we JUST wrapped up the Chicago Marathon, however, it is called a marathon for a reason, right?? It just goes on and on and on and on. Whew! I do not know how our runners do it.
 
Anyway, I am here to tell you that it is time to start thinking about what charity you would like to run for. We are beginning to encourage people to sign up via www.teamanticruelty.org, but you also need to know that it is very important that you sign up on your own as well via www.chicagomarathon.com.
 
If you sign up through www.teamanticruelty.org  you will receive reminders to sign up officially, choose a training plan, and even get a head start on your fundraising page. Just check out our website to learn about all of the details.
 
February 19 at noon marks the opening of the official Chicago marathon registration! Be sure to sign up ASAP before all of the slots are filled. They fill up within only a couple of hours! I guess there are more crazy running people out there than I thought.
 
If you are on the fence about joining our team, or running the marathon in general, check out our info session that is taking place January 28 at 6 p.m. in our auditorium located at 169 W. Grand Ave. in Chicago.
 
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at guy@anticruelty.org. I will just be napping right here and dreaming about running.
 
Later,


Guy 

December 28, 2012

We have snow on the ground, people!! With it finally getting chilly here in Chicago, I think it is a good time to talk about cold weather hazards.

Here are some steps to ensure our pets' well-being. The following tips will help you keep your pet safe and warm as the temperatures begin to drop.

Bring All Pets Indoors: The Anti-Cruelty Society recommends that all of your pets live indoors with you. If you do have a pet that spends most of his/her time outdoors, bring them indoors for the next few days during these sub-zero temperatures. Frostbite can set in very rapidly and may lead to death.

Most dogs need to go outdoors to eliminate. Make their time outdoors as brief as possible, allowing him/her to eliminate and go back indoors.

Frostbite: Even though companion animals have a fur coat, most cats and dogs cannot endure the cold of winter for more than 10 to 15 minutes. A companion animal left outdoors can get frostbite and even freeze to death. Signs of frostbite include skin that is pale and cool to the touch, with decreased sensation in the affected area. If you suspect frostbite, gently warm the area with warm, not hot, water and then take the animal to your veterinarian. Once an area has been frozen it can become cold and frostbitten again more easily.

Ice, Salt, and Snow: Jagged ice and sidewalk salt can injure or irritate your dog's foot pads. After you return home from a walk, check the foot pads and wipe off any salt or ice with a damp towel. Also dry your dog thoroughly whenever he or she comes in from the snow.

Anti-Freeze: Animals are attracted to this substance by its sweet taste. It can be fatal if ingested, so keep all anti-freeze bottles out of your pet's reach. Also be sure to clean up any spills in your garage or driveway immediately. If your cat or dog swallows anti-freeze or any poison contact your veterinarian immediately.

Car Engines: In cold weather, cats allowed outdoors crawl beneath cars and climb up inside the engines seeking warmth and shelter. This can lead to injuries or death when the engines are started. To prevent such an occurrence, keep your cat indoors at all times. To protect stray cats, knock on your car's hood or sound your horn before starting the car in cold weather.

Later,
Guy

December 20, 2012

In the midst of all of the sad news that has been in the news the past week or so, I got to witness a wonderful thing take place on Monday that lifted my spirits! A 12-year-old girl from Wilmette, IL came to The Anti-Cruelty Society to donate a dogPACER dog treadmill that she had saved her money for two years to purchase. The treadmill costs $500 and she raised the money by throwing fundraisers out of her house, selling rubber bracelets and saving up her allowance. I was so impressed by Kam’s dedication and passion for the animals that I inducted her into our Pals for Pets Program. She is the very first member and has certainly set a great example!
 
Pals for Pets is a special club that has been created to honor children who have gone above and beyond to help the animals in our care. They are passionate, dedicated, thoughtful kids who put their “wants” on the backburner in order to help animals. Kids that host lemonade stands on behalf of us, or choose to have people donate to the Society instead of getting birthday gifts, are those who will be members of this program.
 
Since Kam is allergic to cats and dogs and is unable to have a pet of her own, it was her goal to help those animals who were in search of a home. Kam spent a lot of time researching the benefits of physical exercise for dogs and created an organization called Kinetic K-9's. Any chance she gets she educates her friends, family and classmates about the importance of exercise. It was so fun to see how excited she was to provide the dogs in our facility with another form of exercise to help them burn off some energy. Since we do not put time limits on how long an animal is in our care, the dogPACER treadmill will be an awesome opportunity for our long-term dogs to get some exercise! Heck, I might even try it out too!
 
Well anyway, thank you so much, Kam, for thinking of us! We can’t wait to update everyone with how our dogs are using it!
 
Later,


Guy 

December 13, 2012

What is it about Christmas trees that make them sooooo enticing? We have two of them in our building and it seems as if every time I pass by one I get an urge to sit by it, look up at it, study it, and figure out a way to perch in it. Some weird force draws me in! I can’t even explain it. It must have something to do with that fun-looking sparkly garland, and those little hanging things that are on hooks, and the cozy spots above the ground surrounded by branches. I can start drooling just thinking about it!

Well I am here to let all cats know that they should not give into the temptations! Do not follow my lead! I overheard one of our behaviorists talking to someone on the phone that had a cat who would not leave their beautiful tree alone. Here is some advice that I will pass along to those that are having issues with kitty cats in the tree:

First and foremost, you should anchor your tree to the ceiling or wall. The last thing you will want it to come home from a long day at work and see your 8-foot-tall tree taking nap on your couch….THIS, my friends, will not make your owner a happy camper.

As you are trimming your tree, or fussing with it, give your cat a puzzle toy to play with so that they are distracted from the tree. Reward them and give them positive feedback when they play with their toys instead of paying attention to the tree. You don’t want them plotting on how they will get up there, now do you?

Be sure to keep all ornaments, garland, lights, etc. about 3 feet from the bottom of the tree. Now, I understand that this does not make the prettiest tree, but I think it is better that having the ornament that your grandmother’s grandmother gave your grandmother that then passed it down to you on your first Christmas as a baby break. YIKES!

There are other things you can try to deter your feline friend from the tree. You can put a carpet runner around the perimeter of the tree, with the rough side facing up so it feels uncomfortable on their paws. It kind of tickles me, but I am pretty unique. There are also sprays that you can use that are really stinky to us cats. I mean REALLY stinky. There are also the compressed air containers that have sensors that go off when there is movement by it. It is like a weird joke or something. Have you ever been scared by a simple “BOO!”? Yeah, that’s what it is like.

Alright, well that’s all I got for now. Good luck with your trees, everyone! Remember, if you have questions feel free to shoot me an email at guy@anticruelty.org.

Later,
Guy

December 5, 2012

This month is crazier than me on catnip! We have SO MANY holiday events this month that are benefiting my pals of The Anti-Cruelty Society, I just can’t help but share them all. Time for a holiday roundup of what’s in store for the most wonderful time of year. Hope to see you soon!

Delta Sonic Holiday Cause for Paws Car Wash
When: Saturday, December 1- December 31

Where: Delta Sonic, Rt. 59 and North Aurora Rd., Naperville

What: Help us win $20,000! Throughout the month of December, each time a customer comes through the Delta Sonic Car Wash Wonderland and mentions The Anti-Cruelty Society, we earn 100% of the car wash sale! The nonprofit organization that has the most customers will receive a donation of no less than $20,000!

Jazz Nativity

When: Saturday, December 10 3-6 p.m.

Where: St. Luke Church, 1500 W. Belmont, Chicago
What: The Chicago JazzMASS Ensemble will perform jazz arrangements of traditional Christmas hymns, along with original compositions to tell the story of Mary, Jesus, Joseph, the Angels, the Shepherds, and the three Wise Men. Filled with a sense of grace and humor, the cast will include a tap dancing king, a Latin percussion king and a trumpet king, as well as vocal soloists, a vocal jazz quartet, choir and eight piece jazz band. We are hosting a holiday shop featuring cards, ornaments, toys, logo merchandise, some great gifts purr-fect for holiday gift giving, and some of our adoptable pets hoping for a new home in time for the holidays. Bring your family, including the dog, and join in the holiday fun. Shopping begins at 3 p.m. and a pet blessing takes place at 3:30 p.m. The performance will begin at 4 p.m.
 
