Community Corner

'Santa Paws' Benefits Humane Society

Pets posed for photos with Santa, while owners shopped for treats and gifts at Dec. 10 event.

There’s no doubt that Chipper’s a special guy. But just who he is — or rather, what he is — remains a mystery for owner Andy Sybert.

So on Saturday, Sybert donated $60 to the Romeoville Humane Society in exchange for a “doggy DNA test” to identify just what makes up the 2-year-old rescue dog’s pedigree. Test kits were on sale at the humane society's third annual fundraiser at the .

“I’ve had him now for two years, and I’ve never known what he is,” Sybert said, demonstrating how the pooch’s mismatched ears — one pointing up, the other flopping down — make him look like he could be a white shepherd/Labrador mix. But the young dog’s speed makes his owner think he could also be part greyhound.

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Saturday, humane society secretary Megan Ziller helped solve the mystery, taking a quick swab of the inside of the patient pooch’s mouth as Chipper, his owner and his “grandparents,” Donna and Randy Sybert, waited.

Ziller said pet owners simply send the DNA test kits to a lab, and the results arrive via email within four to six weeks. Sybert promised to let Patch know the results

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Chipper and Sybert’s other dog, Uno, also posed for photos with Santa at the Dec. 10 event. Guests could purchase homemade dog treats, gifts and a chance to win a cash prize as part of a 50/50 raffle.

Fifty-percent of the proceeds from each fundraiser goes toward the humane society’s building fund, according to Ziller. Currently, the organization relies on volunteer foster families to house its animals, but hopes to eventually open its own animal shelter.

Remaining proceeds from “Santa Paws” will help fund medical care and other costs related to housing humane society pets.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here