The West Suburban Humane Society

We’re almost there and need your help!

The WSHS building is gravely deteriorating, and with the generosity of our donors, we are planning to break ground in early summer 2019 for our new shelter.  However … we need an extra push to complete our goal and include the extraordinary services and welcoming atmosphere a new shelter will bring to the animals, adopters, visitors and volunteers.  A challenging task – but we’ve come too far to stop now!

Please support WSHS as we continue to help forgotten furry friends like Horton and Nadirah who both had suffered so much before coming to WSHS and have since captured the hearts of everyone who has interacted with them at the shelter.

The stories of Horton and Nadirah aren’t new to those organizations and individuals who care for rescue animals.  In fact, most of the dogs and cats WSHS takes in have issues and illnesses that most humane organizations would not be in a position to support. Time and time again, animals come to us from people who say that WSHS is their only remaining hope … that no other shelter has the time, money or resources to save the life of a cat or dog desperately in need of care.

Horton’s story … 

Horton came to WSHS as a young pup of four months with emotional and physical scars.  Although permanent wires, pins and screws had fixed his broken bones, the emotional scars were deep due to the trauma he had suffered.   

Shortly after his arrival, we discovered some significant food guarding behaviors.  A trainer was called in to evaluate and felt Horton was most likely kicked when he was eating.  He would react to volunteers’ feet when food, treats or something deemed of high value was present.  In addition to his “foot fixation” Horton did not have the best kennel presence, barking and jumping when potential adopters visited the shelter.

Horton had some major obstacles to overcome if he was ever to be adopted.  The good news was that we were not going to give up on this sweet boy.  His life may have had a tragic beginning but we were determined it would not have a tragic ending.  WSHS partnered with professional trainers and, with training tools in place, the staff and volunteers worked with Horton daily.  Most shelters would not have been able to give him the time and support he greatly needed.

Horton’s Happy Ending …

Horton was adopted into a loving family due to the tireless efforts of the WSHS staff who prepared him for his new home, proving that emotional scars can heal with time, patience, training and love.

When Kim and Mark adopted Horton, they readied themselves for putting in training time for both Horton and themselves.  However, all the training and effort that WSHS put into this boy paid off big.  “He came pre-wired to succeed,” said Kim.

Horton’s family could not be more pleased with their choice to adopt this special boy.  Horton is loving, smart, loyal and patient.  “We are so lucky.  It was like he was just waiting for us to come and adopt him.”

Kim offers advice to potential adopters, “Take a chance, speak with the volunteers.  They know the dogs best and have insight into their personalities that you just cannot see when doing a brief walk through the kennel.”  

Nadirah’s story …

Nadirah came to WSHS after living outside for a long time and she was in bad shape – she was skinny and had a gaping wound on her neck.  If she had not been found, Nadirah would have likely frozen to death.  On closer inspection we realized that the wound was from a collar that was embedded in her neck.  Nadirah was rushed to the vet where she had surgery to remove the collar.

Unfortunately, the collar was not Nadirah’s only issue.  She was severely underweight, covered in fleas and suffered from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).  FIV typically causes a weakening of the cat's immune system so the odds were stacked against her but WSHS was ready to help her overcome those odds.

After surgery, Nadirah went to a foster home to recuperate.  Finally, after 2 1/2 months, her neck had closed completely.  A lot of medical intervention and home care gave this FIV+ girl a chance to heal faster.  Nadirah also gained 1 1/2 pounds since being rescued from outside.  At last, with her fur growing back, a full belly, complete range of motion in her neck and not feeling like she was being strangled, Nadirah could show her loving side.

Nadirah’s Happy Ending  …

Thanks to WSHS’s efforts, Nadirah was adopted and is living in her new home with a caring family!

Since becoming a member of Karen’s family, Nadirah (aka Naddie, aka Queen Nadirah) has settled in nicely.  She has been eating a grain free diet and playing like a kitten!  “We are very much enjoying each other's company ... she already sits on my lap,” said Karen.  “Thank you for taking such good care of Nadirah and all the other cats waiting for a home at WSHS.”

With your contributions, WSHS can rescue more dogs and cats like Horton and Nadirah and provide happy endings for more animals.  

Please consider making a contribution today!  

Thank you!

Woof Woof  & Meow Meow!