23-06-2025
Gorton Center in Lake Forest hosted PAWS Chicago adoption event on Saturday
Saturday's local pet adoption event invited participants to come for the cuddles, save a life, or find a new best friend, all free of charge.
PAWS Chicago Adoption Event at Gorton Center, 400 East Illinois Road in Lake Forest, took place on Saturday, June 21, from noon to 3 p.m.
Ann Wildman, director of special events at Gorton Community Center, says collaborating with PAWS on an animal adoption event aligns with Gorton's mission by fostering community connection, compassion, and service through meaningful local engagement.
'At the very least, families who spend time at our event can make a number of meaningful connections, even if they don't decide to adopt today,' Wildman said.
For those dreaming of adding to their family, PAWS Chicago provided four puppies and four kittens available for adoption on Saturday.
Participants were invited to a meet and greet the animals, to learn about their unique personalities and their day-to-day needs, through interaction with supportive volunteers available to answer questions about the adoption process.
Laura Bergman, PAWS location manager, said that since PAWS is located in the city, it is especially important to do these pop-up adoption events in order to reach a wider audience.
'Lake Forest is a wonderful community and one that supports pet adoptions, so the Gorton Center is an important venue for us,' Bergman said.
Brittany, Michael, and Sharon Moccia of Lake Forest attended Saturday.
'After recently losing our dog, we are beginning to consider the rescue process again, and we love PAWS,' Brittany Moccia said.
According to the PAWS Chicago website, PAWS is one of the largest comprehensive no-kill animal welfare organizations in the nation, leading the charge to end pet homelessness and suffering in the Chicago area.
Wildman says that many animal shelters are full right now, so adoptions are desperately needed.
'Ultimately, if some animals find a new forever home during this event, that is, of course, the ultimate goal,' Wildman said.
