Laurie Gainey and her dog, Zee, live with Laurie’s sister, Julie Kerr, in the neighborhood. They’re often spotted together walking their dogs around the community. But Laurie’s love of animals extends well beyond her own dog. Every week, Laurie volunteers at Wags to Wishes, a local animal rescue facility. I got a chance to sit down with Laurie and chat about her involvement with Wags. 

 

In 2021, when a couple of friends asked Laurie if she was interested in volunteering at an animal rescue, she knew it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Laurie jumped right in, helping out at the shelter and fostering dogs. Her first foster was Sadie, a 7-year-old, 95-pound pitbull. Sadie had lived with one woman her whole life who had to go into assisted living. Sadie became depressed at the kennel, so Laurie brought her home for 3 months until she was adopted. Laurie explained to me that bringing dogs into homes helps the ones having a tough time in the kennel. 

Laurie elaborated, “Fostering opens up another kennel for another dog. Many dogs are in city shelters, and rescue organizations like Wags to Wishes help by pulling dogs from these shelters. Sometimes, the shelters even reach out to them.’”

In just three years, Laurie has fostered 11 dogs. I asked Laurie to tell me about a few of her most memorable dogs. She said her longest foster was Kaikai, a 90-pound Giant Schnauzer with a torn ACL. Because of her injury, Laurie knew fostering Kaikai meant multiple vet visits for surgery and post-op care. After 5 months, they found the perfect owner who conveniently had an elevator, a perfect accommodation for Kaikai’s condition.

Laurie also told me about Missy, a black lab that almost became a foster fail - when your foster dog becomes your dog. Laurie’s dog, Zee, quickly bonded with Missy, playing together for hours. But Missy was adopted quickly, and while it was bittersweet, Laurie knew she went to a wonderful home.

 

“People ask how do I give up the dogs? I feel like this is my part in the process of saving dogs. I can’t have 12 dogs. I’m strong enough to say I want this dog to go to a good home.”

 

Laurie’s primary requirement for fostering is that the foster dog gets along with her dog. Beyond that, she’s open to dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Wags provides all necessary supplies, including food, leashes, and bowls, and even vet visits. Laurie also works closely with an adoption specialist to meet potential adopters. Having spent time with the dog, Laurie can advocate for the dog’s needs.

 

“For me, I’m looking to foster a dog that is compatible with my dog. Wags will supply you with everything you need. Also, vet visits, if needed, are paid for.”

 

My personal favorite story Laurie shared with me was that of Smiley, a breeder release who jumped the fence on his first day. Despite a community of people looking for Smiley, including the group Lost Dogs Illinois, he was missing for 12 days. There were many sightings, but Smiley would run from strangers. Laurie made the decision to go to Smiley’s breeder (in Missouri) and bring back another dog familiar to Smiley to lure him back to safety. Not only did Laurie bring back Smiley’s friend, she transported several other dogs ready for adoption. But by the time Laurie returned, Smiley was already rescued, found under a bush, exhausted and dehydrated. Smiley was eventually adopted by a family who had patience for him and lots of love.

 

For Laurie, she was all in from the start. Laurie not only fosters, she also volunteers 8-10 hours a week at Wags as an adoption specialist. Not to mention, she works full time as an insurance agent, is a marathon runner, and an Ironman-level triathlete! If you would like to talk to Laurie about her love for rescue animals, you can reach her at Wags to Wishes on Fridays and Saturdays or you might see her walking around White Eagle with Zee.

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Wags to Wishes, founded in 2013 and based in Plainfield, is a licensed, not-for-profit animal rescue. The facility includes 30 kennels, a training space, and boarding. In fact, Laurie’s sister, Julie, adopted her dogs from Wags as a bonded pair - they had to be adopted together. Wags rescues dogs from various places, including city shelters, breeders, and even hoarding cases. Most recently, Wags took 16 dogs from a hoarding situation in Wauconda, IL where 52 dogs were found in dire living conditions, many suffering from respiratory issues and skin infections. If you are looking to adopt a pet or volunteer, check them out! Find them on Facebook under Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue.