FINALLY!

Monmouth, NJ man fined $2K for releasing pet rabbit into wild

Thursday April 09, 2009, 6:01 PM


A Monmouth County man was fined $2,000 today for releasing his family's pet rabbit into the wild, a practice animal experts fear may be repeated by others who buy bunnies, chicks or ducklings at Easter, then decide they can no longer care for the animals.
Jong Park, 51, of the Morganville section of Marlboro, was charged with the disorderly offenses of abandonment and failure to provide proper food, water and shelter, said Victor "Buddy" Amato, chief animal cruelty officer for the Monmouth County SPCA.
Amato said he filed the charges after interviewing family members, who said they released the rabbit, named Hope, after she grew too big for her cage.

Neighbors alerted authorities after they spotted the white rabbit in the woods where she was abandoned about three weeks ago, Amato said.

Suffering from severe dehydration and tick infestation, Hope was rescued three days ago, Amato said. The bunny, weighing about 10 pounds, should have been about 5 pounds heavier for her age, he said.

"This was not a gray cottontail. This was a domesticated white rabbit," Amato said. "It is amazing it survived a couple weeks in the woods. This animal should not have survived. Any kind of predator could have gotten it."

The family adopted the bunny last Eastertime from a friend whose pet rabbit had a litter, he said.

The family did not return a message left at the home.

Animal experts and health officials have long warned families against buying or adopting rabbits, ducklings or chicks, particularly at Easter.

"At Easter, it's all cute and fine and good, but when they get big, what are they going to do with it?" Amato said.

"The dumping of unwanted, domesticated farm animals along our roadways or in our parks is cruel and thoughtless treatment as they cannot take care of themselves and either starve or get injured by a motor vehicle," said Ella Boyd, public health coordinator for the Ocean County Department of Health and a licensed veterinarian. "It is sad and unnecessary."
Hope will be offered for adoption when she reaches her appropriate weight, Amato said.

Park will have to address the charges in municipal court.

Red Door Loves Betty White!

When Betty White came to town for a benefit for the Museum of Broadcast and Communication, Red Door volunteers Lou and Steve were happy to meet with her and thank her for her generous support of Red Door. White, who is an outspoken for animals, will always be a true golden girl in our book.

Raffle Winners!

Here are our 2009 Spring-to-Life Raffle Winners!

Grand Prize: Marlene Baer
First Prize: Dawn Anastasiou, winning ticket sold by Janet Briner
Second Prize: Neelam Lakhani, winning ticket sold by Caeley Harihara
Third Prize: Amy Schreiner
Fourth Prize: Charlie Propsom, winning ticket sold by Karen Wechsler

Top ticket seller: Mary Rodovich, who sold 760 tickets! Other top sellers include Lisa Day, Gia Gallegos, Cathy Cifonelli, Michael Janecek, Josie Perez, Beverly Sosa,Joy Schochet, Janet Briner, Ted Dorion, Ruth Bruch, Liz Biddick, Donald Kaminski, Joanne Ellis,Diane Markgraf, Beth Stern, Michael Figeroa, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, and H. Garvin.

And top donors to the Spring-to-Life rescue are Tara & Chris Carmichael, and Dolly Tong.

Thanks to everyone who helped the animals!

Love Letters

Dear Staff and Volunteers at Red Door:

It is hard to believe that it is now almost 4 1/2 years since I adopted "Jezebel" from the Red Door Shelter. I am very happy to report that "Jezzie" (as I call her) continues to be a happy and healthy feline and the joy of my life. She has achieved some remarkable milestones in the last year:

1. She now lets me brush her and pet her anywhere in my apartment, instead of just on her "safe" living room chair.

2. She purrs loudly whenever I pet her or brush her.

3. She jumps on my lap now, and likes me to brush her and pet her while sitting in my lap.

4. In the last few months she finally got comfortable enough to sleep on my lap! She even grooms herself on my lap! I will peek over my book to see her leg poised in the air as she licks herself. She no longer "minds" if I watch her take a bath. (Previously, if she caught me "watching" her she would immediately stop grooming.) I must say that there is nothing cuter than the sight of a cat washing her face!

5. Her most recent milestone occurred just two days ago: she stayed with me in bed and settled down right next to me, purring continuously. She stayed with me all night!!!! This is a major milestone!!!!! Before this momentous occurance, if I so much as moved while she was sitting in my lap she would run away. This time she stayed with me! Hooray!!!

I have had a cat in my life since I was two years old, but I still think Jezzie is the prettiest cat I've ever had. She has retained her sleek appearance and I sometimes imagine I see some "Oriental" genes in her face and physique, somewhat reminiscent of a Siamese or Burmese.

