The latter part of September is all about the animals in Tinley Park.
Two great events and a television appearance are scheduled to help PAWS of Tinley Park, our local no-kill shelter.
On Sept. 20, the second annual PAWS Pet Parade is to step off at noon from Central Middle School, 18146 Oak Park Ave., and head north. The grand marshals will be NBC5 entertainment reporter LeeAnn Trotter and NBC vice president of special projects and community relations Emma Asante, along with canine grand marshal Waylon, a golden retriever. The parade will lead to Zabrocki Plaza, where there will be a party and vendor fair until 4 p.m.
“Our party in the plaza will be even bigger than last year,” said John Greenan, director of PAWS, who along with Jackie and Cheryl Bobbitt put this event together. “Along with all of the vendors and adoptable animals, we will have a great kids corner with games, jumpies and face painting.
“PAWS is so grateful to the village of Tinley Park for putting on this parade as well as to all of the businesses that have stepped up to support the shelter. Every penny that we have to spend (if not for sponsors) takes money away from the care of our animals. Their support is invaluable to us.”
Later that week will be the Bark & Brew beer-tasting fundraiser. From 7 to 11 p.m. Sept. 25, you can party for the pooches at Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest.
This family-friendly event will feature beer from some of our best local craft brewers. Your $30 ticket includes beer tasting along with a menu of beef, chicken, mostaccioli and potatoes. For those not drinking beer, a $15 ticket is available. There also will be plenty of raffles and fun to be had.
Tickets can be bought at the door or at PAWS, 8301 W. 191st St. For more information, contact Greenan at (708) 288-6026.
The shelter also is sure to get some attention via WCIU-TV’s “You & Me This Morning” show, which is on from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays. It features a rescue dog every weekday, according to the show’s website, and this will be a great way for people to see many of the cats and dogs that are available for adoption.
Greenan is to be the featured guest at 8:40 a.m. Sept. 21.
PAWS has faced some tough challenges this year, dealing with the devastating dog flu. It is only through the caring of dedicated volunteers and support by donations that the shelter can function.
There are many ways you can help. To see the shelter’s wish list or to learn more about PAWS of Tinley Park, visit www.pawstinleypark.org
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.Julie Dekker is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.