Red Door Animals OK -- Nearby Fire Didn't Reach Shelter

A fire started last night in an apartment above one section of Red Door. We had people on the scene quickly and no animals were hurt. The fire never reached Red Door; rather, it was contained in that apartment.

Thanks to the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Police Department for doing a great job -- and for letting us inside the building to check on the animals.

Thanks, too, to our animal-loving neighbors, who notified us promptly about the fire.

Animal Quacker Update

You might remember Guthrie, the duck we rescued in a blizzard. He lived in the shelter's office for several months as he recovered. We're happy to report that Guthrie is well and happy at his new home, where he hangs out with his new "flock" --several dogs! When they bark at someone walking down the street, Guthrie throws in his quacks, too.

Can Anyone Help Us?

Sure, we can!

When these two little kittens showed up outside Red Door Tuesday night, they were filthy, flea-ridden, and scared. They were also having trouble breathing because they were so congested. After a trip to the emergency clinic, they're looking so much better! But they're so little that they need round-the-clock care for a few more weeks. Now they're safe in a foster home.

Sarah Rocks It

We love Sarah Cunniff! Some of you might have met Sarah when she worked at Red Door (which was until recently). She's one of our best ambassadors. Recently, Sarah organized an information booth and fundraising raffle at the Riverview Music Festival -- which resulted in $1200.00 to help the shelter animals.

Sarah is the proud adopter of Jett, a Red Door rabbit; and we're proud of this RD alum. Thanks, Sarah!

On the Town

Check out Whitey and Kristin Avery, shelter adoption director, at a recent adoption event. Red Door animals are appearing all over town--don't miss them September 22 at Urbanimals in Chicago. See www.reddoorshelter.org for the latest information on events.
P.S.: Whitey is now in a foster home, who just might end up adopting him. Photo thanks to Sheri Berliner [www.petraits.com].

Yet Another Rabbit Confiscation!

Here is the sad news that there has been yet another rabbit consfication from a breeder, similar to the Watseka, IL case that captured headlines earlier this year. [These photos are from the earlier Watseka rescue.]

This time the 100 rabbits are in Louisville, KY. We'll bring you updates from the Metro Animal Shelter in Louisville.

Don't Miss this Saturday at FEED!

Saturday, August 25th, is THE day to go to FEED restaurant, 2803 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago. FEED will donate 20% of every meal sold to help feed the homeless animals at Red Door. That includes brunch, lunch, dinner, and carryout! We're always looking for a good excuse to eat some of FEED's down-home, southern-style cooking -- and this is it!

FEED is BYOB, with an outdoor patio. See you there!

Safe at Last: Rufus the Red Beagle

Poor Rufus--when he turned up at another shelter, he was a mess. There were bites from bigger dogs all over his hip and leg. The other shelter loved him, but they didn't have room, so Rufus's fate was uncertain. On Sunday, Rufus arrived at his Red Door foster home and, as you can see, he looks very happy.


Thanks to Mary Ann Hetreed for helping with Rufus's transportation.

Space to Roam

You might have read about Anka last February on the blog;she was rescued from living in a barn. Certainly, if you've visited Red Door in the past five months, you've noticed Anka. She was the big rabbit--all 12+ pounds--who was living in a pen in the office area. Even if we'd wanted to put her in a cage [which we didn't], she would never have fit.

We knew it would take a special person to fall in love with a big girl like Anka, someone who could appreciate the size and personality of a Flemish Giant--plus someone who had enough space for Anka to live a free-roaming life. We're happy to say that our wishes for Anka have been fulfilled. She was adopted last Saturday.

Above are photos of Anka in her new home. Finally, she says, a place big enough for my ears!

Life's a Beach!

At least, for the animals who come to Spa Di Da Day. Fujoe and Patina had fun getting their summer glamour portrait taken. It was a great turnout--thanks to everyone who showed up, particularly all the Red Door alums.

Coco Loco!!

Little Coco came to Red Door dirty, covered in fleas, and with no appetite. Look at him now! Coco has been cleaned up, and pigs out like...well, like a pig! Coco is looking for a home where he can practice his kitty gymnastic skills.

Ziggy Does His Happy Dance

Ziggy, the playful angora bunny, went to his new home last week. And already he's a star on YouTube! Check out this link to see his fabulous rabbit-oriented playroom and his happy dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkaPE2_CWRg

Don't Miss the Summer Spa-Di-Da Day July 21st

What? Miss Spa-Di-Da Day?? Winston wouldn't hear of it! Your rabbits, guinea pigs and cats won't want to be left out of the summer spiff-up on July 21st, either. You don't need a reservation--just come between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Treats for humans and glamour photography for pets. 2410 W. Lunt, Chicago.

NOTE: If the temperature is over 90 degrees, please check with Red Door to be sure Spa Day is still being held. Since rabbits don't deal well with high temps, we need to keep an eye on the forecast.

Hazel Hosts Jewelry Show for Red Door Animals

Don't miss the cool, quirky jewelry by Mark Poulin at the trunk show on July 28th at Hazel, 1902 W. Montrose, Chicago. It's a rare opportunity to pick out some new sterling and enamel work by the Oakland, CA-based designer. 10% of all sales goes to help Red Door animals.
11 am - 7 pm, with hors d'oeuvres, sweets & libations being served.
More information at: www.hazelchicago.com

Lei Lei Says Bye-Bye

....to the shelter, and Hi! to her new home. We knew this adorable kitten wouldn't be at Red Door for long. Lei Lei was adopted on Saturday.

Here's the scoop on poop

Thanks to www.poopbags.com for their donation of bio-degradable poop bags to the Gimme Shelter! walk. Poopbags.com is a Chicago-based business, so please remember their thoughtfulness to all the dogs who came to the Red Door walk.

Photo by petraits.com

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Hi Everyone--

As you can see, when Red Door asked people to give a shelter animal a summer vacation, I really lucked out! Linda & Catherine Spitz are the best -- they give me rides in a stroller, and let me check out the produce daily (OK, I don't really eat all those apples!). I have some toys, a cardboard castle, and a lot of love and attention. I'm king of the world!
Raphael
P.S.: Other animals at Red Door would like a summer vacation, too. Interested? Just send an email to info@reddoorshelter.org to learn how you give a shelter animal a break.

3rd Watseka Rabbit is Adopted

We knew Ava, with her velvety fur and beautiful blue eyes, wouldn't last long at Red Door. And we were right. Ava will be going to her new home this week. A former Watseka rescue rabbit, Ava is a little doll--and the last of the Watseka rescues at the shelter.

Bailey's Back -- Looking for a Home

Bailey, the friendly beagle, is back at Red Door--through no fault of his own. This sweet guy would love a home. He is friendly, house-trained, good with kids. He can get along with other dogs, but probably would be happiest being either the only dog or the first dog of the household. Please let your friends know that Bailey is looking for a special someone.

In Memory of Mama Sue

Mama Sue was a long-time resident of Red Door. She died tonight at Animal 911 of complications from cancer. We will miss her sweet face.