Benefactors and Supporters

IBR would like to thank the following Benefactors for their generous and continuous financial support (over $500) of our organization. Without their help, IBR would not have been able to help as many sick, injured, and homeless dogs.

IBR would also like to thank our numerous supporters who have helped in many other ways.

  • Dr. John Sr. Hanover at the Animal Hospital of Gurnee (847-360-1630) for his continued support and excellent care given to so many of the resuce dogs.
  • Pam and Mike of Dogwares for their help with fundraising efforts.
  • Christy Carrano for supplying us with personalized collars for every rescue dog.
  • Our good-hearted volunteers who have helped transport dogs to safety, provided temporary homes for dogs in need, and have done whatever they could to help the homeless birddogs.

    • Special Thanks

    Illinois Birddog Rescue would like to thank Mr. Robert Abbett for granting us permission to use his "Duke and Mike" illustration on our website.

    Robert Abbett's first inspiration for birddog-art came after he had settled in Connecticut in the late 1960's. He was walking the countryside when in the distance he saw a boy and his dog -- "I saw a rural landscape suddenly burst alive as a white flash exploded across the scene, almost with muscial accompaniment," Abbett wrote. The dog was a Setter mix and the scene never left Abbett's memory. (that episode later inspired the painting entitled, "Partners")

    The next important dog was Luke, an English Setter, who Abbett painted for Martha Sweeney. That portrait was the starting point for Abbett's career in the world of sporting dog art. Sweeney later gave Abbett the pick of one of Luke's litters --- and Abbett brought home Duke of Oakdale. Duke became Abbett's hunting dog, family dog, and artist's model.
    From: A Season For Painting, The Outdoor Art of Robert K. Abbett

    View all of Mr. Abbett's outstanding work on his website.