Bow Wow Luau

Young At Heart Pet Rescue to Host a Free Off-leash Day of Fun for You and Your Dog:
‘Bow Wow Luau!’

Dust off your Hawaiian shirt and start practicing the limbo with Fido, because it’s BOW WOW LUAU time! What could be more fun than a tropical-themed day of off-leash fun in a fully fenced dog park, complete with games, doggy wading pools, treats for people and dogs, music, and more? 

On June 18th, 2011, Young at Heart Pet Rescue will host their annual Bow Wow Luau, a tropical-themed day of play for you and your canine! The event will be located at Best Friends Pet Care’s outdoor dog park, 22096 N. Pet Lane, Prairie View IL, on Saturday June 18th, 2011 from 12pm to 3pm. In the case of inclement weather, the organization will host the Bow Wow Luau on Saturday June 25th from 12pm-3pm instead.

A 501c3 not-for-profit organization that specializes in the rescue and rehoming of senior dogs and cats, Young At Heart Pet Rescue is the only organization of its kind in the Chicago area. Founded in April 2005, the group has already saved nearly 400 companion animals that many considered “past their prime.” This event will help raise much-needed funds to care for those homeless senior pets in their care, awaiting forever homes.

“This event is a favorite of our supporters,” says Young at Heart’s Executive Director, Dawn Kemper. “It’s always so much fun to see all the dogs playing and having a great time while their guardians enjoy the music, food, and festivities.

“Just seeing all the dogs running around in leis and hula skirts makes this event a fun one,” she says.

Entrance to the dog park for this event is FREE. All dogs must have proof of a current rabies vaccine to enter the dog park. No reservations or tickets are required to attend this event. All dogs must be on a leash outside of the dog park and female dogs must not be in heat. Music and games will all be available for your enjoyment, and food and drink will be available for purchase. Vendors include No Limit Dog Training, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Care Animal Hospital, American Authority on Pet Life, Casey’s Hidden Pantry, Culver’s and Sandie’s. Young at Heart will also be running a You-Pick-the-Donation car wash on site, so you can leave with a squeaky clean car at the end of the event.

Since its inception, Young At Heart has been continually rescuing and rehoming senior dogs and cats within Illinois. The group does not accept pets directly from the public, instead pulling its pets from overcrowded shelters that have open-door policies and must euthanize to make space. Each rescued pet receives top-notch veterinary care, with the rescue paying for vaccines, microchips, spay/neuter, any necessary dental care, geriatric blood work, and other procedures necessary to make the pets as adoptable as possible. After they leave the vet, Young At Heart dogs and cats are placed in licensed foster homes for as long as it takes to find the pet’s forever family.

Open-admission shelters have been even more overcrowded than usual, with financial hardships causing more and more people to give up their pets, Kemper says. Because of age and economics, even highly adoptable older pets are first in line for euthanasia to make room for the constant influx of new animals at city shelters.

This event, in addition to providing a great time for you and your pooch, raises awareness about senior pet rescue and adoption, as well as much-needed funds to care for the senior pets rescued by the organization. 

"Everyone involved with Young At Heart has a soft spot for grey-muzzled dogs and sweet, lazy lap cats,” explains Kemper. “This event is a great way to come out and support the cause, while enjoying a day with your dog.”

Those interested in learning more about Young at Heart Pet Rescue are encouraged to visit www.yahpetrescue.com or call (847) 529-2025.

Can’t make the event, but still want to help? Donations towards the care of Young At Heart’s homeless senior pets may be made online through the rescue’s website or may be mailed to:

Young at Heart Pet Rescue

PO Box 1293

Palatine IL 60078