News & Events
Upcoming Events
Spring Benefit Brunch - Sunday, April 12, 2026, 11:00AM-3:00 PM CST
We are pleased to announce TBA’s annual spring gathering, featuring Linda Harper, PhD as our special guest speaker.
Dr. Harper is a clinical psychologist and author based in the Chicagoland area. For over 40 years, she has dedicated her career to supporting animal lovers, advocates and professionals as they navigate the emotional challenges of pet loss, burnout, and compassion fatigue. Her heart-driven work includes founding a pet foster program, facilitating a pet-loss support group, and creating and facilitating workshops across the country. Her latest book, Gifts of the Journey: Love’s Path through the Loss of a Beloved Animal was published in 2026 and is a gentle guide to help grieving pet owners find peace and a lasting heart-connection with their departed companions.
Please join us to hear remarks and reflections from Dr. Harper, learn more about TBA’s important work, and connect with friends who share a passion for nurturing the human-animal bond. Enjoy a delicious vegetarian buffet brunch - with vegan options - a bake sale of homemade treats, and a silent auction featuring unique items, local experiences and animal‑themed treasures…all while supporting the precious kitties at Touched by an Animal!
The brunch will take place in the beautiful, historic setting of the Erin Room (4th floor) at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Avenue in Chicago.
Early bird discounted tickets are still available for attendees who purchase them by April 1, so make sure to buy yours soon! Regularly priced tickets will be available from April 2-11.
To RSVP for the event, please click on the button below:
What’s New
Help us this Kitten Season!
Touched by an Animal is committed to finding loving homes for our “tossed and found” kittens. We are looking for adopters to help us find loving homes for all the kittens currently in our nursery. Call us at 773.728.6336 OR Click below to view available cats and kittens.
Pets to the Vet Update: Caring for Pets and Supporting the Elderly
Through partnership and community outreach, TBA helped 40 Chicago-area low-income seniors get much needed vet care for their beloved pets in 2025. We’re thrilled to announce the continuation of this program in 2026, where we’re on our way to helping even more seniors this year!
This important work is the result of a partially grant-funded initiative at Touched By An Animal that’s making a real difference for both local seniors and their beloved pets. Thanks to support from the foundation Pets for the Elderly, qualifying pet owners aged 60 and above can receive a comprehensive veterinary exam for their cat or dog—completely covered up to $250 per pet.
This “Pets to the Vet” program enables us to bring compassionate veterinary care directly to seniors in their living facility so there’s no need for travel or stress. Our experienced vet performs standard wellness exams including nail clipping and basic vaccinations. For pets who aren’t feeling well, diagnostic testing is provided to pinpoint the issue. Should further veterinary care be needed that exceeds the grant coverage, TBA is actively fundraising to help support these additional expenses.
As part of this heartwarming program, we capture a photo of each senior with their furry companion to share with the foundation sponsoring this initiative. The celebrating of the special bond between seniors and their pets has been our Mission Statement since the inception of Touched By An Animal.
We are proud to support seniors and their animals and could use your help in identifying retirement communities, senior community facilities and churches where we can organize Pets to the Vet events in 2026. Please contact Pat Spaulding, the program coordinator, at pat.spaulding@comcast.net with your recommendations for locations. We appreciate your input.
If you are interested in assisting TBA in our outreach to seniors, please click here to make a donation. Thank you!
Help Bubba Heal and Thrive!
Among TBA’s many stories of overcoming and inspiration, Bubba’s journey is one that we are moved to share and invite you to help us support his ongoing recovery and healing.
Bubba is a three-year-old male cat who once thrived outdoors – roaming, hunting mice and somehow surviving the elements. Over time, he found human friends and developed a close bond with Gina, a caring community member who regularly provided him with food and affection. When Bubba began experiencing severe eye issues that her gentle care and warm compresses could not resolve, Gina reached out to Touched By An Animal. Bubba was brought to our sanctuary where Executive Director Melanee sprung into action and took him to a vet clinic that provides excellent, comprehensive care for all our cats and kittens.
He was diagnosed with several serious health conditions, needed neutering, underwent eye and dental surgeries, and tested positive for feline leukemia (FeLV). While cats with FeLV can live for years, they must be kept separate from other cats to prevent transmission.
Bubba is now out of the hospital and is steadily recovering. Our veterinary partners and TBA remain dedicated to his ongoing care. As he is still young, Bubba has the potential for a long and happy life ahead!
If you would like to support this special boy’s recovery, please consider making a donation to contribute to Bubba’s care using the button below. Your generosity will help ensure he receives the treatment and support he needs.
Thank you for helping us give Bubba a brighter future – your compassion makes a difference!
Amazon Wish: Please Help Our Kitties!!!
Click the link below and help us provide essential supplies for our influx of Spring Kittens!
Newsletters
The kitties, our staff, and volunteers hope you can “Spring into Compassion” and read our latest Newsletter.
Missed the last one? View here
Carol’s kitten, Baby, is being seen by Dr. Dawn Straily, our “Pets to the Vet” Program Veterinarian
Kitty Yoga aka…PURRLATES: Pilates with Kittens
Stretch, relax, and let a cat judge your downward dog. It’s wonderful. Click here to sign up!
One of the instructors:
Thanksgiving benefit 2025
Join us for our 42nd Thanksgiving Benefit!
November 16, 2025 11:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave Chicago Il 60630
Touched by an Animal invites you to join us for our 42nd Thanksgiving Gala. Together we will share good food, friendship, and the spirit of giving.
Your participation or donation helps provide veterinary care, food, litter and support to all our kitties and allows us to help those who can't provide for their furry companions.
If you can't make it to the gala, please click RSVP to buy tickets!