12 Months, 1,300 Lives Later: Alsip Nursery Rescue Operation Going Strong

It’s been a year since Alsip Nursery changed its ways—and they have 1,300 adoptions to prove it.

Once pegged as a pet store linked to puppy mills, the company and its Frankfort location at 20601 S. LaGrange Rd are now exalted as changing the face of pet stores with its all-rescue approach to rehoming animals.

The company shifted to rescue-based pet operations, and has discontinued purchasing pets from breeders.

“When I took over the company, that was one of my goals,” said CEO Rich Christakes. “I have a rescue dog I’ve had for three years. It’s morally the right thing to do, we have a mission as a company.

“I have a vision as a leader. It’s pretty awesome that we’ve been able to do it.”

Christakes was named CEO in late 2012 and immediately set in motion changes across the board. A veterinary clinic—a requirement for any rescue operation—was put in place at the Indiana location in December 2012. A clinic at the Frankfort location came next, in December 2013.

The company is now listed as “puppy friendly” by the Humane Society of the United States. Puppy Friendly Pet Stores (those that have signed society’s pledge) receive a sign proclaiming, “We love puppies; that’s why we don’t sell them,” to display in the store, as well as free materials for their customers about how to adopt a dog or find a responsible breeder.

Alsip works with several different rescue groups such as Tinley Park PAWS, Garden of the Green Miles and Munster Humane Society. Many of the dogs seen at Alsip come from high-kill situation or shelters.

“They only have so many days in some of these shelters before they’re put down,” Christakes said.

The company has its own transportation network—often tasked with removing animals from substandard living conditions—and foster homes ready to embrace the pets while they await new homes. They also work with Pilots for Paws in lifting animals from dangerous situations.

“Rescue groups come in first Sunday of the month,” Christakes said. “We’ve been welcoming them with open arms.

“I can’t tell you how many people have said, ’we really love what you’re doing.’”

Team ‘Alsip to the Rescue’

Christake is quick to shirk the praise for his company’s transformation. Instead, he said, he owes it all to the team, the ones who drive hundreds of miles to pull animals from often life-threatening situations.

A team led by Sandy Richwalski.

Richwalski is described as one of the “pullers”—a hero of sorts for the animals hours or days from euthanasian. Journeys across state lines are broken down into legs, with groups relaying to carry the animals to safety. They hope to also soon bring trainers in-store.

“It’s never just one person helping,” Richwalski said. “That’s the unique thing about rescue. Our fosters are utterly amazing. They have nothing to gain, except purely their love of animals. They’re opening their homes to these animals, saying, ‘OK, I’m here to help.’

“This is not a one-man show, this is not a two-man show, this is truly a team.”

Though thousands have dogs have come through Alsip, certain cases stick with her. Like ”Tiny Tim,” a Pomeranian whose hind end was immobilized after complications from an infected tail. The four-pound dog had no use of his hind legs. Alsip and its fans rallied to raise the funds needed to create custom “wheels” for the pup to get around. He was fostered until a new family adopted him. Alsip brokered a deal on what would have been a $4,000 surgery, as on-site veterinarian Dr. John Coyne agreed to operate for just $1,500.

“Now he’s not painful, he can glide around,” Richwalski said. “He’s getting a new life now.”

Some are skeptical of Alsip’s motives, said volunteer coordinator Kim Berryman.

“The community, they’re very happy, they see that we’re actually a rescue—that we’re pulling dogs out of shelters, and we’re helping with them,” she said. “The rescue community may not understand. The ones that have actually spent time with us, are actually thrilled. We’re taking great strides that everyone is probably going to want to emulate what we’re trying to create here.”

‘This Is What I Want’

The rescue operations at Alsip can be costly, Christakes said, and they’re relying on community support to keep it affordable.

Adoption fees range between $300-400, based on the pet’s age, but their cost of care for the animal is $505, costing them approximately $105 per dog.

“We’re very appreciative of those who give even a penny,” Christakes said. “We’re saving some dogs that a lot of places might not have been able to.”

He knows some still might not buy their mission, but he’s not giving up hope that someday the doubters will back them.

“We’re happy to answer any questions,” Christakes said.” We have nothing to hide. It’s invited. It does get frustrating when people don’t know. We’re trying our best to get the message out there of what we actually do, why we’re doing it.

“We’d like to be able to get to the point where it’s sustainable for us. We hope that people will make a decision based on the feel-good, moral standing of our company.”

The support has outweighed the naysaying, Christakes said. Their reputation with the Humane Society of the United States has dramatically improved, and Christakes will speak on his experience at a conference in March.

“The response has been by far, overwhelmingly positive. We are the pet store of the future. WE’re unlike any other place. We had the courage to forgo profit for value.”

Still, he said, though he may be the face of the company, it’s the hearts and hands of the transport team and foster crew that are making the difference in the lives of thousands of pets.

“I’m just the guy who said, ’This is what I want.’”

Alsip Nursery will celebrate its first anniversary of all-rescue operation at its Frankfort location on Sunday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Find them on Facebook for details of the day.