Many of these wonderful pets are available for adoption, while others will be lifetime residents. Because Friends of Strays does not limit acceptance to only "easily adoptable animals," and does not "red line" dogs of breeds or size that might be more difficult to place, FOS is truly a friend of strays.

Share/Care will help the Shelter continue to provide long-term or lifetime care for these pets. Some of these cats and dogs are amputees (but don't know it!). Others are diabetic -- a condition easily managed in a home environment but difficult in a shelter setting. Some are geriatric, and doing well but hoping for a real home. Some pets need ongoing medication. We have kitties with tiny cosmetic problems – missing ear tips (frostbite), thickened ears or a slight tilt of the head (life before Friends Of Strays) from living with untreated ear infections, or clouded eyes -- but those issues don't stop any of them!

Our Leukemia positive cats are great for special people, who only want one cat, or who already have a leukemia positive cat. These cats do so much better in a home environment as do our FIV cats (NOT like HIV) -- we have 5 FIV cats that were Hurricane Katrina rescues. We have deaf cats, blind cats, and cats with neurological issues related to feline distemper exposure before birth. We also have canine residents like Molly, who has a damaged leg, a birth defect.

Trained volunteers can help you learn how to care for a special needs pet, should you decide to adopt. Some pets will be permanent residents; they will benefit from your sponsorship via Share/Care. If you decide to sponsor a pet, we'll send your pet's photos along with his/her story. You may sponsor more than one pet. A Share/Care pet sponsorship is only $25 per year. To sponsor a pet, or to receive information on all of the Share/Care pets available for sponsorship or adoption, please contact us, or call (815) 872-7387 and ask for Donna.

Meet Elizabeth! This darling girl came to FOS with an injured eye. The vet couldn't be sure if it was damage caused by a severe infection or getting hit with an object. The history really didn't matter, because with good care, Elizabeth quickly recovered. She live the quiet life in the Shelter's FIV room. Elizabeth loves sunny windows and laps to sit in.
Adorable Roman! Roman came to the Shelter with very infected ears as well as ear mites. One of his ears had already suffered an untreated hematoma, and so, as any good body will, it healed itself by creating scar tissue and curling over. Roman is a healthy boy, and that special ear does give him a jaunty look even though we all wish he had come to us sooner and been treated. Roman resides in the Shelter's FIV room. His keen interest in all things makes him a delightful companion.
Meet Calder! In keeping with his artistic name, this beautiful boy is always in graceful motion. Calder came to us as an adult. Like many unneutered males with a penchant for scrapping over their territory, Calder was infected with the FIV virus, most commonly passed via deep bite wounds. After neutering, and a bit of good food and care, Calder settled right in. He is in good health, very mellow and sweet.
Winslow the Welcomer! Winslow is a huggable buff tiger in the Shelter's feline leukemia room. Winslow is infected with the disease, but remains healthy and happy. He is the official concierge in that area of the shelter, checking out incoming toys, food platters and treat containers. Mostly, though, Winslow explores faces. He adores people and welcomes all visitors!
Jerzy Jet Energy in an eight-pound package! Jerzy and his siblings Jack and Janie, came to us as abandoned kittens. Sadly, all were already infected with the feline leukemia virus; Jack and Janie passed away. Happily, Jerzy Jet, recovered from kittenhood illnesses related to their pre-Shelter abandonment and neglect. Today, Jerzy is playful, happy and a true jester -- he loves to amuse -- and basks in the delight of making people laugh.
Meet Micah! This fabulous tiger boy was an adult when he came to the Shelter, already FIV positive. Micah is very lovable, patient and polite. He waits until invited up on a friendly lap, then settles in, seemingly ready to purr forever. Micah is a study in calm. He is a joy and a friend.