Help pets find forever homes at Gerald Subaru on Oct. 23

Families looking to add a furry companion to their homes may find their perfect addition on Saturday, Oct. 23, during the Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Event at Gerald Subaru of Naperville.

The dealership will play host to several West Suburban Humane Society's (WSHS) adoptable dogs from 9 a.m. to noon. Representatives from WSHS will be available to answer questions about the dogs and walk individuals through the adoption process.

The event coincides with Adopt a Dog Month, which runs throughout October. Not only does WSHS hope that all dogs visiting the dealership get adopted, but the organization also hopes that the event will serve to educate the public about the importance and benefits of adopting shelter pets.

Director of Development Christina Morrison said WSHS wants people to know that whatever breed, age or type of pet they desire can be found in a shelter, making it an ideal place to find their next companion. WSHS is working hard each day to challenge the misconceptions that rescue dogs have issues and aren't "easy" pets. Morrison said dogs and cats wind up in rescue for many different reasons, most of them not the fault of the pet. When individuals give these animals a second chance, it can make a huge and positive difference in both the animal and owners' lives.

"If you are even thinking about getting a dog, come to the adoption event and meet a few. We guarantee you will have a good time and you will learn a lot about dogs' different personalities and the love a rescue pet can bring to your home," said Morrison.

WSHS encourages potential adopters to submit an adoption application through its website. Attendees should include in the application that they will attend the Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Event so they can be preapproved and ready to meet their next family member. The event's first 25 attendees will receive valuable bags full of WSHS and Gerald Auto Group swag, and every attendee can enter to win one of three $20 Happy Dog Barkery gift cards.

In honor of Adopt a Dog Month, all WSHS dog adopters will win $20 to $75 off their adoption fee in October. These specials aren't possible without community partnerships like the one WSHS and Gerald Subaru of Naperville have developed. In addition to hosting the adoption event, Gerald connected WSHS with Subaru and the ASPCA, who are helping WSHS get its dogs and cats ready to find homes and are sponsoring adoption fee discounts.

After shelters nationwide saw a major uptick in adoptions during the pandemic, the number of pets finding forever homes has dipped. However, there are still thousands of animals in need of loving homes.

"At WSHS, we have some amazing dogs who deserve to be out of our kennel and with a loving family. We love that Gerald Subaru is hosting our dogs for a fun outing and helping promote them, which may help them find a home," said Morrison.

Gerald Subaru of Naperville loves partnering with WSHS and hosting these types of events at the dealership. It's special to witness a bond forming between pets and owners, and Gerald can't wait to see it unfold on Oct. 23.

"We're thrilled to partner with West Suburban Humane Society and give our customers the opportunity to see these wonderful, adoptable dogs. We hope that all of them will find lifelong loving homes during the event," said Donna Lawler, Vice President of Gerald Auto Group.

For more information on WSHS, visit www.wshs-dg.org.

For more information on Gerald Subaru of Naperville, visit www.geraldsubarunaperville.com.