The Band Sundance, free food samples, the Kids Zone and 40 vendors added to the fun during the Sept. 16 event that benefits the Orland Township Pet Pantry and assists rescue operations.
“While Pet-Palooza’s main goal is to be able to continue to provide a helping hand to local pets in need through the Orland Township Food Pantry, we feel the necessity to go above and beyond by offering opportunities to connect local rescues with members of the community looking to add a furry friend to their family.” Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady said in a release.
“Being out here and witnessing the number of people who come together to make a difference, whether that be through donating, volunteering or adopting, it makes you realize the good that is in this world, in our community.”
The festival caters to not only the entertainment and happiness of dogs, cats and small and exotic pets but also gives pet owners information on pet care, health and well-being.
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Pet-Palooza’s partnership with local animal rescues is central to the event's mission. Animal Welfare League, Cache Creek Rescue, Feline Fine Cat Rescue, Illinois Shorthair Rescue, P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, One Goal Animal Foundation, St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines and Traveling Tails Dog Rescue were on hand with adoptable pets.
Out of the many adoptable animals present, five from Cache Creek Rescue found their forever homes as did eight from St. Sophia’s Forgotten Feline’s. Adoptions of several others are pending.
Among the pet contests featured at the event, Zeus Pohl, a 5-month-old Maine Coon, was named Orland Township’s 2023 SuPETvisor, chosen in Facebook voting.
“What the Township does here is really nice,” resident Barbara Mackey, who attends the event annually with her now 11-year-old dachshund, Baxter, said in a release. “We like giving back when we can. The event gives us a reason to get out and do that while getting to enjoy ourselves, and we get to include Baxter. It’s a real treat for us.”
Proceeds from Pet-Palooza benefit the Orland Township Pet Pantry, Crashy's Closet, founded by O'Grady and his wife and named for a beloved O'Grady family rescue cat.
It’s estimated that the pantry received more than 450 pounds of donated pet food. To get involved, visit orlandtownship.org/crashys-closet.
