Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of February

February is known for the Love between one another. Illinois Birddog Rescue and the foster homes that care for the lucky ones that get a second chance have you, the donor, to be grateful towards. We can love them, care for them and prepare them for their furever homes, but NOT without you. From the bottom of our hearts, we are so thankful for your compassion and love for our dogs in need and believing in us enough to open your hearts to help us.

This month is also the 3 year anniversary sadly, for the heart and soul of IBR, Westleigh. Without him and the passion he exhibited on a daily basis, other dog's futures may have been very different. Wes was a strong and stunning English Pointer that had the determination it took to exceed in whatever was put in front of him. He fought a strong battle that just was against all odds, but as this Memorial in his honor continues, it exemplifies the strength and will that all our dogs come to us with, NEVER GIVE UP. As long as there are dogs out there that won't give up, either will we and hope that you too, continue to believe, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Note by Donation Coordinator:
For all the Amy's, Angela's, and Michelle's who bond with a dog they never even considered getting, really exhibits the true animal lover in all of us (see Tucker and Ben's donation below). We can see their soul through the eyes of the lonely, confused, and scared creature behind the cold steel bars. We can hear the unspoken words that they convey through their eyes and have a piercing arrow straight into our hearts.

Cupid is not just a February icon, but one that lives throughout the year. For those that are fortunate enough to reach people like the Amy's and Michelle's of the world, are truly the blessed ones that get adopted and loved for eternity. Sometimes our expectations of eternity is far less than what the meaning has in store for us, but they have come to us with a purpose from their Creator and when their assignment has been completed, it's time to move on to help others.

Waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for us to once again be reunited, but in the waiting moments of time, we are reminded that their purpose of touching our lives was to show us that we can help so many more in need. That the memories will always be there. The Love will never fade. That the power of that love can touch so many, which is so unexpected.

They're brought to us on Special Assignment. They have, as will others, continue to do their tasks beyond the conscious knowledge of the humans they touch. As shown through the donations made in their memory, one can sense the importance of their being and the love they brought to so many. They are just ones of thousands that touch people with loving tender hearts, but no more important as the ones we can't save.

IBR and the many other rescues and shelters out there struggle ever day to make a difference. But it really does come down to You, the donor, who believe animals, whether it be dogs, cats, horses, etc., do deserve to be treated with respect, not abuse or neglect. With heartfelt gratitude, we honor You through our Blog, for helping and giving the ones without a voice a second chance.

Sincerely,
Pat


Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Margaret Baykowski in memory of Tucker
Jamie Davis
Mr & Mrs.Dempsey in loving memory of their daughter's love, Tucker.
Sarah Dempsey - In memory of Tucker
Ted, Julie & Kahlin Dempsey - In memory of Amy Dempsey's beloved Tucker.
The Hahn Family - Please help the sick,and homeless find their FOREVER.
The Jones Family for Lily
Maureen Koziol
Gerald Miller
Marsha Putt
Thomas and Karen Scheidt - Keep up the Great work.
Rob & Jennifer Scott - In memory of Amy's Tucker, a special soul who our 2 year old daughter loved to pieces. We did too!
Angela Snell - In loving memory of our boy, Ripley.
The Straley Family
All the Foster Families and Volunteers that open their homes and give their time to ensure the safety and care for our dogs in rescue. Thank you for all you do.
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Christy and Otto Carrano of Otto's Cyclery donation in memory of Haley

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Amy Dempsey in loving memory of her beloved Tucker. "When Tucker and I found each other back in April, 1998- he had been discarded at an animal shelter. He had 100's of bird shot pellets lodged all over his body. I hadn't even thought about getting a dog and then one day I just found myself there, standing in front of his cage. I'm not a religious person, but I can't help but believe that something bigger than myself brought us together. He was everything to me and it makes me feel good to try and help someone who is so dedicated to helping other "discarded" dogs."
Maddie, Tucker and family =============================================
Michelle Fuentes has made a donation in honor of her beloved Ben who is waiting at the Bridge.

