A breath of fresh air reaches shelter dogs in South Chicago
August 10, 2010 in Chicago by Tails Magazine
As a dog goes out for a potty break at the Animal Welfare League’s South Chicago intake center, he looks across the concrete slab that is the only outdoor space available at the facility. He spots a single weed sprouting from the crack in the concrete, and like every dog before him, he chooses this spot to relieve himself.
However, thanks to renovation funds being collected by Trio Animal Foundation from members of the community, this situation will soon be a thing of the past. The $7,000 renovation will provide easily cleanable, artificial grass, which will improve the quality of the dogs’ time outside.
Diane Spyrka, shelter manager at the Wabash facility and a fixture at Animal Welfare League for 37 years, says she and her staff are thrilled with the plan. “We are very excited about the renovations because we see real personality changes when the dogs get time outside.” She adds, “Sunshine does a lot to raise their spirits, which makes the dogs much more adoptable. Fresh air also helps keep the dogs stimulated and healthy.”
Established 70 years ago, the Animal Welfare League’s South Side shelter has been essential to the community as the only shelter in the economically depressed area. This facility, located at 6224 S. Wabash Ave., provides valuable services to local residents, including spay/neuter, microchipping, humane education, and pet food give-aways. It is also one of the few open-access shelters in all of Chicago, accepting any stray or unwanted animal, which amounts to more than 5,000 animals a year.
Trio Animal Foundation is collecting donations to pay for the improvements for this important shelter through its website. Spyrka explains, “This is a chance for people to enhance a shelter dog’s life. The dogs will benefit directly from the renovations.”
Send tax-deductible donations by mail to 516 North Ogden Ave. Suite 199, Chicago, IL 60642, or online here. Please earmark your donation for the AWL Backyard Renovation Project. If donating online, PayPal will ask to “send comments to seller” on the payment pay. Place your earmark here. –Valerie Lute
