Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation

05/30/2026

Male found near Austin and belleplaine. No tags, no chip. Please have owner contact the 16th District Chicago Police Department at 312-742-4480.

Must have proof of ownership.

Due to new Chicago Police Department Special order, this dog will be transferred to Chicago Animal Care and Control.

05/26/2026

Good evening,
The owner reached out to us to see if we can help Bruno. Tomorrow is day 10 of being at CACC. They are full and most likely he will be euthanized tomorrow. We asked the owner about the bite history. She was very transparent and this is what she said:

“The circumstances that led to Bruno and the bites was he 1st bit my sister but on that occasion, my sister and my niece was holding my daughter back from running down the stairs after someone and I believe he was protecting my daughter and the ,2nd time he went after our cat which was surprising and unfortunately we had to put our cat down.”

If you can help Bruno, please let us know. If you cannot, please share amongst other rescues or just share to help him get out of CACC.
Thank you 🙏🏼

05/25/2026

Let’s pause for a second, lower our heads, reflect on our lives, say a prayer, be grateful, be humble and remember those who sacrificed their freedom and their lives so we can have ours 🇺🇸

05/24/2026

Fireworks may be fun for people, but for many dogs they can be frightening and overwhelming. Loud noises, flashing lights, and open doors during celebrations can quickly lead to panic and escape. A little preparation before the fireworks begin can help keep your dog calm, comfortable, and safely at home.

05/24/2026

Male dog found near Madison and Central on May 17, 2026; extremely matted, severely emaciated, no tags, and no microchip. The finder gave him a few baths and also trimmed all the matting. He was turned over to our rescue yesterday (May 23, 2026).

The finders named him Carter, and he now responds to it… so Carter it is. ❤️

Volunteer Allison traveled to the West Side to pick him up and bring him to Portage Park Animal Hospital to see Dr. DiCiaula.

At the same time, we were doing a home visit and introduction with Victor and Lily. Sadly, due to Victor’s unpredictable behavior and the likelihood of exposure to grandchildren, it was determined that it would not be the right match.

That said, it was an absolutely amazing home and would be perfect for a future GSRF rescue (thank you Andrea Sperath for sending Dorothy our way).

During the visit, we mentioned that a new dog was coming into rescue and would likely need to go to Best Friends Pet Hotel, who graciously help us in a pinch with rescue-discounted boarding rates.

While we are incredibly thankful for our boarding facility partners, we always prefer a foster home environment whenever possible. It allows new dogs to decompress, feel safe, and begin working on routines like potty training in a real home setting.

Without hesitation, she stepped up immediately and said yes.

From there, we drove to our friends at PET WANTS Chicago North on Devon to get some food for Carter. (They generously donate food for every new pup that joins the GSRF family; thank you Ewa and Chuck!)

After dropping the little rascals, Lily and Victor, back at home, we headed to meet Carter at Portage Park Animal Hospital.

Carter currently weighs only 32 pounds and should likely be at least 50 pounds. It’s difficult to tell because of the condition of his coat, but underneath all that fur he is skin and bones.

At first, he was timid, barking and growling a bit out of fear and uncertainty. But after about 15 minutes, he relaxed and completely warmed up to us.

We then took him to his new foster home.

Apparently, we found another dog whisperer… because there was no 15-minute introduction needed there. Carter immediately connected with Dorothy like they were long-lost friends.

His foster has already started him on a carefully planned six-small-meals-a-day routine to help him safely regain weight and strength.

Once Carter is medically and emotionally ready for adoption, his foster will get first choice. If she says no — and keep in mind we currently have about a 98% foster fail rate 😄 — then he will become available for adoption.

Welcome to the GSRF family, Carter.

05/23/2026

He was sent to CACC and the owner had to drive all the way there to pick him up.
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Male found near Elston and Central wearing a blue collar; no tags and is microchiped; but chip not registered. This dog will be transferred to CACC per Chicago Police Department order.

05/23/2026

Get out of bed and go see Devin at 10am! She clearly misses everyone! Devin is a GSRF alumna and is super cute! Stop by at PetWants and say hi to Devin! 😎😍

Devin can’t wait to see everyone this Saturday! 🐾
Currently pretending she’s calm and patient… but she’ll absolutely bark with happiness when you come in. 😂❤️”
🐾💕

05/21/2026

The finder let the dog out to use the bathroom and the dog took off on her. The dog was not leashed.

The dog is no longer in Rita Karlo’s possession.

If you see this pup, please don’t chase. Try to sit on the ground and see if the dog comes to you. From our understanding the dog is scared and timid.

Thanks 🙏🏼

05/21/2026

CASE UPDATE — PEOPLE v. THOMAS MARTEL | 23CR0852301

Cook County Criminal Division | Courtroom 108, Skokie

Today was a good day for the Shellys.

At a previous court date, ASA Danielle Levin argued the State's motion on proof of additional crimes before Judge Kanter. She did what she has done throughout this case -- she was prepared, precise, and persuasive. Today, Judge Kanter issued her ruling: the People prevailed.

What that means: when this case goes to trial, the jury will not hear about one isolated incident. They will hear the full story. The pattern. The acquisitions. The replacements. The admissions. Everything.

That is a significant win, and ASA Levin earned it.

Defense attorney Brown was surprisingly quiet today.

Barring any further delays, and we have learned never to take that for granted in this case, the next and likely final court date before trial is:

June 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | Courtroom 108
Skokie Courthouse | 5600 Old Orchard Road

This is a status date for the court to set trial decorum ahead of the June 22 trial date. We encourage anyone who has followed this case to be there.

When Thomas Martel is convicted and we know he will be convicted, the question of how he is sentenced will be as important as the verdict itself.

Illinois law under 730 ILCS 5/5-8-4 gives Judge Kanter the authority to impose consecutive sentences when the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and character of the defendant require it to protect the public from further criminal conduct.

We believe the facts of this case meet that standard; and then some.

Nine felony counts. Multiple victims. Each one a separate living creature subjected to deliberate, premeditated torture.

A defendant who by his own admission had been doing this since he was eight years old.

This was not a single incident. It was a course of conduct. Each Shelly was a separate victim and deserves to be treated as one by this court.

Concurrent sentences would allow these counts to be swallowed into a single term. Consecutive sentences mean each victim is counted. Each act of torture is answered for; individually.

NEARLY THREE YEARS our Court Advocates have been in that courtroom. We have documented every hearing, every motion, every ruling. We have watched the State build and defend a powerful case at every turn.

We will be there June 17. We will be there June 22.

For the Shellys. All of them.

Next court date: June 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. | Courtroom 108 | Skokie Courthouse
Trial date: June 22, 2026
Case No. 23CR0852301

Full story:

Wicker Park man tortured, killed at least 6 kittens since May, officials say: 'Kill that one, get a replacement. Kill that one, get a replacement.' - CWB Chicago https://share.google/slyXcVFsEpw2aUKEv