PAWS Chicago's Guardian Angels Program

Oct 31, 2007

Saving Animals for Generations

PAWS Chicago’s recently launched Guardian Angels program has had remarkable appeal, with 185 pet lovers already committing to leave homeless pets in their will by making a bequest to PAWS Chicago. Not only are these caring individuals helping to save the lives of homeless pets for generations to come, but they also are securing their own pets’ future. Guardian Angels are invited to enroll their pets in PAWS Chicago’s Pet Care Program, which ensures that these enrolled pets will be taken care of for life with each individual pet’s needs taken into consideration during placement. 

Should Something Happen to You, PAWS Chicago’s Pet Care Program Is a Safe Place for Your Pet 

For decades, people have left traditional animal shelters in their wills, expecting their pets to be well cared for—not realizing that, often times, their pets would be killed, along with the majority of other pets entering the traditional shelter. In many of these shelters, being over six years of age or in need of teeth cleaning would mean an automatic death sentence for a cat or dog. PAWS Chicago’s new program provides peace of mind for animal lovers who have no family or friends able to care for their precious pets. As a No Kill shelter, PAWS Chicago is committed to each and every pet that ever enters the adoption program. The only justification for euthanasia is for pets who are irremediably suffering, the humane alternative that any pet owner would make for their own pet, or for vicious dogs that have bitten a person, though unprovoked, and have been evaluated as “dangerous” by a behavioral expert and their prognosis for rehabilitation is poor. 

Become a Guardian Angel 

By making a planned gift or bequest to PAWS Chicago, you are enrolled as a Guardian Angel. Guardian Angels are listed at the PAWS Chicago Adoption & Humane Center. As a Guardian Angel you will be invited to special events and activities where you will meet other caring people who value animals. Contact Deborah Chapman at (773) 843-2508 or email guardianangel@pawschicago.org for more information on estate planning and the PAWS Chicago Guardian Angel Program. 

Guardian Angels Leave a Legacy for Homeless Pets 

Lynda and Larry Stein have made an important decision that will affect the lives of so many homeless pets – they have made a bequest to PAWS Chicago’s Guardian Angel program. The Steins have always been involved with animals. Impressed with PAWS Chicago’s Community Outreach program, Lynda quickly became an active Community Outreach volunteer. A dedicated woman, Lynda wants to educate schools and city leaders about PAWS Chicago’s mission to help end the killing of homeless pets in Chicago. 

Lynda and Larry are the proud guardians of two wonderful cats - Benjamin and Nigel. Thought of and loved like children, the welfare of these cats weighed heavily on their minds should something happen where they could no longer care for them. By making a bequest to PAWS Chicago, The Steins are automatically enrolled as Guardian Angels. Lynda feels that “not only are we giving a gift that will help all PAWS Chicago animals, we are assured that our two babies will be taken care of if something happens. We trust PAWS to be their caretakers.”