Behind the Red Door

Huey Is The Reason For The Season

2011-12-21T11:12:00.000-06:00

At some point, most visitors to Red Door will come across Huey. Most people will exclaim how big Huey is, or will compliment him on his distinct Ocicat markings. Huey loves visitors, because having visitors means having people who will lavish him with attention...and the occasional treat if he can sneak one. This was Huey's 11th year at Red Door, and despite his numerous medical ailments, he's still going strong and is as goofy and playful as ever. While many people would say that Huey is lucky to have Red Door, the truth is, Red Door is lucky to have Huey. His spirit to overcome the odds stacked against him, his loving and generous nature, his affable personality are all great reminders to us all this holiday season to love the ones who love us unconditionally.

From all of the staff, volunteers, cats, rabbits, and dogs at Red Door, have a Happy Holiday, and a safe and Happy New Year.

Venitian Nights

2011-12-07T14:48:00.001-06:00

Venitia was originally found outside by someone who tried to keep her, but she simply did not get along with the other cats in the household. Venitia is just a little thing, and if you didn't know she was an adult cat, you might think she was a kitten. She was in very poor condition when she was admittted to Red Door. There were patches of fur missing from her back, scabs all over her body, a small hard nodule just beneath her skin on her shoulder, and her left eye appeared to be damaged. The veterinarians who first examined her thought that maybe someone had tried to roughly shave all of her fur off, cutting her with the razor in the process. The small hard nodule lodged in her shoulder was thought to be a pellet or a bee bee. This was later confirmed by an eye specialist who said that it appeared that her left eye had been shot with a pellet or bee bee. The doctor confirmed that Venitia most likely could not see out of this eye, however, no treatmeant or surgery was required.

Venitia did not allow any of these things to deter her. In the weeks and months since coming to Red Door, her skin has improved dramatically, and she's getting around superbly with the use of only one eye. She's very sweet, affectionate, and trusting, which is surprising given her prior history with treatment from people. She's not a big fan of other cats, and would be best in a loving home on her own.

Cookies, gifts, and Santa! Did we mention cookies?

2011-11-01T16:33:00.000-05:00

On Sunday November 20th, Red Door will host its annual Winter Bazaar at the Indian Boundary Fieldhouse (2500 W. Lunt) from 11am-4pm. This annual event features dozens of varieties of homemade cookies and baked goods sold by the pound, as well as the dozen or so vendors who will have their goods for sale. Everything from handmade jewelery and artwork, to books and toys. You will be sure to find something for that special loved one- or for yourself!

Of course, not to be missed is Santa, who is once again taking time out of his busy schedule and will be gracing us with his presence from the North Pole. Yes, it's true, Santa is a HUGE supporter of Red Door (duh, he wears red!). And for any of you doubting whether or not this is the real Santa...rest assured...his ID, references and credentials have all been checked out. He IS the real deal. Santa will be available for photos with you and your family- both furry and not so furry alike. Photos are only $10, and everyone will receive a nice, 4x6 keepsake photo. Coffee and cider will also be available, so come in from out of the chilly weather, get warmed up, get yourself some sweets (because YOU deserve it), browse some great handmade gifts for loved ones (because THEY deserve it), and bring your pooch to sit on Santa's lap so he can tell Santa all about that new Red Rider Bouncy Kong Toy With This Little Thing That You Put Treats In.

Reunited and It Feels So Good!

2011-10-29T13:53:00.003-05:00

Red Door cat Mango was uncerimoniously dumped at our door in 2002 with no note or explanation. His luck soon changed when he found his adoptive home in 2003 where he has been even since. In August of this year, Red Door received a call from Mango's adopter. Sadly, her home had foreclosed and she was being evicted, and had no where to go. It was her last resort to have to bring Mango back to the shelter, but she had nowhere else to go. She was heartbroken, and one can only imagine that Mango was devastated. She tearfully brought Mango back, where he has been until October of this year. Recently this month we received word from his owner that she had gotten herself back on her feet, financially stable, and was living in a pet friendly apartment where she had placed a pet deposit down. The only thing she was missing terribly was Mango. This past week, Mango was reunited with his mom. She is overjoyed to have him back in her life, and Mango voiced his approval with a big "MEOW!" when he saw her again.

A Holiday Movie For All To See

2011-10-27T13:24:00.001-05:00

The Christmas Bunny, an award winning movie starring Florence Henderson, is coming to a shelter near you this holiday season. Red Door is offering DVD copies of the movie for purchase for only $15, with proceeds from sales going to help the homeless animals at Red Door. The Christmas Bunny has numerous themes, though two of the main themes are animal welfare and adoption. It is a very uplifting, family friendly movie, which also offers a positive portrayal of rabbits. The DVD makes a great gift this holiday season for family and friends. You can pick yours up at Red Door during business hours, or stop by the Winter Bazaar on November 20th from 11am-4pm. Don't wait too long though, quantities are limited!

Higher Learning

2011-10-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

Red Door received a phone call one week night from a school administrator at Northside College Prep about a domestic rabbit one of the students had caught in the school garden. We arranged to have the rabbit come in so it could be looked over for any illnesses or parasites. By the time the administrator had brought the rabbit to the shelter two days later, four other rabbits had been found on school grounds! It didn't end there...yet another one was caught and subsequently adopted by a student, and sadly three more were found dead in the garden. While they were waiting to go to Red Door, students brought in supplies for the rabbits, and helped to care for them.

All five rabbits were eventually transferred into the "Red Door School System" for further evaluation. Half of them had coccidia, another had bite wounds from another animal that had abcessed and needed immediate surgery, and yet another needed surgery to remove bot fly larvae (yes, it's as gross as it sounds, you can google the images, but not recommended for the faint of heart).

Unfortunately, we may never know how or why these nine buns ended up outside like they did, fending for themselves. The most obvious answer is that a person most likely placed them there, thinking they would be able to survive on their own after being cared for by people their whole lives. As three of the rabbits showed, the odds of a domestic rabbit being able to survive outside on its own are slim to none. This year, Red Door has rescued a record number of rabbits who had been left outside by people ignorant to the fact that wild rabbits and domestic rabbits are not the same creatures.

This story ends on a high note, with nearly all of the rabbits cleared of coccidia, and two of the rabbits recovering from their surgeries. they are on the road to recovery, and will be ready for adoption in no time. Thank you to Northside Prep and all of the students and school administrators who helped to rescue these rabbits and get them to safety. The rabbits all agreed, you get an A for effort.

Month of Discounted Adoptions Ends on High Note

2011-09-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

For the month of August, all adoptions at Red Door were 25% off the regular adoption fee of $100 for cats and rabbits. We saw 12 animals find new homes during those 31 days, including two pairs of cats adopted out together! One of the biggest names adopted was Dee, adopted on the last day of August. Dee came to Red Door as a 6 month old over two and a half years ago. She spent her time in the kitten room, and as time went on, she outgrew her kittenhood and became an adult cat. She saw a lot of kittens come and go in those two years. About a month ago, she was moved to the common area at Red Door and everyone saw her personality shine. It didn't take long for her after that to find the home that fit her the best. Her adopter reports that Dee is doing great in her new home, and has become quite fond of "punching dough" on her new companion. :)

Here Is What NOT To Do...

2011-08-18T12:34:00.000-05:00

For the second time this week, a box has been left at the front door with an animal inside. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last time unfortunately. However, both times, the animal that was inside escaped and the box was empty by the time the staff came in the morning. One of the animals was recovered by someone, the other unfortunately has not been found. If you find an animal, or know someone who has, please do NOT leave it at an animal shelter after hours. Aside from the animal possibly escaping and running into traffic (Red Door is located near a very busy intersection & alleyway), many times left without food or water, the animal is also exposed to the elements outside including rain, heat, snow, predators, insects, and even people who may want to do the animal harm. Also, leaving an animal at any shelter in the city other than Chicago Animal Care and Control is considered animal abandonment and is punishable by law. Understandably, people think they're doing the right thing, or may not know where else to turn.
So what should I do with an animal I find outside after hours? If you can house the animal overnight (spare bedroom, bathroom, etc) you can contact area animal shelters in the morning to check on availability. If you absolutely cannot keep the animal overnight and it's after hours, you can contact Chicago Animal Care and Control, who by law must take any stray animals for a holding period.

Big Black or British Broadcasting?

2011-07-08T11:33:00.000-05:00

BBC first came to Red Door in the spring of 2000 as a stray cat. His name stood for Big Black Cat or Basic Black Cat, depending on who you asked. But BBC was anything but basic. He had a birth defect which fused his toes together on one paw, giving him the appearance of having a club foot. Because of that, he developed early arthritis and it could become painful for him to walk. Despite all of that, BBC was adopted a few months after he came in with three other Red Door cats.
His story didn't end there unfortunately. In May of 2003, he was returned with two of the other cats (one of whom was Luna, who you can read about below). They were left in a box with no air holes and no note. All three cats were very dirty. BBC got cleaned up, and despite having a very friendly personality, was overlooked year after year at Red Door. People were often put off by his birth defect or when he became over stimulated and had a tendancy to nip at times.
However, in December of 2010, BBC's luck changed. Red Door Animal Steward, Molly, could not resist BBC's charm, not to mention his lovely vampire fangs. Molly took BBC home to foster, and he quickly became British Broadcasting Cat. Recently, the official adoption paperwork was completed for BBC, and over 11 years after first coming to Red Door, BBC finally found his forever home.
BBC's story really shows that there really is a cat for someone out there, and you never know when that person will come into their lives and give them the loving

home they deserve.