Here Comes Santa Paws

When: Saturday, December 8 and Sunday December 9, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Hotel Allegro, 171 W. Randolph St. Chicago

What: Santa is inviting you and your four-legged friends to sleigh by Hotel Allegro for Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and other furry merriment. And of course photos with Santa! A professional photographer will be on site taking photos of you and your pet. This event is free, open to the public, and pet friendly. Holiday apparel and merchandise for your pet, along with holiday cards and ornaments, will be available to purchase from our store.

PetSmart Santa Claws
When: Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: PetSmart Kingsbury, 1419 Kingsbury Ave., Chicago

What: Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa! You will receive a photo in a collection frame for $9.95 and $5 of each photo benefits The Anti-Cruelty Society.

Barnes & Noble Gift Wrapping
Our volunteers will be on hand wrapping your holiday purchases for a donation that benefits the animals.

• Barnes & Noble at State & Elm (1130 North State Street, Chicago)

  Tuesday, December 18 3 p.m.-9 p.m.


• Barnes & Noble Webster Place (1441 West Webster Avenue, Chicago)

  •  Wednesday, December 12 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

  •  Thursday, December 20 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Monday, December 24 9 a.m.-6 p.m.


Don't forget, you can also bring in items from our wish list to be placed under our tree. We are in need  of:

• New dog toys, hard rubber (especially all size Kong toys)
• New cat toys, plastic or rubber
• Peanut butter
• Slip lead leashes, etc.

You can find our complete Amazon wish list here and our general wish list here.

Later,

Guy

November 29, 2012

Question for you: Does your hand hurt after writing all of your holiday cards? My paw sure does! Well, I am here for you once again and have the perfect solution that will literally require a click of a button!

Instead of going out to the store and spending tons of money on some Christmas cards that the person you give it to does who knows what with, you should just take advantage of The Anti-Cruelty Society’s FREE ecards. These ecards are super cute, super easy to send, and super cheap! Nothing is cheaper than free! If you do not feel like spending your hard-earned cash on stamps at the post office (which always has a crazy long line this time of year) then click here to pick your favorite animal-inspired card to send to your friends and family to let them know you have been thinking about them. This will literally take you 1 millionth of the time that it takes to write and send out all of those holiday cards.

Are you convinced yet?
Later,
 Guy
 

November 21, 2012

Wink wink! This year has certainly flown by! It feels like it was just yesterday that I was talking to everyone about holiday hazards. Well it is an important topic, so I would like to go over them again with you so that you are able to keep your pets safe and sound this holiday season!

Bones – The turkey and ham may sound tempting, trust me, I know, but it is not worth the risk eating it! Small turkey and ham bones can lodge in the throat, stomach and digestive tract requiring surgery to remove.  Also, the fats and gravies that you may add to your pets' food can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

Guests and Gatherings--If you have guests, post a sign on both sides of your door so that everyone is careful to close it securely. Us cats and dogs can easily slip out and not be missed in the holiday confusion. (This is one more reason to make sure that your companion animal is wearing up-to-date identification.) You might even consider keeping your pet in a quiet room during the festivities. This way, you won't have to worry about them slipping out, and they won't be frightened by the noise and commotion.

Mistletoe, Holly, and Poinsettias--Keep your animals away from these holiday plants. They are all poisonous to pets. They may look and smell pretty, but they will for sure give you a stomach ache!

Holiday Trees--Make sure that your holiday tree is steady and secure so that it can't be knocked over. This is a favorite spot for some kitties! Cover the tree water so that your dog or cat cannot drink from it. Yuck! Tinsel, string, ribbon, or angel hair are really, really fun to play with, however they can cause choking or intestinal blockage if swallowed by your pet. Sharp pine needles, bits of broken ornaments, and ornament hooks can cause intestinal as well as external injuries. Keep ornaments high enough on the tree to be out of reach of your pets.

Animals as Gifts—I know this sounds like a fabulous idea, but do not give a dog or a cat as a gift. Having a companion animal means a daily commitment to that animal for its entire life (10-20 years). Becoming a pet owner is a personal decision that should never be made by someone else. If you want to offer the companionship of a dog or cat to a friend, give a gift certificate from The Anti-Cruelty Society instead. This way, the recipient can choose an appropriate and compatible animal--or choose to not get an animal at all.

Emergencies--In the event of an emergency, be sure to know how to offer your pet first aid and where to obtain follow-up care from your veterinarian or an emergency clinic. I think putting the veterinarian information on the fridge is the perfect spot!

Any questions? Email me at guy@anticruelty.org.

Later,
Guy

November 14, 2012

Did you know that if you are thinking about adopting an animal, now is the perfect time to do so? The holidays are right around the corner and we have many cats and dogs that are searching for their forever home! Don’t you want to provide a cat or dog with the ultimate gift of a warm, happy home? ‘Tis the season, right? I know how nice it feels to have an advocate and to be loved, and I want nothing more for the animals at the Society.
 
BEFORE the rush of the holidays quickly approaches, I would recommend bringing a four-legged friend into your home so that they have time to get acquainted with your environment. Spend time with them and introduce them to your routine. They will be forever grateful!
 
Now that I have convinced you to adopt, I will tell you that we have a cat adoption event taking place at PetCo ( 440 North Orleans Street,  Chicago), this weekend, November 17 and 18 from noon-3 p.m. Stop by to visit with some feline friends that will be hanging out with The Anti-Cruelty Society’s staff and volunteers that will be on site answering questions and conducting on-site adoptions! If you can’t make it to the adoption event, swing by our adoption center at 510 N LaSalle in Chicago to visit with the more than 500 cats that we have in our facility along with the dogs that are waiting patiently for their perfect gift.
 


Later,
Guy

November 8, 2012

Lately, my snail mailbox has been filled with coupons galore, because of the holidays coming up of course. There are so many different kinds…BOGO, 20% off, spend $50 save $10, etc. One of my favorite coupons is the “Friends & Family” kind that comes in. I am all about sharing, you know? I am a pretty nice guy who wants everyone to be happy, and since the holidays are for sharing I thought I would bring the “Friends & Family” idea to our marketing department to see what they had to say. Well, as usual, every idea that I bring to them is brilliant, and it turns out they loved the idea!
 
Starting Monday, November 12-December 30, present our “Friends & Family” coupon to receive 50% off of a cat adoption fee, and then pass it on to a friend or family for them to take advantage of. Now is the purr-fect time to adopt a cat! It is best to bring a new animal into your home before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season begins, and we have PLENTY of feline friends to choose from. About 500 or so to be exact. With the holidays around the corner, and Thanksgiving just 2 short weeks away, I think it is time for you to visit our adoption center where you will be sure to find your new best friend.
 
Go ahead and download the coupon here and share it with others looking to bring a furry friend into their life this holiday season!
 
Later,

Guy

November 1, 2012

Hey there, folks.

I have some exciting news to share! We have put together our very first commercial here at The Anti-Cruelty Society! As you may already know, we have a Real People Real Pets marketing campaign that features our actual adopters and their pets on our printed ads, banners, brochures, posters, billboards etc. Well, we thought that it would be a great idea to bring those printed materials to life and film our very first commercial.

The people in this commercial are all actual people that adopted their furry friends from The Anti-Cruelty Society. It is part of our philosophy to use real people and real pets when it comes to promoting any of our services, since it is a great way to show people what real happiness is! I watched the filming of the commercial, and boy-o-boy was I impressed! It was even nice catch up with some of my friends that had come back to the shelter for the shoot. They seem to really be enjoying their new lives in their forever homes!

