IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Sue Orsulak
Finding homes, not just shelter; Managing Father John’s Animal House a taxing but rewarding experience, By Rose Sgarlato LAFAYETTE “Adopt one until there are none.” That’s the credo at Father John’s Animal House in Lafayette, and Sue Orsulak does her best to make it happen. What started as a part-time job cleaning the kennels seven years ago has become a full-time demanding position for Orsulak, the animal shelter’s manager. It is her responsibility to make sure the animals are cared for properly while fundraising for and running this non-profit. Father John’s was founded in 1999 and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Posted on the organization’s Web site: “Our primary purpose is to provide love, companionship, shelter, food, socialization, and medical care for the many unwanted animals that come to us until permanent, loving homes can be found for them.” “I never thought I would be doing this, but I am so happy. It’s what I get from the animals it is rewarding to see change in them. Some have never been socialized until they arrive here,” said Orsulak. As Orsulak explains how the animals arrive at Father John’s, she stops to have a co-worker retrieve General, a 5-year-old English bulldog who is hanging onto her. General is there as a result of a divorce, but there are many reasons why animals arrive at Father John’s. “Currently there are 40 cats and 20 dogs at the shelter. We have impounding contracts with Sparta and Fredon. We do transfers from other shelters in Southern states like West Virginia where there are high-kill facilities. And owner surrender-for various reasons people give up their pets,” said Orsulak. It is costly to run. There is a network of veterinarians who are on call to take care of the animals, including one who volunteers her medical services. “All of the animals are spayed and neutered because we do not want to contribute to the population of homeless animals,” she said. The animals are fully vaccinated and get required tests, which is a good reason to adopt from shelters. Pre-adoption forms and more information is available on the Web site www.fatherjohnsanimalhouse.org. “I don’t feel that any one breed is more valuable than another. We like everyone in the family to meet the animals to know everyone is on board,” Orsulak said. “We often say the animals pick their owners they click with certain people as soon as they walk in.” Of course there are some special-need cases; a dog with many allergies or recently a cat that gave birth to seven kittens but was too skinny to feed them. “So some of our staff fostered the kittens at homewe all do everything.” Health emergencies and keeping the money flowing is most challenging to Orsulak. “Sometimes I’d rather be cleaning or just with the animals than doing all the organizational stuff,” she said. Under a Board of Directors and an advisory board, Orsulak is in charge of six full-time employees and anywhere from 25 to 50 volunteers on a rotating basis. It’s a full-time operation, open seven days a week. When Orsulak is not there, she goes home to her other family two daughters, a husband, two dogs and three cats. Father John’s Animal House is located at 50 Father John’s Lane in Lafayette and can be reached at 973 -300-5909.
Cranberry Chicken
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 packet onion soup mix
Large packet of chicken thighs
Mix cranberry sauce and onion soup mix, pour mixture over chicken thighs
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes until chicken is done