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Update on the Heartland Shelter Flood (Monday, July 1)
Early on Wednesday, June 26, a water pipe broke under Heartland’s building in Wheeling. The water rose to about two feet throughout the 10,000-square-foot shelter. All 101 animals (25 dogs and 76 cats) were safely evacuated from the building. Within a few hours, they were relocated to other shelters or placed in foster homes. Heartland is forever grateful for outpouring of support from the rescue community and the public. If you are with us, we can endure this challenging time.

Heartland does not expect to move back to the facility until at least the end of August, But this setback will not stop the organization from continuing to save animals. Before the flood, Heartland rescued about 1,000 animals a year, and it’s our priority to support public access shelters like Chicago Animal Care and Control. We rescue animals often overlooked because of their medical or behavioral issues. Our staff is currently scouting several temporary locations where we can hold adoption popup events, and we expect to be up and running within a few weeks.

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HEARTLAND HONORS HERO:

We are indebted to WM Waste Management of Illinois employee Antun “Tony” Maticic for alerting us to the early morning flood and saving the lives of our animals. When Tony came by the shelter every morning to empty the dumpsters, he waved at the cats sitting on the windowsills. On Wednesday, he saw more than the usual number of animals. When Tony looked inside, he saw that the shelter was flooded with two feet of water and called 911. The Village of Wheeling Police and Fire Departments immediately responded. They alerted the staff, who started the process of evacuating the premises.

DONATIONS: If you haven’t yet donated, this is a good time: The Chicago Wolves will match the next $5,000 we raise. Also, please check on whether your company will assist with your donations.

ADOPTIONS: We are still processing adoptions. 

FOSTERS: While all our animals are currently cared for, we’ll need more foster help in the future!

CLEANUP: Professionals are currently handling the situation, but we’ll reach out on Facebook if extra helping hands are needed.

SUPPLIES: Please leave all donations at the front door of the shelter. You can also send donations to Heartland Animal Shelter, 586 Palwaukee Drive, Wheeling, IL 60090. Find our Amazon and Chewy wishlists here.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jenny Schlueter
Executive Director
jennifer@heartlandanimalshelter.org
847-296-6400 x1010