I can’t wait for you to see it, so what you need to do is starting Monday, November 5, keep an eye out for the commercial on the following stations:

Animal Planet
HGTV
Discovery Channel
E!
OWN
Food Network
Hallmark

Once you see it, please shoot me an email at Guy@anticruelty.org  to let me know what you think! After it airs on the tube, we will put it up on YouTube and on our website.

Later,
Guy

October 25, 2012

Hola!
 
Have you ever wanted to help an animal that was in need of surgery or other extensive medical care? Well, now you can donate to a specific fund that we have here at The Anti-Cruelty Society that specifically goes towards the animals that need veterinary care outside of our normal procedures. I even took advantage of this when I had to get surgery done on my teeth!
 
The fund is called the Dr. Lester Fisher Veterinary Care Fund, and it guarantees that your gift will go directly towards veterinary care that is beyond what we normally do for each animal that comes through our doors. Each cat and dog that enters our facility automatically receives a full veterinary exam, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm or feline leukemia test, food, water, and daily loving care. The funds from the Dr. Lester Fisher Veterinary Care Fund go towards additional, and sometimes extensive, medical care such as dental care, repair of fractures, treatment for abuse or neglect cases, etc. Pretty cool, huh?
 
Now, you are probably wondering who this Dr. Lester Fisher cat is. Well, he is not a cat. That is just a slang term used to describe a person. Dr. Fisher is actually a very well-known veterinarian who has been a supporter of The Anti-Cruelty Society and has served on our Board of Directors since 1956! Wowzers!
 
Anyhow, Dr. Fisher is widely recognized as a pioneer in humane and comprehensive health care for all animals, large and small. By carefully recording and compiling information from zoos around the country, Dr. Fisher helped establish standards for modern zoo veterinary medicine! He is a pretty big deal and cares A LOT about the animals!
 
Help us help more animals in need by donating today.
 
Click here to donate to the Dr. Lester Fisher Veterinary Care Fund
 
Later, or should I say, Adios!

Guy
 

October 18, 2012

To me, October 31 has always been known as some crazy holiday where humans dress up as animals (especially cats!) and animals sometimes get dressed up as humans. So bizarre…
 
Well lately, the date October 31 has been spoken about a lot around here, and I can tell you that when it is talked about in the office it is not referring to a day of costumes. What I have gathered is that at The Anti-Cruelty Society, October 31 means it is time for Friskies, or to be fickle, or something like that. Well, since it seems as though I was a bit confused, I paid a visit to Diane, our other veteran office cat. She definitely laughed at me and clarified that October 31 is the end of our FISCAL year here at the Society! I suppose I was just hearing what I wanted to hear, hoping that Friskies would drop off a lifetime supply of food and treats to me…
 
Like I said, our fiscal year is coming to an end on October 31, which means get your donations in to us as soon as possible! We want to end this year with a bang! My pals at the Society, the ones waiting to find a home, are the ones that will benefit from your donation, so please keep those furry little faces in mind when it comes time to decide what charity you will be giving to this year.
 
On behalf of all of the cats and dogs of The Anti-Cruelty Society, thank you for your support!
 
Later,


Guy
 

October 12, 2012

BOO! Did I scare you? I didn’t think so…

Anyway, what I wanted to get your attention for was to let you know that Halloween is just around the corner, which means there are many hazard lurking around this time of year that you should keep your pets away from. Take a look at the list below for some tips on what to keep in mind this howl-o-ween!

• When the trick or treaters start calling, or your party guests start arriving, make sure your pets are secured in a room where they will be comfortable and safe from slipping out the door or possibly biting or scratching someone. Pets are often stressed by many strangers at their home and will be much happier in their own safe space.
• Candy is not appropriate for pets. Give your pets treats that are made especially for them.
  
• 

Chocolate is not appropriate for pets in any amount and can be potentially poisonous to many animals. Unsweetened baking chocolate contains almost seven times more theobromine (the chemical in chocolate that is hazardous to animals) as milk chocolate. 

Candies and some gum contain artificial sweeteners that can be toxic to pets. If ingested, wrappers from candy and gum can cause vomiting or create intestinal blockage.
• Pumpkins and other gourds are relatively non-toxic, however they could cause gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockage if large pieces are ingested.
  
• Wires and plugs from electrical lights also pose a threat to your pet.  Electrical shock from chewing on cords or injury from plastic or glass bulbs is possible.  Make sure they are kept out of your pet’s reach.


• Glues and other materials used to make decorations and costumes can be toxic to pets. Keep all materials out of your pet’s reach.
  

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or would just like to say hello! My email is guy@anticruelty.org.

Later,


Guy

October 3, 2012

What a gloomy fall day we are experiencing today! Isn’t there an animal-related saying that goes along with rainy weather? Oh yes, now I remember. You silly humans refer to a rainy day as “it’s raining cats & dogs.” Well, I must admit that I do not really understand where this interesting line comes from; however, I do know that around here the phrase has been thrown around A LOT over the past few months, even on the sunniest of days! What the heck is that all about?
 
To tame my curiosity, I paid a visit to my friend Diane, another office cat in the building that lives with our VP of Development. Basically, Diane is in the know about this “It’s Raining Cats & Dogs!” business and filled me in on all of the details. It’s Raining Cats & Dogs! is The Anti-Cruelty Society’s second largest fundraiser of the year. This gala is celebrating its 12th year and will be taking place Friday, October 26 from 7-11 p.m. at The Palmer House Hilton (17 E. Monroe, Chicago). Guests will enjoy delicious tastes from fabulous chefs, dancing, a live and silent auction, and more, all while mingling with one another in the gold-encrusted Grand Ballroom. How glamorous is that??! To get your tickets, visit www.itsrainingcatsanddogs.org!
 
It’s Raining Cats & Dogs! is just one the MANY things that we have going on this month. With such a busy October, how will I have time to get my Halloween costume ready??
 
Here is a list of a few other events that are right around the corner and benefitting the Society.
 

E-Drop Off Designer Warehouse Sale (as seen on Vh1's House of Consignment)

When: October 13 at 9 a.m.
Where: Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago
What: A charity warehouse sale of designer clothes and accessories in which 100% of the proceeds benefit us! Buy a small ($20) or large ($75) bag, fill it with gently used designer items, and know it is for a great cause!

Haute Dog Fashion Show

When: Thursday, October 20, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Where: The Underground, 56 W. Illinois St., Chicago
What: Join us at the kick-off event for our annual gala, It’s Raining Cats & Dogs! at The Underground. Models will be strutting their stuff in Veruca Salt’s latest fall fashions while guests enjoy complimentary appetizers and cocktails. The event is FREE! Bring your friends!

Cupcake Day

When: Monday, October 15
Where: Anywhere and everywhere!
What: All you’ll need to rock the world of our shelter pets is yourself, cupcakes, and some serious promotion! We’ll help you get there – just go to www.anticruelty.org/cupcake to learn the how to’s of baking and selling cupcakes will help support the great work we do.
Hope to see you participate in one, if not all, of these fun extravaganzas!

Later,
Guy

September 27, 2012

WHAT a busy week I have had here at The Anti-Cruelty Society! I just got back from my photo shoot for our holiday cards. That’s right, yours truly is on the cover of one of the designs and you can find me on the shelves of our store on November 1!  And guess who I ran into on set! My girl, Rita. She has also been chosen to be on the cover of one of the cards. Stop by our store to pick up a pack of cards that will be sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. You can also get a sneak preview of the cards if you are planning on attending our biggest formal fundraiser of the year, It’s Raining Cats & Dogs! They will be available for sale at the event.
 
Oh yes, I also wanted to remind you that our magazine is currently available to read online! In this issue we talk about a lot of different topics including hoarding, our humane investigators, the truth about the pit bull type breed, and much more. You can read a couple of articles or download the whole magazine here: http://www.anticruelty.org/magazine. If you read carefully, you will find me in the “Ask our Experts” section!
 
