Allegiance Community Bank Goes to the Dogs and Cats and Ducks

Menacing skies and intermittent rain did not drown out the fun at the Allegiance Community Bank's third annual "Dog Days of Summer Pet Event."

The event featured pet-friendly vendors, a best-dressed pet contest, refreshments and giveaways. It took place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the bank's Mokena branch at Wolf and LaPorte Roads.

"We're a pet-friendly bank," said Sharon Krupske, the branch manager. "You can bring in your animals … into the lobby, on a leash."

She added that the bank's owners also run the no-kill animal shelter, PAWS Chicago. Their love for animals inspired the event, and it is also the reason they wanted to open a pet-friendly bank.

Though Krupske speculated that a few of the 17 scheduled vendors didn't show because of the weather, the animals didn't seem to mind a little drizzle.

"She likes to join me anywhere," said Helen O'Farrell, Mokena resident, of her year old Bichon-Cavalier Spaniel mix, Macree.

While canine visitors sampled fresh, homemade treats from vendors such as I'll be Doggone of Mokena, volunteers from the National Animal Welfare Society of the U.S. walked homeless cats on leashes and schmoozed on behalf of orphan dogs such as Bella, an 8-month-old Labrador mix. In all, nine pet-friendly businesses set up tables in Allegiance Bank's parking lot under tents that protected them from the rain.

The best-dressed pet contest rounded out the event. The winners were a 3-month-old duck named Duckie, who sported a party animal costume and Wyler, a 4-year-old tabby who wore a surfer t-shirt and neon pink sunglasses.

Both winners received gift baskets.

Caitlyn Pehlke, 12, of Tinley Park adopted Duckie when her older sister brought the bird home unexpectedly from a farm. Caitlyn said the docile avian stays in the house and sleeps in her room. Caitlyn is in charge of cleaning up after Duckie, Caitlyn's father said, and as long as the girl is attentive to the chore, the duck is welcome to stay.

Wyler's owner, Nancy Bruno of Frankfort Square, said she likes being able to bring him out with her. In the past, she's taken him to other suburban pet events to meet Santa and the Easter Bunny.

For Bruno, animal-friendly businesses are a great idea.

"It's good for the community because there's so many people who love pets," she said.

Visit Allegiance Community Bank on the web or call the Mokena branch at 708-326-2520 for more information.