Latest news with #AndersonHumane
Chicago Tribune
20 hours ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
New program at Anderson Humane in South Elgin lets you ‘try out' a pet before you adopt
A new program at the Anderson Humane animal shelter lets people take a potential pet for a 'test drive' before formally adopting them. Foster to Adopt is a win-win for all involved, said Dean Daubert, CEO of the South Elgin-based nonprofit. The pet gets to live with a family rather than in a cage at the shelter, the shelter has more space to take in another animal and the foster family has time to make sure the cat or dog is a good fit for them. The deal sweetener for those who are part of the program is they get first pick of the animals that come into the shelter, Daubert said. 'Many large organizations have foster-to-adopt programs,' he said. 'It's a great way for folks that want to try a dog or a cat in their home first. (They) aren't sure whether it's going to be a good fit (so they) get to try it out and fall in love with an animal. 'We've taken it a step further and have said, why don't we let folks know which animals are coming into the shelter and hopefully divert them from ever having to spend a night in the shelter.' The program started June 1, and so far they've had one animal placed in a home through the initiative. The goal is to get the word out to people who might be interested in adoption. They can take 'advantage of fostering and seeing if the animal is right for them before they adopt,' he said. Anderson posts photos of available animals on its website, and every animal gets a vet exam before being sent to a foster home, Daubert said. If someone ends up adopting a foster animal, Anderson covers the the cost of the initial set of required vaccines and spaying/neutering. Adoption fees range from $75 to $400, Daubert said. While the program is new, it's not unheard of for a foster family to adopt a pet to whom they initially thought they were giving a temporary home. 'They hadn't planned to adopt at first but they … fell in love with their (animal) during the foster period,' Daubert said. Bartlett couple Kim and Jim Saxton did just that, Kim Saxton said. They initially agreed to take in Jenny — now called Yennifer — between November 2023 to January 2024 so the dog didn't have to stay in the shelter over the holidays, she said. 'Our sons visited from Phoenix and Portland and met her at Christmas. Everyone loved her,' Saxton said. '(The dog) charmed everyone she met so we decided to adopt her in late January 2024.' What her family did can be seen as a prototype for the program Anderson has started, Saxton said. When someone lets a pet into their home, the animal has time to decompress and show its personality and the family gets to see if it fits into their day-to-day life, she said. 'It's so much better for the animal to be out of the noise of the shelter,' Saxton said. 'People looking for a way to help should consider fostering. It helps the animal and clears a space at the shelter for another animal to get saved.' Kelly Rakunas, of St. Charles, has been Anderson Humane's volunteer engagement coordinator for two years. Her family, which includes husband Eric and sons Charlie, Bryce and Mack, had fostered older dogs for several years before taking in a puppy last October, she said. One month later, they wound up adopting Wiggles. 'She turned out to be the missing piece to our family,' Rakunas said. Rakunas agreed with Saxton assessment — Foster to Adopt program is a great way to find out if pet ownership is for you and if one particular animal fits in with your family. 'It allows a pet to be away from a shelter and allows people to see if a pet is the right fit for them. It's a win-win situation,' Rakunas said. For more information on the Foster to Adopt program, go to or call 847-697-2880.