Also, FYI, I am now accepting fan mail, so please email me at guy@anticruelty.org  to ask questions, or just say hi! Maybe your questions or comment will end up in our next magazine!
 
Later,
Guy
 

September 20, 2012

Today I am going to blog about the coolest thing on this planet…cats! Being a cat I am already aware of why cats are the best pets to have, so I am not going to go on a rant or anything, however you should know the following things about felines:
 
We are independent, clean, affectionate, protective, trainable, fun, affordable, and we make a house a home! If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet that will greet you at the door, cuddle with you, play around, and not make you go outside during the dead of winter, then a cat is just the pet for you!



If you have been toying around with the idea of bringing a cat into your home, now is the time to do it! I encourage you to join us for our CAT adoption event at the Brickyard PetSmart location (6655 W. Grand Ave., Chicago) this weekend, September 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Anti-Cruelty Society’s staff and volunteers will be on site answering questions and conducting on-site adoptions with the dozens of cats that we will bring to PetSmart.
 
Stop by to visit with the cats, say hello, and ADOPT!
 
Hope to see you there!
 
Later,


Guy
 
 

September 12, 2012

I know I just had some dental work done, but all of this cupcake talk sure is tempting! I got a whiff of the ones that our Training Associate, Joanna, brought in today, and boy did they smell delish! Little does she know I swiped one when she wasn’t looking. I am pretty sneaky, ya know!

What is all of this cupcake talk, you ask? Well, as usual, I am here to fill you in on what is going on at the Society. Cupcake Day 2012 is a FUNdraiser that anyone can participate in! If you have love for the animals, enjoy baking cupcakes, or if you are like me and just like to eat them, than this is just the project for you! The best part about Cupcake Day is that you can participate from anywhere in the world! You don’t have to be a Chicagoan to support The Anti-Cruelty Society, all you have to do is have a sweet tooth of some kind!

So here is the deal…

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR METHOD

·       NEW SCHOOL: Do it online. Registration is free – baking is mandatory!
Click here to do it online.

·       OLD SCHOOL: Go analog (aka skip all the internet stuff and go grass roots!)
Click here to get what you need!

STEP 2: GET THE WORD OUT

·       SOCIAL MEDIA: Here’s a link to post to your Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr:
www.anticruelty.org/cupcake

·       EMAIL: Email your friends and family about your upcoming baking bonanza!

·       POSTERS: Download one of our fun posters to plaster throughout your neighborhood. 
Click here to see posters!
If you don't have access to a printer, let us know, and we can send you a few!

·       GET CREATIVE: There are lots of fun ways you can spread the news about Cupcake Day.
Share the method to your madness on our Facebook page and help inspire other bakers.

P 3: STEP THREE: POWER UP YOUR OVEN

• Use a recipe from our cupcake library.
• Use a family favorite and share your recipe on our Facebook page.
• Make a batch for your pups with High Hopes’ cupcake kit.

 STEP 3.5: JAZZ 'EM UP!
Some of the good people at Etsy.com are offering Society-branded decor to help grab the attention of your hungry cupcake buyers! Check out these links:

Cupcake Wrappers

• Cupcake Wrappers
• Frosted Circles

STEP 4: SELL THOSE CUPCAKES

• Sell your tasty treats to office colleagues.
• Setup a “Cupcake Stand” on your driveway and hit up passerby.
• Load up your bicycle with a cupcake basket and hit the streets.
• Host a cupcake party for friends and family to nosh together.
• Organize a Cupcake Day competition between friends, schools or co-workers.
• Be creative and dream up your own selling method. Share your technique on our Facebook page.

 STEP 5: GATHER THE DONATIONS

• NEW SCHOOL:  Collect money in person or have your customers pay on your donation page. Simple as pie…or cake!
• OLD SCHOOL: Gather up money from your total sales and send it to us!
  Request a self-addressed stamped envelope or just mail to:

       The Anti-Cruelty Society
       ATTN: CUPCAKE DAY
       157 West Grand Chicago, IL 60654

That’s right, easy breezy and oh so tasty! 

Later,
Guy

September 6, 2012

Have you ever thought about fostering a dog?  Well, let me tell you, NOW is the time to act! The Anti-Cruelty Society is in need of DOG fosters. There are plenty of people lined up to take in kittens and cats into their homes temporarily (duh! Cats are awesome. Must I say it again?), but for some reason we are low on people wanting to foster dogs.

Taking a dog out of the shelter environment and letting him or her come out of their shell in a home environment can be incredibly beneficial, and rewarding to watch! There are many reasons for an animal to go out into foster care and they include:

Foster volunteers have the opportunity to give the pets who need help the most a chance to recover or rest in the comfort of their own home. Our foster coordinator, Lydia, told me that the average length of stay for a dog foster is just 4 weeks. That is one month of your time! That’s it! The Anti-Cruelty Society provides the medical care, food, basic supplies (leash, collar, reusable crate), and access to our Behavior & Training team’s infinite wisdom. You can even foster if you already have a pet! Some of our foster dogs, especially those from puppy mills, need a four-legged ‘big brother or sister’ to teach them how to be a ‘normal’ dog.

Foster volunteers can review available foster pets at their leisure on our Foster Candidates page: http://www.anticruelty.org/fostercandidates/

Have I sold you yet? Are you interested in joining the foster team? Just complete a program application and email it to fosters@anticruelty.org. If we think your home is a good fit, we’ll set up a meeting to show you the ropes!

For more information take a look at our Foster Manual, check out our Foster Blog and visit the official Foster Program website page http://www.anticruelty.org/fosterprogram.

Just do it, OK? We need your help! I can’t whip all dogs into shape. There is only one of me, you know?

Later,
Guy

August 29, 2012

How many parents out there are throwing confetti and popping champagne this time of year? Why would they be doing that? Because it is BACK TO SCHOOL season!!
 
While everyone ran around getting new shoes, clothes and supplies for the fresh start of school, your pets were beginning to get anxiety knowing that they would soon be left alone. The back to school transition in a household may be a relief for some parents, but for your pet, the abrupt halt of constant hustle and bustle, playing and commotion can be quite stressful!

Separation anxiety is defined as the urge to be with the family and the resultant “bad” behaviors when left alone. Dogs may show signs of separation anxiety such as barking or whining after the family leaves, destructive behaviors like digging or chewing, destroying personal property, and/or soiling around the house. To avoid the separation anxiety that comes with the first day, week, or month of school, consider a “back to school list” for your pet.

While no list will be the same, try following this one! It just might help ease the transition from fun filled summer to bustling school year:

1. Remind your family that cat and dogs, and pets in general like consistency - a big transition is coming!
2. Write down your pet’s current schedule – play times, feeding times, bathroom times.
3. Compare the current schedule to the upcoming schedule - What has to change? What can stay the same? Who will have new responsibilities?
4. Start now! Begin to introduce the afternoon dog-walker, re-introduce the kennel if necessary, gradually adjust bathroom and feeding times.
5. Consider a new hobby with your pet. Start a play program that can continue into the school year.
6. Begin some home alone time during the day. Spend a little more time in the kennel.
7. And of course, do not forget to remind the kids to give your pet an extra big squeeze and kiss on the head to last the whole day until they get home.

Later,

Guy
 

August 23, 2012

Happy anniversary to me, happy anniversary to me, happy anniversary to meeeeeeeee, happy anniversary to me!! That’s right, one year ago TODAY I was crowned Cat Ambassador of The Anti-Cruelty Society.  As you can tell, it has not ever gone to my head...

I would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all of my fans who have supported me throughout the year. I can’t wait to continue on with my efforts to help support our mission of building a community of caring. If you would like me to make an appearance at an event, please contact my agent.