The Marilyn Monroe of Cats

2011-07-01T14:56:00.000-05:00

June is adopt a cat month, and it turned out to be a really great month for Luna. Her journey of finding that forever home was finally realized on Wednesday.
Luna was originally adopted from Red Door in 2001 as a kitten, with 3 other cats. A few months after adoption, her and two of the other cats were unceremoniosly left in a box outside the shelter. It was a very hot day, the box had no air holes, and no one knew how long they had been there. The cats were dirty, greasy, and matted. Needless to say, Luna got back on her paws, and quickly found a home again, this time for over 10 years.
Sadly, Luna was returned to the shelter again late last year, this time due to inappropriate elimination. It had been doing on for several years, and her adopter had tried everything in the book, had numerous medical tests done, and nothing seemed to work for poor Luna. It was with a heavy heart that her adopter brought her back.
Upon being readmitted to Red Door, we ran comprehensive tests to evaluate Luna's condition. She was also being treated for arthritis, pancreitis, and liver disease. When the xrays came back, they showed a tiny minute facture in one of her vertebrae. Dr. Gia at Animal 911 came to the conclusion that most likely everytime Luna went to make a bowel movement in the litterbox, that the squeezing of her abdominal muscles and intestines most likely put pressure on the vertebrae to make it painful, enough so that Luna associated the litterbox to be a painful place to be. Given her current medical conditions, and the fact that she had lived in a home for over 10 years and was now back at the shelter, Luna's outlook seemed gloomy, and it was speculated that her physical condition might continue to deteriorate quickly.
However, Luna pressed on and took her more than 6 medications each day like a pro. She definitely wasn't happy being at the shelter, but she would never give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her down in the dumps. Then one day, Luna's luck changed when a couple who had just lost their cat to illness came in looking to adopt again. It turns out they fell in love with two cats. After hearing Luna's situation, they decided to foster Luna for awhile to see how she would do in a new home. They fell in love with her of course, and this week they came in to finalize her adoption. They said they just couldn't imagine their lives without Luna, and they love her so much. As the adopters put it: "She's just so beautiful. She's like the Marilyn Monroe of cats!".
Some like it hot, and some just like to be loved.

From Rags to Riches

2011-06-22T10:31:00.000-05:00

Annie the dog came to us early April. Her owner showed up with her at the door saying that his family was moving and couldn't take her with. When the staff person turned her back for a moment, the man let Annie go and ran out the door. She was dirty, matted, and very thin. By our best estimates, she was probably left outside a lot, and definitely neglected. Needing to come up with a name, the staff temporarily named her "Ragstock". She was moved into a foster home, who got her cleaned up, groomed, and started on a good diet. Annie became a totally new dog, hardly recognizable from the scruffy pup who first showed up on our doorstep.

After a couple of months of not getting many looks, Annie finally met her match this past weekend and went to her new forever home who is sure to be her new Daddy Warbucks.

In Memory of Chex

2011-06-20T17:13:00.002-05:00

Chex was a senior bunny when he came to us. He hadn't had the best care--a long-ignored ear infection had given him a crooked face. To us, he looked like he was smiling at something, and maybe he was.

He was happy from the first night he arrived, flopping in joy and loving the attention. He was affectionate and easygoing, but he really blossomed when volunteers Elise and Ben took him home.

Chex would sit on the sofa with them, cuddling and watching TV. He became friends with their cats and guinea pigs. He had finally found a real home.

Chex passed away knowing he was loved and appreciated, and he is greatly missed.

Red Door's 11th Annual Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals

2011-05-20T12:28:00.006-05:00

On Sunday June 12, over 200 animal lovers will come to Indian Boundary Park to support Red Door Animal Shelter at the 11th annual Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals. The walk is always a ton of fun for people and pooches alike. After the 3k walk through the park and neighborhood, participants come back and enjoy a continental breakfast, entertainment, doggie splash pools, and more fun!

Advance registration fee is only $20, and day of registration is $25. Kids are only $5! Everyone who registers gets a free walk tshirt and a bandana for their doggie. No dog? No problem! You can still join up and register to walk with the cat or rabbit team. The rabbit team won two years ago, and the cat team won last year. Who will win the rubber match this year?

There are two easy ways to register for the walk. If you'd like to register to join up with the cat or rabbit team, or if you'd like to raise additional funds aside from the registration fee, you can register at:
http://www.firstgiving.com/reddoorshelter/Event/gimme-shelter-walk-for-the-animals-2011

If you just want to register for yourself or another person without joining a team, you can register at:
https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=993

See you there on the 12th!

Rest in Peace McGreevy

2011-05-11T13:35:00.003-05:00

Red Door expresses its deepest sympathies to Kerri F. on the passing of her beloved McGreevy. He was a tiny dwarf boy with a BIG attitude. Kerri remembers...

"I originally came to Red Door for Schroeder because I saw him on Petfinder. I ended up seeing McGreevy first and he seemed to take a liking to me. I heard that he was having a hard time getting adopted and that just broke my heart. I did leave with Schrodie but I never forgot about The Greevster. I kept checking in with Marcia hoping he was adopted. He wasn't so I fostered him.

After about a week he got stuck under my radiator (which wasn't on thank god!). After I got him out (longest 3 min of my life), I knew he was trouble but I also knew he was mine. Well I've had McGreevy for over 6 yrs. and in that time he never failed to make me laugh. He liked to get in trouble...but how can you really get mad at a bunny? He was not allowed in my bedroom anymore because of my allergies and because he ripped the bottom off of my box spring and would hide inside of it. So he liked to sit in the doorway of my room as if he were challenging me. Most of the time he would just wait until I noticed and I'd yell "Bunny!", and he'd run as fast as he could back to his room. Then he'd do it again 5 min. later.

He also figured out that I was giving my dogs sweet potato and he'd box my dog out of her bowl just to get some. She never fought him. She knew who she was messing with. So I started giving him a little too until the doctor said that was a no no. So instead he got a tablespoon of critical care with a little carrot on top for his nightly treat. He loved his critical care! I work all different hours but the latest I ever get home is about 9:30pm. So that became midnight snack time. One thing that always amazed me is that he knew what time it was! Even when I came home early or didn't work at all, he knew when it was 9pm. So he would wait in the doorway of the kitchen and stare me down until I started getting their treat ready. Then McGreevy and my two dogs would line up side by side and wait for it. He'd scarf his down so he could try to steal the dogs treat too. He soon had to be separated from the dogs during treat time.

Needless to say he was a character. I used to call him my little BadAss. He was the best and going through all my pictures made realize how much he must have missed Schroeder. They were my little Brokeback Bunnies. Hopefully they're together again. That gives me some peace of mind."

McGreevy was well-loved and will be missed by many.

Remembering Smitty -- an Exceptional Rabbit

2011-05-09T09:57:00.005-05:00

Many volunteers & visitors to the shelter remember Smitty, a small black-&-white Dutch bunny. He was an exceptional bunny with more personality than most humans. But he had some neurological problems--nothing that impeded his quality of life--but the future was uncertain. So he was always passed over for adoption.

Then Laura met him. And she adopted him, so Smitty was able to live his life in a warm, loving home where his special qualities were appreciated.

Laura writes:
"I just want to express how much Smitty meant to me. He was my introduction to life with a bunny, and I took such joy in daily things like watching him hop freely around the apartment with his cute little rump in the air. He was very happy with us, and he often spent time under the bed with his favorite cat, Nina. I think he felt something in her that he enjoyed because she was a cat that had survived a car accident and extensive injuries. I know he was happy because he would often come into the living room while I watched tv and he would do binkies across the rug so I could see him. For the short time I had him he found his way into my heart."

A few days ago Smitty had a seizure and died in Laura's arms. We thank Laura for loving Smitty and our thoughts are with her.

Splish Splash!

2011-04-29T13:22:00.002-05:00

On Saturday April 30th and Sunday May 1st, Canine Social Club (5508 N. Western Ave) will be hosting a dog wash benefit for the animals at Red Door. Prices for baths are based on the size of the dog:
XS (0-15lbs)- short hair- $10 long hair $15
S (16-30lbs)- short hair $15 long hair $20
M (31-50lbs)- short hair $20 long hair $30
L (51-70lbs)- short hair $30 long hair $40
XL (71lbs +)- short hair $40 long hair $50

Canine Massage Chicago will also be on hand to offer dog massages for $1 per minute. The fun starts at 8am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. There are also some great Spa packages for your pooch! All proceeds go to help homeless animals at Red Door. For more info contact Canine Social Club at 773-506-6200 or www.kninesocialclub.com.

See you there!

First Easter Bunny 2011 Rescue

2011-04-28T10:59:00.003-05:00

Look at little Fozzy. He's just a baby--a lop-earred, long-furred, harlequin baby bunny. Yet he was found outside the day after Easter, sitting in his cage--in the garbage where someone had left him.

Red Door volunteers heard about him and scooped him up before he got taken away with the trash.

Fozzy got saved, but so many Easter rabbits are in peril. Please think of all the other Fonzys and help Red Door help more rabbits in need.

Remember the Duck "Brothers"?

2011-03-03T13:32:00.004-06:00

We're sure you remember the baby ducks who came to Red Door last winter--they had been dumped in a pond but they had no feathers, just baby duck fuzz? Then it turned out they had metal poisoning, so Kiwi and Waffles lived at Red Door for several months while being treated.

We called them the Duck Brothers and you may have seen the video of them on our Facebook page? They loved to swim in our sink and later, when they got bigger, in our bathtub.

When Kiwi and Waffles reached a full recovery, they went to live in Virginia with our well-known duck lovers and rescuers Heather and John. (Thanks to Pam and her husband John for driving them.)

Guess what? The "brothers" turn out to be sisters! We thought you'd like to see Kiwi and Waffles in the backyard of their new home. The first photos shows Waffles looking at the camera and Kiwi is right behind her.

And the second photo shows the whole gang--we hear the Duck Sisters fit right in! In the middle of this photo you can see Kiwi and Waffles walking on either side of their new best friend Elmer. And bringing up the rear is Flipper, who is quacking off at them.

They look like very happy, healthy ducks! Thanks Heather and John for all the duck love.

Black Velvet

2011-02-04T11:42:00.003-06:00

January was a great month for adoptions at Red Door. There were 9 cats adopted, and the biggest one of all was Velvet. For those who don't know, Velvet had been at Red Door for over 5 years. He was orignally living in a nursing home facility which then closed and Velvet had no where to go. Soon after coming to Red Door, Velvet was diagnosed with Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and was prone to urinary blockages because of it. Once the problem was diagnosed, he was prescribed 2 different medications as well as prescription diet food.

