Pet Portraits Raise Money For Paws-4-Kids Therapy Dog Program

FRANKFORT, IL — For the third year, a Frankfort photographer will offer pet portrait sessions, which will benefit the Will County Children's Advocacy Center's Paws-4-Kids therapy program.

Jean Lachat Photography, 100 Kansas St., will host LollaPUPlooza, and $99 of every $159 pet portrait session will be donated to the therapy program.

The summer-long pet portrait fundraiser kicked off on July 1, and will run through Sept. 1. Lachat said custom artwork from each session is available to purchase separately.

The idea came to Lachat after seeing a photographer in California do "PupChella" portraits, and decided that could work for the Lollapalooza and Chicago connection.

"It started with dogs in flower crowns, which I still do, but has morphed into beautiful classic portraits, fun outdoor portraits and families with their pet portraits, as everything I do is custom to the clients I serve," Lachat said.

Paws-4-Kids, an in-house therapy dog program founded by Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow, helps offer comfort to kids visiting the Children's Advocacy Center.

Trained therapy dogs greet children arriving at the center, and help ease discomfort.

“Dogs exhibit the purest form of unconditional love, and can sense when someone is in need of comfort and support,” said Lachat. “If this fundraiser can turn into real healing for kids who’ve experienced unspeakable trauma, we have really put some good into this world.”

LollaPUPlooza sessions can be booked by calling or texting 708.296.2170 or online at jeanlachatphotography.com/lollapuplooza.

Lachat said she has supported other charities each year, but this year chose the therapy dog program at the Children's Advocacy Center.

"I hope to raise a significant amount of funds for this wonderful cause, right in our local area," Lachat said.