It’s All About The Paws rescue group to hold adoption and fundraising event this weekend

As people across the country were told to stay at home during the start of the pandemic last year, many adopted pets to keep them company.

According to a poll conducted by The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, one in five respondents said they acquired a dog or cat during the pandemic. Like other shelters and rescue organizations, It’s All About The Paws rescue group has seen people surrendering their pets as they return to the workplace.

“It’s increased significantly,” said Erika Seibert, founder and president of It’s All About The Paws. “Rescues are being inundated with owner surrenders.”

It’s All About The Paws – which is based in the St. Charles area – is a foster-based rescue that focuses solely on owner surrenders through its Rehome Assistance Program. The group’s mission is to help owner surrenders stay out of the shelter system.

The rescue will hold its seventh annual adoption and fundraising event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Baker Memorial Park, Main Street and North 5th Avenue in downtown St. Charles. As in past years, It’s All About The Paws is partnering with other rescue and nonprofit organizations, including Starfish Animal Rescue, the Humane Society of Aurora and Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife (K.A.R.E.). Several vendors will also be part of the event.

K.A.R.E. will give a presentation from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

“They will talk about wildlife rehabilitation and care,” Seibert said.

The event will be chock full of activities, including a pet costume contest from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday as well as live music. Nick Wiesner will perform from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Nissa Sampson will perform from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.

“We love having the live music there,” Seibert said.

More than 50 adoptions have taken place during the annual adoption and fundraising event and the group has raised more than $15,000.

“It is our goal to continue to raise more, educate more, advocate more, and continue to not only raise funds for local rescue organizations but also to help families find their forever furry family members,” Seibert said. “These proceeds significantly help our local rescues in continuing to save lives and care for their animals in their program.”

More information is at It’s All About The Paws’ website, itsallaboutthepaws.org.