Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Gerali.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, I knew I had to do something. I saw so many stray dogs and cats on the news covering the disaster and it broke my heart. I reached out to a local rescue in Chicago who was making their way down to help with search and rescue and was able to tag along with them. The week I spent in NOLA changed my life forever. It’s where I realized my passion for helping animals was stronger than I imagined. I came back from New Orleans and immediately dove into the rescue world. Initially, I started out volunteering at a shelter near my home, but the Founder died and the shelter closed. Many of the volunteers from that shelter started another rescue where I served on the board for 2 years before moving to the foundation ALIVE Rescue. That was 10 years ago (March 20th is our b-day) and I have never looked back. The ALIVE Rescue family is one like no other and we could never have accomplished what we have without them.
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 easy and we confront challenges on a daily basis.
One huge struggle that most animal rescuers deal with is compassion fatigue. It’s a real thing and it’s also pretty powerful. Seeing what we see on a daily basis is emotionally draining. It’s hard to stop when we know what’s at stake…. lives. In order to avoid burn out, CF should never be ignored. It’s so important to manage it by forcing yourself to take moments to shut off. Even if it’s only for a few hours. A rescue will not thrive if volunteers are burned out. It also helps to surround yourself with like minded people who can relate to what you are going through and share your feelings.
We also are faced with financial struggles. Caring for sick and injured animals really takes a toll on your bank account. Finding time to raise much needed funds is extremely important. This is easier said than done when you are also juggling a million other balls that rescue throws your way.
Currently, we are struggling with the big picture. What more can we do to make our city a no-kill city? ALIVE Rescue saves animals from local high-kill facilities, offers free vaccine, micro-chip and spay/neuter clinics, helps offer owner support at our animal control four days per week, and awards training grants to families needing assistance with behavioral cases, but it’s not enough. There are days we will visit animal control and save three animals, but while we are there seven animals are dropped off. It makes us stop to ask, what are we doing wrong? What else can we do? Until we are no longer euthanizing animals in Chicago we will work through the struggles.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with ALIVE Rescue – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
ALIVE Rescue is a no-kill animal rescue located in Chicago. We currently rescue dogs, cats and, most recently, rabbits from open access shelters before they are euthanized.
Our core mission statement: ALIVE Rescue is an animal rescue that protects the lives and the rights of animals. We believe every animal has the right to a well-balanced, socialized and fulfilled life. We take on the responsibility to save, rehabilitate and place abandoned, abused and stray animals. We provide medical, behavioral and physical support for animals despite their age, health and/or breed. ALIVE Rescue promotes sustainable living and care giving by building awareness, appreciation and respect for all animals and the environment within our communities.
When people hear ALIVE Rescue in the local rescue community a handful of things probably run across their mind: feral dogs, deaf animals, nursing/pregnant moms, the sick, broken and injured. We do not shy away from hard cases. Our facility, The Little Barn, helps with mission. We are able to take in the shy and feral because we have a place that allows them to come out of their shells at a pace they are comfortable with. We never push our feral dogs and give them as much time as they need. This can sometimes take more than a year. The Little Barn also gives pregnant moms a quiet place to give birth and nurse their puppies until they are weaned. Sick/injured dogs find The Little Barn an amazing “home” while they rest and gain their strength.
For ALIVE Rescue it’s not about the quantity of saves, but the quality of saves.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are really excited to be building a new facility in Salem Lakes, Wisconsin on 70 acres called, The Big Barn. The expansion of this facility will allow us to save so many more animals. Our expected grand opening is the end of 2018/beginning of 2019.
In 2018, we are also expanding our community outreach to include the Parvo Prevention Project. We have watched as puppies come into animal control with viruses such as parvovirus and leptospirosis which are easily avoided by a simple vaccine. Our PPP will vaccinate 3,000 dogs and puppies in 2018.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2227 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60618 - Website: www.aliverescue.org
- Phone: 773.913.8100
- Email: info@aliverescue.org
- Instagram: aliverescue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliveRescue/
- Twitter: aliverescue
Image Credit:
Leah Karabenick, Martin Aspera, Lauren Salzman
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
