On Nov. 19, LifeStorage of Bridgeview, Ill., will host a Pet-a-Palooza adoption event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The self-storage facility managers, Nancy Warrer and Jeffery Helms, will provide private play areas where prospective adopters can interact with the animals. They will also collect donations of pet supplies and cash to help future foster pets.

Both pet lovers, Warrer and Helms started Pet-a-Palooza as a way to find new homes for some of the area's foster pets. They've reached out to various animal agencies, and the reception has been positive, Helms said.

Thus far, three agencies are participating in the event:

Our thoughts and goals on this is to hopefully to get as many pets adopted out to families and to possibly acquire new tenants either at our location or possibly one that is closer to where they might live," said Warrer. "The event is two-fold, but as a pet lover, its hard not to focus on the animals involved. I do not have any kids, so to me, my doggies are my children. They require the same attention and love. My dogs go everywhere with me."

Helms agreed: As business runners, this event is great because it will help drive traffic to our facility. As pet lovers, its a wonderful opportunity to help out animals in need. Like Nancy mentioned, for some of us, pets are like our children. They are true friends, providing companionship and unconditional love. Finding them good homes is such an important goal of ours.

LifeStorage was founded in 2002 by owners Jean Jodoin and Christopher Barry. The company has 18 self-storage facilities in the ChicagoLand area.