Even though Velvet managed very well on his medications, had a very sweet & easy going personality, due to his special needs and age (7-10), he was constantly overlooked by potential adopters. Last winter a couple visited the shelter looking to adopt a pair of cats. They decided to foster Velvet to make sure he would be the right fit for them, and to be sure they would be able to manage his medications and special needs. Of course, they fell in love with Velvet, and could not envision their lives without him, and finalized his adoption in January. Velvet and his cute tounge-sticking-out antics will be missed by the staff and volunteers at Red Door, but of course it's most important that he found a great loving home to live his life with.

Red Door Honored by Windy City Rollers

2011-02-04T10:54:00.006-06:00

Come out on Sunday February 13th to the UIC Pavilion to witness some nationally ranked womens flat track roller derby. Red Door will be honored at half time with a check presentation from Windy City Rollers and Red Door volunteers will be on site with information about Red Door programs.

Off the track, love is sure to be in the air the day before Valentines Day, but it's blood, sweat and tears on the track. It's sure to be a great time with some fierce competition as the Hells Belles take on the Double Crossers in the first match at 3pm and the Manic Attackers take on the Fury in the second match. For tickets and more information check out the Windy City Rollers at www.windycityrollers.com.

Hope to see you there!

Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit

2011-02-03T15:09:00.003-06:00

It's official--2011 is the Year of the Rabbit: Happpy Chinese New Year to everyone! According to the Chinese zodiac, rabbits are gracious, kind, elegant, artistic, compassionate, and make excellent friends.

If you're looking for a new, excellent friend, please adopt a rabbit from Red Door. And stayed tuned for a whole year of wonderful rabbit-centric events.

Grape Expectations Jan. 27th: Red/White Wine Tasting Fundraiser

2011-01-24T00:22:00.002-06:00

You won't want to miss the Red/White Wine Tasting Fundraiser this Thursday, January 27th, at Fine Wine Brokers, 421 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago. It runs from 7:30 - 9 pm and your $40 ticket includes wine, hors d'oeuvres, celebration, and a chance to help the animals at Red Door Animal Shelter.

This event usually sells out! And it's well on its way to doing so now. So make your reservation now at
http://www.reddoorshelter.org/events.php

Miss Pickles Finds Love

2011-01-23T13:56:00.003-06:00

Valentine's Day came early for Miss Pickles. And not a moment too soon! For years, she lived outside in a hutch with little interaction with people and all too much exposure to the elements. Then Red Door volunteer Jill was able to rescue her. But even at Jill's house, Miss Pickles was very prickley! She didn't want love, she didn't even want anyone to look at her. Go away! was her constant state of mind.

Another Red Door volunteer, Pellet, took Miss Pickles home and spend time with her, sitting in her space with her, even though Miss Pickles made it clear that Pellet was not welcome. But slowly she began to come around.

Then she came back to the shelter and within two weeks, she met her dream family. They loved her and Miss Pickles loves them back. It's a real happy ending for a very deserving bunny.

Queen For a Day

2010-12-10T11:51:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday, a Red Door staff and volunteer favorite was adopted. Queen, the little tortie who had been at the shelter since June, finally found a home. She was often overlooked in favor of younger, smaller kittens in the kitten room. The couple who adopted her had adopted a cat from Red Door five years previously, and had just stopped in to visit with some of the cats. When they came across Queen, they couldn't resist, and decided to welcome her into their home. The timing was great, and it was great to know that Queen would be spending the upcoming holidays in a new, loving home, where she would get heaped with affection and care. It also highlighted a great benefit to having been a previous adopter with Red Door- the green light! No application to fill out, no interview to sit though...just the willingness to open your heart to another homeless animal in need.

Happy Holidays from everyone at Red Door.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!

2010-11-10T10:24:00.002-06:00

Older animals tend to be one of the more overlooked when people visit animal shelters. People tend to forget that some cats can live to be nearly 22 years of age, so while a 10 year old cat may seem old, it would be the equivalent of a person in their 40's, and they still potentially have half of their lives left to live! Many senior cats are also healthy, or any health issues can be easily managed with the help of medications.
As volunteers of the shelter may remember, Esther was originally adopted from Red Door in 2002 when she was about 1 year old. Sadly, earlier this year, Esthers adopter passed away, and while various members tried to take her in and care for her, none of them could commit. Eventually she made her way back to Red Door. She didn't get along particularly well with other cats, and after being with someone who loved her for the previous 7 years, being back at the shelter was a shock for her. While her looks were very striking, her age and stressed out personality always seemed to dissuade potential adopters. Eventually, as we believe happens for every animal in our care, the right people came along and opened their doors to Esther and welcomed her with love. Recently I heard from Esther's adopters who sent along the attached picture and message:
"We are delighted with being able to provide Esther a new home and she has brought us so much joy. She talks to us a lot and is with us for the morning wake-up call as well as the bedtime devotion and playtime. We seek her out many times in the day so she has lots of attention. What a special cat she is!"
So next time you're in a shelter looking for a potential animal to adopt, don't look past the senior pets...they still need a lot of love, and still have a lot of love to give!

Rabbit Boarding at Red Door

2010-11-05T16:59:00.003-05:00

Worried about your rabbit while you're out of town? Trust your bunny's care to our experienced rabbit-experienced staff.

Red Door is happy to announce the opening of our Rabbit Boarding Program--just in time for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

Your rabbit will receive hands-on care in a rabbit-friendly environment. We offer fresh Oxbow hay; salads; daily exercise in a playpen; bunny-perfect climate control (A.C. in the summer, of course! and not too warm in the winter); and--best of all from a rabbit's point of view--no dogs barking!

We can give meds, too.

Make your reservations now. Write: info@reddoorshelter.org or call 773-764-2242.

Red Door on 190 North

2010-10-20T09:27:00.001-05:00

Heroes

2010-10-15T10:11:00.000-05:00

Jade 9/20/2010

2010-09-21T14:01:00.003-05:00

Many volunteers over the years at Red Door know and remember Jade the cat. Originally Jade came to Red Door in 2004, after living on the streets and being cared for over a year by a woman. Potential adopters visiting the shelter over the years were always drawn to her because she was very striking and beautiful. However, Jade was always a bit of a wall flower, very sweet once you get to know her, but very shy to start with. For that reason, Jade was overlooked by adopters time and again for over 6 years.

Back in April, staff at Red Door discovered some tumors on Jade's underside. After having them removed by our vet Dr. Gia, she did a biopsy, and the results came back positive for cancer. The doctor speculated that even though we had caught the tumor, most likely the cancer had metastasized and spread. She said Jade most likely had weeks to months left to live, and it would be great if we could find a hospice foster home for the time she had left.

A family did step forward and offered to care for Jade during her last days. They provided over 4 months of love, attention, and care for Jade. They reported that Jade was frequently run throughout the house and loved to play. As you can see in her picture, she was absolutely content in her new home.

Sadly, Jade passed away yesterday. However, we can celebrate the fact that she was able to live in peace and happiness, as every animal should, for a brief time in her life. It really goes to show how living in a loving home environment can change any cats personality. So remember to give that shy or special needs animal a second look next time you're thinking of adopting...you could be looking at a wall flower turned social butterfly.

Special thanks to Jade's foster family and to all of Red Door's foster providers for the work they do everyday. We wouldn't be able to do it without you.

Coraline: From foster to adopt

2010-09-17T14:23:00.002-05:00

Many volunteers at Red Door are familiar with Coraline, the cute little cat who showed up on our door one day with four newborn kittens. All of her offspring had been adopted, and Coraline still waited. Finally a lovely couple came along interested in adopting Coraline, but they had some reservations. One of them had experienced allergies to cats in the past, and wanted to be sure that adopting a cat wouldn't worsen those allergies. So they decided to try fostering Coraline first, to see if their allegies became an issue, and also to make sure that Coraline was the right fit for them. Needless to say, and as you can see from the photo, they felt Coraline was a wonderful fit (and she agreed), and the foster parents reported no allergy flare ups. The couple was more than thrilled with her, and they decided to move ahead with the adoption.

Fostering is a great way to try out an animal, especially if you're unsure if the animal is the right fit for your home, or if you're concerned about any issues. The process is very similar to that of adoption, though it's not as permanent. That way, if it doesn't work out with the animal for some reason, they can come back to the shelter, and we can say that they got a nice vacation from the shelter. Of course, everyone's hope is that it does work out in the end, and that their story ends the same as Coraline's.

Of course, some volunteers foster animals, long term or short term, for a variety of reasons. Some foster just to give the animal a break from the shelter, some foster because it helps to create space for more animals at the shelter, some foster because a home environment is always more enjoyable for an animal than a shelter environment, some foster for terminally ill animals or animals with medical conditions, etc. The reasons are infinite. Please consider opening your home to foster an animal in need.

At the shelter

2010-09-14T10:50:00.001-05:00

At the shelter
Originally uploaded by reddoorshelter

Red Door wants your help in making great videos of the animals at our shelter. If you have experience with Flip videos, please send us an email at toni@reddoorshelter.org

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might...

2010-08-12T11:04:00.002-05:00

People interested in donating goods often ask us what sorts of items we need at the shelter. We have a wish list on our website (http://www.reddoorshelter.org/donations_wishlist.html). However, now for the first time, Red Door has a comprehensive list of all goods we use on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis at the shelter through our Amazon Wish List:

http://www.amazon.com/wishlist/3URHF5GPKB9M3

And remember, if you use this link: http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=wwwreddoorshe-20&o=1&p=20&l=qs1&f=ifr Red Door will receive a portion of the proceeds from each sale! It's like making a double donation!

Cookie gets Blogtastic

2010-07-31T12:27:00.002-05:00

Check out recently adopted Red Door cat, Cookie (now Boo) and her new blog!

http://booyah.posterous.com/

Time to Wash That Dog!

2010-06-25T11:11:00.003-05:00

With all of the hot, rainy, muggy weather we've been having now is the perfect time to get Rover rinsed! On Sunday, July 11th, join us at Central Bark Doggy Day Care (3358 N. Pulaski) for some scrubtacular dog washing. The dog wash takes place from 11am-2pm. A clean dog will cost you only $10, and all proceeds go to help homeless animals at Red Door. What a deal!

