Sandy Wisnewski has always had a passion for homeless animals. Even she probably never could have dreamed all she’d accomplish in Lake County after forming her non-profit Animal Education and Rescue (AEAR). From pet assisted therapy to rescue to humane investigations to a youth organization and now a pet food pantry, the Libertyville group is quickly becoming the little group that could in its community.
Wisnewski had started a pet sitting business when she saw a need in 1990 for therapy pets to visit the nursing home where her grandmother was living. She recruited some of her clients and started visiting the nursing home twice a month with her group of volunteers. Wiesnewski really wanted to start a rescue, but with two small children and a fledgling business, the timing just wasn’t right.
In 2003, she had to say good bye to her own two rescued dogs and decided the time was right to focusing on rescuing other animals in need of a home. She started AEAR in memory of her two dogs.
Starting her rescue
“I was always looking for a way to get people and animals together because they have such a tight emotional bond,” says Wisneiski. “I wanted to do more to reach out and rescue animals because I saw such a need in Lake County where we only have two real shelters – Save-A-Pet and Orphans of the Storm.”
She initially started rescuing from outside the area but now pulls 99 percent of the pets from Lake County. Her organization takes in owner surrenders and works a lot with Waukegan Animal Control and some with Lake County Animal Control as well. Her passion for rescue goes far beyond rescuing animals and finding them a home. Wisneski and three other members of her organization are trained humane investigators.
Humane investigations
“Our efforts come into play when there are gaps or flaws in the system,” says Wisneiski. “We may get a call from a community or in an unincorporated area reporting that someone is leaving their dog out 24/7 and local police have not responded. Sometimes the police have been called but don’t know what to do. Unfortunately, only about 10 Percent of local law enforcement has any kind of training for humane investigations. The other 90 percent don’t know what to do.”
One of the more heart wrenching cases was the Muddy Paws Rescue in Deer Park in December of 2010. Kildeer Police found 30 dogs, three birds and an opossum starved to death on the property. AEAR rescued the four surviving dogs, attended court hearings in honor and in memory of the dogs, and also went to the sentencing hearings. All four dogs have found homes and the organization’s youth group sponsored a candlelight vigil to build community awareness. Diane Eldrup, the owner of Muddy Paws has been sentenced to 30 months behind bars, the toughest sentence for animal cruelty in the history of Lake County.
Pet food pantry
At the end of 2011, AEAR and Central Bark Doggy Day Care in Grayslake joined forces to open the Lake County Pet Food Pantry to help pet families in need. The pantry was needed after the pet food pantry that had been open in Lake County, the Pooch Pantry in Mundelein, closed after losing its non-profit status. (See Story.)
“We get calls all the time from people who say they need to give up their pet because they can't afford them anymore,” says Wisniewski. “It is vital that we give people an option of keeping their animal and helping them out while they get on their feet."
Donations
Donations for the food pantry may be dropped off at Central Bark at 256 Commerce Drive in Grayslake between 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Those in need of pet food may pick up from 9 am until noon Wednesdays and Fridays. There is a need in particular for cat food and litter at the pantry. Learn more about AEAR online, follow them on Facebook or call for information on the pet food pantry at 847-816-0831. You may also donate online and learn about volunteer opportuntities as well.
Do you volunteer or work for a shelter or rescue that has programs you'd like to promote? Do you work in a pet-releated business that has an interesting story to tell? If so, contact me at kathypetexam@gmail.com. Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when new articles become available. Just click on the subscribe button above. You may also follow me on Twitter, Facebook or read my blog.
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