Pets-AH-Palooza brings people and pets together for day full of fun
What do you call it when 5,000 pets and the humans that love them gather for a day of fun and activities at a baseball stadium? Pets-AH-Palooza, of course!
That's how many are expected when Anderson Humane hosts its 7th annual Pets-AH-Palooza 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 25, at the Kane County Cougars' Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva.
Kids and adults will find plenty of fun activities throughout the day, including three shows of rescue dog stunts starring the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show (as seen on "America's Got Talent").
Dogs will have a chance to show off in an agility course, a 600-yard lure course and even a Triebball Tank, where dogs can nose large balls into a goal.
Exhibits and vendor areas will have information on many animal topics, like wildlife rescue, veterinary care, pet therapy and fostering, as well as canine pals for veterans. You'll also find pet adoptions, enrichment activities for dogs and cats as well as a "selfie trail" to take fun photos with your pet.
Breakout sessions throughout the day will offer topics including small animal care, introducing a new pet, creating enrichment for your cat, and how to protect pets against coyotes.
Food trucks will also be on hand and Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, one of the event's major sponsors, will provide "Pit Stop" water bowls for the furry participants, scattered around the venue.
"We truly appreciate all of Gerald's support," said Juliann Carlson, Senior Director of Communications for Anderson Humane. "We have been involved with Gerald Subaru of North Aurora since 2015. They have sponsored our events, held on-site adoption events and provided branded giveaways for us. Their support enables us to bring more people and animals together for good."
Pets-AH-Palooza is the group's biggest event, "in terms of attendance, and while it is free, donations are gratefully received," Carlson said.
Anderson Humane has five locations throughout the Fox Valley where they annually rescue and rehabilitate 3,000 wild animals and facilitate 4,000 cat, dog and small animal adoptions and 1,900 fosters. They recently participated in the massive rescue of beagles from Virginia, saving a total of 166 and finding them homes.
"Anderson Humane has grown tremendously in recent years. In addition to handling local pet surrenders, we travel to Oklahoma regularly to help with the overpopulation problem there," she continued. "So, we are always seeking volunteers, adopters and fosters, as well as donations so that we can save more animals."
"Our Gerald Subaru of North Aurora store has partnered with Anderson Humane for many years now," stated Donna Lawler, Vice President of the Gerald Auto Group. "We love their commitment to the community and the tremendous care they give to each and every animal they care for."
"They also host many events throughout the year that attract those looking for pets, as well as previous adopters either with their adopted pets or with stories and photos of those pets. The Anderson staff's commitment to helping these animals find their perfect human fit is humbling."
For more on Anderson Humane, visit www.ahconnects.org. For more on Gerald Subaru of North Aurora, visit www.geraldsubarunorthaurora.com.