Cat + Patio = Catio!

2010-06-17T12:08:00.004-05:00

Catios--safe outdoor play areas for cats--are in style. Check out the whole trend, plus links to catio suppliers in today's New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/17/garden/17catio.html?scp=1&sq=catio&st=cse

The cats at Red Door are lobbying for their own catio this summer.

Honey Do List

2010-06-10T22:22:00.006-05:00

Honey has made out her own Honey Do List:

*Do support Red Door's rabbit rescue efforts! (After all, they rescued me and, even though they put me on a diet to lose weight, I'm very grateful.)

*Do bring my allowance to the Gimme Shelter! event this Sunday, June 13th. There is a fabulous raffle and tickets are only $1.00 each. Plus, maybe I can convince the people in the dog massage tent that I'm just a little puppy.

*Do be my naturally charming self to every adopter who comes to meet me. Because I know there are lots of rabbits who need rescuing and as soon as I leave for a happy forever home, some new bunny will be saved.

http://www.reddoorshelter.org/

3 Days to the Doggy Splash Pools!

2010-06-10T10:29:00.005-05:00

You won't want to miss all the fun at Gimme Shelter! on Sunday, June 13th. It's Red Door's 10th anniversary and everyone will be celebrating! Join us at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt, Chicago. www.reddoorshelter.org

Make That a Decade of Rescuing ALL Animals

2010-06-10T10:10:00.003-05:00

Yes, we concentrate on rescuing, sheltering, and re-homing cats, dogs, and rabbits. But Red Door is the no-kill shelter for all animals needing help. Here are just a few of the other animals we've rescued during the past 10 years:

Sweet Pea & Lily, abandoned at the park, where they wouldn't have made it through the winter (big white ducks can't fly away);

Zsa Zsa, the tiny bantam chicken running down Ridge Avenue, dodging through cars;

Boris, who was left in a box--his injured wing needed some nursing;

Blanche, who was standing in a snow bank with frozen feet; and

Khaki and Cooper, two impulsive Easter buys who weren't wanted a few days later.

Everyone got care, food, shelter, and a new loving home where they could live as a companion animal. www.reddoorshelter.org

50-Ft. Memory Wall -- See the Names of All the Rescued Animals on June 13th

2010-06-10T10:01:00.002-05:00

You will want to see the 50-foot Memory Wall this Sunday at Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt, Chicago. It will show every name and many photos of the animals rescued by Red Door over the past 10 years.

If you've adopted from Red Door, you can place a heart or star sticker by your pet's name on the wall. And even if you haven't adopted, you'll want to stroll past this most special memory lane. It will be at the 10th Annual Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals event Sunday, June 13th. Details at www.reddoorshelter.org

Over 50-feet long??!! That is a real decade of rescues.

Thelma & Louise Are On a Runaway Rampage for June 13th

2010-06-10T09:52:00.003-05:00

Thelma and Louise are seriously on a robbing rampage for this Sunday's Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals. It's Red Door's 10th anniversary and these two rabbits know that--if not for Red Door--there'd be no no-kill shelter in the Chicago area for homeless bunnies to go. You don't want these two to turn into disapproving rabbits, do you?

So empty your pockets and give a little up for Thelma and Louise--and all the soon-to-be-abandoned Easter bunnies that we'll be taking in. You can make a secure donation at www.firstgiving.com/reddoor-rabbits

400 Pelicans Saved in Louisanna, 1 in Chicago

2010-06-08T23:29:00.003-05:00

We're happy to show you this photo of 400 Louisiana pelicans who were rescued from the recent oil spill. This is after they were washed off by a dedicated crew of volunteers.

Red Door has a fondness for pelicans--after all, we got a call one night in 2006 about an injured pelican on the Morse Avenue beach. It was hard to believe, but it was true! We worked with Flintcreek Wildlife to be sure the pelican was rescued & they rehabbed the lucky guy.

You can read more about the Louisana pelicans here:

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/08/louisiana.pelican.hospital/index.html?eref=igoogle_cnn

And you can see photos of the Lake Michigan pelican that Red Door got the first rescue calls about here:

www.flintcreekwildlife.org under "American White Pelican Release."

We're not just about cats & dogs & rabbits & chickens & ducks. We've saved pelicans, quails, voles, mice, and other critters, too.

Adopt a Cat Month & Red Door's Memory Wall

2010-06-08T23:17:00.002-05:00

I'm Mortimer & I was adopted from Red Door. So you'll be able to see my name on the Memory Wall this Sunday at the Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals event. I hear the wall will be over 50 ft. long & will show the name of every animal Red Door has saved in the past decade. Join the cat team at www.reddoorshelter.org

Chicago Fire Department Gets Pet Oxygen Masks

2010-06-07T14:31:00.004-05:00

Paco is thrilled that the Chicago Fire Department has received a gift of over 200 pet oxygen masks. These masks will go a long way towards helping save pets who are in need.

Paco knows all about need--he was abandoned and had to make his own way until Red Door rescued him. He's doing fine--even though his right ear has a little wear and tear! Now he's waiting for a forever home to adopt him.

You can help pets like Paco by supporting Red Door's Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals on June 13th. No dog? No problem? We'd still like to see you there. And if you can't make it, maybe you can make a small, Paco-sized donation at http://www.reddoorshelter.org/

And on June 2, the Chicago Fire Department used their new masks to rescue the lives of two dogs and two cats who were trapped in a fire in West Rogers Park. What great news!

All You Need is Love, say Lennon & McCartney--but a salad never hurt

2010-06-06T12:11:00.003-05:00

Lennon and McCartney, a bonded pair of rabbits at Red Door, know that all you need is love. But some timothy hay and a fresh green salad never hurts, either!

This amazing team is hoping (and hopping) that people will support Red Door's Gimme Shelter! celebration on June 13th. They don't even care if you sign up with the cat team or the dog team instead of the rabbit team. All the money raised goes to help all the animals at the shelter. www.reddoorshelter.org

And they can't wait to hear how the humans like Harrington's Key Lime Sandwich cookies, donated by Sweet Attila's, made by a Red Door bunny adopter and named after the ever-sweet RD rabbit Harrington. www.sweetattilas.com

Have You Adopted from Red Door -- Wall of Honor for June 13th

2010-06-05T12:16:00.006-05:00

We remember these faces -- of course! And they're only a fraction of the animals we've saved over the last 10 years.

Have you adopted from Red Door? If so, you will want to come to the Gimme Shelter! walk to see our Wall of Honor, showing all of the names--and many of the photos--of the animals we've saved during our past decade of rescues.

You can place a heart or star sticker by your animal's name on the wall.

Even if you haven't adopted from Red Door, you will still want to help us celebrate on June 13th at Indian Boundary Park. Get all the information at reddoorshelter.org

Registration is $15 before the event, $20 the day of the event. See you there!

Kitten One-Step, Two-Step

2010-06-04T17:45:00.006-05:00

Miriam swears she saw something--right over there!

Maybe what's catching her interest is the cat team for Red Door's Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals on June 13th. A very enthusiatic group of people are supporting the shelter's cats this year--and when the money goes to help little sweeties like Miriam, who can blame them?

You can give a secure donation online that will go directly to care for the animals. Check out the cat team (or the rabbit team or the dog team) at Red Door's web site: reddoorshelter.org

Go ahead and choose a team. We know you like all the animals.

Rabbits Helping Community Gardens

2010-06-04T17:39:00.004-05:00

Like all the Red Door rabbits, Aries is working hard for the Humboldt Park Community Garden. The shelter bunnies have been donating their hay boxes--after a hard day's workout as a litterbox--to the gardeners.

Aries, who was left in a plastic container at the door, is a happy, helpful rabbit ready for adoption. If you're not ready to adopt, please consider making a donation to Red Door's 10th Anniversary Celebration Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals.

You can find information and a secured donation page at reddoorshelter.org

Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals

2010-05-13T10:27:00.002-05:00

It's our 10th year and our 10th annual Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals! Come on out on Sunday June 13th from 10am-12pm at Indian Boundary Park. We're celebrating in a big way, and it's sure to be our biggest, best walk yet!

You have been an important part of this decade of saving lives. You can pick the cat, dog, or rabbit team and register online.

http://firstgiving.com/reddoor-cats

http://firstgiving.com/reddoor-rabbits

http://firstgiving.com/reddoor-dogs

$15 per person ($5 for children 3-12) gives you admission to the event, a great 10th anniversary tshirt, free brunch, a doggie bandana, music, entertainment and use of the doggie splash pools!

No dog? No problem! Join the cat or rabbit team! This is a walk for all of the animals!

Thank you for your contining support! Here's to another 10 years!

Rooster Cogburn Finds a Home!

2010-04-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

It's not easy to find a home for a rooster--and we know why! This guy, shown here wandering outside before Red Door's Matt and Mike chased him around and rescued him, makes a LOT of noise. We found out that roosters don't just crow when the sun comes up, but many other times during the day and night. But, thanks to our friend Liz Perry in Madison, Wisconsin, Rooster Cogburn [look up old John Wayne movies if you don't get his name] is on his way to a great new home where he will rule over a harem of hens. Thanks to Liz Sharp for transport.

AgriNews - Farm Family Life - Farm Family Life

2010-04-06T15:06:00.001-05:00

AgriNews - Farm Family Life - Farm Family Life

Posted using ShareThis

Get your tickets!

2010-03-20T13:45:00.004-05:00

Spring To Life raffle tickets are in! Be sure to stop by the shelter and pick some up. Tickets are only $1 each, and the drawing is April 24th at the end of Spa Day. Grand prize is a $500 Visa gift card + a bottle of champagne, 1st prize is a case of 12 bottles of "Wines Around the World", 2nd prize is an Olympus FE digital camera, 3rd prize is an ipod touch, 4th prize is 2 books + 2 Vosages chocolate bars! Don't miss out!
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?id=2187

Match.rabbit

2010-03-18T17:32:00.004-05:00

I was describing the process of adoption to a friend, who remarked that it was like dating... which inspired me to write up a profile for Elenor in online dating style. Enjoy!

