Community Corner

Black Cats & Dogs in Greatest Need of Fostering, Rescue Head Says

Dawn Isenhart of Oak Forest is co-founder of a rescue that specializes in black cats and dogs, which are at higher risk in shelters than other pets.

Many people who want to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter might not realize that some pets are more likely to be euthanized than others.

That is according to Dawn Isenhart, co-founder and president of a foster-based pet rescue called Lulu's Locker Rescue. It specializes in high risk pets, specifically black dogs and cats.

Isenhart said the lack of demand for black dogs and cats is so vast that some shelters will euthanize them outright.

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

One of the basement rooms in Isenhart's Oak Forest home looks like a cat playhouse. Sitting with her and Mike Copp, who also is a part of Lulu's, the pair described to Oak Forest Patch their mission to save pets.

"Really, our mission statement is to pull black cats and black dogs out of high kill situations," Isenhart said.

Find out what's happening in Oak Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Black Cats and Dogs Passed By

There are a number of reasons why pets with black fur are overlooked.

"I think a lot of people go into shelters, especially with cats, looking for special markings—calico and tabby," Isenhart said.

Other people have superstitions about black cats. According to some myths, black cats were used by witches and bring bad luck. Black dog bias or "big black dog syndrome" is well-known among shelters. The phenomenon describes an aversion people have to those particular kinds of dogs.

Black pets also have simpler problem, Isenhart said. They are harder to photograph, which makes it more difficult to market them with pictures on adoption websites.

Inspiration For Lulu's Locker Rescue

"For years prior to this, working with different rescues … that’s where I really saw this need develop, that there was this niche rescue," Isenhart said.

Isenhart started Lulu's in October 2011 with co-founder Erin Lamparter of Chicago. Lamparter helps coordinate efforts with adoption shelters in Chicago. Lulu's works with the City of Chicago Animal Care and Control, the Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, Cicero Animal Control and Treehouse Humane Society.

Rescues will often pull the high adoptable ones and disregard higher risk pets. Lulu's also fosters cats with feline immunodeficiency virus, a disease that affects the immune system of those cats infected. The rescue works with Treehouse to help foster out those cats.

Part of what Lulu's does is provide education to correct some of the myths and false information.

Copp, who is the organization's director of education, said they have a continuing need for good parents.

"We are always looking for fosters.” Copp said.

Foster a Dog or Cat

Lulu's works on the foster system. Isenhart only keeps a few pets—she has several cats with FIV at her home in Oak Forest.

Those interested in adopting can call Lulu's at 708-325-8581 or email luluslocker@gmail.com.

Visit luluslockerrescue.org for more information and to find links to the adoptable pets.

 

Fundraiser for Lulu's

What: Baseball Game Fundraiser to benefit Lulu’s Locker Rescue

When: 7:50 p.m. Monday, July 16

Where: Standard Bank Stadium (Windy City Thunderbolts game)

Sign up for Oak Forest Patch's daily newsletter and breaking news alerts!

Want more community news?


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here