Chicago Tribune
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Anderson Humane seeking volunteer teens, young adults; Kid Librarian of the Week program returns to Elgin library
Anderson Humane is looking for teens and young adults to take part in its summer volunteer program. Open to anyone age 16 to 25, volunteers help care for, feed and socialize with animals and assist staff at animal adoption events, according to the nonprofit's website. Volunteers can choose to work with dogs, cats or wildlife at shelters' locations at 1000 S. LaFox St., South Elgin; 412 W Army Trail Road, Bloomingdale; and 45W061 Route 38, Elburn. The time commitment is 20 hours per week. A $35 registration fee includes the cost of a volunteer T-shirt. For more information, go to Fox River Valley Public Library District's public relations staff has received the 2025 Blue Pencil and Gold Screen Award from the National Association of Government Communicators for its crisis communication plan . The award acknowledges excellence in government communications across local, state, federal, tribal and military agencies, a library district news release said. 'It's an incredible honor to have our work recognized on a national level,' Public Relations and Outreach Manager Corinne Vargas said in the release. 'Our team puts so much heart, thought and dedication into communicating with our community, and this award is a reflection of that commitment.' The Fox River Valley Public Library District has a main library in East Dundee and a branch library in West Dundee. For more information, go to and The Kid Librarian of the Week program is back for the summer at the Gail Borden Public Library's main branch in downtown Elgin. Children chosen to be the week's 'librarian' get to pick their favorite books, create displays using those books and share fun facts about themselves, according to library social media posts. Applications are available in KidSpace at the main branch or can be obtained by sending an email sent to crzeppa@
Chicago Tribune
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Elgin News Digest: Anderson seeking homes for cats, kittens displaced by flooding; grand opening planned for new KidSpace at Elgin library
Anderson Humane in South Elgin is seeking foster homes for the 30 cats and kittens it has taken in after the animals were displaced by serious flooding in Arkansas. The Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters coordinated the transport and medical care of the animals to South Elgin this week, a news release said. 'We are committed to ensuring that no animal is left behind in this crisis,' Alyssa Masten, Anderson's intake and transportation manager, said in the release. 'Our teams are working diligently to bring animals to safety, provide shelter and offer the support that overwhelmed facilities in Arkansas desperately need,' The rescued animals will be placed in foster homes in preparation for adoption. Donations of supplies are sought in addition to foster families. For more information, go to Gail Borden Public Library District will hold a grand opening celebration for its reimagined KidSpace at the main branch library in downtown Elgin from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday, May 13. The event will feature a look at new play areas, a wand-making craft activity, a roving magician and a fairy tale character, live music, photo opportunities, giveaways, a diaper donation drive in the main lobby and diaper distribution in the main parking lot, according to the library's website. The renovation work at the 270 N. Grove Ave. library was funded by the Seigle Foundation, Consumers Credit Union, Gail Borden Public Library Foundation and Golden K Kiwanis Club. For more information, go to School District U-46 students were presented with money for college during the annual Superintendent's Scholarship reception and awards ceremony held April 23 at the U-46 Welcome Center in Elgin. Each scholarship recipient is a first-generation college-bound student who will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the U-46 Educational Foundation, according to a news release. This year's scholarships were funded by a grant from the Seigle Foundation and donors that include KCT Credit Union, Studio GC, the Association of Elgin School Administrators, John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. and K12 Insight. Among the schools scholarship recipients will be attending are Northwestern University, Stanford University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Wisconsin, Case Western Reserve University, Aurora University and DePaul University. The recipients are: Bartlett High School — Jatziry Alba, Anthony Corona, Kyle Depakakibo, Melani Flores, Shaila Ochoa, Sara Sulemanjee, Emilia Tredota. Elgin High School — Brianna Calderon, Julissa Chavez, Damaris De Alba Valdivia, Gael Flores, Lesley Gonzalez, Alondra Lechuga-Pita, Anahi Melendez, Wilebaldo Modesto Hernandez, Eric Nazario, Guadalupe Rivera. Larkin High School — Dayanara Aguilar, Lara Amaro, Andrea Jimenez. South Elgin High School — Mackenzie Klinger, Oscar Miranda, Ayush Patel, Zuzanna Szelag. Streamwood High School — Samantha Camarena, Jennifer Gaspar, Omar Lopez-Aguado, Leonor Nevarez, Sophie Saflarski, Juliana Solis. Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin received an 'A' rating on the spring 2025 patient safety report card from the Leapfrog Group. Leapfrog analysts used publicly available data to look at 22 different safety measures and assign grades based on how well hospitals are doing to protect patients from harm, according to an Advocate news release. Measurements included the hospital's ability to prevent errors, accidents, injuries and infections. