Riley looses a chance at a loving home

Woman reaches plea deal after taking dog

By Christy Gutowski Daily Herald Staff
Published: 6/17/2009 12:00 AM

Dorothy E. Redinger insists she isn't one to break the law.
Still, after her adoption of a white papillon puppy at Bloomingdale's Pet Rescue was denied, Redinger said she was so frightened for its safety she became desperate.
"The dog was clutching me," Redinger said through tears. "I don't know what I was thinking. I just basically thought no one was going to help this dog. She has no voice. So, I put her in my car and I left. I just wanted to get her out of there and to a vet."
The 47-year-old Carol Stream woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor disorderly conduct for fleeing July 11 with the female 9-month-old pooch, named Riley, after her adoption fell through at the beleaguered animal shelter without explanation despite weeks of paperwork, interviews and payment.
Prosecutors originally charged Redinger with theft, which carries up to a one-year jail term. Instead, she was sentenced to six months' court supervision for disorderly conduct in a plea deal her attorney, Paul DeLuca, worked out after citing the facts of the case and Redinger's lawful past.
The no-kill private animal shelter, which opened 30 years ago, long has been a controversial subject as many former workers, clients and volunteers accuse the operators of hoarding animals and providing improper care rather than finding suitable homes.
Pet Rescue president Dale Armon, 74, and her director, Penny Horak, 69, are facing criminal charges alleging misdemeanor animal cruelty and violation of their duties after several cats and dogs became sick, some to the point they had to be euthanized.
Armon and Horak maintain their innocence.
DuPage Associate Judge Ronald Sutter, who presided over Tuesday's plea deal, has set an Aug. 10 trial date for Armon and Horak.
Sutter earlier ordered regular inspections of the shelter at 151 N. Bloomingdale Road. State agriculture officials said they inspect the shelter with a licensed veterinarian two to three times a month.
The state department also is trying to revoke Pet Rescue's operating license after filing 22 violations in March. The shelter is accused of failing to provide records for 21 cats and one dog, named Mickey Blue Eyes, that state officials requested. A July hearing is set.
As for Redinger, who endured months of court appearances and the legal expense, the animal lover said she doesn't regret trying to help Riley.
"I'm not one to break the law," she said, "and I really wouldn't do it again. I can't say I wouldn't go to bat again for an animal that is suffering like that. If you think I'm being overly dramatic, go there and see for yourself.
"The saddest part of this is that the dog is still there."