St. John pet store sponsors second annual fundraiser

A pair of Boxer mixes left tied to furniture at the curb like pieces of garbage. Two pugs whose owner was diagnosed with cancer and can no longer care for the dogs. Two sibling Chihuahuas taken into a pet store and left behind.

They're just some of the stories local animal shelters and rescue groups encounter on a daily basis.

One business, however, is hoping to make a difference in these animals' lives by showcasing their pictures and stories.

Hungry Hound, a pet store in St. John, is hosting its second annual Tree of Hope fundraiser in which 50 photos of pets available for adoption are featured on a Christmas tree in the store.

Each ornament on the tree includes a pet's picture and bio, as well as information about the rescue organization that has the animal.

For a minimum $15 donation, someone can choose a photo off the tree and then choose where that donation is sent. Five rescue groups are participating this year: Humane Society Calumet Area, South Suburban Humane Society, Cause 4 Paws, Safe Haven Rescue and Tiny Paws and Claws.

"They aren't necessarily sponsoring that specific pet," said Linda Martis, Hungry Hound trainer and organizer of the fundraiser. "It's symbolic in that it puts a face on a homeless dog, cat or bunny. It personalizes their giving and that's what we wanted to do."

The donor has the option of taking the ornament home, though Martis says many opt to return the ornament to the tree so that others can see that pet's story.

The tree also allows those looking to adopt a pet to see some of the ones available at local rescues.

"We had a couple of those happy endings last year and we're hoping to have more," Martis said.

Last year, Hungry Hound raised more than $4,700 for rescue groups participating, owner Shelley Becker said.

"People also can come in and not choose an ornament, but instead make a donation to be split among the five groups," she said.

Martis, who makes the ornaments for the tree, says many of the stories are heart wrenching. "There's a little guy named Mark this year," she said. "He's a lab puppy who was found with a cast on his leg — no microchip or anything. They think he had a broken leg for six weeks."

Before the fundraiser is over, Martis says they hope to have the rescue groups participating bring in some of the animals on the tree so that customers can meet them.

All donations made are tax deductible, Becker says. The fundraiser will run through Jan. 2.