South Elgin resident Carol Schultz who once managed a comedy club in South Elgin and eventually traded her job as a stand-up comedian for a role that is really no laughing matter, she says.

She began a nonprofit agency earlier this year to help control the stray pet population in the area--something many residents feel has gotten out of control.

"It has always been a problem, but it has become way worse in the past two decades." Schultz said. "There are no more open spaces, and the Randall (Road) growth is pushing more wildlife this way."

Once a cat is born in the wild they rarely can be domesticated, Schultz says. The only remedy is to catch them, check them for any diseases and then have them spade or neutered, and release them.

Guardian Angels Animal Care and Rescue also is improving the quality of life for stray domesticated cats and dogs by offering pet-sitting services, immunizations, disease screenings, adoptions and even behavioral consulting for families.

"As an animal communicator, I think I get along better with animals than with people, " Schultz said. "I can usually tell what's wrong with them."

After years of informally caring for unwanted and abused animals Schultz said it was time to do something to help. Educating the public is key.

"People often get kittens when they are babies, give them lots of attention, then when they get older, let them go out," Schultz said. "When they get a kitten, they must get them spade or neutered."

Since the agency operates on a reasonable fee and donation basis, Schultz has had to dig into her own pocket to help cover the bills.

"I don't get any kind of a break from the vets, which is the horror of this whole thing," she said. "The money I make from pet sitting goes towards the vet bills, food and cages, which is why we are always in the red."

For more information, call (847) 931-4535 or visit the agency's Web site at www.caroljonschultz.com.