Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Monaco.
Jen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started as a foster home in a local rescue in 2002. I started fostering for Animal Heartline in 2005 and soon after its founder Dee Wiet wanted to retire. I took over and we have been plugging along ever since. We are a small dedicated group of volunteers that just simply want to rescue. My foster homes pick who they foster and it works well because we all have certain types of animals and breeds that we love.
We are a nonprofit that takes dogs, cats and birds at this time. We have fosters that like puppies / kittens then we have the homes that love the seniors or the special needs animals. We have even taken on a few hospice animals. I am very lucky to have a great group of volunteers that make this all possible.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Rescue is never a smooth road! Dealing with some of the neglect and abuse you see takes its toll. Matching and animal to the right family can be a challenge. Sometimes you have several great family’s applying for the same animal and other times you have a really great animal with no applications.
For me the hardest part is going to animal control and wanting to help them all but knowing we don’t have the space. So, I would say finding foster homes is our biggest obstacle.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a small foster based rescue that loves the overdo. I would say what sets us apart is we often take animals that we know might not adopt quickly. The old, the shy, the blind or ones that require a bit more medical care. We take all breeds so that doesn’t limit us to only taking one type of dog. Dogs have always been our main focus but if we have a qualified foster willing to take other animals we are thrilled to do so.
Recently we teamed up with two other local rescues to create The Power of 3. We wanted to spotlight special needs animals. Animal Heartline, Chi- Town Pits and K9 Enrichment makes up the trio.
What were you like growing up?
I was very shy when I was young and my cat and dog were my best friends. I was born with bilateral clubbed feet so sports have never been my thing. I had several surgeries as a kid so I spent a lot of time feeling like I didn’t fit in. I think that’s when my love of animals started. As a teen I was a bit of a wild child and didn’t listen to rules. Breaking those rules included bring home animals. Luckily for me my parents mostly took it in stride. I loved riding horses or just being around them. I have always loved music and reading as well.
Contact Info:
- Address: Mailing address 21w214 Briarcliff Rd Lombard IL 60148
- Website: Animalheartline@hotmail.com
- Phone: 630-341-3411
- Email: animalheartline@hotmail.como
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/animalheartline/
Image Credit:
Carolyn Schroeder
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