Pet food, supplies being collected for Waukegan animal shelter

With people in the midst of holiday shopping, there are 15 dogs, five adult cats and a litter of kittens at the Waukegan Police Department’s Animal Control Shelter awaiting their version of Santa Claus this weekend in the form of representatives of the Waukegan Park District.

Animal Control supervisor Nicole Ravy-Garza said food, blankets, toys, accessories and more will make the dogs and cats more comfortable as they await transfer to a rescue organization which will find them a “forever home.”

“It’s a tremendous help for the animals, especially the blankets,” she said. “It gives them the feeling like they’re in a home, especially with the blankets.”

The Park District’s 14th-annual Food for Paws Holiday Food Drive continues through Friday at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center in Waukegan, collecting food and accessories which will go to the animal shelter.

Julia Sanchez, a recreation supervisor with the Park District who oversees the pet food drive, said people can bring their donations to the field house between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. through Friday.

“Just like the people in our community, the animals need help as well,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to think about the animals. We hope to get as much as we can.”

With one large bin already full, Sanchez said she and her colleagues continue to receive more food and supplies to benefit the dogs and cats at the shelter. Besides food for dogs and cats, newborn milk and formula for puppies and kittens are welcome.

Other than food, Sanchez said blankets, towels, collars, leashes. pet carriers and toys are welcome. Along with the shelter, the food drive benefits Waukegan Animals Getting Saved (WAGS), a not-for-profit organization that raises money and collects supplies for the shelter.

Though people may be tempted to rescue a dog or cat — or one of the kittens — Ravy-Garza said the shelter does not place animals in permanent homes. The no-kill shelter works with licensed rescue groups who will place the potential pets. Both the animal and owner must be ready.

“This is a forever commitment,” she said. “The person is going to be a forever owner. If people come to us, we will help guide them through the process with licensed rescue groups. Our goal is to take the animals and find them a forever home.”

At times, an animal is placed quickly but there are situations where Ravy-Garza said it can take longer. Medical treatment may be needed for the dog or cat. It could also happen in a matter of days.

Cats and dogs generally find their way to the shelter because they are found as a stray off the street, or their owner can no longer take care of the animal. Surrender can be due to financial reasons or the individual’s own frailty.

“I have mixed emotions when a person surrenders an animal,” Ravy-Garza said. “I’m happy to be here for the citizens in need. The animal is able to go somewhere where it will be cared for.”