The Forest Preserve District of Will County is looking for a few very good dogs to strike a pose for a 2020 calendar, with proceeds benefiting the Will County Humane Society.

A casting call for dogs went out to Forest Preserve dog park patrons on Friday, June 7, for photo submissions, which are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 7. Calendars cost $15 each and preorders can be placed now through Sunday, Oct. 20, at willcountydogs.org. For more information on submitting your dog’s photo, visit bit.ly/dogappform.

The Forest Preserve is partnering with the humane society to showcase dogs that frequent the District’s six dog parks while also raising awareness – and funds – for an organization that does so much to help find new homes for hundreds of dogs each year. The humane society is the oldest no-kill shelter in the county.

“Our partnership with the Forest Preserve District is a great way for neighbors to help one another out by spreading awareness of both missions,” said Will County Humane Society shelter manager Malorie Ernst. “Both organizations have a genuine impact on our community and take pride in the work they do to better our community and the animals in it.”

Approximately $10 from each calendar sold will be donated to the humane society

“We run solely on the generous donations and devotion from our community,” Ernst said. “Our facility does not receive funding from the government. This means every item and every dollar donated is imperative to our functionality. Every act of kindness helps the homeless animals in our care!”

Calendars will be shipped the week of Nov. 25 to ensure they are received in time for the holidays.

“The calendar is a win-win project for both us and the Will County Humane Society,” said Ralph Schultz, chief operating officer for the Forest Preserve District. “Our public loves its dogs and our dog parks, and we’re happy to offer a way to highlight the pets of our dog park patrons while also helping to support a Will County organization that does such good within the community. We hope visitors to our dog parks will not only submit their dogs’ photos for a chance to be included in this special initiative, but that they’ll also generously support the Humane Society by purchasing a calendar or two.”

Dogs being considered for inclusion in the calendar must meet several requirements:

  • Dogs must have a current permit for the Forest Preserve District’s dog parks.
  • All participating dogs must be socialized to both humans and other dogs.
  • Dogs must be current on their rabies vaccinations, as required for a dog park permit.
  • Dogs must be able to follow some basic commands for the purpose of participating in the photo shoot.

A panel of judges will select the dogs to be featured based on their photogenic nature and how well each entry fits the goal of highlighting a variety of breeds, ages and personalities.