ANDERSONVILLE — An animal rescue center that has called Andersonville home for 25 years is getting priced out of the neighborhood, the center's owner said.
Gloria Lissner, owner and founder of Famous Fido, 5430 N. Clark St., said her landlord was going to double her rent, so she had no choice but to look for a new home.
"We can't afford that large chunk of money," said Lissner, who has been rescuing homeless animals since 1975.
If Lissner gets zoning approval and raises enough funds, she is planning to move her center into a much bigger 10,000-square-foot space in Irving Park. She hopes to move into 3124 W. Irving Park Rd. by the end of August or early September.
"It's a big change and we're nervous about it. But we couldn't find any spaces in Andersonville," she said.
It's a big upgrade as far as space is concerned. Her current space, where the center has been located for the last decade, only offers 3,000 square feet of space. Prior to that, the center was located in the building that now houses Brown Elephant, 5404 N. Clark St.
At the new space, she plans to open a feline room so cats can roam freely and what she called the city's first rescue store, where pet supply profits will directly benefit the needy animals.
She's also hoping to host some new programs, including a counseling and networking workshop to ensure that animals don't end up in shelters and an advocacy seminar intended to spread the word about animals that need homes.
Famous Fido has always focused on homeless animals that have health problems or special needs.
That, and Lissner's love for Andersonville and its local businesses, won't change.
"We may be in Irving Park, but we're still going to reach out to Andersonville [residents.] It's not that far away. One thing we really need is a lot of volunteers and donations for the new building," said Lissner, adding that she's seen a lot of support from neighboring businesses.
As for the animals, Lissner said they'll be moved in one by one.
"As long as we're there, they'll be fine," she said.
Donate by visiting the center's GoFundMe page.
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