Saving Missy

Missy with her new family.
Having lost her home, Sylvia Wise found an apartment where the landlord claimed to allow pets, but once she moved in the story changed. Exhausted from the roller-coaster she was living, Sylvia decided that she could no longer keep Missy and researched options online, finding PAWS Chicago’s Foreclosure Program only a few days after it launched on PAWS Chicago’s Web site. But even though she knew Missy would be guaranteed life at PAWS Chicago, the decision was far from easy.
Dear PAWS Chicago,
Words cannot convey my gratitude for what you have done for Missy and myself. From my heart, I thank you. I will continue to speak out in support of PAWS Chicago to everyone who will listen and keep all of you in my prayers. Although what has happened is what is best for Missy, it still saddens me. However, “this too shall pass”. I will always think of her as my baby and hope that if for any reason, she is returned, you would be so kind as to let me know.
Thank you again for all of your efforts and GOD bless.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Wise
After many tears, Sylvia decided to part ways with her beloved companion, saying, “I’ve had to accept the reality that if you don’t have your home, there’s nowhere to really put your dog.
Sometimes you have to do what’s best for them, and I think this is best for her.” Having lived with Missy for seven years, Sylvia said the decision was harder than the day she lost her job and even worse than the day her home was foreclosed on: “I lost my car then I lost my house and then I lost my dog and it seems to me I lost everything.”
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PAWS Profile: Lynne Styles
After working in the corporate world, Lynne decided to get involved in animal welfare. She chose to get involved with PAWS Chicago after she heard Founder Paula Fasseas, say that we can’t adopt our way out of the problem, and we have to focus on spay and neuter. This made a lot of sense to Lynne.
Lynne’s volunteer time is spent doing many different things. She works with the Community Outreach team giving presentations to Chicago Public Schools and at CAPS meetings. As a Development Board member she raises money by serving on the Beach Party committee. You will often see Lynne on Friday afternoons greeting guests as they enter the front door of the Adoption Center. She loves seeing how excited new adopters are when they take home their new family member. And, she especially loves seeing the “light bulb go off” in a child’s head when they start to understand that the feelings and needs of animals are similar to their own.
To round out her volunteer experience, Lynne is now training to become an Adoption Counselor. In her own home, Lynne has two dogs. Both are 13 years old and were found on the streets of Chicago. Taz is a Lab/Greyhound mix with a high maintenance personality. Humbolt is a Chow/Keeshond/Shepherd mix who is very confi dent.
When asked what makes a good PAWS Chicago volunteer? Lynne answered this way, “Anyone who appreciates the special assets of a shelter animal and is willing to give a deserving animal a second chance&ellip;and someone who sincerely wants to educate the public about spay/neuter, the over pet population problem and proper animal care.”
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Professional Board Wants You!
The PAWS Professional Board is a growing group of urban professionals united for the purpose of hosting great events to raise money for PAWS Chicago’s efforts to end the killing of homeless pets. You can sign up online to join the Professional Board by visiting pawschicago.org. The best way to get involved is to sign up for an event committee.
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