NAWS Needs $15K to Stay Open

MOKENA, IL - The NAWS Humane Society of Illinois is in danger of closing after an influenza outbreak killed one dog and resulted in illnesses of several others.

The Mokena animal shelter at 9981 W. 190th St. informed its supporters via Facebook this week that the outbreak has cost them "thousands of dollars over the past few weeks."

"While our dogs are finally on the road to recovery, we are struggling significantly and in dire need of financial help, we are at risk of closing the doors at this point and we are begging for help," the statement, which is now pinned to the top of their Facebook page, reads.

The virus was responsible for the death of one dog at the shelter. It was of "our beloved senior Ambassador, Muffin," according to the statement.

Read More: Dog Flu Outbreak Closes NAWS' Kennel Area Until April

The influenza outbreak was confirmed on March 16 after first noticed the weekend prior, NAWS Chairman and CEO Stacy A. Gaskins told Mokena Patch at the time. A lock down was called to ensure that the virus would not spread, but a reopening date of early April was anticipated at the time.

Gaskins said on Thursday that it would take about $15,000 from donations to "safely buy us time."

Donations are sought in order to keep the shelter open through NAWS' PayPal account and GoFundMe page.

Find the different ways to donate here.