| A year of Achievement and Changing Values
In 2005 we have come even closer to realizing our dream of living in a community where no homeless, unwanted animals are being destroyed and where every dog and cat born is guaranteed a good life in a good home. We challenged our county leaders to think out of the box and not accept the status quo while continuing to manage the programs we need to end pet overpopulation. We learned that if you spoke clearly with knowledge and authority we could win victories in the halls of government. Winning approval of hiring Dr. Mehanovic as the McHenry County Animal Control Administrator was a huge accomplishment. His leadership and knowledge has brought many changes in Animal Control policies that are bettering the lives of our homeless animals while still preserving Animal Control mission of protecting humans. As well, our efforts helped bring an air of openness and cooperation among organizations in working together in the community for a common goal. As we go to press we are no longer worried that our Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats will become law. Instead we are working with the county Animal Control to meet the needs of this program for the long haul. The work of hundreds of volunteers has been spent over the last twelve months to assure the success of this program. The many volunteers and supporters of TNR can be proud that their work brought to McHenry County the first county ordinance in the state of Illinois to legalize feral cat work. Our program accomplishments of the past year have been gratifying. We have spayed and neutered nearly a thousand animals through our three core programs bringing us closer to being able to assure a good life in a home for all of our county animals. Keeping animals in homes for their life time and promoting responsible pet ownership also remains a large part of our core program work. Through setting the county standards of microchipping all animals, humane education in schools, and helping individuals who come to us with behavior problems that threaten the animal's longevity in the home... it all adds up to less animals needing homes. We must continue to wage important campaigns on many fronts as there is still much to do. But, it is my belief as we continue to raise the level of our core program efforts in the community and help to continue the improvement of our community's values towards animals, our mission will be fulfilled. The steadfast support of donors, contributors and volunteers throughout McHenry County is what makes the work outlined here possible. We are privileged to be able to pursue this vital effort on your behalf. Gratefully,
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