Smoke, a 10-year-old beagle mix, has been named the “spokespet” for Anderson Animal Shelter’s 2016 Pets-a-Palooza festival Sept. 18.
Smoke will lead the pet parade and walk at the festival, which will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mooseheart Child City and School off Route 31 between North Aurora and Batavia. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend.
“Smoke is a wonderful example of a pet’s unconditional love and the difference that caring and committed adopters can make in the life of an animal,” said Beth Drake, the shelter’s executive director. “Pets-a-Palooza is a celebration of all of our pets like Smoke.”
The dog is owned by Jason and Jessica Parthun, of St. Charles. He competed with four other finalist dogs that had all been adopted from Anderson Animal Shelter in an online voting contest.
The Parthun family said they adopted Smoke in 2010. The dog had been given to the shelter by his previous owner. The Parthun family has three children between the ages of 1 and 14, along with another rescue dog named Hank.
“We could tell Smoke had more love to give than any other dog we had rescued,” Jessica Parthun said.
In celebration of Anderson Animal Shelter’s 50th anniversary, Pets-a-Palooza will have a reunion tent.
“Our foster volunteers are looking forward to seeing their ‘babies’ again,” said Ryann Sanchez, foster coordinator.
Pets-a-Palooza will also have free pet contests and demonstrations as well as pet- and human-themed merchandise and food for sale. Local businesses will have booths. Anderson, along with other rescue groups, will have dogs and puppies available for adoption.
Online advance registration is available for the pet walk and parade. An individual walker registration is $25. A family of up to four people is $75 with $10 for each additional family member. On-site registration will also be available for an additional $5 fee, according to the shelter. Costumes are optional.
Anderson Animal Shelter is located at 1000 South La Fox in South Elgin.
For information, call 847-697-2880 or go to www.andersonanimalshelter.org.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.