Woman Battles to Retrieve Dog From Animal Welfare League

A Community Rises to Help a Lost Dog

In the quiet town of Oak Lawn, Illinois, a heartwarming story unfolded as a community rallied together to help a woman reclaim her lost dog. The incident involved Michelle Castellanos and her beloved French bulldog, Jack, who went missing after slipping away from their home.

Castellanos had taken Jack inside, but he wanted to be with her husband. Without his collar, which he dislikes, Jack was left vulnerable. Later that day, Oak Lawn police received a call about a stray dog near 91st Street and 49th Avenue. The officer who arrived found Jack without any identification, leading to his placement at the Animal Welfare League (AWL) in Chicago Ridge.

When Castellanos learned of Jack’s location, she rushed to AWL to claim him. However, she was turned away due to the lack of vaccination proof. The only documents she brought were Jack’s AKC registration and a receipt of sale. She also claimed that she wasn’t allowed to view the AWL’s stray-hold, which is required by state law.

Castellanos returned the next day with Jack’s breeder, hoping to provide additional documentation. Despite the breeder presenting his AKC license and Jack’s papers, they still couldn’t retrieve the dog. This led to frustration and a sense of helplessness for the family.

Community Action and Advocacy

The situation escalated when Castellanos’s sister, Gabriella, began sharing updates on neighborhood Facebook groups. This sparked a wave of support from the community, with members calling state representatives and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Jaclyn Macewko, an expert in lost dog recovery, filed a formal complaint against AWL, citing similar issues reported by other pet owners.

Macewko shared her concerns, stating that multiple cases have been reported where dogs were held by AWL without proper documentation. “We’ve watched multiple dogs go to Animal Welfare League and owners report the same problems claiming their dogs,” she said.

This isn’t the first time AWL has faced criticism. In February, Paul Buck’s dog, Lady, was held for 16 days before being adopted back for $190. Similarly, Ashley Tamburrano’s elderly Maltese, Missy, was held for months before being returned. These stories highlight the challenges many pet owners face when trying to reclaim their pets.

Resolution and Lessons Learned

After a long struggle, Castellanos finally managed to get Jack back. She paid a $180 impoundment fee and $45 for the rabies vaccine. Upon reuniting with her 7-year-old daughter, who had cried herself to sleep during Jack’s absence, the emotional relief was palpable.

Christine Higens, executive director of AWL, responded to the situation, explaining that the shelter needed proper documentation to ensure the safety of both the animals and the community. She emphasized the importance of microchipping and registration, encouraging pet owners to take these steps to avoid future complications.

Higens also provided tips for pet owners, suggesting they register their pets with microchip companies and keep their information updated. Local pet stores and animal control agencies can assist with scanning and updating records.

Final Thoughts

The story of Castellanos and Jack serves as a reminder of the importance of proper documentation and preparation for pet owners. While the community’s support played a crucial role in the resolution, it also highlights the need for better communication and understanding between shelters and pet owners. As more people become aware of these issues, the hope is that such situations will become less frequent, ensuring that pets can be safely returned to their families.