Animal House’s Pawfest fun held at park
HUNTLEY — Dogs of many colors and breeds were on center stage for an afternoon at Deicke Park for the Animal House Shelter’s (AHS) Pawfest held Aug. 3. Also, friends of the shelter now include a Chicago Bears quarterback.
AHS is in the midst of a major construction project.
“We’re under construction for the first phase and we’re fund-raising for the second phase for the second phase,” AHS spokesman Cindy Wigdahl said.
Chicago Bear Tyler Bangent signed on to help the AHS effort. An event in support of AHS will be held Aug. 17 in Chicago.
“Bagent came out to Barrington High School to meet our staff and the dogs,” Wigdahl said,
Features of the 1,500-square foot layout include “space to better serve the homeless animals, volunteers, fosters and adopters,” according to AHS. Plans are an adoption – volunteer welcome center; 10 bonding rooms for families to meet and adopt pets; a child education center; free-room cat habitat, overlooking a bird and butterfly garden; kitten playrooms; spacious sanctuary rooms for longterm dogs with private outdoor play yard to minimize stress; multiple indoor and outdoor exercise yards and an art veterinary care clinic.
AHS was founded by Leslie Irwin at her Barrington home in 2002, with a move to Huntley four years later. It has rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted more than 45,000 dogs and cats.
“AHS takes in, cares for, and adopts out abused, neglected and abandoned animals, especially those scheduled for euthanasia at other shelters. Once rehabilitated and ready, these animals are carefully matched with prospective adopters and placed in loving homes,” the AHS newsletter states.
Joni Preucil of Crystal Lake is one of the animal shelter’s long-time volunteers.
“To see the looks on all the faces when there is an adoption, sometimes in as little as half-an-hour,” Preucil said.
Pawfest was in its 10th year. In addition to many vendors dotting the parkside on Saturday, low-cost vaccinations were offered, as well as pet photos, kids games and a singer entertained.
Mick and Sue Gasso of Fox River Grove offer Rubs for Rover, a canine massage business.
“It’s what they need. We use the effleurage technique and apply it where the owner says they need it. The clinics are at the pets’ home for their comfort,” Sue Gasso said.
Sue Gasso explained she took course work at Chicago School of Canine Massage to be insured and bonded.
Also, Scott Williams of the Joliet area brought Tonie’s Treats samples of healthy dog biscuits and “pawsome ice cream.” The products have been certified by the Department of Agriculture.
Neil and Sharon Hanson live in Evanston and brought their dog, Lolla, who mixed with pawfest goers. A family member lives in McHenry who has had experiencing adopting through AHS.
Animal House Shleter, located at 13005 Ernesti Road in Huntley, phone is 847-061-5541; online www.AnimalHouseShelter.com.
