Friends Forever has Christmas wish list

See article here

By Jane Lethlean
The Journal-Standard
Posted Dec 17, 2012 @ 05:41 PM

Freeport, Ill. —

Carol Falconer would like to find permanent homes by Christmas Eve for the 38 cats and 18 dogs in her care at Friends Forever Humane Society. The shelter manager knows it’s a lofty goal, but it’s at the top of her Christmas wish list.

That list is long, but Falconer is encouraged by the outpouring of support from the community.
“We can always use more at this shelter, but with the way the economy is, we have done OK this past year,” Falconer said. “Adoptions were up this past year, but we still have many in our care that need homes. Some are spending their second Christmas with us. This makes me sad.”

For the past month, the shelter has been selling Christmas baskets to help raise money for the care of the animals. Many of these baskets were sold during the cookie walk, which was held Nov. 17 as a fundraiser for the shelter. There are still baskets left to buy. If interested, check at the shelter, Luecke Jewelers or Gemorifics in Freeport.

Falconer said she is grateful for the many people who gave money and supplies this past year, adopted cats and dogs, or just stopped in. She said the shelter’s reputation has brought people in from beyond Stephenson County.

“This past weekend was great when we adopted out a dog named Shorty, who was looking at his second Christmas with us. This makes me smile,” she said. “But, we have seven cats who will spend their second Christmas here.”

In the hope to adopt out more felines, the shelter is having a special through the end of the month. Any cat nine months or older is just $9.99. The shelter will be open Christmas Eve to accommodate Christmas adoptions. They will also be open on New Year’s Eve.

Christmas list

The shelter is in need of someone to donate a lawn mower. There is a total of nine acres to mow. The current mower is not working properly. They can also use gifts cards for Farm & Fleet, Home Hardware, Menards, Staples and Wal-mart.

Wish list

Pedigree small bites dog food
Purina Dog and Puppy Chow
Purina Cat and Kitten food
Interactive dog toys
Cat toys
Dog and cat beds
Clay kitty litter
Kongs
Peanut Butter
Hot dogs (no buns)
HE laundry soap
Dishwasher soap
Blankets
Printer/copier paper
Canon Ink cartridges (220 and 221)
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Dish soap
Bleach

The shelter is located at 966 Rudy Road south of Freeport. The annual meeting will be held Jan. 23 at the Eagle’s Club. Dinner is at 6:15 p.m. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. To make reservations for the buffet style dinner, call 815-232-6164.