Meet Jill Angelo | President & Animal Chaplain at The Moon Dog Farm

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jill Angelo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jill, how does your business help the community?
When I formed our 501c3, I did so because I had been working at a large open intake shelter and fostering the most medically compromised animals. I knew by fostering I was freeing up much needed space for more incoming animals. Given that so many were fragile and often times needed more additional care, or therapy than we might have had at the shelter, I would pay them from my own pocket. And, one day, I had an epiphany- why didn’t I form my own 501c3 and bring these amazing, most deserving creatures to us, either as sanctuary or help them get adopted. And so I did.

Then we decided to help guinea pigs and rabbits too as both species are so frequently overlooked, as well as they are an impulsive purchase, which results in little to no education of husbandry and high numbers of surrender requests or strays.
To date, we have helped over 1000.

Our 501c3 helps the community by doing our part in supporting the big picture of rescue. We provide education, transparency, setting an example, being available to talk to the public and working with other rescues and shelters as a team. Together, we always can save more.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Moon Dog Farm is a 501c3 located in the south side of Chicago. Founded in 2017, we foster and rescue medically compromised and physically challenged dogs, and provide hospice too. We also rescue guinea pigs and rabbits.

I came to this work by meeting up with an old friend I hadn’t seen in years and began volunteering at a large open intake shelter, to working part time, to full time, and then starting my own 501c3. I felt all those steps were the path in what I believe I have been called to do. What my purpose is – and that is to help these most needing and deserving creatures.

This work is busy, messy, encompassing, rewarding, heartbreaking and challenging. I had a great friend who once said “when you don’t know what to do, follow your heartbreak.” He was right and here I am.

We overcome challenges by not giving up and digging deep, by asking for help as we need, prayer, staying humble and self care. Every morning when I wake and see all these darling faces, hear the wheeks from the guinea pigs- my heart bursts. This is where I want to be.

My greatest lesson learned was to trust and believe in myself, and, the path unfolds as you walk it. We have to trust in the process too.

The Moon Dog Farm is smaller in size and mighty in accomplishments. In 7 years we have helped over 1k guinea pigs and rabbits, provided sanctuary for 28 dogs, and have fostered 63 dogs that have gone on to being adopted into their forever homes, We have a team of heart centered, dedicated fosters who are the heartbeat of our organization, we absolutely couldn’t do this work without them. We also have a great following on social who support our work and share our posts to help get the word out. We remain in a state of gratitude as we feel so supported by those that choose MDF to adopt, volunteer, share and donate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My bestie would be helping me here at The Moon Dog Farm 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Rabbits, our Animal Chaplain Cohort

Website: https://www.themoondogfarm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoondogfarm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMoonDogFarm

Image Credits
Jill Angelo