This past October 7th, we were honored to be invited to Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC) for their 2nd Annual Content for a Cause event. This one meant a lot to me.
Animal rescue has been a passion of mine since I was 8 and brought home my first rescue cat. Over the years I’ve volunteered with groups across Chicagoland, from True Hearts of Rottweiler Rescue to BREW Beagle Rescue, and most recently served on the board at Chicago Canine Rescue. That’s how I found my way to CACC.
CACC deserves attention right now. As Chicago’s only municipal shelter, it has to accept every animal brought through its doors. Yet the city gives it a budget of just $7.5 million to serve 2.7 million people. In comparison, Houston, with 2.4 million people, budgets $15.5 million for its shelter.
Underfunded and undersupported doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Celebrating Chicago Dogs
What makes this October’s Content for a Cause even more special? October is Pit Bull Awareness Month and Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!
Many of the dogs at CACC are pit bulls. The volunteers adore them so much that they’ve coined the term “Chicago Dogs” to help break the stigma these sweet pups face.
Content for a Cause is so important because the shelter invites content creators from all over Chicago to meet the animals at CACC and help promote them. In many cases, these dogs might otherwise go unseen if it weren’t for this special day.
Huge thanks to Sarah, who runs Chicago Shelter Dogs, and Friends of CACC for organizing the day. Sarah works nonstop to get these dogs adopted, and we’re so grateful for her.
Meet Riva and Sacre Bleu!
Breea, our Social Media Associate, joined me for the day, and we got to meet two AMAZING pups, Riva and Sacre Bleu. Both are perfect examples of our beloved Chicago Dogs.
Riva is a young girl who is incredibly sweet and gentle. Sacre Bleu is a fine young gentleman who came into CACC with a gunshot wound to his neck. Can you even imagine?
Despite everything they had been through, both dogs were still so filled with love.
Check out our content below! (Kudos to Breea, who brought our vision to life!)
Now for some AMAZING news!
Both Riva and Sacre Bleu were adopted!
What’s even better? 18 of the 26 dogs featured at the event were adopted!
That’s 18 dogs who got a second chance at life. My heart is full. 💖💖💖
Meet the Chicago Dogs Still Waiting for Their Forever Homes
While we are thrilled that so many dogs found their families, there are still some amazing pups from the event waiting for theirs.
How Can You Help CACC?
It can feel heavy, but the good news is there are plenty of ways to help.
Donate: Support the shelter by purchasing much-needed supplies from their official Amazon Wishlist.
Adopt: Looking for a new best friend? Check out the amazing dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.
Volunteer: Want to get involved at the shelter? Learn more about volunteer opportunities and follow Chicago Shelter Dogs to see the incredible work volunteers are doing every day.
Doggie Day Out: Break a dog out of the shelter for the day! Give a shelter pup a much-needed break and a chance to enjoy life outside the kennel.
Learn more about Doggie Day Out.
Foster: While CACC does not have its own foster program, you can still foster a dog through one of its rescue partners!
Some rescue partners include:
- Dark Horse Dogs
- PAWS Chicago
- Border Tails Rescue
- South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS)
- Hinsdale Humane Society
Find a full list of rescue partners here.
Rescue Is Part of Our Pack
Thanks so much for taking the time to learn more about CACC!
At Matrix Partners, we are obsessed with supporting rescues. Check out our pack’s rescue pets below. We hope the next time you’re looking for a best friend, you’ll consider visiting your local animal shelter first.
And don’t forget, always adopt, don’t shop! 🩷🐶🐱
Beckie
