When it comes to holidays, pet-lovers usually include their four-legged friends on the gift list.
A recent event at Morton High School, PET-stravaganza helped to fulfill those lists — and then some.
The Holiday Fair, which included 61vendors, was the fourth annual one sponsored by Animal Rescue Squad, Inc.
“There is a misconception that we only sell items related to pets at our Fair,” said marketing director Debbie Tucker, as she helped set up tables. “That definitely is not true. We have many other vendors selling jewelry, makeup, plants, etc. Customers can shop for more than just their pets.”
That they did, as dozens of visitors browsed the tables laden with colorful items ranging from pet collars and makeup to Tupperware and handmade jewelry.
A table full of pastel-colored cosmetics caught the eye of Olivia Martin of Highland.
“I came here to find something unusual to put in my cat’s stocking, and I’ve found a few interesting things,” she said. “But as I look around, I think I can mark off some things for family members that are on my Christmas list too”.
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Founded in 2007 by Lupita Cardoza of Dyer, Animal Rescue Squad currently has 12 members and six foster homes that house 50 cats and kittens.
As a youngster growing up in Mexico, Cardoza developed a soft spot toward homeless animals.
She brought that sensitivity to the United States in 1986, when she pursued a career in social work in Illinois.
“I didn’t think there were homeless animals here,” she said of the U.S. “I was very wrong and very surprised and decided to do something about it.”
That she did, enlisting like-minded animal lovers to her cause along the way.
In addition to appearing at local pet stores, they hold the annual PET-stravaganza as their main fundraiser.
This year’s event found vendors with myriad of items — from gourmet hot chocolate and children’s books to rhinestone pet collars and a full-service bakery for dogs.
On display among the various offerings at the latter, was 12 large, plastic see-through jars that constituted the Doggie Buffet.
Selections included flavored bones and various-shaped treats — such as pumpkin donut, peanut butter banana honey, turkey seasoned potato and cranberry biscotti — and was set up by local retailer Naturally Jacks.
“Our Doggie Buffet is our most popular seller,” said co-owner Mary Schaller. “Dogs like variety, just like we do.”
Seventeen cats and kittens were on display at this year’s exhibit.
The first adoption of the day was undertaken by the Martinez family of Mokena, Ill.
While mom Laura signed the papers to put the procedure into motion, her three daughters, Maria, 15, Christina, 13, and Sara, 11, looked on with uncontained joy as their selection “Cat Benatar,” a 3-month old tabby kitten, patiently waited in her cage.
“I knew right away this was the one for us,” said Christina, as she played with the new family member. “I looked into her eyes and she looked right back at me.”
Sister Sara agreed. “When I held her, it felt (just) right,” she added.
Maria spoke for all three siblings when she expressed that this adoption experience was the be-all and end-all of their holiday season.
“We don’t want anything else for Christmas,” she added, with a laugh. “This is it for us.”
All nodded in agreement.
As with any event worth its salt during the holiday season, Santa Claus also was in attendance for those wanting to take home a memento of a special day.
For more information about Animal Rescue Squad, call (219) 484-1894.