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As expected at the beginning of the pandemic, when the number of adoptions soared, the Hinsdale Humane Society saw an influx of animals, including stray animals.

"This is definitely a different challenge because we have never experienced anything like this before," said Jackie Rossi, executive director of the Hinsdale Humane Society. "While we are happy that the adoption rate is high, we are a bit cautious about whether this means that pandemic restrictions are beginning to relax and people are returning to work. If it means more owners surrender, we are a bit cautious - and it does."

Rossi said that the number of owners who have adopted pets in the past two years is still less than they predicted, but this does have a significant impact on space and daily functions, as more animals need to return to shelters.

The shelter currently has 98 cats and about 50 dogs.

In order to reduce some of the burden, the moving companies in Downers Grove and Plainfield, two people and a truck, are cooperating with the Hinsdale Humane Society and businesses across Chicago to carry out "Movers for Mutts" activities. A home for those in need of shelter animals to collect necessities.

This company specializing in residential and professional moving will use their resources to collect donations on December 14th to donate to the Hinsdale Humane Society.

For locations in the Downers Grove and Plainfield areas, the boxes are located in three nearby pet stores: Pets Etc in Plainfield, Pet Supply Plus in Bolingbrook, and Bentley's Pet Stuff in Downers Grove.

Although the pick-up time is Tuesday, Kate Thatcher, marketing manager for "Two Men and One Truck", said her team can also collect items after the pick-up date if needed, because they are Near animal welfare facilities. “If people miss a date, they can bring things to our office as needed, and we can bring it there anytime, no big deal,” she said.

Rossi said that the collected items will be used immediately for animals in shelters, homeless people, rescuers, and cats and dogs ready to be adopted or waiting to be adopted.

Thatcher said the partnership between the family-owned and operated moving company and the Hinsdale Humane Society dates back 15 years, when they first started setting up a booth at the Hinsdale Humane Society's annual 5K pet walk.

Three years ago, two men and a truck helped the Hinsdale Humane Society move into their new state-of-the-art center at 21 Salt Creek Lane.

"They have always been our great customers, and it's great to be able to give back to them," said Thatcher, who worked with her parents, brothers and sisters to help run two men and a truck.

The family raises donations for different business organizations throughout the year. Its mission is to give back to the community. This mission began more than 35 years ago when their founder Mary Ellen Sheets donated her first profit from the business to 10 Different charities.

"Since then, this idea has been instilled in every part of our country because they come together to provide resources and support to those who need it most," said Randy Shaka, president of two men and a truck . "Over time, we took this idea one step further and created our own donation campaign aimed at helping specific groups in our own community who need help."

Around Mother's Day, Thatcher said that they collected items for domestic violence shelters, and now in the months of the holiday, they hope that people tend to buy an extra bag of pet food or toys and throw them into the donation box. "Movers for Mutts" has entered its eighth year, and Shacka added that it is a favorite of company employees and participating communities.

A wish list of items is posted on each box to help shoppers, but Rossi points out some of the things that are most beneficial to the shelter. "We can always use non-clumping garbage for our cats, because the lumps will not drain well from the sewer; dog food, cat and dog snacks, we can always use poop bags," she said.

Other items on the wish list include canned cat food (preferably without fish flavor), Purina Kitten Chow, Purina One dry dog ​​food, cat litter, toys, Miracle Nipples, puppy pads, meat baby food, kitten warmers And more.

Rossi added that the adoption rate is still climbing, and the non-profit organization reported nearly 1,440 adoptions in 2021. In order to raise a new level during the holidays, the Hinsdale Humane Society is holding a promotion called "12 Wanderings of Christmas".

"We selected 12 animals, dogs and cats, that have stayed here for a long time. For whatever reason, they have not found a permanent home. Their adoption fee in December will be $12," Rossi said, adding The average price of adoption fees for the Hinsdale Humane Society is usually $100-350. "The holiday does bring home some long-term babies. The time and possible adoptions are really amazing."

For more information, please visit hinsdalehumanesociety.org.