I pretty much had to teach Jezzie how to "play", but although her favorite toys are crumbled paper and dangling shoe strings, I will often hear her "galloping" through my apartment like a maniac. It is extremely cute! She also loves heights, and enjoys jumping on top of bookshelves and the refrigerator. I invite her to "follow" me into the basement to "help" me with my laundry, but although she has been down there with me on a few occasions, generally she seems to prefer to stay in her own "safe" apartment.

I can watch Jezzie for hours and be entertained and delighted, for I find cats endlessly fascinating. I have provided Jezzie with a loving home and a secure environment, but I got the better deal! Jezzie brought me joy, love, companionship and continuous entertainment. I love her dearly!

I will always be grateful to Red Door for the "gift" of Jezzie. Keep up your good work and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

Anita (proud companion of "Jezebel".)

Help Red Door Spread the Word About Easter Rabbits!

Each year around this time hundreds of rabbits are purchased from pet stores and other places to be given out as Easter presents. After a few weeks the novelty of the "present" wears off and people quickly realize how much care is involved. The rabbits then become unwanted, and shelters like Red Door are inundated with phone calls from people looking to place the rabbits. In even more extreme cases people think the domestic rabbits can survive outside so they're let go. Help Red Door spread the word that rabbits require as much love and attention as any other pet! Come by the shelter and pick up flyers like this one and distribute them around your community.

Come meet adoptable Red Door dog Dudley!

Little Dudley is a total sweetheart through and through. This 1-2 year old beagle mix is so mellow, easy going, and completely charming. He would be great for a single owner, as well as a family. He gets along great with other dogs, cats, and kids. Click over to our website www.reddoorshelter.org to find out how you can make Dudley a part of your life!

Rabbit Rescue -- Adopt from Chicagoland's Top Bunny Rescue

"Hey! When are you going to come visit us?" That's what the Red Door rabbits are saying. They're ready to hop right into your heart.

Come meet all the wonderful rabbits--and maybe find the bunny friend of your dreams--at our no-kill. We have the best selection of spayed/neutered rabbits in the Chicagoland area--and all are guaranteed to be vet-checked, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and litterbox-trained.

When you adopt from Red Door, you get copies of all the records from our experienced exotics veterinarian.

And remember, Red Door specializes in Bunny Bonding! Your rabbit can go through a series of Rabbit Speed Dating under the guidance of our experienced rabbit bonding experts.

Returning a Lost Dog to its Home: Priceless!

If you read the posting "Dog Rescued from Uncertain Fate," then you know about Laney, the white dog who was running around in a snowstorm. Red Door volunteers Kristin and Mike worked hard to catch Laney--as we called her. Her back legs were bleeding from some injury--possibly a brush with a car!--and she needed immediate medical attention.

Today, Laney returned to her owners. It seems she had escaped from the back porch and then had some kind of accident. Her real name is Linda, which is amazingly close to the name we'd chosen for her. Linda/Laney was thrilled to be reunited with her family, who have promised to keep a closer eye on her from now on.

Thanks to Kristin, who first spotted her running around; Mike; Matt; Animal 911 & Dr. Gallegos; Chicago Exotics & Dr. Horton; Katie and Benji, who took turns fostering Linda/Laney during her time with Red Door.

Meet Chili Cook-off Winner Sandy Bayer!

Thanks to superb cook Sandy Bayer, who won the chili cook-off contest at The Charleston in Bucktown. Sandy came to Red Door and donated her $300.00 prize to help the cats, rabbits, and dogs! That's what we call being a Top Chef!

A Perfect Valentine's Day!

We had gotten a phone call about a pet rabbit running around the Irving Park and Greenview neighborhood in Chicago. Mike and Meghan had tried to catch her. Then Mike went back by himself and got close to catching her, but the bunny ran away.

So on Valentine's Day, Toni, Liz, and Marcia went to the neighborhood. After a lot of scouting under porches and in backyards, they saw the little lionhead-mix bunny hiding under a bush. They circled in and -- Valentina was on her way to the warmth and safety of Red Door.

Since arriving, this bunny has shown her sweet personality by being friendly and outgoing to everyone. And she likes to sit on laps--now that's a romantic bunny.

Dog rescued from uncertain fate

Last Saturday a Red Door Board Member saw a dog wandering around outside. The dog appeared to be frightened, thin, and very injured. She was bleeding from her hindquarters, and needed medical attention. Thankfully the Board Member and a Red Door staff member were able to corral the dog and get to the vet. The dog, now named Laney, needed sutures to repair the wounds on her legs. Once she got cleaned up and looked at by a doctor, Laney became a real charmer. Laney will be available for adoption soon, so be on the lookout!

