Pam Linder lives in the Hessville section of Hammond and takes her dog Rocky for long walks around the neighborhood every weekend.
One recent Saturday morning found the pair near the National Guard Armory, which was hosting the Animal Rescue Squad, Inc. Pet Vendor Fair. “I’ve never been to one of these fairs,” Linder said, as Rocky checked out the animals lounging in front of the building. “It looks like an all-day thing, so I’ll take him home and come back.”
The dogs Rocky was attracted to were charges of the Dogs are Deserving Rescue and 4Pawssake Rescue. Volunteers of the non-profits answered questions about their organizations and the latter took applications for volunteers.
Inside the Armory were 50 vendors, selling items ranging from dog bakery goods and canine clothes to pet beds and jewelry, with much in between.
Dawn Wasek had a colorful display of various treats she bakes for her business, Pooch’s Palate.
“Our pets deserve treats just like we do, and we don’t always want the same thing” Wasek said, as she set up her table. “I like to offer a wide array to choose from.”
Mary Roldan of Highland visited the fair with her golden doodle — a cross of golden retriever and poodle — named Molly. After purchasing a colorful bow to tie on Molly’s collar, Roldan moved on to the next table of hand-made pet clothes.
“There are some interesting items here,” she said, as she browsed the sport-related selections of bandannas and dog jackets. “It takes a special skill to sew these things, especially for the small animals.”
Lupita Cardoza of Dyer is the founder of Animal Rescue Squad, Inc., which was developed in 2009 and operates 365 days per year. Their mission is to rescue, foster, and place neglected, injured, abandoned, or lost animals with responsible people.
As a child growing up in the village of Santiago, Mexico, Cardoza saw many homeless animals she wanted to help. Many of them made their way onto her family’s farm.
After moving to the United States 10 years ago, she wanted to continue her mission. And she has, with the assistance of many volunteers.
“When I came here, I had no idea there were so many homeless dogs and cats,” Cardoza said. “I have a passion for animals and wanted to help them. It’s important to bring awareness to people that they need homes.”
More information about Animal Rescue Squad, Inc. is at www.animalrescuesquadinc.com.
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Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.