Later,
Guy

August 15, 2012

I can hardly believe that my duties as The Anti-Cruelty Society’s cat ambassador have been taking place for one whole year! One year ago, I was selected to become the eyes and ears of the Society. Since then I have helped out with many of our programs and services. On a regular basis, I work with our humane educators to teach children how to treat animals with respect, our behavior and training department to see how dogs react around a cat, the development team to make appearances at presentations and in the media, and so much more.

Anyhow, since my 1-year-anniversary has arrived, we will be throwing a celebration! In honor of my hard, magnificent work, the Society has decided to do yet another $0 cat adoption fee weekend! This weekend, August 18 and 19, any cat that is available for adoption and older than 6 months old will have their entire adoption fee waived (normally $60).
 
At any given time we generally have about 75% more cats than dogs in our facility. Right now, today, we have 118 dogs and 514 cats total. This is a major issue and we are trying everything we can to find homes for all of my feline friends, and if that means waiving the adoption fee, we are all for it!
 
Promise me that you will spread the word to those who are looking to provide an animal with a life-long home! Thanks!
 
Off to my nap now…
 
Later,
Guy
 

August 10, 2012

So I did it. I finally did it. Boy am I glad I did it! What did I do? I agreed to get my teeth cleaned!
 
Who really likes going to the dentist? Honestly, the thought of having to go under anesthesia just to have someone poke around my teeth seems ridiculous to me. But, like I said, I am SO glad that I took the plunge. The last thing I remember is lying on the surgical table counting down from 100 and dreaming about chasing mice and eating shrimp. When I woke up I was told that I had tarter, decay, cavities, and some gum recession. I even had two teeth pulled!!   I must admit that I feel like a kid again…I never realized how uncomfortable I really was. I suppose I just learned to adjust to the discomfort and live with it.
 
 So NOW, I have to be better with brushing my teeth regularly—as regular as several times a week!  It is important that I keep up with this because I don’t want to have any more mouth issues. I urge you to get your pet’s teeth cleaned as often as necessary. Consult your veterinarian to see how often you should have your cat or dog’s pearly whites checked out…after all you may discover a major health issue that you didn’t even know about. If you neglect your pet’s teeth, you may be setting them up for a serious health problem down the line.
 
You should see me now! I can’t help but smile in everyone’s face!
 
Later,
Guy
 

August 1, 2012

Lollapalooza is coming to town this weekend, creating a whole lot of noise and traffic detours. What does this mean for The Anti-Cruelty Society? It means that this is the last weekend of CATAPALOOZA! To make things extra exciting, we are going to be waiving the adoption fee for EVERY SINGLE CAT available for adoption (that is over 6 months old).  So stop by the Society on August 4 and 5 to find out why cats make such great pets!  I mean, you should already know why they make great pets based on what I have told you, but come and see for yourself if you don’t believe me!
 
Hope to see you in a few days, if not sooner! Our Headliners, Duets and Aging Rockers are still rocking out through Friday.
 
#catsrock
 
Later,
Guy 

July 26, 2012

There are so many “rainbow and butterfly” moments among my coworkers that I just learned about at The Anti-Cruelty Society. Our HR Manager announced that she is pregnant and due in December, and our PR Associate is getting married in October! I couldn’t be happier for them; however, it was my understanding that I was the love of the PR Associate’s life and the HR Manager’s favorite child. What a crock.
 
These announcements got me thinking about the cheapo favors that you get when you go to a wedding or a baby shower. I don’t know about you, but I usually toss mine to the birds when I get home. So, once again, I have a brilliant thought! Do yourself a favor and spare spending a bunch of money on stuff that nobody cares about and put it towards a good cause…like helping the animals of The Anti-Cruelty Society!
 
Brides, Grooms, moms to be, hear me roar. Give a favor that your guests will remember forever! We can offer you different options to let your guests know that you are helping to save the lives of animals and those cats and dogs most in need. All you have to do is call up my girl Jessica (maybe I can become the love of her life if I sweet talk her) at (312) 645-8014, or email her at jstewart@anticruelty.org. Tell her I sent you.
 
Later,
Guy
 

July 18. 2012

Why hello there! I have some fun news to share in regards to Catapalooza! We are getting crazy over here at The Anti-Cruelty Society and have amped things up a bit. As you may already know, we have three different stages of cats going on for Catapalooza:

• Headliner: Adoption fee is waived for the five oldest cats available for adoption
• Duets: Adopt one cat waive the adoption fee for the second cat
• Classic Rockers: Have your adoption fee reimbursed after 90 days

 
I am here to let you know that we are making a change to the headliner stage. Instead of waiving the adoption fee of the 5 cats that have been with us the longest, we are now waiving the adoption fee of the 10cats that have been with us the longest! That’s right! 10 cats of ours that are available for adoption will find a forever home at no charge. Pretty cool, huh? Just go to www.anticruelty.org/catapalooza to see which cats made the cute for the Headliner stage!
 
OK, now go spread the word to all of your friends and family!
 
Later,
Guy
 

July 13, 2012

It seems as though part of my office has been taken over by some kittens…not sure how I am feeling about this! ;) I suppose I see the good in this and will lend my space to them for a bit until they get socialized enough before hitting the adoption floor.

They are currently in our Real Life Room, (which you have heard me talk about before) a room that provides animals that are having a hard time adjusting to the shelter environment with a nice, relaxing place to stay until they become more comfortable. There are three kittens, about 7-weeks-old, that were surrendered to us due to landlord issues that the owner was having. Turns out, the cat that they had was NOT spayed and ended up having kittens, thus getting in trouble with the landlord and having to relinquish the kittens to us. Lucky for them my team of behaviorists is pretty awesome and will do everything that they can to get them socialized, and of course then send them off to our clinic to get spayed/neutered.

When I hear stories like this I get very upset because a simple spay/neuter could have prevented this whole situation that these little fur balls are in. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing like cuddling up with a kitten, but we must take action and be responsible pet owners if we want to make a difference in the issue of pet overpopulation!

What I beg of you is to respect your animal and take care of them emotionally AND physically. Spaying or neutering your pet should be of utmost importance and should be done ASAP. We have more than 450 cats in our facility that need a forever home and we hate to see that number go up, so please stop by to consider adoption to help us bring that number down—and of course keep your cats indoors and out of trouble.

Whew! That got pretty heavy there…

But seriously, just use common sense here.

Later,
Guy

July 6, 2012

I have received a very large amount of fan mail regarding the cats that are up for adoption at The Anti-Cruelty Society. I am here to tell you that the people spoke, and I listened! I was able to convince upper management to throw a super rockin’ CATpaign that some of you may already know about…it’s called, get this, CATAPALOOZA. Clever, right? I was pretty proud of myself for coming up with it.
 
Anyway, here are the deets:
 
Catapalooza will be taking place at The Anti-Cruelty Society through August 5. The campaign has been put in place (thanks to me ;)) to help highlight the hundreds of cats in our care during the infamous cat season and to show what wonderful, loyal pets they can be. Duhhh! At any given time we have about 75% more cats than dogs in our care and as you may know our cat population is especially high during the spring and summer months. We currently have more than 400 cats in our facility and less than 100 dogs and the average length of stay for a dog is 50% less than a cat…those lucky dogs!
 
This campaign is playing off of Chicago’s largest music festival of the year, Lollapalooza, and will feature the cats on different “stages:”
 
Headliner Stage: 
These cats are our long-term cats. Our headliners have been at the Society for an extended period
of time and are searching for a forever home. During Catapalooza they will receive a “cat-stage” pass that completely waives their adoption fee! (Soooo VIP!)
 
Duets Stage:
The duets stage is home to any cat older than 6 months of age.
Cats put on a great show in pairs, so during Catapalooza when you adopt one cat we will waive the adoption fee for the second cat.
 
Classic Rockers Stage:
Classic rockers are cats 7 years or older. Through our “Aged to Perfection” program the adoption fee for these aging rockers will be reimbursed after 90 days. During Catapalooza, we will highlight this program.

Hopefully I will see you all soon at the Society picking out some of my friends to take home.
 
