Harley’s Story:
I’m Harley, a 3-1/2 year old Weimaraner. I was surrendered to Heartland Animal Shelter in Northbrook Illinois along with 4 of my siblings by a breeder that couldn’t find us a home. My shelter name was “Wild Thing”, which should give you a clue about me. I was a bouncy, playful guy that was given lots of love and attention in my days at the shelter.
One day at the shelter, volunteers Jim & Debbie came in to spend time in the kennels walking dogs. Jim immediately fell for me and my siblings the minute he saw us. They inquired about us with hesitation, since Weimeraners are known for their high-energy and they already had 2 other dogs at home, Heidi a German Shepherd, and Harvard a Lab/boxer mix. Debbie brought Heidi and Harvard in for a meet and greet to be sure everyone would accept me as a new member of the family. Happily accepted by all, I now spend my days playing with my new big sister and little brother, chasing squirrels and burning my energy at Playful Paws Doggy Daycare.
Since Jim and Debbie were volunteers at Heartland and always did whatever they could to help the animals at the shelter, they decided to try to find a way to help even more. With a name like “Harley”, what do you think Jim and Debbie’s favorite hobby was? Riding Harleys of course. Jim had an idea that he and Debbie could combine their two favorite hobbies – riding Harleys and helping animals to start a fundraiser to help Heartland Animal Shelter. Motorcycle riders spent much of their time riding for charities because it gives them a place to ride and join a group of friends while supporting a charity. Most riders are animal lovers with a heart of gold under all that leather, and love to share their passion with other riders. In September 2007, Hogs for Dogs and Kitties Too! was born, with me, Harley as the spokes dog to help all my furry friends at Heartland. Posters and flyers were sent out everywhere with a caricature of me on a motorcycle. I also became the icon of Hogs for Dogs and Kitties Too on posters and patches. The event was exhilarating and exciting with our first turn out of 80 motorcycles and over 100 participants, raising over $3000. We enlisted the help of sponsors and raffle prize donations through friends and local businesses. The parade of motorcycles and vehicles rode 60 miles through the northwest suburbs and the after party was held at Side-Outs Bar & Grill in Island Lake, with food, refreshments, live band, and raffles.
Each year, the Hogs for Dogs and Kitties Too ride is held the 3rd Sunday of September and it grows and grows. As Debbie and Jim prepare for the fourth annual ride, they continue to attract riders from all over the Chicago-land area raising awareness of our small community shelter and increasing the pool of potential adopters who have learned about Heartland. The ride continues to be a big success raising funds to support our not-for-profit shelter, which houses over 40 dogs and 100 cats at any one time. This helps all my furry friends have a safe haven to live until they find their forever homes, where they can live happily ever after like I do now with Jim, Debbie, Heidi and Harvard.
Heartland Animal Shelter would like to say Thank You to all of the wonderful people who attended the 5th Annual HOGS for Dogs & Kitties Too event for the animals on Sunday, September 18th. A big Thank You also to all of the 2011 Hogs for Dogs and Kitties Too raffle prize contributors and volunteers! Thank You all from the bottoms of out hearts!
**Click here to learn about Heartland Alumnus Harley and how HOGs For Dogs and Kitties Too started!
Jim and Debbie McHugh
Harley and Harvard
Lillian Bachan
Harley’s Grandma
Rustbucket
John & Jeanette Andrews
Phil Seils
Jerry & Side-Outs
www.sideouts.com
The Family of Mo' Feinblatt
Northstar Group
of Buffalo Grove
Sudsational Hand Car Wash
Prospect Heights, IL
(847) 353-8120
Freedom Performance Exhaust
Harley Davidson Products
Marriott Theatre
in Lincolnshire
Preiser Animal Hospital
(847) 827-5200
Garden Fresh Market
Arlington Heights
Starbucks in the Glen
Einstein Bros.
All Heartland
Volunteers & Staff
Buca di Beppo
Lynfred Winery
Roselle, IL
Rob Roy Golf Course
Prospect Heights, IL
PF Chang's
Northbrook, IL
Superdawg
Chicago & Wheeling, IL
C-Line Products Inc.
Mt. Prospect IL
Bradford Exchange
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Stay A Modern Dog Hotel
Chicago, IL
Hooters
Melrose Park, IL
Johnny's Kitchen & Tap
Glenview, IL
Wa-Pa-Ghetti's Pizza
Wheeling, IL
Riggio’s Restaurant
Niles, IL
Prewards
Ravinia
Dakota Digital
Automotive Products
Thank You to all of the Wonderful 2011 Hogs for Dogs and Kitties Too Contributors!
A big Bow-Wow and Meow from all the animals at Heartland!
