With the eighth annual “Hugs for Hounds Easter Egg Hunt” less than a month away, pet owners who like to have fun with their Fidos are in luck.
The annual spring outing for dogs and their owners is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. March 26 at the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hammel Woods Dog Park in Shorewood. A lively Easter eve extravaganza, the event features treat-filled eggs, dogs dressed in costumes and pet owners.
Dog owners are encouraged to bring baskets to collect the Easter eggs, which are filled with special prizes or dog treats. Hugs for Hounds will last until all of the eggs are retrieved by the canine participants.
Shorewood HUGS, a local nonprofit women’s organization, is again partnering with the Will County Forest Preserve on the event. A $5 entry fee per dog will be donated toward the care, handling and training of the Forest Preserve’s K-9 officer, Jullo.
Hugs for Hounds will also include drawings for a variety of Easter baskets. Prizes will be awarded for biggest dog, smallest dog, best Easter outfit, dog that traveled the farthest and dog that looks most like its owner.
Organizers said preregistration is recommended. To pre-register, download the registration form from the forest preserve’s website, www.ReconnectWithNature.org, and mail it in with your $5 fee. Day-of registration will be available beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Each dog must be on a leash and accompanied by an owner at all times. Dogs participating in Hugs for Hounds must be current on all vaccinations. A dog park permit is not required to attend this event, but 2016 permits will be sold on site that day.
All information required for a permit, including a driver’s license as well as the dog’s rabies tag number and expiration date, must be presented to purchase a permit. Those wishing to purchase a permit are encouraged to download a dog park permit application at the forest preserve’s website and bring it to the event completely filled out.
For more information on Shorewood HUGS, visit shorewoodhugs.org. Hammel Woods Dog Park is located at the preserve’s DuPage River access on Black Road, east of Route 59.