Record Numbers Walk for Pets
A.D.O.P.T. fundraiser brings out residents, pets

Meet Jeffy! This Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix is a clown and the life of the party, with a lively, playful and sometimes feisty nature. Rat Terriers are notoriously an energetic breed and Jeffy is no exception.

Unfortunately, Jeffy is back at A.D.O.P.T. (Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment) after spending some time in a foster home where it was determined he is not 100% housebroken. A.D.O.P.T. says Jeffy always keeps his kennel clean. Jeffy plays well with his friends at the shelter and after playgroup is happy to return to his kennel to nap in his beloved Garfield bed and dream about his `forever home.`

A.D.O.P.T.'s annual walkathon event last Sunday gave Jeffy some hope in finding that home.

The walk began and ended at 5th Avenue Station, 200 E. Fifth Avenue, Naperville. The 5 K route progressed through downtown Naperville and along the scenic Riverwalk. Rest stops, offering water and snacks, were provided along the way for those who needed rest. Pick-up vans were circling the route to pick up those unable to complete the five kilometers.

Music, refreshments, vendor and information tables, and the chance to "shop A.D.O.P.T." as well as the opportunity to share animal stories with other animal lovers were provided along the walk.

Since opening on October 31, 1989, A.D.O.P.T. has found homes for over 12,000 pets. This Naperville shelter makes it their mission to find homes for between fifteen and fifty kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs every week.

While A.D.O.P.T. has, on occasion, adopted dogs to homes out of state, they DO NOT ship animals. In the past, prospective adopters from surrounding states have driven to Naperville to meet the shelter's dogs and cats, and to search for a potential friend.

At A.D.O.P.T., volunteers work to make the best possible match between a new pet owner's home and lifestyle and their dogs and cats. The shelter lets the prospective owners play with the potential pets in a safe fenced area, and where volunteers can answer their questions too.

More information on A.D.O.P.T. is at www.adoptpetshelter.org.

NCTV17's Colton Antos Reports.