TILTON —

The dogs and cats at the C.A.R.A. no-kill shelter look forward to the day when they can leave their cages and enjoy the love of a family.

Until then, they have several volunteers to make their lives comfortable, clean and happy.

“I talk to them like they’re people,” Jackie Hoshauer said as she cleaned out litter boxes. “It makes me feel good that I’m doing something. It makes me feel needed.”

Hoshauer is one of about 30 volunteers who are part of the Citizens for Animal Rescue and Adoption. The group has operated the no-kill shelter in an old church building near the new overpass in Tilton for about a year.

The basement has been turned into a kennel, where about 100 cats and 10 dogs or so wait for adoption. Since the first of the year, about 140 dogs and cats have found homes.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” said Kim Warner-Blodgett, who has been volunteering since the shelter opened.

“These animals would be dead if it wasn’t for the volunteers. They’re all lifesavers.”

Barb Strader agreed, saying, “It makes me feel good inside. Someone has to take care of them.”

She has a dog of her own and two cats, both of which were adopted from C.A.R.A.

Mike Willett, who also has two adopted cats and a dog, said, “I enjoy taking care of the animals.”

Jennifer Wright, another longtime volunteer, said, “This is a good thing.”

The volunteers are conscientious about keeping everything clean, she said, and they even get the cats out of their cages periodically.

An employee at CVS in Westville, Wright also noted that CVS has a charitable grant that allows employees to put in volunteer hours at various places.

Although the shelter volunteers are dedicated and come as often as they can, more volunteers are needed.

The duties include cleaning cages, feeding the animals, doing laundry, washing food bowls, sweeping the floors, and also participating in C.A.R.A.’s special programs — going to adoption sites, helping at vaccine clinics and transporting animals to spay/neuter surgeries.

The volunteers take a few dogs and cats every Saturday to both Big R stores and Pet Supplies Plus; the animals are available for adoption from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On the second Saturday of each month (next one is Aug. 14), C.A.R.A. offers low-cost vaccines at its site. Twice a month, it takes animals out of town for low-cost spay and neuter surgeries (next one is Tuesday).

Call C.A.R.A. or check out its Web site for more details.

Because it’s run by volunteers, the shelter doesn’t have regular hours. It’s best to call first to make sure someone is there — usually Monday through Saturday afternoons.

The no-kill shelter is full at this point; if a person has a dog or cat to bring in, he has to get on a waiting list.

The shelter runs entirely on donations of items and cash. Some of the needed items include: heavy cardboard-box tops (to use as litter pans); newspapers; bleach, Dawn dishwashing soap and laundry detergent; Purina cat chow complete, Purina kitten and puppy chow and Pedigree small crunchy bites for dogs; sheets and towels; large pet carriers; wire cages; cat litter; and any canned cat food (pate).

The shelter is state-licensed, has its 501c-3, and is inspected by the health department.

Fundraiser

C.A.R.A. also relies on money from fundraisers.

One that’s going on now is the American Legion Post 210 raffle for a 2010 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 Custom. Only 2,000 tickets at $25 each will be sold. The drawing will be at 3 p.m. Sept. 18 at Gutterridge Harley-Davidson.

Tickets are available at: C.AR.A., American Legion on Prospect Place; Gutterridge’s at 1606 Georgetown Road; A&M Klear Waters at 813 Oak St.; Imagine Salon, 15333 Lincoln St., Tilton; CSI Promotional Products, 709 N. Gilbert; Cronkhite Industries, 2212 Kickapoo Drive; Main Street Bar & Grill; Big Four; Little Nugget; and Friendly Tavern.

The animals of Vermilion County are fortunate to have so many options — so many chances to live another day, thanks to C.A.R.A., as well as the city and county shelters.

FYI

To volunteer, adopt an animal or make a donation, call the shelter at 799-8858. Its address is 609 E. Fifth St., Tilton, IL 61833. Its Web site is http:/www.caraillinois.com

The Pets column runs every other Sunday. If you would like to have your pet featured, contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.