Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Dieter.
Ann, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became a part of Harmony House for Cats when I joined their staff in 1980 as a cat caregiver and adoption counselor. After 5 years as a staff member, I took a different day job, but have continued at HHC as a volunteer / board member ever since. The staff, volunteers and cats are like my second family. I currently serve as Board President, coordinating fundraisers, and assisting with social media.
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?
Harmony House struggles on a month to month basis to pay for veterinary care, food and supplies. If we had more money, we could save more lives. One badly injured cat can throw the medical budget out of balance, and we work hard to raise the funds for each cat or kitten admitted. We use social media to reach new supporters, volunteers and adopters every day, and are so grateful for the ones that become of our organization.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Harmony House for Cats story. Tell us more about the business.
Harmony House shelters 80-90 cats and kittens in a cageless homelike environment with a focus on Special Needs animals. The large adoption rooms allow staff to assess what type of home would be suitable for each cat, and allows adopters a relaxed space to interact with various cats and kittens while choosing a new pet. Our priority is to accept Chicago strays that otherwise would be surrendered at Chicago Animal Care and Control. Every Harmony House cat or kitten receives a thorough medical examination, spaying or neutering, Feline Leukemia and FIV testing, vaccinations, treatment for ear mites, fleas and internal parasites, and an AVID microchip. Many cats arrive injured or sick, requiring specialized treatment plans and follow-up care for injuries. Harmony House currently treats cats with diabetes, loss of an eye, broken bones and abscesses, thyroid imbalance, and cerebellar hypoplasia. These Special Needs cats can be placed in homes after their condition has been stabilized. If a cat requires ongoing medications, the staff will network to place the cat in a home that can provide lifetime care for their condition.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have never felt especially lucky or unlucky in my life, but I do believe in hard work and karma. I am blessed with incredible friends and family, and I think the positive energy from the kindnesses we do for others come back around to us.
Pricing:
- Adoption fee for a kitten or cat up to 7 years old -$100
- Adoption fee for a cat over 7 years old – $50
Contact Info:
- Address: 2914 N Elston, Chicago, IL 60618
- Website: www.hhforcats.org
- Phone: 773-293-6103
- Email: info@hhforcats.org
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