Name: Elenor Rigby. Yes, after the Beatles song. Yes, spelled differently. I go by Elenor.

Age: A lady never tells. But I am quite grown up.

Fur color: White. Very soft, if I do say so myself.
Eye color: A very attractive red and pink combo.

Weight: Healthy/Athletic.

Perfect first date: Approach me quietly. No clumping feet or loud friendly greetings, please! I like to get to know people slowly -- I'm shy at first, but I open up eventually if you give me time.

Likes: Music, including but not limited to the Beatles. I love it when my human plays the guitar. Carpeting that I can run around on. Massages behind the ears and on the forehead. Anything chewy. My human's Complete Works of William Shakespeare was especially delicious.

Dislikes: I'm not wild about dogs. When my human watches a movie or TV and a dog barks in the background, I freeze.

Conversation: I do occasionally tooth-rub and grunt, but I'm not a big talker.

Favorite foods: Curly parsley and pears. I even ate part of an orange peel that my human unwisely left sitting out, with no ill effects.

A typical day: Eat, sleep, get petted, eat, sleep, run around, explore, get petted, eat, sleep.

2010-03-05T12:11:00.003-06:00

The Queen of Sheba DOES NOT Approve!

Red Door alumni, Sheba the Lionhead was recently posted to the Disapproving Rabbits website:

http://www.disapprovingrabbits.com/

Sheba's adoptive mom, Veronique, Is very proud of her little girl...and so are we!

Tattoo You! Red Door Pairs Up with Insight Studios

2010-03-03T20:18:00.005-06:00

Insight Studios, Chicago's most progressive tattoo and piercing studio, partnered with Red Door for a tattoo benefit on February 20-21. All the profits on that weekend went to help the cats, dogs, and rabbits at the shelter. Insight raised $2163.00!

A story in the Chicago Tribune on March 3 profiled the event, including the unusually large number of requests for rabbit-themed tattoos.

Read more about it here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/ct-x-c-tattoos-for-charity-0303-20100303,0,2447609.story

Thanks to everyone who came to Tattoo You! and thanks to Insight Studios, 1062 N. Milwaukee, Chicago.

Mario and Luigi get a HIGH SCORE!

2010-03-01T19:22:00.003-06:00

Earlier this year, Red Door rescued two boys from the city pound. Absolutely inseparable, these 2 buns would play games and chase each other in circles. Thus, they earned the names Mario and Luigi. The boys were adopted last month, and today we received a wonderful message from their new family.
Catherine writes:
"I want to give you an update on "the boys"--Mario and Luigi, whom we have renamed Bruce and Scottie (with a dog named Louie, it was just too confusing!).

They are WONDERFUL! We love them! They have terrific, outgoing personalities, and are so friendly and sweet. They use their litterbox very well, and the mounting behavior is completely gone. They are very affectionate with one another (grooming each other and lying together) with none of the mounting. We really love having a bonded pair.

Hey--and having cover boys for pets is very cool! To introduce them to friends and family, I just sent your recent newsletter.

Anyway, I thought you'd like to know how lucky we feel to have two such great bunnies.
Thanks for your help with their adoption, and for all you do for the animals."

(Rocky)Marciano gets a TKO

2010-02-27T11:19:00.014-06:00

Marciano came to Red Door as an owner give up. His family could no longer care for him. Incredibly sweet and very laid-back, this rabbit was one of a kind - a big velvety, rare European breed called Perlfee.

It wasn't long before a beautiful female lop, Baxter, came to Red Door with her guardians, Liz and Felix. Baxter met a number of boy buns and finally settled on Marciano. Check out Felix's blog on Baxter's bunny speed dates: http://www.avoision.com/2009/11/28/a_new_bunny_in_the_apartment.php

Liz recently emailed this update:

"It took Marciano (aka Quincy) about a month or so to fully open-up. He now is a 100% begger. I have no idea where he learned this bad habbit, but when he's out he follows me around 24-7 waiting for either food to drop or for petting." You can see from the picture above that Quincy loves to beg!

Thank you to Liz and Felix(and Baxter, too!) for giving Marciano a loving, forever home.

Tattoo You! Get Inked for the Animals February 20 & 21

2010-02-14T23:16:00.004-06:00

If you've been thinking about getting inked, here is the perfect time: Don't miss Red Door's Tattoo You Event on February 20 and 21 at Insight Studios, 1062 N. Milwaukee, Chicago. Insight is Chicago's most progressive tattoo and pierciing studio and they will donate 100% of all profits from these two days to the homeless animals at Red Door.

Insight only does custom work, so feel free to drop in or email them ahead of time about your ideas. You can check out their artists at [www.insightstudiosonline.com]. We'll see you there!

OM NOM NOM (How I tell my rabbits I love them)

2010-02-14T15:42:00.007-06:00

Let me just come out and say this: I will show my love to you through food. If I'm feeling particularly friendly, you may just get a batch of cookies or a plate of pasta because you've made me happy recently (velvety, cheesy, sun-dried tomato creamy pasta happy). Good food, to me, is the ultimate expression of emotion. The inverse is true, too. You know I'm mad at you when the coffee is cold and french toast is burnt. Mmmhmm, I go there. Believe me, pancake flipping, vegetable sauteing, pastry baking me is my daily goal. And who makes me that absolutely really, really happy? My rabbits, of course!

Ryo and Shortcake. My duo bundles of love.

So naturally, as this Valentine's Day approached, I wanted to show these two a little special momma-loving. I opened up my copy of Red Door's Just Desserts cookbook, and decided to make them Bunny Treats (pg. 118). They're incredibly easy to make, and so worth it, too! The printed recipe follows, my rendition after:

1 small carrot puréed
1/2 banana, mashed until really creamy
1 Tbsp honey (raw please!)
1/4 cup rabbit pellets, ground
1/4 cup ground oats, ground finely in a coffee grinder.

Mix the puréed carrot, banana, and honey in a medium bowl. Add pellet powder and ground oats. Mix until blended. Knead in your hands for 1-2 minutes. Roll out the "dough" in 1/4-inch thick layers between sheets of plastic wrap. Cut into small cookies. Place cut shapes onto a parchment paper covered cookiie sheet. Bake at 325˚F for about 30 minutes (make sure they are not browning too much). Turn off the heat and let the cookies sit in the warm over for an hour or so.

After I read the recipe (First rule of baking! Always read through!), I balked at the idea of honey in cookies for my rabbit. I mean, pure sugar, seriously? That can't possibly be in their natural diet! I called my trust-worthy resident rabbit expert, Vanessa.

"Hey Nessa, should rabbits be eating honey? I'm reading this recipe and I can't possibly bring myself to feed them these if that's bad for them!"

"No worries, a little bit is fine for them, just don't overfeed them and all will be well!" (You can hear her smiling over the phone, it's a remarkably comforting trait of hers.)

I'm a big fan of Chicago's Green City Market downtown, so I had some raw honey on hand from there. I also had pre-ground oat flour (my dog suffers from Celiac's Disease, so his homemade treats are all wheat-free) - ingredient two no problem. I had to go to PetSmart to get rabbit pellets, but after that, I was in business.

I pulled out my food processor, and blended my carrots till near mush, added the banana, scraped down the sides, and puréed that until practically smooth. I added the other ingredients until the mixture resembled a paste, for a lack of a better descriptor.

From there I used a small scoop to portion out cookies, and used my hands to roll them into balls, and my fingers to pat them flat. I followed the baking instructions as listed, and they came out beautiful.

Shortcake had the best reaction: He took off running underneath the papasan for five revolutions, and came to stop at the edge of the carpet mat. Ryo attempted to hide his cookie, as Shortcake can be a food-thief.

So on this Valentine's day, with love in my heart and buns snuggled by my feet, all I have to say to my sweetheart's is this: OM NOM NOM.

Zoom-Zoom: Bunnies Speedracing into Love

2010-02-14T14:21:00.003-06:00

On this Valentine's Day, we wanted to post a shout out to two loving brothers, Mario and Luigi. Red Door transferred them in from Animal Care and Control and, because they were so devoted to each other, we keep them as a bonded pair. It wasn't long before they were speedracing into an adoptive family's heart.

Wishing all rabbits the gift of love on Valentine's Day.

Who Dat?

2010-02-13T16:41:00.003-06:00

In the parlance of the N.F.L., dat's Zydeco. And we're sure he's happy that his team, the New Orleans Saints, won the Super Bowl! Zydeco is as refreshing as the Louisiana style music he was named after: a delightfully sweet bun full of personality and love.

So no wonder that Zydeco is going home on Monday! Now he's a winner, too.

Venus: Bunny of Love Adopted Just Before Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T16:30:00.001-06:00

We always knew Venus, the black and white lop, was a real beauty. And a geniune sweetheart, too. So we're thrilled that Venus was adopted by her foster mom today--just in time for Valentine's Day.

Boris = Natasha! Home At Last.

2010-02-10T12:15:00.002-06:00

So the duck we rescued from the frozen pond turned out to be a girl, not a boy! And that's how Boris became Natasha. We're thrilled that our outstanding duck rescuers Heather and John agreed to take on Natasha as their own--including all the intensive treatment Natasha still needs for her frostbitten webbed feet.

However, as you can see by these photos, Natasha seems to be having a great time in her spiffy new pen, swimming in the bathtub, and sitting in her extra-softly-padded bed [got to pamper those poor feet!], checking out the computer as "Daddy" shows her some online photos of other Muscovy ducks.

By springtime, Natasha will be able to spend outside time with the ducks Heather and John have rescued. They all live in a fabulous, custom-built duck Disneyland, with predator-protected yards, houses, and swimming pools.

Natasha had a rough start, being abandoned outside in below freezing weather. But now it seems that her life is going swimmingly!

Red/White: A Wine Tasting Benefit

2010-01-22T16:16:00.003-06:00

Join us on January 27th from 7:30 to 9:30! Enjoy a wine tasting benefit at Fine Wine Brokers, 4621 N. Lincoln in Chicago. $40 per ticket includes wine, hors d'oeuvres, celebration,and discounts. Reservations required. It all benefits the animals at Red Door. Guests will receive 10 percent off wine purchases during the event, and Red Door will receive 10 percent of sales that evening. In past years, this event has always sold out! Buy tickets online or call 773-764-2242.

