A Devastating fire Halts Operations at Oak Parks'
Animal Care League

On November 7 a large fire causing a great deal of internal
damage to the structure at 1013 Garfield, in Oak Park destroyed the organizations
ability to help local animals.   Pat Kurtis,  Pat Slogenhop and Phyllis McGee were all
present at the time of the fire and escaped without serious injury and managed to see
to it that all of the animals were saved as well. Dr. Brancel, a veterinarian
and owner of Prairie State Animal Hospital came to the scene immediately.
Dr. Brancel has helped for many years with the Animal Care League, this
time he brought numerous animals with him to treat for smoke inhalation.  All of
the animals recovered by the following morning.

Ingrid Pearson, President of the Animal Care League has had more work than she 
bargained for and many local folks to thank.

The following is an account from Ms. Pearson:

" Dear ACL Board and friends:
     As I'm sure you all know by now, the Animal Care League
suffered a devastating fire today, which caused an estimated
$90,000-$100,000 worth of damage.  By the grace of God
alone, no one was killed, two-legged or four-legged.
     The three true heroines of the day are our shelter
manager, Pat Kurtis, and our volunteers, Pat Slogenhop and
Phyllis McGee.  Their superhuman efforts saved the dogs and
cats at the shelter.  They were the only ones there at the
time the fire broke out, and they functioned like a team to
save all our animals.
     Pat Kurtis made numerous trips in and out of the dog
kennel area, despite her breathing problems, saving every
canine there.  She made her last trip in with zero
visibility and no breathable air, to save Roxy the tiny
puppy, and Sabrina, the husky.  She escaped the building
only by feeling her way along the walls.
     Phyllis McGee boxed and rescued over 60 cats and kittens
as smoke filled the cat room.  She was badly bitten and sent
to the emergency room for her efforts.
    Pat Slogenhop refused to leave when firefighters ordered
her out, because she knew Brandy, the shepherd-mix with a
broken leg was hiding under Pat Kurits' desk.  Brandy was
saved.
     This was not a little fire.  We've lost a lot, but we
could have lost much more without these brave women.  Our
animals are safe, and we owe it all to them."

In an update,  the Animal Care League has added the following:

"We will resume adoptions somewhere, somehow, on Nov 28, but not at Inne
Towne.  People may call our shelter (we still get voice mail there) if they are
interested in adopting, and we'll work something out on a case-by-case
basis, until we're back on our feet. "

The fire looks to have started from the relatively new dryer that
the Animal Care League uses to dry the many towels that are
used daily to keep the animals dry and clean.  There is a great deal
of smoke damage present and the rear of the facility has all of the
insulation burned away.  Insurance will cover most of the damage, but
there is still a need for  items in the immediate future.  The list is as
follows:

Dog food
Cat food (Science Diet preferred.)
Kittly Litter (non-clumping
Cat and Dog toys
Grooming equipment for dogs and cats (brushes, nail clippers)

Checks may be sent to the address below:

:  The Animal Care League; 1013 Garfield; Oak Park, IL  60304.
 Checks should be made payable to The Animal Care League, and if possible,
please note 'Fire Relief Effort' in the memo field.

Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. Please
call Ingrid Pearson at (708) 373-0366. 

Dr. Brancel Web page below:
http://oakparkjournal.com/bus/Dr-Brancel/index.htm