On February 14, 1966, a small but dedicated group of volunteers founded the Humane Society of North Central Illinois in response to growing concern about stray and unwanted animals in the Fox Valley area. For several years, group members operated out of their homes, taking in and caring for companion dogs and cats that had nowhere else to turn. Through their love and care, many of the animals were able to find new homes.

Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War. Nationwide, it was a time that ceremonies were springing up in both the North and the South to pay tribute to those who had lost their lives in that terrible conflict.