Speed date to find your perfect pup

Does love at first sight really happen? Potential dog owners can find out at Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment's first Puppy Love matchmaking event.

Puppy Love runs 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at ADOPT Pet Shelter, 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville.

String music and giveaways will entertain adopters as they work with ADOPT's resident matchmakers (adoption counselors) to determine the ideal personality, energy level and behavior characteristics of their canine soul mate. Potential adopters will have a brief "date" with each of three hand-picked dogs, with the goal of finding a pet perfectly suited to their lifestyle and family before the night is over.

This speed dating-style adoption event, a departure from normal adoption procedures, seeks to make the adoption process more effective and enjoyable by catering to the shelter dogs' natural strengths: their friendliness and affection.

Studies show adopters are most likely to connect with and adopt the right dog when their very first encounter is a one-on-one interaction in which the dogs are able to let their true, friendly personalities show.

By creating an adoption process that caters to the needs of both its canine residents and potential adopters, ADOPT leaders hope Puppy Love will herald in a new era of more personalized and successful adoptions.

"This event will allow ADOPT to match each adopter with a dog specially chosen for their wants, needs and lifestyle, making the adoption more personalized and likely to succeed," said Emma Hairrell, shelter manager at ADOPT. "Our goal is to find the perfect match for adopters so they can have a long and wonderful life together."

Light refreshments will complement the night's activities. Individuals must be 21 years old to adopt. For information, contact ADOPT at (630) 355-2299 or adoptpetshelter.org.