Stray Thoughts Fall 2021
sense of community is what brings Lorraine
A Ambler to WSHS every week . Lorraine is the shift coordinator on Friday afternoons in the kennel . The Friday afternoon shift includes Lorraine ( 12 years ), Allison Hanscom ( 8 years ), Lyss Resendiz ( 3 years ), Jill Underdown ( 2 years ), and Bill Natale ( 1 month ). These volunteers have different backgrounds , personalities and strengths , all of which come together for a cohesive team . Allison agrees that “ everyone has something unique to bring to the shift !”
Lorraine spreads her energy throughout WSHS . In addition to volunteering in the kennel , she is an adoption desk volunteer , provides a home for our foster dogs , and serves on various committees , including the current Long-Term Lovables Committee . Jill spends extra time in the kennel as a buddy to Chevy , one of our kennel pups , providing her with socialization and enrichment . Lyss is passionate about dog behavior and will take WSHS dogs , like Rocky Road , to training classes . Lyss also volunteers in the kennel on Saturday mornings , and she , Allison and Lorraine spend each week with our STAR ( special training and reinforcement ) dogs , ensuring that they practice their training skills . Allison has learned a great deal about breed characteristics and the art of communicating with dogs through body language while volunteering in the kennel .
Volunteer Spotlight
to her students and discovering what makes them learn best . Art is Lorraine ’ s main hobby ; she often provides art classes to the WSHS camp kids .
It ’ s no surprise that the Friday afternoon volunteers have animals of their own , most of them rescues . Lorraine ’ s family adopted their three rescues from WSHS . Lorraine fosters other dogs for WSHS so her pups , Paisley , Rosie and Little Guy , are paying it forward . Allison ’ s Golden Retriever Lucas is a registered therapy dog . Lucas visits hospitals , schools , and universities and responds to crisis calls in the community . Bill ’ s Sydney also spreads goodwill . Sydney visits the Community Adult Day Center and she was in this year ’ s Barkapalooza kissing booth . Lyss has a WSHS alum pup Lyca and a rescue cat Selene , and Jill has a rescue boxer-beagle named Charlie . Jill says , “ When I come home from the shelter , Charlie is always waiting by the door to smell all the pups I ’ ve been with that day .” Charlie loves the volunteer experience at WSHS too !
These volunteers may be different , but there is a creative thread running through the Friday afternoon shift . Bill retired from a career in broadcasting and is a published author . His fourth book , a compendium of short stories that features his dog Sydney on the cover , is coming out this month . Allison teaches piano to children and adults . She enjoys connecting
Upcoming Events
Kendra Scott Gives Back Shop at Kendra Scott Oakbrook Center ( 167 Oakbrook Center , Oak Brook , IL 60523 ) November 6th from 1:00 p . m . to 3:00 p . m . and they will donate back 20 % of purchases when you mention West Suburban Humane Society ! Can ’ t make it in-person ? Shop online with code GIVEBACK-AHUQZ on November 6th and 7th and 20 % of each sale will be donated back to WSHS .
Everyone has fun in the kennel on Friday afternoons . They feel good after their shift , knowing that they have made a difference . Allison couldn ’ t ask for a more upbeat team . Jill agrees , saying , “ Volunteering at WSHS and spending time with such awesome people and wonderful dogs is for sure the highlight of my week !”
Anderson ’ s Bookshop Fundraiser Have a book lover on your holiday shopping list or need to refresh your own bookshelves ? Shop the Downers Grove & Naperville Anderson ’ s Bookshop locations during the week of November 14th to November 20th and mention West Suburban Humane Society to have 20 % of your total donated back to WSHS . If you can ’ t make it to the store , shop online with promo code WSHS221 and 20 % of each saw will be donated back to West Suburban Humane Society !
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