On June 18, Making a Difference Rescue in Channahon is hosting a couples bowling fundraiser at Town and Country Lanes in Joliet.
Can’t find someone to share the fun? Come out anyway. You’ll be paired with another bowler that is also enthusiastic about the cause. All proceeds benefit the rescue.
“We don’t have a set goal we’re trying raise,” said founder and president Liz Bagley of Channahon. “We’re just thankful for anything we’ll receive.”
The rescue recently removed eight dogs from death row. Some of the rescue’s animals come from shelters that don’t open to the public. One pit bull, used as bait in fights, recently had an eye removed. Another dog recently had a leg amputated.
Another dog, Samson, was found half-buried in the snow; his matted, overgrown hair kept him from freezing. The rescue’s adoption fees often do not cover the cost of preparing an animal for a permanent home, so the group depends on donations and fundraisers.
One unique feature of this rescue is its post-adoption home visits when volunteers check for smooth transitioning and owners can ask practical questions about the pet’s care.
In addition, Making a Difference Rescue offers a 14-day trial period. If a particular dog or cat is not fitting well into the household, the adoptive owners may return it for a full refund.
“This is how we stand behind finding the best home for our dogs and truly making a difference for them,” Bagley said. “A lot of the owners become like family and continue to send pictures.”
Even if you can’t bowl, consider becoming a foster parent, especially for a cat. Because cats are more independent and less adaptable to new circumstances, finding people to foster and adopt them is difficult.
“That’s why I’d love to have a facility of our own someday,” Bagley said. “I’d like to take in and help more animals than I do right now.”
The idea for Making a Difference Rescue began 10 years ago when Bagley, battling breast cancer, cared for two dogs near her home, dogs that were often left unattended for days at a time, without food or water.
Bagley would think, “When I get well, I’m going to help defenseless animals.” In 2007, Bagley did just that, by founding the nonprofit Making a Difference Rescue. “Because of my life being spared, I know how fast life can be taken,” Bagley said.
Fact Box: If you go What: Bowling fundraiser event When: 8-11 p.m. June 18 Where: Town and Country Lanes, 2231 W. Jefferson St., Joliet Cost: $40 per couple. Reserve by Sunday Includes: Three games of bowling and shoe rental Contact: Liz Bagley at 815-258-5892, Bob Waters at 815-467-6804 or Kathy Tantillo at 815-685-5189. For more information: Visit www.makingadifferencerescue.com or find Making a Difference Rescue on Facebook
