'We're Hoping They Go Out Of Business' Says Safe Pets For Joliet Founder

CREST HILL, IL - It's too early to say whether a Joliet animal welfare advocacy group will make itself a regular presence near the new location of the Puppy in the Window storefront. The business previously operated in Joliet along Larkin Avenue. Last month, the store relocated to the 2400 block of Caton Farm Road in Crest Hill.

For about two hours Saturday, about 20 people affiliated with Safe Pets for Joliet conducted a peaceful protest, displaying large signs, near the pet store. Morgan Drdak, founder of Safe Pets for Joliet, told Patch that the weekend protest accomplished its objective.

"The reaction was overwhelmingly positive," Drdak said. "Many people stopped to say they live nearby and were upset to see the store open and were glad to see people up speaking out."

Drdak said that $25 in cash donations, along with a couple of bags of dog food, kitty litter and paper towels were collected by her organization. These donations will be given to the Will County Humane Society, she said.

On Friday, Safe Pets for Joliet issued a press release explaining its justification for holding a protest at the new Crest Hill pet store. "During its time in Joliet, Puppy in the Window purchased its dogs from many USDA licensed breeders who failed to comply with the federal Animal Welfare Act. Protest participants seek to dissuade consumers from patronizing pet stores that sell animals from inhumane commercial breeders and instead adopt a homeless pet from the area's numerous animal shelters and rescues."

When asked Sunday if another store protest was imminent, Drdak responded, "We're hoping they go out of business before we need to, but if they are still around in a couple of months, we'll be back," she said. "Our primary focus is Joliet, but we're happy to help our neighbors."

Images via Safe Pets for Joliet