Marcy Mossburg
Why HHS?
I love working with animals and understanding behavior. This allows me to work with different breeds, animals of different ages and with different issues. I also like to think that I'm helping the animal get big enough, or learn behavior that will allow them to get a forever home.
What should people know about our fostering program?
Although it is a lot of work, the experience is priceless. You are helping an animal get off to a good start in finding a forever home. There are lots of opportunities to foster. If you are interested work with the staff to find a good fit for you.
Town: Clarendon Hills
Pets: Max - Boxer who was adopted from HHS, Myka (doxy/cocker mix), Otis - cat adopted from HHS, and Star - adopted form HHS. Other than Max most of my animals are what I call a "failed foster" - where I fostered the animal and they just ended up staying with me.
Volunteer since: 2004
Volunteer jobs: Foster Family
Fun Fact: I do dog training at night and on weekends.
Bill Tietz
Why HHS?
It's just plain fun. I come once a week to walk dogs. What I like about it is if it's a dog you've never seen before you can come in, leash it up, take it out and it's your best friend.
Town: Oak Brook
Pets: 2 cats, Angel and Siamsa
Volunteer since: 1997
Volunteer jobs: Walking dogs
Fun Fact: Hung out with Kangaroos in Australia
Alyssa Christoffer
Why HHS?
I love improving an animal's life by giving them the attention and care they deserve. Even if it's just by cleaning a cage or refilling a water bowl.
Town: Western Springs
Pets: 3 cats (Sophie, Pheobe, and Lil' Bit)
Volunteer since: July, 2012
Volunteer jobs: Green Dog Walking and Cleaning, watering and feeding the animals
Fun Fact: I rescued all three of my cats when they were kittens. Sophie and Pheobe when they were 6 weeks and Lil' Bit when she was 3 weeks
Emily Alsip
Why HHS?
I can’t bring any more guys home with me, but I can help the cats and kittens at HHS feel loved and comfortable until they find their forever families. I like to find that one super shy guy and try my best to help him or her feel more at ease. I also enjoy scouting out potential candidates for my friends and family who are looking to adopt.
Town: LaGrange Park
Pets: 4 cats (Sammi, Anni, Gus - a mom and two of her grown up kittens; and Holland). They’re all former strays from Chicago.
Volunteer since: February 2012
Volunteer jobs: I come in once a week to socialize the cats and kittens. I also work in the community to make sure cats are neutered or spayed.
Fun Fact: The first feral cat I helped to TNR (Trap Neuter Release) was in Rome! I was backpacking and came upon a colony that lived behind a very tall fence surrounding a church. After visiting several days in a row to bring them food, I noticed another girl inside
Keaton Donahue and his mom Devera
Why HHS?
We share a love of animals, and if given the chance, would have a house full of them! Volunteering together is a wonderful way to spend time with many different animals while helping them to become more adoptable. But the best part of volunteering is being witness to when an animal leaves the humane society for their forever home. If you look closely you can see the smiles on their faces.
Town: Burr Ridge
Pets: 3 dogs and a bearded dragon lizard
Volunteer since: Keaton - 2011; Devera - 2009
Volunteer jobs: Socializing cats and walking dogs.
Fun Fact: Our family became a licensed foster care family for cats and dogs this year.