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are assigned to nearly 3,000 general acute-care hospitals across the nation twice a year. Elgin's other hospital, St. Joseph, received a 'B' on Leapfrog's spring report card and an 'A' last fall. For more information, go to Hanover Township Office of Community Health is offering stroke risk assessment screenings for township residents during the month of May at the Hanover Township Senior Center, 240 S. Route 59, Bartlett. The assessment is $10 and includes total cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and BMI screenings, according to a news release. Township nurses will review results and provide stroke prevention information. Appointments are recommended. 'Whether you are someone who has a family history of strokes, or if you're concerned and simply looking to talk about stroke risk factors, we encourage you to take advantage of this service,' Director of Community Health Kristen Smith said in the release. To schedule a screening, call 630-483-5665 or email health@
Chicago Tribune
02-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Wildlife center in Elburn to hold open house
Anderson Humane is holding a Wildlife Baby Shower and Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4, at its wildlife center in Elburn, where the group cares for orphaned and injured wild animals. This is the only day of the year the center is open to the public, a news release said. The free, family-oriented event will include behind-the-scenes tours, educational talks from wildlife experts, wildlife-themed games and crafts, a chance to meet ambassador animals and a bake sale. Attendees can support wildlife rehab efforts by bringing items from the nonprofit's baby shower wish list, which can be found at The center is located in the Elburn Forest Preserve, 45W061 Route 38. Aurora event to focus on services for seniors AgeGuide and Senior Services Associates invite the community to join Advocacy Breakfast events – one in Aurora and the other online – to discuss protecting Older Americans Act services like home-delivered meals, transportation and caregiver support, organizers said. Proposed federal funding cuts and a restructuring plan that dismantles the agency overseeing the Older Americans Act threaten aging services, according to organizers. 'These aren't just budget lines, they're lifelines,' said Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, in a news release. 'When seniors lose Meals on Wheels or home care, hospitalizations and long-term care placements skyrocket. We need every concerned citizen at these events before legislators finalize these harmful decisions.' An Advocacy Breakfast event is set for 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, May 5, at Senior Services Associates, 2111 Plum St. in Aurora. From 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 12, there will be a virtual Advocacy Breakfast. These breakfasts will feature stories from older adults directly impacted by these services, legislators representing AgeGuide's eight-county region and more. Sponsored by AARP Illinois, these collaboratives are an opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers before critical budget deadlines, event organizers said. Those wanting to attend should register in advance at or call 630-293-5990. Program on older drivers set in St. Charles The St. Charles Public Library will host an informational program called 'ThinkFirst for Life!' at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, which will focus on ways to prevent injuries among older adult drivers. Michelle Larsen, project manager for ThinkFirst, will address areas of concern, provide guidance on protecting oneself and offer advice for staying active and independent for as long as possible, according to a press release from the library. The program at the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave. in St. Charles, will offer information on safe driving practices and tips to reduce the risk of crash-related injuries, the release said. To register, go to or call 630-584-0076. Airline travelers will need REAL ID or passport starting Wednesday Travelers 18 and older who want to take a commercial flight anywhere in the U.S. will need to present a REAL ID or passport for verification starting Wednesday, May 7, according to an alert from U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville. Either of those documents also will be needed to enter some federal facilities and military bases, Foster's release said. However, REAL IDs are not be needed to drive, vote or enter state-owned buildings and some federal buildings. The requirement is a post-9/11 initiative to improve security. It took many years to implement but is now taking effect, the release said. REAL ID designations on driver's licenses or identification cards can be obtained at Illinois Secretary of State's facilities. Recipients must provide several forms of identification in order to obtain the designation.
CBS News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Anderson Humane holding fundraiser for baby animals, puppy Piglet available to adopt
Anderson Humane is hosting an event Sunday to raise money for baby animals, and brought puppy Piglet to CBS News Chicago, who is available to adopt. Piglet is a four-month-old labrador and German shepherd mix, who Greg Mucha of Anderson Humane said is a very handsome pup who is whip-smart and great with kids. As a mix of two active breeds, he's best suited to an active family, especially if they have a yard or outdoor space from him to run around in. Anderson Humane has a wildlife division that rescues about 3,000 wild animals a year. Their fundraiser Sunday is a wildlife baby shower at their facility in Elburn, Illinois, to help gather supplies to care for these wildlife rescues. The price of admission is an item from their registries. Click here for more information.