Rock on! #catsrock
 
Later,
Guy

 June 27, 2012

Warning: DO NOT run with your dog over the next few days…let alone in the warm weather. Period.
 
While I was taking a trip down to the Paws I Am studio on Michigan Avenue this week, I noticed a couple of people running with their dogs. I just thought to myself “what a bunch of knuckleheads!”  Do people not realize the danger of running with a dog?
 
Consider this: as you are jogging in your lightweight sports clothes, your dog is wearing a coat of fur and no gym shoes. Humans have the luxury of cooling their body temperatures by sweating throughout their entire body. My dog pals, on the other hand, can only cool themselves by panting and by losing heat through their paws.  Warm weather means fry-an-egg hot pavement, eliminating a dog’s ability to lose heat through their paws, and quickly contributing to heat stroke.

As we have discussed before, heatstroke can be fatal - even with immediate treatment. Because your dog’s main concern is keeping up with you, they are not going to self-regulate and tell you when they are too hot to keep going. Too often, runners will only stop when their dogs actually collapse or refuse to go any further.
 
Just do me a favor and please be aware of the heat and keep your pets (cats included!) out of the heat.
 
Later,
Guy

June 20, 2012

Raise your paw if you are already sick of the mid-90-degree weather? I know you cannot see me, but I am raising my paw…

All jokes aside, I want to fill you in on the dangers of keeping your pets in the car on a hot summer day like today. A hot day can literally be deadly to a pet left in a parked car. Here are The Anti-Cruelty Society we have a nice educational piece that talks about how quickly the temperature in a car rises and how hot it really gets in the car—much, much hotter than the temperature outside. 

The picture shows the breakdown of the rising temperature in a car—even one with its windows slightly open. It is basically saying that on a 95 degree day like today, if you leave your dog in your car for just 10 minutes it can reach up to 114 degrees. After 60 minutes in the car, the temperature in the car rises to a steamy 138 degrees! At 110 degrees your pet may have just minutes to live and may suffer from heatstroke.

Signs of heatstroke include:

If your pet is overheated, take action immediately! Immerse, cover or rub your pet with cool (not cold or ice) water to lower their body temperature while taking your pet immediately to your veterinarian. Even if it seems as if your pet has recovered, it is necessary to check for internal damages.

If you are interested in receiving copies of this pamphlet, please contact my office cat mate, Diane in the development offices. Email info@anticruelty.org and put HOT CAR WARNING in the subject line. We are more than happy to send you a few copies to share.

Basically, you should just keep your pet in air conditioning…we like it better that way! If you don’t have A/C, please keep your pet out of the sun and provide them with PLENTY of fresh, cold water.

Later,
Guy

June 12, 2012

Did you remember that this Sunday is Father’s Day? If not, it’s OK, I’ve got your back! I’m here to remind you to run out and get the purrfect gift for the special dad in your life. Though I have to say, the one thing I really dislike about gift giving is taking the time to go out and find a card that says exactly what you are trying to get across. Since going out and spending bunches of money on cards does not sound like fun to me, I decided to pop up to the marketing department to work with them on putting together FREE ecards to send. My whole argument was that a) cards are expensive and b) if you forget to get a card at the last minute, you can send a digital one instantaneously! How cool is that?!

Lucky for you I stated my case and got my way! Meow!

It is now super easy to honor your dad with an eCard from The Anti-Cruelty Society. All you have to do is click here to send a card of your choice.

I’m glad I could be of assistance for you during your card-giving escapades this Father’s Day.

Later,

Guy

June 7, 2012

Were you aware of the fact that June is the BEST month of the year? It is the month that is nationally recognized as Adopt-a-Cat month! This means that we cats are able to get away with doing whatever we want…right?

My colleagues at The Anti-Cruelty Society have big plans to celebrate the felines of the world and highlight the cats in our shelter. We are reintroducing what exactly “man’s best friend” means and letting people know that cats are just as loyal and interactive as dogs.

With that thought in mind, we will be launching our latest CATpaign in a couple of weeks—CATAPALOOZA! This exciting, new, hip and cool (just like me) program will highlight all of the cats in our care on different “stages” with special adoption promotions that depend on their age and length of stay in our shelter. It is going to be a feline frenzy here at The Anti-Cruelty Society in no time! Stay tuned to our website in the coming weeks for more details about Catapalooza.

For now, I think that you should go to our cat adoption page to see which one of my friends you want to take home. If you want to consult with me before taking home one of my best friends, feel free to stop by my office at The Anti-Cruelty Society!

Later,

Guy

June 1, 2012

I hate to bring up the weather once again, but this weekend’s temperatures are climbing back up there! With that said, I want you all to be aware of the hot weather hazards that will be lurking around this summer. If you are a sharp cat like me, you will just stay indoors and pop a squat on the air conditioning vent. If you are not willing to do that, then I suggest that you keep the following tips in mind:

Got it?
Later,
Guy

May 23, 2012

Have you seen all of the awesome photos that people submitted to our “You Compete Me” photo contest? The pictures really show off the bond that humans and their pets have. There is nothing like being loved to pieces by a human. Lucky for me I get to receive love from The Anti-Cruelty Society staff, volunteers and visitors! Almost too much love to handle :).

Anyway, the voting for the photo contest has begun on our Facebook page and will be open until May 29. Winners will be announced May 30. There are 5 categories that need your votes and they are as follows:

To vote, you can go to our Facebook page to “like” your favorite photos.

Winners of the contest will win pet products, restaurant certificates, and more fun prizes that are still in the works for the winners. Additionally, the winners will get to attend a wrap up party at Proof on Sunday, June 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. However, I am here to share the great news that you don’t have to be a winner of the contest to attend! You can register for the event here.

Good luck to everyone who submitted a photo! We hope to see you at the Proof event!
 
Later,
Guy

May 17, 2012

The weather these days has been INCREDIBLE!! I can tell just by looking out my window and seeing people run around in their shorts and sandals. This weekend is supposed to be sunny and in the 80’s—sooo nice—and just the perfect weather for dining alfresco! Am I right??

A lot of restaurants in the city allow patrons to bring their dogs onto their patios to dine with.
Check out this list of dog-friendly spots.

As the head cat of this city, it is my duty to inform you of the manners that your canine friends should have before entering a restaurant:

Now that you have learned about basic etiquette when it comes to dining out with your dogs I allow you to enjoy a nice meal this weekend…with your pooch!

Later,
Guy

May 9, 2012

During the month of May, The Anti-Cruelty Society recognizes the bond that animals and humans share. Here is my video blog about our very own Behavior & Training department that helps each animal that comes through our door along with thousands of concerned pet owners per year. “Meet Us Again” and learn more about one of the many things we do here at The Anti-Cruelty Society!

Later,
Guy 

May 2, 2012

Alright, alright, we get it. Bark in the Park—an event specifically for DOGS—is taking place this Saturday, May 5. Where? Montrose Harbor! When? 9 a.m.! How do I know about all of this information? Oh, it’s because it has been drilled into my brain a hundred different ways!

After some convincing and whining on my end (you can thank me later), this weekend only (May 5 & 6) we will be having a special promotion surrounding the cats! All cats that are 7-years-old and up will be only $18 as opposed to $60! How does this tie in with Bark you ask? $18 stands for the number of years that we have been hosting Bark in the Park. That’s right; we have been throwing Chicago’s biggest dog party of the year for 18 years!

• Complete veterinary exam
• Inoculations against rabies and other diseases
• Feline leukemia test for cats
• Spaying or neutering
• Collar
• Lifetime ID tag (on The Anti-Cruelty Society's registry) and a permanent identification microchip
• Cat carrier
• 1 month of free (complimentary) pet insurance for this important transition period
• 15 days of post adoption care in our clinic (with or without insurance acceptance) for conditions present but undetectable at the time of adoption.

You’re welcome!
 
