Community Corner
Furry Friends Gather for Fun and Festivities
The Friends Fur-Ever Festival brought dog owners, potential owners, beloved pets and potential new family members out for a canine center stage event.
Take two.
A little rain could not stop the Friends Fur-Ever Festival from taking place on its rescheduled date Saturday, Sept. 18.
Dogs and their people gathered at the Dupage County Animal Care and Control grounds and waited out the early rain to kick off the event with a one-mile dog walk, led by Mayor Michael J. Gresk and his Beagle, Nikko. Mayor Gresk rescued Nikko from DCACC three years ago.
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The DCACC hosted its first annual Friends Fur-Ever Festival, will replace the yearly multi-shelter expo. Over 20 shelters were present, representing 100s of animals looking for new homes.
"There are thousands of animals who need to be adopted every year." said Kristie Lecaros coordinator of the Friends of the DCACC Foundation. "The DCACC filters and transfers many of the animals they receive to many of the shelters represented here today, giving them a good venue to potentially get adopted."
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Though the event was geared towards those looking to adopt a new friend, exhibitors catering to all things canine were present for dog owners looking for the best for their best friends.
Upscale dog hotels, specialty treat purveyors, obedience and agility trainers, doggie daycare facilities and even expert pet waste removal services were represented at the event.
Mimi Phung and her German Shepherd, Maxine, came out in support of PetsNPatients, a non profit organization that finds volunteers to provide pet care for pet parents who cannot care for their animals while they undergo serious health challenges, rather than surrendering their pets to animal control units like DCACC.
"I don't take life for granted and I would never take my relationship with Maxine for granted." Phung said. "There are hard days, but having her around helps me be strong."
Phung is a cancer-survivor who may not have been able to keep her beloved companion without these services.
Events like the Friends Fur-Ever Festival help to spread the word for worthy causes that help the the DCACC and pets in need. All proceeds of the day's event help support the DCACC and all of their homeless pets.
