Area pet shelters harness holiday fun to boost adoptions

Some visitors to the Animal Welfare League last weekend did a double-take when they saw the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who sitting in the lobby.

They quickly discovered that the characters created by Dr. Seuss were there for photo shoots, and some people and their dogs later joined them.

First in line was LaVandy Goines, who brought her family’s two pit bulls for photos a year ago and knew she had to do it again.

It was also a way to commemorate the special lives of the 12-year-old dogs.

“I wanted to make sure I got our Christmas photos back again,” Goines said. “Sometimes I get discounted toys and every year I get Christmas necklaces. »

Goines, his grandson Jalen and the tail-wagging dogs, Shane and Sassy, ​​were excited for the fun. She and her grandson were treated to fresh popcorn, cookies, as well as “Grinch Juice” and “Grinch Mix.” The two pit bulls also received treats. There were also stuffed animals for children or their pets.

Afterwards, both dogs received their discounted vaccinations at the shelter’s clinic, located just steps away.

The busy lobby of the Chicago Ridge shelter was decorated for the occasion with Christmas trees, holiday scenes and photos of the Grinch, a popcorn cart and a table with refreshments. This was the third year for the event, started and organized by Chris Higens, the shelter’s president.

“People do Santa all the time, and we thought, let’s do something a little different to attract people to our shelter and just give back to the people who come here,” Higens said.

Jocelin Campa, aka the Grinch, works as a kennel keeper and brought his younger sister, Dayana Navarro, to become Cindy Lou Who.

“I love interacting with people and dogs,” said Campa, who lives in Harvey.

Other employees also got into the spirit, some dressed in Christmas outfits and others simply enjoying the moment.

“I love this event. I love Christmas,” said Shay Jackson, kennel coordinator, as she recorded people bringing their pets to the clinic. “That’s when everyone is happy.”

Karen Weir, a kennel sitter whose favorite thing is giving dogs up for adoption, also helped.

“It brings people together,” Weir said. “It’s wonderful to see the children and the dogs.”

Participants could also receive a special AWL decoration with the photos for a $5 donation to the shelter. There were also Grinch shirts for sale, Christmas collars and dog clothes, as well as second-hand items from their regular store.

The Cruz family heard about the event right after they and their son watched the movie “The Grinch” again. They knew they had to come for the photo, even if they couldn’t bring their 10-year-old poodle, who is still a bit of a wild child.

“We are delighted,” said Jovana Cruz, her husband Jorge and son Isaiah by her side.

Other area shelters also host holiday events to attract people and collect donations.

The South Suburban Humane Society recently hosted a holiday market featuring baked goods and crafts for sale to benefit the Matteson shelter. They also have Pit Stops, a mobile pantry of pet food and supplies, which includes stops during the holidays. Information can be found at Southsuburbanhumane.org/pit-stop.

This year, the South Suburban Humane Society also hosted a Grinch concert where people could have their photo taken with their pets and the Dr. Seuss character (and get an ornament with the photo) at their recent holiday market.

PAWS Tinley Park usually hosts a Christmas Memory Tree event, where pet owners can get a keepsake light for $5 (goes to the shelter) and place a photo of their pets on the tree near the light. Information can be found at Pawstinleypark.org/.

Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.