Later,
Guy

April 26, 2012

Bark in the Park:

What: The Anti-Cruelty Society's 18th Annual 5K FUNdraiser for the Animals
Where: Montrose Harbor, Chicago
When: Saturday, May 5 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
www.barkinthepark.org

Sox Day:

What:  Dog Days at the Cell—a fun tailgate party for the pets
Where: Comiskey Park, Chicago
When: May 23—Game starts at 7: 10 p.m.

Man’s Best Friend Fashion Show:

What: Chosen Model Management is holding a benefit to raise money for The Anti-Cruelty Society
Where: Rockit Burger Bar, 3700 North Clark Street, Chicago
When: Sunday, June 3 at 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Canine Cruise:

What: Skyline Cruiseline kicks off their season with an annual Canine Cruise to benefit the Society.
Where:  Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline, 112 E Wacker Dr Chicago, IL
When: Thursday, June 21, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Over 70 Chicagoland animal lovers and their dogs will enjoy treats and a refreshing architectural cruise. To register contact events@anticruelty.org

*dog-friendly event; all dogs must be current on vaccinations and on a leash at all times. No dogs in heat or aggressive dogs, please

Register Here!

Hope to see you at some of these events!

Later,
Guy
 

April 18, 2012

Did you know that we are in the midst of National Volunteer Appreciation Week? It is hard to miss that nugget of information here at The Anti-Cruelty Society seeing as how we have celebrations planned all week  long to recognize our hard-working, awesome volunteers!
 
I sat down with our Volunteer Manager, Lydia Krupinski, and had a nice conversation with her about all of the wonderful things that our volunteers do for us. She explained that a lot of things that we do at the Society would not be possible without them and left me with some great statistics about the volunteers’ year in review.

In 2011, a whopping 543 volunteers served over 26,663 hour of work throughout 26 different programs throughout the shelter, clinic and community! It’s OK, my jaw dropped too…

These programs include working in the shelter with cats and dogs—taking dogs out for walks, socializing with the cats or helping someone find the perfect companion. Additionally, we have volunteers that work their way up to be able to be with the animals more extensively and help out in the clinic during physical exams, surgical recovery and clinic patient care. Additional programs include fun groups that help give the animals exposure and some style, such as the petographers to take pictures of the cats and dogs for the adoption page, and our busy fingers group that sews together pet accessories including bandanas and cat carriers for my furry friends! There are many more programs not referenced here (I can only remember so much, you know!) so if you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunities, please check out our volunteer page on the website.

Now here is the best part…in 2011 our volunteers helped with the task of finding close to 4,000 cats and dogs forever homes—2,430 cats and 1,474 dogs to be exact! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Thank you so much for all you do! Keep up the good work!
 
Later,
Guy

April 12, 2012

April 4, 2012

Paint Your Pet is one of our most popular events of the year, and as you can see by the photos, everyone had a fantastic time! The 70 people that showed up this past Sunday enjoyed themselves over good conversation, some bottles of wine, delicious food provided by Witts, and of course painting their pets.

Well I hope you all can join us again in September for our next Paint Your Pet event.  I can’t wait to see how my next self portrait turns out.

Later,
Guy

March 28, 2012

I’m not going to lie; all this talk about Bark in the Park has made me pretty jealous…
 
I mean, a morning of fun dedicated to dogs? Really? A cool event where thousands of humans and their dogs show up for fun happenings  like a 5K walk, a canine obstacle and agility courses, fly ball demonstrations, exhibits, Denise Zak, Animal Intuitive, a family fun tent, free snacks (YUM!), souvenir photos, 50/50 raffle, and much more—according to my office cat-mate, Diane. Who wouldn’t be jealous of that?!
 
Not to worry, all you cat lovers. We don’t want to leave anyone out so you will have to opportunity to make a pin in honor of your feline friend that is not able to attend the dog-friendly event.
 
So here’s the deal. Bark in the Park 2012 is the 18th year that The Anti-Cruelty Society has hosted this morning of fun. 18 years! Wowzah! Bark in the Park will kick off May 5 at 9 a.m. at Montrose Harbor in Chicago. Come alone or come with friends. You can form a team and walk in honor of a pet, a business, a family member, etc. to compete to raise the most funds for The Anti-Cruelty Society. Those who raise the most amount of money are eligible to win many different prizes!
 
Check out www.barkinthepark.org for all of the details about the event, how to register, and pictures from last year’s Bark in the Park. I hope that you are all able to make it out to Chicago’s highly anticipated dog-friendly event of the year!
 
Later,
Guy

March 21, 2012

Happy spring, everyone! We have had unusually warm weather welcoming us to my favorite season—meaning those pesky insects such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are being seen much earlier than normal, and people are spending more time outdoors with their pets. To keep your pet healthy and happy, I am here to share some tips to help prevent illness or injury from ruining your pet’s spring.

Later,
Guy

March 13, 2012

March 1, 2012

I have been tasked with making cats the new “man’s best friend.” I must admit, this is not exactly an easy job. I want people to know that cats are just as loyal as dogs and can be just as fun and interactive, too... I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out with a pet like me?
 
This is why I have convinced our development department to change up the homepage of our website, and give our long-term cats a chance to be highlighted with their own beauty shots to show off their cuteness! If you go to www.anticruelty.org you will see a “Featured” section. If you click on the box you will be taken to a page that is dedicated to cats that have been in our shelter the longest. Some of my friends have been here as long as 8 months and really need a home to settle in to.
 
According to me, here are the top reasons to own a cat:
1)      We are independent.
2)      We are squeaky clean.
3)      We are loyal as can be.
4)      We are brainiacs.
5)      We are gosh darn irresistible!

On average we have 75% more cats than dogs in the shelter, so do yourself a favor and check out not only our long-term cats, but all of our cats up for adoption! If you’re not careful, I may just turn you into a cat person ;).
 
Later,
Guy

February 16, 2012

As I was skimming through the paper the other day I came across an article that talked about pets putting on pounds. I myself have some love handles that I am in the process of taking care of, so I thought it would be a good time to check in with all of my animal friends to see how their weight loss programs have been going.

According to the article, “about 53 percent of the nation’s cats and 55 percent of dogs are overweight. And more than 1 in 5 of those fat animals is clinically obese, meaning at least 30 percent above normal weight.”

If I do my math correctly, that means that more than half of cats and more than half of dogs are in trouble! They are at risk for acquiring health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Just like our American human population, the obesity crisis is spreading throughout the pet population and it needs to be brought under control.

To all pet owners: Please refrain from overfeeding us. If there is food put down, I will most likely eat it because it is yummy…but that does not mean I need it! Make sure we are getting exercised daily. Take us on walks or set aside 30 minutes for playtime. Not only will this give us a chance to burn some fat, but it will help us release energy and not be so nosey or pushy when we are indoors with you.

To all of my animal pals: May will power be on your side. If you see some scraps on the floor, just leave ‘em alone.  They probably have dirt or hair on them anyway. Gross.

To help pet owners put these statistics into perspective, think of it like this…”Every excess pound on a small dog equates to a 5-foot-4-inch woman gaining 20 pounds.,” according to Dr. Ernie Ward, a North Carolina veterinarian featured in the article.  I’m not a human woman or anything, but if that happened to me, I know I would not be a happy camper.

Later,

Guy

February 8, 2012

 
Excuse my rant…can you pass the Tostitos?
 
Later,
Guy
 

February 3, 2012

Happy Friday, everyone!
In honor of National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, I put together a video about our very own veterinary clinic. "Meet Us Again" and check out the video to learn more about one of the many things we do here at The Anti-Cruelty Society!

Later,
Guy  

January 26, 2012

Hello everyone! I took some computer lessons and have become quite a tech-savvy cat! Check out my video that introduces our “Meet Us Again” campaign. I will be doing a series of videos to go along with our campaign and can't wait to share them with you.

Hope you like it!

Later,
Guy 

January 18, 2012

It is always nice to learn about people that are interested in helping out The Anti-Cruelty Society through their own business. We are lucky enough to have such great supporters that are willing to give back to us…and some of them have really cool things to share!
 