Have a Heart Art Auction

Join us at Woman Made Gallery, 685 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, for a wonderful art show. The work is bound to make your heart beat faster! Auction of art work ends the evening--with all proceeds going to the animals at Red Door. Admission is free. Cash bar for wine, soda, and heart-healthy pomegranite martinis--with proceeds going to the shelter animals.
Red Door cat Jade does her best DaVinci impersonation, showing off her tipped ear.

February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month!

In addition to snow and Valentine’s Day, this cold month gives us the opportunity to celebrate all things bunny. Rabbits are the third most commonly found homeless animals. Many potential rabbit parents don’t even realize that they can adopt a rabbit! Spread the word and hop over to Red Door to visit with some of the great adoptable rabbits.

Sweet Home Chicago

Red Door took a call in December from a shelter in Colorado about a cat they claimed was chipped to us. As it turns out, it was a Red Door cat named Cassie. She had been adopted from Red Door in 2001. At some point her adopter had moved to Colorado, and eventually lost their house to foreclosure, and surrendered Cassie to the nearest shelter. Cassie had literally one day left to live at the traditional shelter where she would have been euthanized in order to make room. A woman in Colorado answered an ad to be a temporary foster home for Cassie, then with the help of volunteers and friends of Red Door, we were able to get Cassie transported back to sweet home Chicago. Come and visit this sweet girl and let her know how glad you are to have her back home!

Pictures with Santa Paws

Thanks to Sit! Boutique (2316 W. Leland, Chicago) for being Red Door's little Santa's helper this holiday season. They sponsored a Santa Paws photo session with all the donations going to the homeless animals at Red Door! Here are a few of the pets who got to whisper their wishes to Santa at Sit! From the shelter animals, a big "Thank You!" and an even bigger "Happy Holidays!"

Gloria is Ready for her Close-Up

Gloria, one of Liz's chickens, didn't feel she got enough camera time with the Trib. Now she's ready for her close=up. Gloria is a chicken rescued by Red Door and adopted by Liz in 2007.

Urban Chickens, including one from Red Door!

Congratulations to Red Door volunteer Liz Sharp for her stellar interview in today's Chicago Tribune, promoting the beauty and wisdom of urban chickens. You can catch the entire story, including a videdo of Liz in her chicken coop, here:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-city-chickens-15-dec15,0,5400529.story

Santa Baby! Photo Session Dec. 14 Benefits Red Door Animals

This year, get a great holiday photo of your pet! Come to Sit! Boutique on December 14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for a photo-with-Santa pet session. All proceeds from the photos benefit the homeless animals at Red Door. Also that day: elves! refreshments! cookies! Sit! Boutique is a great place to buy quality cat and dog food, toys, and pet beds. The boutique is located at 2316 W. Leland, Chicago, in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

Red Door Dogs Hit Andersonville Streets - Dec. 21st

Look for the Red Door donation dogs on the streets of Andersonville on December 14th. They will be wearing their donation pouches, like Benji here, and looking for any spare bills or coins you can donate for the homeless animals at the shelter. The dogs will be out, starting around 5225 N. Clark Street, around 12 noon.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Party December 6th

Don your most ugly holiday sweater and head over to The Fat Cat Bar & Grill, 4840 N. Broadway, Chicago, on December 6th. The party starts at 7 p.m. Cover price is $30, which gives you all you can drink of beer, wine, well liquor, or soda. A portion of every cover price ($5) goes to the homeless animals at Red Door. Don't miss this fun event! OK, we'll let you in even if you aren't wearing an ugly holiday sweater--but remember: many of us will be wearing horrible holiday cheer!

City of Chicago Chooses Dog City Sticker

Congratulations to the City of Chicago for choosing a dog as the art work for the 2009 city sticker. This sticker, designed by Chicago high school student Denise Ferguson, will appear 1.3 million car windshields in June 2009. Let's hope that's another step in making Chicago a no-kill city for animals.

More Bazaar Fun!

Photos by Meghan Schromen. Thanks, Meghan!

Bazaar Fun!

This year's Bazaar & Toute Sweet Bake Sale was the best! Check out some of the fun. Thanks to everyone who came! And thanks to all the bakers!

Ahoy! Pirate-Themed Spa Day a Huge Success!

Our last Spa Di Dah day was a huge success, thanks to all the rabbits who came to be groomed and then photographed "sailing" the seven seas. Here are only two of the great shiver-my-timbers results.

Take A Chance on Chapa

You can meet Chapa and other adoptable Red Door Animals at the 1st Annual Howl-o-Ween event sponsored by Chicago Area Shelter Alliance. The event will be held on Saturday October 25th from 10am-7pm at Navy Pier.