"Quack" means "Thanks!" in Duck

2010-01-15T14:04:00.002-06:00

Last week Red Door staff received a call from a woman concerned about the fate of a duck on the pond at Indian Boundry Park. When staff went to investigate, they found a white duck with a black head shuffling through the 6 inches of snow on the pond. To make matters worse, the temperatures had been around 10 degrees during the day and below freezing at night. The duck (now named Boris) was clearly freezing to death and starving. With some assistance from the Flint Creek Wildlife volunteers, Red Door was able to get Boris to a vet later that day. He was suffering from frostbite on his legs and feet, and his legs were literally frozen stiff. Now Boris is back at Red Door receiving treatment and on his way to recovery. If anyone knows of a good home for a very friendly duck, let us know!

Rabbit heaven

2010-01-05T09:53:00.003-06:00

I was incredibly impressed by Red Door's rabbit setup the first time I visited (and I still am). The photo shows a typical area for a solo rabbit or a bonded pair. Sometimes you'll find young siblings who aren't old enough to be adopted sharing space there, too. The long row of happy rabbits with plenty of space and hay is both sad and uplifting. Sad, because they don't have homes of their own yet, but uplifting because they've all been rescued!

That's Avery, my old foster rabbit, in the corner, warily regarding the camera. The metal pen has hinged panels so it can be shaped to fit your space. You'll notice that I have an extra board and also the white plastic bottom of a smaller cage down to protect the floor and my landlady's nerves. (The cage was used if I had guests and had to move him away, or if he showed a disposition to grab and shake the pen at night for attention.) The blue box is the litterbox, which also contains a hefty supply of hay for him to chew on constantly, and pine pellet litter. There's also a small water bowl, which I've always preferred to a bottle.

I left Avery's carrier in the pen so he would have a place to hide, though he never used it. The towel is for him to "dig" in, but he didn't do that much either. Elenor, on the other hand, would just nose her way under it completely and then very confusedly poke one paw or a nose out on each side, wondering how to get out. It was hilarious. You can also give them wicker toys, castles, little soft beds... a busy rabbit is a happy rabbit. I've seen some really impressive multi-story towers built out of those self-create shelves made out of coated wire square panels that you connect with little plastic gadgets.

Though this is a great setup, the rabbits still love to get out and run around a properly bunny-proofed space -- so really, you can never have too much space! But I think it's amazing what great temporary homes Red Door is able to give its rescues.

Jingle Pups Charm Andersonville

2009-12-15T16:09:00.002-06:00

Red Door's Jingle Pups braved the cold last Saturday to bring some heart-warming and heart-wagging good cheer to Andersonville. Our hardworking volunteers and their adorable adopted dogs raised hundreds of dollars from the generous shoppers out on Clark Street!!!

A big part of that success was due to the undeniable charms of Spike, Mabel, Gulliver and Benji; they all wagged their tales throughout the afternoon. A very big 'Thank You' goes out to Elise Murphy, Kristen Clifford, Tamara Friedman, Steve Williams, and Julie Dorion for braving the chilly weather and helping to make the event a success!!!

"The Stockings Were Hung by the Shelter Doorway with Care..."

2009-12-10T21:06:00.006-06:00

We know the Red Door rabbits are ready for the holidays. Just look at all the stockings--each one individualized with a rabbit's name--hanging by the inside doorway of the shelter!

A huge holiday thank you to the Borkovec family, particularly Mia and Lucia, for their efforts to help make the holiday merry and bright for all the Red Door animals. Besides making these adorable stockings and stuffing each of them with a dollar, the Borkovecs have gotten friends and family to support our events (including baking dozens of delicious cookies for the recent Bazaar). And they've adopted two outstanding Red Door rabbits: Laramie and Ana Maria. Now they're going to foster the beautiful big white bunny Bella Swan.

We know visions of papaya tablets and big leafy green lettuce leaves are dancing through the rabbits' heads right now! Thank you, Mia and Lucia, and all the Borkovecs! You've made this holiday very special for all the animals.

Stan Lee Goes on Vacation

2009-12-07T20:46:00.003-06:00

Stan Lee (right) has been at the shelter for quite awhile. Not everyone likes red-eyed white rabbits. And Stan just wants to be understood.

So we were thrilled when a volunteer offered to give Stan a little vacation. From this photo she sent today, it appears that her rabbit Ava (left), the blue-eyed bunny rescued from the massive rabbit confiscation at South Suburban Humane Society several years ago, is a little interested.

We can't help but smile at Ava's intense, blue-eyed checkout of Stan.

Interested in giving another Red Door animal a little vacation? Please email us at info@reddoorshelter.org

Home for the Holidays - A Coop for Tuketu

2009-12-04T21:57:00.003-06:00

We told you about Tuketu, the young chicken who was running around an apartment courtyard in Chicago. Now we're happy to share these photos of Tuketu in her new home -- where she is living with four other hens as a hip urban chicken-companion animal.

First, here is Tuketu checking out her new coop.

Then, Tuketu settles in with the gals for some quality roosting.

And finally, Tuketu and her new friend Lydia do a little hunting and pecking.

Thanks again to Liz at Nutzy Mutz in Madison, WI for all her help. And thanks to Tuketu's new family for getting Tuketu to a new coop for the holidays.

A new kind of carrier

2009-11-30T00:21:00.004-06:00

How many rabbits can you fit in a guitar case?

At least one.

Elenor had a good time exploring everything in her foster home recently. It was tough getting a good photo -- she wouldn't stop moving!

Tinsley Joins Adopted Rabbit Hall of Fame

2009-11-25T14:08:00.002-06:00

Little Tinsley was captured at the end of summer in a community garden. Poor bunny! She and another pet rabbit, Rockwell, had been dumped there. And while they were having fun nibbling on various leaves and crops, they were also living in real danger every day.

Red Door volunteers and concerned neighbors captured Rockwell and Tinsley. Rockwell was adopted....and now we're happy to say that Tinsley is adopted as well!

Meet Elenor

2009-11-25T10:43:00.005-06:00

I got a new foster rabbit yesterday. Elenor's a large albino rabbit with the classic pink eyes and white fur. She'll get me ready for that Alice in Wonderland movie that's coming out! She was a bit nervous at first, but seems to be settling in -- loves to be scratched behind the ears and is always, always looking for a treat.

I've actually never had a rabbit this large. You probably can't get the scale from the photo, but I think her ears are almost five inches long. Her fur is also much thicker than most albinos', which makes her lots of fun to pet.

I'm thankful to have her, and she's probably thankful to have a break from the shelter, so happy Thanksgiving to Elenor... and to all of you!

Huey & Red Door Shelter on ChicagoStoryTelling.com

2009-11-20T16:29:00.006-06:00

Thanks to Katie Karpowicz and ChicagoStoryTelling.com for the great story about Huey, our long-time mascot, and other Red Door animals:

Chicago’s Red Door Animal Shelter
By Katie Karpowicz

If not for the Red Door Animal Shelter in Rogers Park, Huey the cat’s future may not have been so bright.

Since its start in 1998, the Red Door Animal Shelter has been dedicated to giving homeless animals in Chicago, like Huey, a different kind of shelter experience.
Huey was severely abused as a kitten and, as a result, suffers neurological damage. The cat has no control over his hind legs, tail and bladder.

Huey was brought to Red Door as a kitten. He has lived at the shelter ever since. Red Door employees estimate that the cat is now between 8 and 10 years old. The extra care that he requires makes it hard to find a home for Huey said employees at Red Door.

Red Door, 2410 W. Lunt St., earned its name from a red door’s symbol as a safe haven, a term that has been used since the Middle Ages.

It is a privately funded, no-kill animal shelter, meaning no animal that comes under its care is put down. Animals live in the shelter until they have a home, a process that can take days, weeks or years like in Huey’s case.

Red Door is one of only five no-kill animal shelters in the country that also provides care for rabbits in addition to dogs and cats.

Liz Sharp, who has adopted multiple animals from Red Door and now volunteers several days a week, was adamant about the shelter’s rabbit program.

“They are the best rabbit people in the Chicagoland area,” she said.

Marcia Coburn, the president of Red Door, said that dogs, cats, and rabbits are the three most popular pets in the U.S. She expressed her concern for the lack of rabbit shelters throughout the country.

“Rabbits are overlooked,” she said. “They really need somebody looking out for them.”

The Red Door is a safe haven for many animals. (Courtesy Photo)
Red Door acquires its animals from “everywhere.” She recounted taking calls from community members about strays, finding abandoned animals on the shelter’s doorstep, acquiring animals at high risk for being put down from traditional shelters, and taking pets from owners who couldn’t care for them.

Last February, the shelter received a call concerning a stray rabbit.

“We actually went out and corralled it,” said Coburn. After a five-day search, the rabbit was captured and brought to the shelter.

Employees at Red Door said that at any given time the shelter has an average of 18 rabbits in the shelter and 15 in foster care; 35 to 40 cats in the shelter and 10 in foster care; and two to three dogs in foster care.

While dogs, cats and rabbits account for most of the animals that come under the care of Red Door Animal Shelter, Manager Matt Gannon said that the shelter has also cared for ducks, chickens, roosters, guinea pigs and hamsters.

Red Door started in 1998 with a small system of foster homes for homeless animals. In 2000, an adoption center opened in Rogers Park, spanning two storefronts. In 2003, the shelter acquired the adjacent storefront and expanded to three storefronts.

The cats and rabbits that reside in the shelter are treated to a relatively cage-less atmosphere. The cats are grouped into designated rooms based on their personalities and ages and can to roam freely during office hours. The rabbits are also assigned a room and each animal is given an exercise pen to occupy.

“We try to make it as home-like as possible,” says Coburn.

Unfortunately, the shelter is currently unable to house dogs. Coburn says, “we’re under residential apartments, so the landlord doesn’t really want us keeping dogs in the shelter.”

While Coburn’s position as president of Red Door Animal Shelter is an unpaid committee position, Gannon and other paid employee’s salaries and maintenance costs are all funded by private grants and donations.

