Dog Models Needed For Will County Forest Preserve Calendar

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County is looking for some dog models to strike a pose for a 2020 calendar, with proceeds benefiting the Will County Humane Society. The preserve said the calendar will showcase dogs that frequent the district's six dog parks while also raising awarness for the humane society.

"Our partnership with the Forest Preserve District is a great way for neighbors to help one another out by spreading awareness of both missions," said Will County Humane Society shelter manager Malorie Ernst. "Both organizations have a genuine impact on our community and take pride in the work they do to better our community and the animals in it."

Calendars will cost $15 each, which includes shipping and taxes, and approximately $10 from each calendar sold will be donated to the Will County Humane Society, the oldest no-kill shelter in the county.

"We run solely on the generous donations and devotion from our community," Ernst said in a release. "Our facility does not receive funding from the government. This means every item and every dollar donated is imperative to our functionality. Every act of kindness helps the homeless animals in our care!"

The calendars will be sold via preorders only from now until Sunday, Oct. 20. Orders will be shipped the week of Nov. 25 to ensure they are received in time for the holidays.

“The calendar is a win-win project for both us and the Will County Humane Society,” said Ralph Schultz, chief operating officer for the Forest Preserve District. “Our public loves its dogs and our dog parks, and we’re happy to offer a way to highlight the pets of our dog park patrons while also helping to support a Will County organization that does such good within the community. We hope visitors to our dog parks will not only submit their dogs' photos for a chance to be included in this special initiative, but that they’ll also generously support the Humane Society by purchasing a calendar or two.”

For a dog to be considered for the calendar, there are several requirements:

• Dogs must have a current permit for the Forest Preserve District’s dog parks.
• All participating dogs must be socialized to both humans and other dogs.
• Dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations, as required for a dog park permit.
• Dogs must be able to follow some basic commands for the purpose of participating in the photo shoot.

Entries can be submitted online and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 7, to be eligible for consideration.