Evanston Pet Stores Launches New Adoption Partnership

Jan. 18, 2011 - PRLog -- For the past 45 years, Evanston pet lovers have enjoyed the antics of the lively animals in the windows of The Fish Bowl, the popular pet store in the heart of Evanston’s Dempster Street shopping district. Now those in the market for a cute puppy, rabbit, kitten or ferret will have the opportunity to save a life as well: The Fish Bowl is now offering shelter animals for adoption. Thee Fish Bowl will continue as a full-service pet store, while helping to address the problem of pet overpopulation.

Barbara Herman, owner of Thee Fish Bowl, and Thee Fish Bowl’staff, had become increasingly aware of the often brutal conditions of puppy suppliers, and the overcrowding of shelters and rescues, ultimately deciding that the time had come to help homeless pets find new, loving homes. “I want to make a difference in the lives of these animals,” she stated. “Animals are my livelihood but they are also my life; I’m emotionally as well as financially invested in their welfare”.
With the help of animal welfare advocate Hannah Arbizzani and The Puppy Mill Project, a non-profit organization devoted to educating the public about “puppy mill” breeding facilities, Herman connected with Chicago Animal Care and Control’s Homeward Bound program. Through Homeward Bound, area animal welfare agencies help to place stray and surrendered adoptable animals through shelters and, most recently, through approved pet stores. The Puppy Mill Project assists pet stores in setting up humane standards of operation and serves as a liaison with Chicago Animal Care & Control, as well as other animal control facilities. “I’m delighted to be working with Barb to place homeless animals,” said Cherie Travis, Executive Director for Chicago’s Animal Care and Control. “ACC is the largest animal facility in the area, taking in approximately 20,000 animals each year and it is wonderful to think that some animals will find homes in Evanston.”
Thee Fish Bowl will launch its new Rescued Love pet adoption program with an open house Sunday Feb. 13th from 11am-4pm.  Animal lovers are invited to stop by for refreshments and a chance to win a prize in a Valentine’s Day drawing.  Free valentine photos by animal photographer Jim Czerwinski will be offered for those accompanied by pets and sweethearts.  
And, of course, there is always the possibility that visitors will find love at Thee Fish Bowl, while saving the life of a rescued puppy.

Thee Fish Bowl is open 7 days a week Mon.-Fri. 10 am-7 pm, Sat. 10 am- 6pm and Sun. 11 am-5 pm.  For information on Thee Fish Bowl and the Rescued with Love pet adoption program, phone 847-475-6500 or visit our website at wwww.theefishbowl.com.

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The Puppy Mill Project is a 501(c)3 charity. The organization is a leader in the fight against puppy mills.