Candace Morey, a former volunteer of ours moved away to Massachusetts and was looking for a way to stay in touch and fundraise for us from afar. Well she had a great idea to offer the jewelry that she sells through stella & dot and give 15% of her proceeds back to the Society. What a great idea! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to pick out those colorful things that hang on people’s ears and necks. It seems easy enough to do…all you have to do is:

• Shop www.stelladot.com/candacemorey
  through February 4 and select "check out."
• Register for an account
  (or sign into your existing account.)
• At check out, select "Anti-Cruelty Society"
  as hostess from drop down menu.
  The Anti-Cruelty Society will receive
  15% of all retail sales.

Candace also passed along some information about their new spring line (http://tinyurl.com/7gbg6ee) and shared a secret that half of the line is under $50! You didn’t hear it from me! ;) Pretty cool, huh?

If anyone else out there is looking to partner with The Anti-Cruelty Society for a fundraiser, please get in touch with Diane and Nadine. They can be reached at nwalmsley@anticruelty.org.

Later,
Guy

January 13, 2012

As I was strolling around the building today I came across some flyers that caught my eye. They are black and white with big block letters that read “Run for You. Run for Us. Run for Them” and “Running for Team Anti-Cruelty Helps Animals.” What is Team Anti-Cruelty and how would joining this team help save animals you ask? Don’t worry, I asked the same question! I made my way upstairs to the development department and had a little chat with Diane, our other resident cat who has all of the details about this “running” business. She informed me that Team Anti-Cruelty is the running team that runs races in support of our organization. There really are dedicated people out there who willingly run races that are up to 26.2 miles long…and they choose to run them at one time! I can barely do one lap around the building without getting winded. Whatever floats your boat I guess?
 
Anyway, Team Anti-Cruelty is a great group to join that has many benefits of becoming a member. Diane told me that if you run for Team Anti-Cruelty you will receive:

• A Free training program with the CARA program or one-on-one training with Coach Mark Buciak
• Fun runs and weekly group runs with your teammates
• A Welcome party
• A Free pre-race pasta dinner
• A Victory party
• A Free Team Anti-Cruelty technical training t-shirt and pet bandana
• An Entry into a raffle for dining certificates and other great stuff

 
Sounds good to me! If you are interested in running to support all of my animal friends at The Anti-Cruelty Society, please visit www.teamanticruelty.org for all of the details. As a team member, you must commit to raising a minimum of $600 for The Anti-Cruelty Society.  If you are a post-close entry you will be asked to raise a minimum of $1,000. Don’t worry! We will provide you with the tools to make it easy to fundraise. Registration for the marathon opens February 1, so act fast!
 
Now the flyers make sense…Run for You. Run for Them. Run for Us. Running for Team Anti-Cruelty Helps Animals.
 
I look forward to cheering you on from the sidelines…in my cozy carrier…with cat treats…making sure not to exert an extreme amount of energy…
 
Later,
Guy

December 30, 2011

Later,
Guy
 

December 22, 2011

Let the countdown begin! Only three days left until Christmas, which means I only have three days left to drop hints of what I would like to find in my stocking. Oh, and I guess it also means that we should be aware of the holiday hazards that are out there and harmful to pets like me! Here is a complete list of what to keep an eye out for—especially if you are hosting a holiday dinner over the weekend. 

 
Hope you all have a happy and safe holiday!
 
Later,
Guy

December 14, 2011

 
I am looking forward to the next time that I get to hang out with the kids.
 
Later,
Guy

December 8, 2011

 
Later,
Guy

December 2, 2011

 
Later,
Guy

November 23, 2011

Today I had a fun adventure traveling to FOX studios with Dr. Robyn! We were on a segment this morning on Good Day Chicago talking about holiday hazards for the season. Getting there was pretty fun. I got to take a cab ride in my cozy carrier down Michigan Avenue—what a cool city we live in! Once we arrived we were greeted by a very nice producer man named Jason who complimented me as I walked nicely on my leash and harness. Anyway, throughout the trip I got to hang out with my new friend Scotty, a 2 ½ -year-old terrier mix, who was also given lots of love from the FOX staff. There were a couple of staff members that were interested in taking him home, but they had to check with their families first. Scotty was telling me that he really, really wants to make it into a forever home for the holidays. It would be great if we were able to find a home for him today so that he has somewhere to go for Thanksgiving, but he said that he would be patient and wait for someone to bring him home for the December holidays. Boy oh boy, I want each animal here at the Society to know what it is like to be loved to pieces, so please consider taking home a cat or dog today! I know how much it would mean to them.

So anyway, Dr. Robyn did a great job talking to everyone about holiday hazards. It is important to be aware of all of these things so that you can prevent harm to your cat or dog. I know how tempting it can be to play with the sparkly tinsel, ribbon and ornaments, but trust me, it is not worth it! Click here to watch the segment to learn more about what to keep in mind this season and of course to see my dashing self.

Hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving!

Later,
Guy

November 15, 2011

Today I have been hanging out with a litter of little rascals that I found down in our Real Life room. I can’t help but notice the strong resemblance they have to me, so I have decided to take on the role of their favorite cool uncle!
 
Our Real Life room is actually really neat! It provides animals that are having a hard time adjusting to the shelter environment with a nice, relaxing place to stay until they become more comfortable.  Some of my coworkers down in our Behavior Administrative office area are in charge of fostering these cats and dogs that have adjustment problems, need socialization, need help with behavior, or just might be too shy to be in the Adoption Center.  This nice, homey room is filled with furniture that would be found in a house and is away from the sounds that come along with the shelter— dogs barking, cats meowing, doors opening and closing, etc.—so that the animals in the Real Life room do not become frightened. Additionally they have a surplus of attention from the behavior staff and anyone else on staff that goes to visit them!
 
Currently there are eight kittens that are nine weeks old (Sid, Sailor, Sugar Toast, Skittles, Sumo, Snoop, Sneaker, and Sully).  A family brought in the mom and the 4-week-old little guys and girls after the mom was an unwanted gift. The mom, Shelley, is very sweet and affectionate with people, and the kids are very friendly and always want to play, trust me, they have worn me out! They do very well with their litter box, thank goodness, and are already scratching post trained. Boy are they a handful, but so much fun!
 
Since they are so darn cute I know they will get adopted incredibly fast and I admittedly will miss teaching them all of the great things that I, as the coolest uncle around, know how to do.

 
Can’t wait to see who will occupy our Real Life room next!
 
Later,
Guy

November 9, 2011

 
Later,
Guy
 

November 3, 2011

Hi there, my name is Guy. I have been dubbed The Anti-Cruelty Society’s new mascot! I arrived at the Society in April of 2010 after my owners could no longer afford to keep me. After spending some time at the shelter getting to know my other cat friends, I was lucky enough to be adopted, but unfortunately was returned eight months later ( I am still trying to figure out why!). During my time away, the behaviorists on staff began looking for a special cat that displayed specific qualities. When I returned, I was filled in on the details—this cat would be the one to represent the Society and help educate the public about cats. “This is my time to shine!” I thought to myself. So I put on my A game and showed off all of my skills. Not only am I an incredibly social cat with humans and other animals, but I know how to walk on a leash, I love to be held and have little sensitivity issues. Not to brag or anything, but I am pretty much the purrrfect cat!

Long story short, I won the gig! I was chosen to be the mascot and the staff here realized that not only would I be a wonderful permanent addition to The Anti-Cruelty Society, but I am also able to help extend our community of caring by attending outreach presentations, visiting with teens that attend in-shelter programming, and helping some of The Society’s youngest visitors learn how to properly and gently pet a cat.

I am so excited to be a part of The Anti-Cruelty Society family and can’t wait until my next assignment. You can keep up to speed on all that I do around here on this blog, so be sure to check back to see what kind of adventures I take part in!