By Judy Carmack Bross
Toby found his forever home just in time for the holidays. |
And others shared dog and cat food at pop-up stations around Chicago. |
Stories of finding forever homes are somehow even more heart-catching at the holidays and we thank Anti-Cruelty for sharing them as well as how they expand their services throughout the whole community whether it is providing food at pop-up centers, medical care and wellness checkups at many locations and public spay/neutering clinics. Anti-Cruelty is more than a shelter. It is a comprehensive animal welfare organization whose mission is to build healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together. An open door philosophy shines and a commitment to a home for every adoptable animal is the daily goal.
Lobby of the newly renovated Anti-Cruelty at 510 North LaSalle Street.
Toby, off to his forever home with a loving mom.
We wanted to tell you about Toby. As a senior dog at 10, Toby had been abandoned in a public park and left to fend for himself. Although nothing is known about his life before he somehow managed a gentle demeanor despite his sad circumstances. Staff told us that his hopeful tail wags stole their heats and he became a favorite during his 25 days in their care, enjoying a cozy blanket and always showing a laid-back and happy attitude. And a volunteer added: “Toby’s journey reminds us that every animal deserves a second chance, and Anti-Cruelty couldn’t be happier.”
So many cats are like Toby, anticipating forever homes. Here’s May, now being fostered and ready for a loving family. Her personality equals her beauty her foster mom Sarah told us.
So many cats are like Toby, anticipating forever homes. Here’s May, now being fostered and ready for a loving family. Her personality equals her beauty her foster mom Sarah told us.
Anti-Cruelty’s new President Darlene Duggan had her first experience with Anti-Cruelty when she adopted a dog from there when she was in the third grade and it set her on a lifetime path. She has had over two decades in animal welfare and at Anti-Cruelty Duggan has held various key roles, most recently as the Vice President of Operations, where she oversaw the animal care, clinic, and field service divisions. Her career began as a shelter manager, where she gained extensive experience working with volunteers, managing and analyzing data, and guiding operations.
Duggan leads Anti-Cruelty with a strong emphasis on essential Open Door sheltering functions such as animal admissions, adoptions, and spay/neuter services. She is dedicated to fostering innovation and adaptive thinking, ensuring the organization excels in traditional sheltering operations and services but she also explores new and creative ways to improve animal welfare.
Duggan is committed to embedding the principles of best Care into the community, ensuring that animals and people have access to services and programming wherever they are. By building strong community partnerships and leveraging innovative approaches, she aims to create a holistic model of care that addresses the needs of both animals and humans, building a humane Chicago. 
Rose Fay Thomas who founded Anti-Cruelty in 1899, was one of the first women in the country to run an organization benefiting animals, but as a woman she wasn’t allowed to sign the incorporation paperwork. Her husband Theodore Thomas, who was Chicago Symphony Orchestra founder and first conductor had to do it. A group of women, including Thomas had gathered to discuss the plight of workhorses in the city. During the 1800s there were no regulations offering support for Chicago’s working animals who ferried passengers, lumber and many goods. They did everything but no one cared about them until Rose Fay Thomas spoke out. Suppressing cruelty to animals, educating the public on humane treatment and creating a refuge for strays was their mission from this first meeting. Thomas oversaw the establishment of the first animal charity clinic in the nation. It included a barn so that horses and livestock could receive care.
We asked Duggan to tell us more about Rose Fay Thomas’s impact and Anti-Cruelty today.
CCM: What is Rose Fay Thomas’s legacy?
DD: Rose Fay Thomas left a profound legacy through her unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals and the fight against cruelty. Her leadership and vision shaped the foundation of Anti-Cruelty, ensuring that we continue to prioritize the care and protection of animals. I am proud that we are carrying forward Rose’s values of compassion for pets and people at Anti-Cruelty.
Cats now lounge in style! The new free-roam cat rooms provide a comfortable environment for adoptable felines.
CCM: What gives you the most joy now at this time to be working with Anti-Cruelty?
DD: The tangible impact of our work for the health and rehoming of animals is what brings me the most joy. From rescuing animals from abusive situations to witnessing them find loving homes, it is incredibly fulfilling. The collaboration between our team, partners and supporters is inspiring and knowing that our efforts are helping to create a more compassionate world for animals motivates me every day.
A Wellness Fair animal a check-up, showcasing the care and resources available to support happy, healthy pets.
The newly renovated adoptable cat area offers cozy, modern spaces where felines can relax and meet potential adopters.
CCM: How can the public be of most help?
DD: The public can be of the most help by stopping by the shelter and socializing with adoptable animals, sharing their stories, and being their champions. Additionally, supporting our programs through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness. Small actions, like adopting and fostering the animals in our pets can make a big difference. Encouraging others to get involved, like corporate and social groups, can help us care for animals.
CCM: What are your top goals for 2025?
DD: In 2025, we are focused on expanding our outreach and humane education programs, improving access to veterinary care and providing resources in underserved communities, and continuing adoption initiatives for animals entering our shelter. Additionally, we aim to strengthen partnerships with other organizations and local authorities to create a broader network of support for animals. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce the number of abused and neglected animals by providing education, resources, and care.
In three hours, the Anti-Cruelty team provided 64 high-quality spay and neuter surgeries, making our animals safer and helping control the pet population.
The newly renovated adoptable dog area features upgraded kennels designed for comfort, safety, and lots of wagging tails.
Meet Nola |
 Meet Lola |
One of the much-anticipated Anti-Cruelty events is the fall’s Pour Your Heart Out benefit, held this year at Sarabande Chicago where dogs and cats arrived briefly to great the guests and share a few cuddles.
We loved seeing how much fun the like-minded supporters had at Pour Your Heart Out with the VIP kitties and puppies and share a few photos below.
This adorable puppy was a celebrity at the recent Anti-Cruelty Pour Your Heart Out Gala.
What fun this kitty was having at the Pour Your Heart Out Gala. In cat language, supposedly when a cat closes its eyes an purrs you have made a friend.
Donors, volunteers and friends celebrate Anti-Cruelty at Pour Your Heat Out Party.
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On December 30, Anti-Cruelty will be hosting the Home for the Howlidays Adoption event. For further information on all Anti-Cruelty activities, visit: anticruelty.org
