Some of the visitors to the Animal Welfare League last weekend did a double-take when they saw the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who sitting in the lobby.
They quickly found out the characters created by Dr. Seuss were there for photo sessions, and some of the people and their dogs then joined in.
First in line was LaVandy Goines, who had brought her family’s two pit bulls for pictures a year ago and just knew she had to do it again.
It was also a way to memorialize the special lives of the 12-year-old dogs.
“I wanted to be sure to get our Christmas pictures again,” said Goines. “Sometimes I get discounted toys and every year, Christmas collars.”
Goines, her grandson Jalen, and tail-wagging dogs Shane and Sassy were fired up for the fun. She and her grandson were treated to fresh popcorn, cookies, as well as “Grinch juice” and “Grinch mix.” The two pit bulls got some treats as well. There were also stuffed toys for kids or their pets.
Afterwards, the two dogs got their discounted immunizations from the shelter’s clinic, which is just steps away.
The busy lobby of the Chicago Ridge shelter was decorated for the occasion with Christmas trees, holiday scenes and photos of the Grinch, a popcorn cart and table with refreshments. It was the third year for the event, which was started and organized by Chris Higens, the shelter president.
“People do Santa all the time, and we thought, let’s do something a little different to attract people to our shelter and just give back to the people who come here,” Higens said.
Jocelin Campa, a.k.a. the Grinch, works as a kennel attendant and brought her younger sister, Dayana Navarro along to be Cindy Lou Who.
“I like interacting with the people and the dogs,” said Campa, who lives in Harvey.
Other employees were getting into the spirit, too, some dressed in Christmas attire and others simply enjoying the moment.
“I love this event. I love Christmas,” said Shay Jackson, kennel coordinator, as she checked in people bringing their pets to the clinic. “That’s when everyone is happy.”
Karen Weir, a kennel attendant whose favorite thing is getting dogs adopted, also helped out.
“It brings people together,” said Weir. “It’s wonderful to see the kids and the dogs.”
Attendees could also get a special AWL ornament with the pictures for a $5 donation to the shelter. There were also Grinch shirts for sale, Christmas collars and dog attire, as well as second-hand items from their regular store.
The Cruz family heard about the event just after they and their son had enjoyed watching the movie, “The Grinch” again. They knew they had to come for the picture, even though they couldn’t bring their 10-year-old poodle, who is still somewhat of a wild child.
“We’re excited for it,” said Jovana Cruz, husband Jorge and son Isaiah by her side.
Other area shelters also have holiday events to attract people and garner some donations.
South Suburban Humane Society recently held a holiday market with baked goods and crafts for sale to benefit the Matteson shelter. They also have Pit Stops, a mobile pet food and supplies pantry, which includes stops during the holidays. Information is at southsuburbanhumane.org/pit-stop.
South Suburban Humane Society this year also did a Grinch gig where people could get their photos taken with their pets and the Dr. Seuss character (and get an ornament with the picture) during their recent holiday market.
PAWS Tinley Park usually hosts a Christmas Memory Tree event, where pet owners can get a memory light for $5 (goes to the shelter) and place a picture of their pets on the tree near the light. Information is at pawstinleypark.org/.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.