In memory of Benjamin (Ben Ben) Fuentes
June 11, 1998 – July 17, 2009

"Ben, our yellow lab came into our lives when he was four months old. In the early years he was a little terror and seemed to get into lots of trouble. Ben had some little quirks about him, but we managed to adjust to them. Soon he grew into the most lovable, devoted and loyal dog. I will never forget those big brown eyes and his famous bulldogging ways. We were deeply saddened when he had to leave us here, but we know his brother Spot would be at the gates of heaven happily waiting to show Ben the way. Ben and Spot once more together again running, playing through endless green fields. Mom, Dad and Alley (sister) think of him everyday! We know he’s healthy, happy and running with the big dogs! Our Ben Ben will forever be in our hearts."

Love,
Mommy, Daddy & Alley Fuentes
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Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of January

January brings in a New Year and new resolutions/goals. IBR's resolution doesn't change from year to year. It's to help all dogs possible, educate the public on the importance of spay/neutering and the preventive ways to fight against heartworm and tick borne illnesses. We will continue our quest to find answers to how and why some dogs suffer more than others, when infected with these illnesses, and hope that our commitment will make a difference. Through your support and belief in our causes, we can move forward towards this year's goals. We would like to thank those that are committed as we, in helping our rescued friends, through your generous donation.

Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Debora Elder for Oliver's vetting
Jaime Davis-For Duckie, Fannie Mae & her pups, & all the other sweet souls IBR is helping.
Carla L Guyer
Identity Sign & Lighting, Inc.
Pat & Art Malcor
Ed Martin
Lee Miller
Steve Morgan
Mr. & Mrs. Casey Morris adopted Peanut
Lindsey Rogers
Tom & Karen Scheidt-In memory of Claire and in thanks for Lynette.
Natalie Ward
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End of the Leash Pet Store in Mukwonago,WI has donated food for our rescues over the year and IBR would like to give a BIG ROO to them for their generosity. It truly is a blessing that many of our dogs benefit from.
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Nancy Haynes-My new rescue Gordon and I would like to help Rory. Rory pictured here
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Sonya Hene adopted Flynn (aka Addison)
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Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of December

December is filled with special holidays for many different cultures. One common thread they all share is, the love to give from the heart. IBR has been so blessed this year and holiday season from so many caring people. We've had the opportunity to save more dogs this year than ever before. We've also been fortunate to give a second chance to those with sever medical issues. All because of you!

IBR would like to wish every one the joyous celebration of your holiday and a New Year filled with wishes coming true.



Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Associates from the Fitz Chem Corp
Mark Appleby in memory of Ripley, who introduced us to Pointers
Paula Bull in memory of Muffin & Cinamon
companions of Steve King & Johnnie Putman
Rebecca Edwards
Roger Groth in honor of Suzy Q and Miley
Mr.& Mrs. Patrick Kelly
The Hahn Family
Mr.& Mrs. Brian Kreul adopted Bobby
Elizabeth Lambert in honor of Marty Lambert
Eduardo Matos
Mr.& Mrs. Brian Muza
Mr.& Mrs. Michael Naplepa, Jr.
Jessica Oldfather & Michael Thiele
Douglas Pauschert
Erik Ritternhouse
Wendy Schild in honor of my Dallie & GSP
Mr.& Mrs. Jeffery Ware
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Anne Davis adopted Gilligan ==========================================
Sharon Decker adopted Lacey
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Mr.& Mrs. Chris Gasik adopted Gidget(aka Cassidy)and and Trixie/Jersey Girl (aka Keira)
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Lori for Tiger Lily
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Barbara Thorson for medical care on Mulberry

Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of November

While we enjoy a fest of fine food and good company that this month brings on Thanksgiving, we can't forget the dogs that wonder aimlessly through the streets looking for their next meal and a warm place to rest. Through the endless efforts of many dedicated animal control officers, volunteers, and kind hearted people, like yourselves, we, at Illinois Birddog Rescue, are able to offer them their meal and the warmth from a loving home to rest their weary bodies. We would like to give thanks to each and every one of you that has helped accomplish this task. Without your support and compassion, we wouldn't be in a position to provide this basic need that is so instrumental to their well being.

Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Mr.& Mrs. Mike Carey
Michelle Cejna in memory of Amy White
Jamie Davis
Lance Druckemiller
Denise Finra
The Hahn family with adopted fur kids Charlie and Larry
Jodi Johnson
Denise Kerr
Maureen Kozioland & fur kid Riley
The Malcor family-adopted furkids Sugar & Ali
Elizabeth Papierski
Tom and Karen Scheidt adopted fur kid Lynette
Lee Schiller
Pamela Szponer in memory of her special IBR girl Cookie
Natalie Ward
Nancy Witzigreuter
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A donation was given for the benefit of IBR, on behalf of Rita Martin's love for life and IBR, by a dear friend of hers, in her honor. Rita and her family adopted their beloved Louise from IBR and Rita loved the joy she brought each and every day. May you rest in Peace knowing that your love for animals and the kindness to others, goes on by the ones you've touched throughout your life.
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Jim Crawford adopted Jimmy Choo (aka Chauncey)
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Lance Druckemiller who adopted Tilda
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Laura Flanagan in loving memory of Lord Paxton

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Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of October

brings "trick or treat" and our dogs are happy to oblige. They provide many tricks, some we've never seen before, and the treat is just knowing that they have a second chance of giving someone the special love only they can give. Without your generous support and compassion, this wouldn't happen. Thank you is such a small sentence, but it has such a big heartfelt meaning..


Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Allstate Corp.
Mike and Kathy Bytner
Christy and Otto Carrano of Otto's Cyclery
Jaime Davis
The Malcor Family
Eduardo Matos
The Mendota Company for their donation of leashes
Lee Miller
The Morgan family
Alice Moss for medical assistance for Andy
Oto's Cyclery
Donna Ramos
Bob Riggin
Erik Rittenhouse
Catherine Royalty
Alan Schmidt
The Sternberg family
The many friends of IBR that made donations
to Birddog Balooza 5
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Crowe Howath BSR made a donation in the memory of a good friend and colleague and a friend of IBR, Amy White. Amy was part of the IBR family for some time and instrumental in providing a safe haven for many dogs in need. She will be dearly missed by family, friends and the dog rescue community.
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Emily Clark and her special IBR girl, Greta (aka London)
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Julie Miller who adopted Sully and Nikki

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Jim Peters & family who adopted Tanner (aka Cruiser) and his fur sister Annie
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Kristy Zelewsky, foster mom to Viola and Edward, for her generous donation of vetting expenses.

Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of September

Labor Day is thought of as the working man's holiday. Illinois Birddog Rescue doesn't get the day off. We work very hard each and every day, 24/7, to ensure the safety and well being of all the dogs that we are capable of helping. We have you to thank for this. Without your generous donations, we suspect that this holiday wouldn't be one of cheer, but one of fear. Fear that we didn't do all we could to help those in need. Thank you for believing in us and our cause.

Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Depasquale Family
The Kroll family for Ophelia's medical needs
Malcor Family
Rebecca Meier
Steve Morgan
Donald L Pumfrey donation to help Reaghan
Tom and Karen Scheidt
Monika Soja

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Scheidt family adopted Lynette. She is now enjoys the life of a Queen!

Rebecca Meier adopted Freckles

Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of August

The dog days of summer are here. For Illinois Birddog Rescue, every day is a dog day, just the seasons change. As we take this time to enjoy the wonderful weather with our companions, we can't help but to reflect on those we couldn't save.

We have been very fortunate that people have opened their hearts to help over 2o dogs so far this year. Without your generous donations, these dogs wouldn't of had the chance to experience what a real "dog day" is. Thank you for all you've done.

Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Anonymous Donor
Danica Barreau
Anne and Roger Davis
Jamie Davis
S.L. Decker
Sue DePasquale
Yukiko Gates & family in memory of Hunter
Jennifer Henderson in honor of Chris Dewey, an AKC agility trial judge
Bekah Klarr
Steve Morgan
Catherine M. Royalty
Shipp Family in memory of their beloved Maggie and our dear foster girl Maggie

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Pat & Art Malcor with gratitude for saving our girls, Sugar and Ali. Ali 2nd from left, Sugar on right end

Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of July

The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by Congress on July 4th, 1776, states in part, “All men are created equal”; they enjoy “unalienable Rights” these rights include “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.

Illinois Birddog Rescue believes "Freedom" from neglect and abuse plus the "Independence" from cruelty are "unalienable Rights" given to all creatures. Without your generous donations, we would not be in a position to ensure "Life, Liberty, or the pursuit of Happiness" that 750+ dogs have come to know. Thank each and everyone of you for your belief in us.

Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Anonymous
Christina Bach
Julie Bisping
Lesley Brown
Jaime Davis
Diane Erwin
Dawn Hahn- Dedicated to Charlie and Larry
Hahn Family for Dempsey's medical care
The Hohensee Family
Stephanie Jankowski
Jodie Jeskie
Maureen Koziol for Maggie's care
Leon & Diane Lake
Yukiko Akimoto McFarland
Steve Morgan
Raymoure Family
Sharon Roddy for Dempsey's care
Stephanie-Dedicated to Belle and the rest of the Gang
Tina
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Without the tender loving care provided me from an angel, I wouldn't be here today and looking for a long and happy life.
I owe my life to,
Dr. Libby from
Creature Comforts
Lancaster, OH 43130-8819
Puppy Kisses Forever, Dempsey
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Anna Fliege adopted Georg Von Trapp
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Tom and Karen Scheidt in memory of their beloved Clair."I never knew a dog who enjoyed life more than Claire. She experienced more in her short 4 years of life than most dogs experience in 12 years. She loved to be touched and petted and even demanded it of strangers. Claire was also the most vocal dog I have ever known as she ‘roooo’ on a constant basis when she thought it was time to walk, eat, or just needed attention. Just like a human child she would wake us up in the morning when she felt she should be fed or walked by pushing us with her paws. And her cuteness would get her out of a lot of trouble. I don’t think she was afraid of anything and just lived life to its fullest."
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Chad Hallonquist for Maggie's hospice care in memory of a true companion, Baxter. "When I saw Maggie’s story, it touched my heart, and I wanted to do something to help her. It made me feel good that I was able to do it in the memory of my buddy, Baxter.""Baxter’s sweet face and velvet head that I wish so much I could kiss once more. He was gentle and friendly with everyone, both people and animals. He blessed me with a beautiful friendship for almost 9 1/2 of the greatest years of my life. He fought a courageous 11 month battle with hemangiosarcoma to become the University of Minnesota’s longest surviving patient with that type of cancer. I know he will lovingly greet all who join him at the Rainbow Bridge while he waits for us to finally be together again."
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Pat & Art Malcor in memory of sweet Wally
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Mary Jo Mikottis and her beautiful Pointer, Howard
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Nancy Hahn and Jim Holland made a donation for the celebration of Dawn Hahn's birthday. Dawn and husband Donald adopted 2 IBR dogs and give IBR valuable time and efforts in our fundraising efforts. Happy Birthday Dawn and thanks for all you do for IBR. Donald with Charlie and Larry.
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Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of June

June is the start of warmer weather where one can get out and play with their companion. The dogs in our rescue wouldn't have this opportunity without the generous donations from people like you. Thank you for giving them their second chance.



Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Anonymous
Jan Burroughs made a generous donation for Melody, in honor of her own special girl, Pearl (see picture in May's donations) who is waiting at the Bridge.
John Conto in memory of his beloved Abby and Sophie
Jaime Davis
Michelle Davis-for my 3 angels: Honey, Ginger & Belle
The GE Foundation Matching Donation
Judith Gussler
Anne Hornyak
Yanitsa Kirova and James Liakos
Sally Kreul
Leslie Lindsay
Michael Madden
Jason Martin
Yukiko & Paul McFarling
Lee Miller
Steve Morgan
Danielle Radtke
Dawn Lee Reichl
Erik Rittenhouse
Wendy Schild
Laura Williams

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Julie Bisping with Gypsy


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Cathy Royalty and her beautiful babies

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Eric and Cathy Sandburg with fur kids Brie,Cheddar, and foster Shirley Partridge

Wes Memorial Fund Donations for the month of May. A Month of

Beginnings, where Mother Nature awakens the flowers into beautiful blossoms. We would like to think we do the same. By giving the scared and frightened, the sick and the old, a chance to bloom into a confident dog once again. Without your generous donations, we couldn't accomplish this. Thank you, from all of us.

Our Deepest Appreciation to the following people for their generous donations;
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Lynn Clesen
Trayce Krawczyk
Rita & Tony Tyoma

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Jan Burroughs' donation for Melody's care is made in memory of her beloved companion, Pearl. "In memory of Pearl, faithful friend, loving companion, adventurer and protector. A shelter dog who found her forever home with us for 13 years. Always remembered; always missed."

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Diane Erwin, a dedicated dog lover and volunteer for saving those in need, donated the medical expenses on 2 precious dogs. Pictured here are her own true loves, Trudy and Grace.

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