When St. Charles resident Roberta Stengler and her husband adopted their Labrador mix Beau from Rover Rescue dog shelter, it most certainly was not planned.
"Our son kept sending us pictures from Rover Rescue," Stengler said. "We don't know if it was just a weak moment or if we were totally crazy. We had the independent life and no responsibility, but we found having a pet is wonderful."
Since adopting the dog in January, Stengler said she¹s been very happy with her decision and glad to have Beau around. She said Beau is always happy, and his morning walk keeps her and her husband healthy and active.
"I've had a wonderful experience," Stengler said. "He's really a sweet, smart dog."
The city of St. Charles chose July to help two local animal shelters ‹ Rover Rescue of Aurora and St. Charles-based Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets. Christmas trees with ornaments representing items needed by the shelters have been set up in City Hall, and at the St. Charles Police and Public Works departments.
St. Charles human resources administrative assistant Teri Grandt, who is also a dog foster coordinator for Rover Rescue, said this is the first time the city has done a "Christmas in July" giving tree solely for animals.
"Dogs and cats really don¹t care if they get presents in July or at Christmastime," Grandt said. "The giving tree has always been there, but it¹s almost been more of a push toward (people)."
Grandt said public response has been great. The city has filled a room with gifts they¹ve collected because of the giving tree, and some people have even dropped off checks for Rover Rescue and HELP, according to Grandt.
"It's just a nice little thing to help out," Grandt said. "It¹s definitely huge. It just makes people more aware. It¹s not so much getting the donations as it is making people aware that these groups are out there."
Grandt said all animals available for adoption through Rover Rescue and HELP already have received necessary shots and been spayed or neutered. Additionally, because the animals have been living in a foster home, the foster parents can give potential adopters insight into their personalities and behavior.
Stengler said it¹s important to help these pets find homes instead of being euthanized.
"No matter what your age is, I really just think (pets) bring a wealth of unconditional love," Stengler said. "I think it¹s very important for people to be aware that there are pets that need homes."
How to help
Missed Christmas in July? It¹s not too late to help. For information on Rover Rescue and HELP, visit roverrescue.org or helpinganimals.org.
St. Charles, IL —