Red Door is a non-profit organization and relies heavily on private donations and volunteer workers.

Volunteers come from all over the city. Toni Greetis, vice president and volunteer coordinator, said that many volunteers come in from the surrounding neighborhoods, but also from as far as the south side of the city and the suburbs.

Aside from several small grants the shelter has received over the years—$500 to $2,000—and small adoption fees to cover the animals’ medical expenses, Coburn said the public contributes most of the money to the organization.

In addition to always being accepting of regular donations, Red Door hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, including a walk in June, the “Spring to Life” raffle in the spring, a wine tasting in January, and a Winter Bazaar at which vendors sell gifts and homemade baked goods.

“There’s definitely a lot of support from the community,” Gannon said. “[Red Door] is pretty well known within the area.”

The majority of donors are located in the Rogers Park and Chicago area, but Coburn said that the rarity of Red Door’s no-kill rabbit program has drawn donations from as far as West Virginia and California.

Red Door’s unsteady financial situation prevents administrators from making plans to expand.

“A lot of it is based on funding,” Gannon said “There’s only so much you can do”
To date, Coburn estimates that the Red Door Animal Shelter has served more than 1,000 cats, more than 1,000 rabbits and about 650 dogs.

Even with so much success, Red Door administrators said that their work is never done. There are still countless animals like Huey that need a home and someone to care for them.

Red Door administrators are still hopeful that they’ll be able to find a permanent home for Huey, but, until then, they are glad to provide the cat with shelter. Because of Huey’s extraordinary story, Coburn said that the shelter considers the cat its “mascot.”

“Unfortunately there are more animals that need homes than there is space,” Gannon said. “It can definitely be frustrating working in an animal shelter, but on the other hand it can be very rewarding.”

When asked what is the most rewarding part of the job, Gannon replied, “Knowing that [the animals] are safe here and well taken care of.”

For more information on Red Door Animal Shelter, visit www.reddoorshelter.org.

What Means "Chicken Running in the Courtyard?"

2009-11-16T11:33:00.005-06:00

Red Door's former steward Meghan had this inexplicable desire to name a rescued chicken Tuketu. The Native American name means, "Bear running in the woods," and so how that exactly applied to a chicken we aren't sure. But no chicken got rescued before Meghan moved to Texas, so the name was never used.

Then someone captured this chicken running in the courtyard of their apartmant building. OK, it's not a bear and it wasn't running anywhere neat the woods. But nevertheless, in honor of Meghan's fervent yet unfulfilled wish, we named the rescued chicken Tuketu.

We're happy to report that Tuketu is moving to Madison, WI, where she will join a group of three other hens for some backyard clucking and egg-laying and living a life as a pampered pet. We hope Tuketu will be able to explain her exotic name to the other girls.

Thanks to Liz at Nutzy Mutz for her help in finding a home for Tuketu. This one is for you, Meghan.

There's No Place Like Home: Update on Scarlett the Rescued Dog

2009-11-16T11:27:00.004-06:00

All of us at Red Door remember Scarlett, a sweet dog looking for a home. So we're very happy to hear from her adopters with this update:

"One year ago today we started our new life full of happiness and good times
when we added our Scarlett dog to our family.

This has been a wonderful year full of belly rubs, rides in the truck,
hunting moles in the garden, running with Sasha (her new sister), baths
(sadly), begging and getting nothing, more begging and getting something,
playing, playing, playing, jumping really high, and sleeping & snoring under
the covers.

None of it would have been possible without our great friends "Uncle" Ben
Clark and all of the "Aunts and Uncles" at the Red Door Shelter. Your hard
work, dedication, and service are invaluable.

We thank you from the bottom of our pea-picking hearts for all that you have
done for our Scarlett and the many animals like her.

I have attached a recent photo of our two girls. Scarlett is on the left and
Sasha is on the right. I had just fed them some peanut butter mini dog
bones. I love this picture! They are always by each other's side mirroring
the other's moves.

Thank you!"

2009-10-30T22:36:00.005-05:00

GIMME SHELTER a post from theselfrighteoushousewife.blogspot.com

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Suzy Q: Our shelter bunny

Every six months or so for the past three years, Lilly (11) pulls out the phone book, opens it to the Yellow Pages section of Animal Shelters and begins her calls. "Yes, I was wondering how old you have to be to volunteer at your shelter?" she asks politely. In between rejections (you have to be 16) she comments to Grace (14) "They don't get it. They think we just want to go and cuddle the kittens." "Well don't we?" Grace asks.

No. That is not what Lilly wants to do. She wants to play with the friendless, wash the dirty, clip the long-nailed, clean the dirty cage, sweep the poo, scrub the grungy food dishes. In short, she has a calling and it is to care for shelter animals. But no one gets that. They just think she's another kid who wants to pet a puppy.

That is until we met Toni. Toni runs Red Door Shelter a rabbit sanctuary in Chicago. This wonderful place rescues the homeless and unwanted bunnies (think of the Easter pet that turns out to be more work than someone thought). It was to this shelter that Lilly dragged me about a year ago for "rabbit spa day" a fund-raising event where crazy bunny people get together to have their rabbits groomed and photographed and oh yeah, maybe take another homeless bunny home (which is how we got Suzy Q). Thanks to that event, adoption, and subsequent emails, Toni caught on pretty quickly that Lilly was not your average "can I come play with the bunnies" kid. Which is why she so very, very graciously said yes when I asked if she would make an exception to the age requirement and allow Lilly to volunteer.

The first day of volunteering was last Wednesday. All the way to the shelter Lilly was saying under her breath, "Oh yeah, Heartland Shelter, I'm too young? Oh really, too young you say!? Well aren't you sorry now." She was so excited she nearly binkied (that's rabbit talk for jumping with joy) out of the car as we pulled up to the shelter. I left her there in Toni's capable hands agreeing to return in four hours.

And it was there I found her four hours later, covered in rabbit fur and ecstatically happy about her new job. All the way home she told me about the rabbits she met and played with. About their (often sad) histories but their (almost always) happy endings. There was one bunny in particular she was taken with. Avery.

Avery, she explained, has been there for three years. No one wants to adopt him because he cannot be neutered. He has a heart condition and if they put him under for the surgery he most likely would not survive. So he stays there but not many of the volunteers want to play with him because un-neutered male rabbits have, ahem, some hygiene issues.

"Oh Mom," she gushed, "Avery is so great! I went in his pen and he binkied, then he sprayed to mark his territory, then he pooped all over, and then he humped my leg. I just love him! He's so full of life!"

From the backseat her big brother offered this advice, "Don't go falling for every guy who humps your leg."

Lilly ignored this and began in earnest on another story about two rabbits who were saved from Afghanistan. Seriously.

I know, I've said it before, but I have to say it again, there is no joy like the joy of watching your child find his or her bliss and by God Lilly has found it at Red Door Shelter. Here, at this magical place, she can finally spend time with her beloved buns AND the like-minded, dedicated people who care about them as much as she does. And since I am not so inclined to spend time with rabbits I am mighty grateful there is such a place that welcomes her.

So here's to Toni and her shelter and if my small tale moves you maybe you would consider a small donation to Red Door to thank those who take care of God's smallest creatures --like Lilly and

Inside the mind of a rabbit

2009-10-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

People who aren't familiar with rabbits as pets are always asking me what they do. Do they do tricks? Are they fun to play with? Do they know their names?

It's a little hard to answer some of these, though they are definitely fun to play with. Rabbits vary widely, just like dogs and cats. I had one foster rabbit who was incredibly responsive to commands. He would come running at top speed when you called, jump up on the couch when you patted it, and even stand up to "kiss" your cheek when you offered it. I don't know if he understood the words so much as the context and gestures, but he definitely understood.

My current foster bunny, Avery, isn't quite that responsive, but I can't tell if it's because he doesn't want to listen or doesn't know. One thing he definitely knows is the word "no." He quickly learned that the sound of the refrigerator opening or a knife hitting a chopping block often leads to food! But he also had to learn that it could lead to disappointment, when I walk out of the kitchen saying, "No, Avery. No. People food." "No" also means "stop chewing!" Avery is a bit of a chewer, so I do have to keep an eye on him when I let him out. (It's very easy to bunny-proof the key things against chewing, though, and they don't chew randomly.) As with most animals, bribery works very well to get them to move around when words fail. Bits of apple or carrot are all the communication you need sometimes!

I sometimes wish I knew what Avery was thinking. For example, he doesn't mind me playing the guitar, but he does mind A LOT when I walk past him holding it. I've gotten into the habit of keeping my body between the guitar and the pen when I have to move it around. My best guess is that he sees some weird object approaching (not human-shaped) and doesn't know what it is, so he gets scared. I've noticed this a couple of times when I'm carrying other large things. I'm just glad he can stand to listen to me play!

What a Spooky Day! Update on Spa Day

2009-10-21T14:47:00.003-05:00

Oh what a spooky, scary day this past Spa Day was! For those of you who missed it, here is a glimpse into the vampire-twilight-inspired set we had for photos. More spa day snaps will be posted in the future here, including one featuring Lunchzilla the frog who was one of the special guests at spa day.

We will be offering to do more photos of this set in the near future.

Spa Day reminder

2009-10-16T09:31:00.002-05:00

Don't forget, Vampire Bunny Spa Day is tomorrow from 12-4pm at Red Door! Rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats. Click on the website link to the right and look under Events for more info.

Track star

2009-10-12T09:55:00.003-05:00

I let Avery out of his pen for the first time on this visit last night. He's a very active rabbit, and even though the pen is big, I notice that he's much happier if he gets at least a good run in. It's been a while since I last fostered him, so he had to investigate the room thoroughly last night while I kept one eye on him to make sure that he wasn't chewing anything he shouldn't. Once he had nosed his way around, including the space between the DVD player and the TV, he took off on a sprint around the perimeter of the room. Behind the TV, over the wires, behind the radiator, under the sofa, through the clear space past the door, and a grand finale by surfing his way the length of my guitar case. Hilarious.