What's Up, Doc?

The answer is lots! You don't want to miss an exciting thing, so be sure to check out the Events page at www.reddoorshelter.org

October 3rd is the Mars Gallery Opening
October 11th is White Attic adoption event in Andersonville
October 18th is Spa-Di-Dah Day, with a Pirate Theme
October 25th finds Red Door at a gala adoption event at navy Pier

And we will keep adding more fun events, all to help out the homeless animals.

2nd Dog Wash at Whole Foods a Splish-Splash Success

Red Door's second dog wash at Whole Foods Evanston South, 1111 Chicago, Evanston, was a huge, splashy success. We loved all the dogs and they were very well-mannered. Maybe it was that five-minute massage that helped?

Thanks to all our supporters! And a big thanks to Whole Foods.

In Memory of Alice

From a Red Door volunteer, in memory of Alice:
Alice will always be very dear to me. She would greet me every day. I loved kissing her nose, and sitting with her on my lap. She was a charming and gentle bunny, and was adored by everyone. Alice, you came to Red Door to be cherished, and I will miss you dearly, Sweet Girl. Bev

Serving! Red Door Volleyball Team

Thanks to this great crew who represented Red Door at beach volleyball this summer. We know their serves were great and their animal-loving hearts were in the right place.

You're the best!

Whole Foods Dog Wash a Swimming Success!

Our dog wash at Whole Foods Evanston South on August 17th was a swimming success! The heat just made the dogs--most of them, anyway--enjoy the whole bath experience. There were also post-grooming instant photos and dog treats, too.
Thanks to all the volunteers and thanks, too, to Whole Foods Evanston South, 1111 Chicago, Evanston.

We Call Him Sir Charles--Adopt a Dog in Chicago

We call him Sir Charles because he's so dignified. And his personality is very regal--plus friendly and loyal. Charles's owner died, so he's looking for someone to love him. He gets along with other dogs and is very devoted to anyone who spends a little time with him.
Email us to hear more about Charles.

Friendo Finds a Friend!

It was a little while ago that we rescued Friendo, a bantam rooster running around someone's front yard. At the time, he had a bad respitory infection, but--thanks to Dr. Horton at Chicago Exotics--Friendo made a complete recovery! But finding a home for a rooster, no matter how small, isn't easy. That crowing can be pretty loud! However, we're happy to report that Friendo has now moved to Michigan, where he is living on a hobby farm. Former Red Door rooster Reymundo is there, too. But there is plenty of room for both of them.

Baby Bunnies Need Foster Homes!

Doting rabbit mother Jacqueline came to Red Door on June 6th, with her brood of two-hour-old babies. Now those babies are weaned and old enough to go to a foster home until they can be fixed and adopted. Do you have any room for a small bunny or two? We guarantee that Panda, Ling-Ling, Dominino, Kit, Shay, or Squiggy will make you smile for the brief time one or two of them stay with you. We have cages, litter boxes, etc., to loan to fosterers.

Oh, and just because a couple of the rabbits are Cubs fans, future foster homes don't have to be!

Doggone Mystery Writer David Rosenfelt Appears at The Book Cellar

6:00-9:00pm, Sept. 10th
Join David Rosenfelt, the popular Chicago author of six Andy Carpenter mysteries, including the recent hit "Play Dead," as he delivers his new novel: Don't Tell A Soul. Rosenfelt will read and sign his book at this evening's event. The Book Cellar is a regular supporter of Red Door, and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit our shelter. Rosenfelt is a Golden Retriever enthusiast, often using dogs as characters in his books.
The Book Cellar
4736 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago

Dog Wash at Whole Foods

Scrub a Dub Dub, this dog wash will be fun--for you and your dog! Meet us and our team of dog washers in the parking lot of Whole Foods Evanston South, 1111 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. Choose Quick Groom (brushing, two-minute massage, and a doggy wipedown) for $3.00 or a dog wash (shampoo in tub, rinse, towel dry) for $10. All proceeds benefit the animals at Red Door.

Bubbalicious!

Bubba, a favorite among Red Door staff and volunteers, was adopted this past weekend! His adopter said that he was already cuddling under the blankets and snuggling with her in bed. For this who know Bubba, this shouldn't be a big surprise! Best of luck to Bubba in his new home!

Star Spangled Benefit at Whole Foods

Come out to Whole Foods in Evanston on Thursday July 3rd to do all of your Fourth of July shopping. Whole Foods will be donating 5% of total sales for the day to Red Door. Whole Foods is located at 1111 Chicago Avenue in Evanston and is open from 8am-10pm.