Orland Township’s 9th Annual Pet-Palooza: An ‘Ultimutt’ Success
The 9th annual pet fair and fundraiser was on September 25.
Orland Township’s 9th annual pet fair and fundraiser, Pet-Palooza, attracted nearly 1,500 guests on September 25. With live entertainment, such as musician Erik Donner and professional reptile educators Crosstown Exotics, free food samples, the ever-so popular Kids Zone, and 39 different vendors present, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Among the variety of local vendors, which ranged from bakeries and other local businesses to animal hospitals and rescue organizations, was an excitingly new addition to this year’s event: International Subaru of Orland Park. Subaru, a “Cat’s Meow” sponsor, proudly displayed two brand-new cars adorned with pet-friendly accessories at Pet-Palooza, including an extendable ramp that makes travel easier for pups in need.
Through their Love Promise and Subaru Loves Pets initiative, Subaru aims to support animal wellness organizations across the country as part of their commitment to keep all animals safe and healthy.
“When big names like Subaru selflessly give what they can to support organizations like the Orland Township Pet Pantry, the whole community thrives. Because of their generosity, another Orland Township family will worry less about where their pets next meal is going to come from.” Said O’Grady.
“I’m proud that Orland Township’s Pet-Palooza is now among the 1,500 plus animal welfare related events that the company has helped over the years.”
Pet-Palooza’s partnership with local animal rescues is vital to the events mission. Animal Welfare League, Cache Creek Rescue, Feline Fine Cat Rescue, Half-Way Home Animal Rescue, P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines, and Traveling Tails Dog Rescue were the seven that showed up with adoptable pets this year.
Out of the many adoptable animals present on Saturday, Pip, an adorable orange kitten from Feline Fine Cat Rescue, was one adopted by a loving family as their first pet. Another adoptable kitten, Elsa, also met a few possible forever families.
The rescue was able to raise a bit of money for Scrappy, a kitten with a special medical case who served as the organization’s ambassador for the day, as well. Orland Township is happy to have helped the two by having Feline Fine at this year’s Pet-Palooza.
One of the generous “Hot Dog” sponsors of this year’s Pet-Palooza, Mobile MakeROVERS, was a hit amongst the community. Owner Kevin McGreevy started the mobile pet-grooming business in May of this year with the intention of making grooming services more easily accessible. At Pet-Palooza, they offered free nail trims out of their grooming van for attendees who were interested.
Many pet owners know how stressful going to the groomer can be for their furry-friends, so McGreevy and his team set a goal to make the process easier. As a new business, they hope to continue to grow and serve more local families, including many of those in Orland Township they met at Pet-Palooza who stopped by to hear about their services.
Before the day came to an end, pets and their owners flocked to the main tent to participate in the events most long-awaited experience: the pet contests. Over 60 pups showed up to compete in the six categories: Best Voice, Best Dressed, Best Trick, Quick Sit (dog version of musical chairs), Bobbing for Hotdogs and Fast Finish (eating peanut butter off a stick).
One of the many 18 winners across the board was Bentley, who won first place for his ‘Forrest Gump’ inspired costume in the ‘Best Dressed’ category. Guests enjoyed seeing all the creativity and talent amongst the contestants.
The Township also wanted to thank the local restaurants who served as Puppy Chow sponsors by donating food to the event, including:
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- Aurelio’s Pizza
- Barraco’s
- Hienie’s McCarthy
- Little Milano’s Wood Fired Pizza
- Mo’s Chinese Kitchen
- Pepe’s
- Rocco Vino’s
- Rubino’s Italian Imports
- Salinas Catering
- The White Sheep
- Winston’s
- City BBQ
- Nothing Bundt Cakes
- Joey’s Red Hots
- Papa Joe’s
- Culvers
- Miller’s Ale House
- R. TACOS
- Sheep’s Food District
“I’m glad the event was able to make its long-awaited return this year.” Said O’Grady. “It’s our largest yearly fundraiser here at Orland Township. We understand how many residents have family pets that are near and dear to their hearts. That’s why we do everything we can to support them; whether that be through our Pet Food Pantry, or by offering information on local services at Pet-Palooza.”
To see pictures from this year’s Pet-Palooza, along with any post-event updates from rescues, visit the events official page at www.facebook.com/orlandtownshippetpalooza. For further information on Orland Township services and events, including the upcoming Senior American Idol, visit orlandtownship.org or call (708) 403-4222.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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