We were thrilled to adopt our cat Strikes from Red Door Animal Shelter in West Rogers Park. Strikes was more of a roommate than a pet - he made the house his own and made sure everyone knew he was in charge. Yet I was heartened to see just how many pictures we have of him hanging out with our dogs Gomez, Miri, and Augie. (See below!)

Strikes is no longer with us, but when it came time to decide which charity I would support for the 2026 Chicago Marathon, there was no hesitation. I am doing this for Strikes and all the other cats, rabbits, and dogs looking for their furever home in Chicago.

Red Door is a small no-kill shelter with a big heart that focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs, cats, and rabbits, as well as the occasional chicken or duck.  Red Door relies on private donations and small grants to operate, and all dollars go directly to help animals in need.