There was quite a bit of slipping and sliding in the run, because I don't have carpeting. Active rabbits LOVE a good gallop on something that gives their furry paws some friction. Still, Avery doesn't seem to mind as long as he gets to explore!

Introducing Avery

2009-10-10T17:17:00.006-05:00

This is Avery, one of Red Door's special needs animals. Avery is an active, adorable Dutch rabbit with an enlarged heart, so he gets drops twice a day. But aside from that, he's just a normal bunny, eager to be out and exploring, and always looking for a treat. He's lucky that it's apple season right now, and he's getting all of my pear peelings and apple cores!

I'm Heidi, and I'm fostering Avery right now to give him a break from the shelter. Even though Red Door's facilities, staff, and volunteers are great, it's a nice change for some of the rabbits who have been there for a while to get more individual attention and a quieter environment with no other animals around. I'll be posting some updates on him to help give a little look into the life of a foster bunny. Don't forget, Red Door also has cats and dogs, and even the occasional farm bird!

Happy Birthday, Bo!

2009-10-09T15:46:00.002-05:00

Bo Obama isn't from Red Door. He isn't even a former shelter dog. But he is the first dog as well as a beloved family pet. And since today is Bo's birthday, we want to shout out some birthday wishes to him--and to all the family pets all over this country.

Vampire Bunny Spa Day Oct. 17th

2009-10-09T11:28:00.003-05:00

Your bunny won't want to miss this Spa-De-Dah Day on Oct. 17th. It's a scary one: Vampire Bunny is the photo theme and every animal (rabbit, g-pig, or cat) gets the chance to dress up like Bunnicula. Also, there are nail trims, grooming, massages--with all the money going to the homeless animals at Red Door.

Spa Day is from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. No reservations needed.

AJ -- Bunny's Disability Doesn't Keep Him out of Hall of Fame

2009-10-08T16:02:00.001-05:00

AJ came to us as the nicest guy you can imagine. But he has a disability: splayed front legs, which means he can't always stand up straight or move quickly. But his winning personality carried the day. And we're excited to add AJ's name to the Red Door Adopted Hall of Fame.

Frank -- A New Bunny in the Adopted Hall of Fame

2009-10-08T15:58:00.002-05:00

Frank was just a baby when he was saved by Red Door. His adoptive family had to wait until he was big enough to be neutered. But now Frank can be added to the Adoption Hall of Fame! We're thrilled he went to his new home.

Ronan joins Bunny Adopted Hall of Fame

2009-10-08T15:56:00.003-05:00

Ronan is the sweetest guy ever, so we're happy to announce that he is the first bunny in Red Door's new Adopted Hall of Fame. We'll keep you posted on this blog for all the new members.

Marcus says, "Don't Forget www.romeothecat!"

2009-09-26T19:35:00.003-05:00

It's getting near the end of the month, so don't forget to make your donation to Red Door through the very cute web site Romeo the Cat [www.romeothecat.com] Romeo and Pugsley have been working hard to help all the animals at Red Door and we appreciate it! Also, remember to check out the Rescue Mom and Rescue Dad magnets for sale at Romeo's web site and the Rescue My Animals stickers. Money raised from these sales in September help out the homeless animals at the shelter.

Oct. 3 Blessing of the Animals

2009-09-26T19:29:00.005-05:00

Pets and human beings of all faiths are invited to partake in the Blessing of the Animals at 11 a.m. on October 3 in the courtyard of St. Nicholas, 806 Ridge Avenue, Evanston. Please have all animals on leash or in a cage. Pets will receive a small St. Francis medal.

Don't You Want Somebunny to Love?

2009-09-24T11:04:00.003-05:00

Darian would be a perfect candidate. This sweet, fun bunny was left in his cage out on the sidewalk overnight. Some good neighbors took him in and then brought him to Red Door. He's just a dream bunny -- smart, affectionate, litterbox-trained, handsome. All he wants now is a new forever home. Darian is just one of the many wonderful rabbits Red Door has ready for adoption: all vet-checked, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and litterbox-trained.

Kuwaiti Bunnies Are Adopted!

2009-09-24T11:00:00.003-05:00

They flew all the way from Kuwait to Chicago (thanks to a generous rescuer who wanted them to be safe), where they were greeted at O'Hare by Red Door. You may remember seeing them on the local TV news or reading about them -- Lucky & Ramone made some big splashes in the local media. But finding someone willing to take on the adult pair --who are totally in love with each other -- wasn't as easy as getting them on television. But we're happy to say that Lucky & Ramone have been adopted together into a new home, where they are living the good life. And that's an American dream for these two bunnies.

Dog Wash a Bubbling Success!

2009-09-19T15:53:00.006-05:00

Thanks to everyone who brought a dog to our Whole Foods dog wash. It was a wet, wild, and bubbling success, as these photos prove. Thanks to Whole Foods Evanston South, too, for hosting this event for all the animals at the shelter. And thanks, of course, to all our volunteers who helped out at the event.

Come out and support Red Door!

2009-09-18T16:39:00.004-05:00

Come to Avieve Salon and Day Spa on Saturday October 10th from 9am-5pm, where a $10 donation gets you entered in a raffle of dozens of great prizes from local area businesses. Also, Red Door dogs will be there from 9am-11:30am for your viewing and adopting pleasure!
A portion of sales at Avieve that day will also go to support homeless dogs, cats, and rabbits at Red Door.
Avieve is located at 2558 N. Southport in Chicago.

Don't Miss Dog Wash Sept. 12 at Evanston Whole Foods!

2009-09-11T20:13:00.004-05:00

Don't Miss this great dog wash at Whole Foods Evanston South, 1111 N. Chicago Avenue, Evanston. It's from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and all the money goes to the homeless animals at Red Door, a no-kill, cageless shelter for cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Wash is $10 or a brushing with spritz is $5.

Relaxing at Home

2009-08-31T12:30:00.003-05:00

In a rare moment of repose, we show you Dora the Explorer--now re-named Adelaide--relaxing in her new home. She earned her shelter name easily, by wanting to see everything she possibly could. A weekend in a foster home confirmed she had been aptly named--she took off up a steep staircase without a moment's pause.

But Adelaide is a great name, too. We're fans of Guys and Dolls, too. And this bunny is a doll. Her new mom writes, "She has no fear. If Lucy the cat hisses, she just charges her....Whenever I come home, she runs around the apartment, jumping around in the air doing a binky."

In this photo, Adelaide seems to know that a hearth is the heart of the home, especially when occupied with a beautiful bunny.

Dog Wash Sept. 12 at Whole Foods

2009-08-30T15:36:00.004-05:00

Don't miss our dog wash on September 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Whole Foods South, 1111 N. Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Wash is $10, or for water-phobic dogs, a brushing and a spritz is $5.

All money goes directly to the animals at Red Door, the no-kill, cageless shelter for dogs, cats, and rabbits.

In Memory of Blanche

2009-08-30T15:24:00.006-05:00

We rescued Blanche a year ago in January. She was left outside in the freezing snow and, for awhile, it seemed like touch and go whether the vets could help her recover from her frostbite. Blanche was supposed to be a big white chicken, but she was skinny and pathetic-looking when we first took in. Her feathers were stained and falling out. But we wanted to do what we could to help her.

Chickens like Blanche don't live very long lives--on average, six or seven months. They're bred for their meat, so they gain weight quickly and then their systems give out. So once we had Blanche on the road to recovery, then what? Most of our regular chicken adopters weren't interested in her.

But we found a great chicken-experienced guy named Wade. He was interested in adopting Zsa Zsa, the orange bantam hen who was hit of the shelter. And he agreed to take Blanche, too. That was 18 months ago.

These photos show Blanche and Zsa Zsa in their new home. As you can see Blanche blossomed into a beautiful white chicken, who --acording to Wade--was always the first to greet him at the door of the coop.

She lived a long and happy life with Wade, Zsa Zsa, and several other hens. We always hoped she would beat the odds stacked her against her--and she did. We're happy we got to know her and helped her find her home.

A New Rabbit Rescue--In the Rain, Under a Car

2009-08-18T14:12:00.003-05:00

Red Door received a phone call on Sunday that a bunny was hiding under a car during the thunderstorms. When the rains let up, a volunteer drove to Albany Park to help capture the bunny.
Given that her breed, New Zealand, is a meat rabbit, it is likely that she escaped becoming someone's dinner. Bella must have been outside for at least several days, as she had grease down her back, tar and debris stuck to her bottom and was a little thin.
She was brought to Chicago Exotics in Skokie on Monday morning where she received medical treatment and a BIG bath. Bella is so happy to be clean again!!

Dog Wash August 8

2009-08-05T21:08:00.004-05:00

Don't miss this Saurday's Dog Wash! It's a benefit for the animals at the shelter. It runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Whole Foods Evanston South, 1111 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Wash is $10. And if your dog is phobic about water, you can do a brushing and a scented spritz for $5.

See you there!

Ophelia finds love and a forever home!

2009-08-03T13:59:00.002-05:00

In November of 2008, a good Samaritan brought a beautiful lop bunny to Red Door. She had rescued this rabbit from a neighbor who was about to make it Thanksgiving dinner. This poor rabbit was so heartbroken that her family didn't love her, that we decided to name her Ophelia. It soon became apparent that Ophelia was very ill. She spent the next 3 months in isolation battling a severe respiratory infection. With little socialization, we were worried she would come out of isolation a very shy bunny. But Ophelia was healthy, happy and eager to meet new friends when she made her debut. Soon, she had a date with a handsome boy named Pickles, they hit it off and now they live together with the Olson family.

Goliath Gets a Big Send-off to New Home

2009-08-02T17:12:00.003-05:00

Goliath is a medium-sized dog with a big heart. He was rescued from someone who could no longer care for him. And he deserved a better life--before he was crated all the time and given little love and attention. Red Door was happy to take in Goliath (we don't know wehre he got that name!) and a wonderful foster family welcomed him into their home. Thanks to your support, our work, and wonderful photographs by Sheri Berliner at petraits.com, Goliath found the home of his dreams.

Here are a few shots of Goliath outside the shelter, both with his foster family and his adopter. Happy New Home, Goliath!