Dogs and their owners put on the Ritz for the Fourth Golden Paw Gala for Heartland Animal Shelter at the Crowne Plaza in Northbrook on Saturday, November 13th. ABC 7 Political Reporter Charles Thomas served as a special host for the event that netted over $10,000 for the no kill, non-profit shelter that is also located in Northbrook. “The Golden Paw Gala is a wonderful opportunity to honor the volunteers, staff and donors who have helped Heartland take care of and find homes for over 1,000 animals this past year,” said Heartland Animal Shelter Executive Director Stephanie Preiser-Hoffman. “We also honored several special canine guests at the event – some of our current residents still looking for a home – who were able to mingle and hopefully meet their forever family.” Over 150 people and 35 dogs, many of them Heartland Alumni, attended this years event. Dr. Herbert Preiser founded Heartland in 2002 in an effort to find homes for animals left behind by their families at his veterinary practice. That first year, 65 animals were adopted. In the past twelve months, over 1,200 animals taken in by Heartland have been adopted. The Gala included a Best Dressed Dog Pageant that featured over 30 dogs in and out of costume. The winner this year was Baby, a Great Pyrenees mix that arrived at Heartland nearly two years ago shortly before giving birth to seven puppies. She was adopted by Heartland Medical Assistant Christie Rivera who had fostered Baby and her puppies. During the evening, dogs were able to enjoy some pampering in the Poochie Parlor with Groomer/Stylist Pretty Pets by Jessica, pet caricatures by Marlene Goodman, photos by Jim Czerwinski and oil paintings by Sherri Fowler. Whole Foods Market was also on hand with “Healthy Options for your Pet,” Chiro One Wellness Centers were also on hand for the two-legged visitors and Heartland Tribute Cards were also available through Cookie Levinson. Event sponsors included Good Earth Lighting of Wheeling, Dimend Scaasi of Chicago, 3639 Wrigley Rooftop, Preiser Animal Hospital, and Natural Awakenings Chicago North & North Shore. Goodie bag sponsors included The Chalet, Sutton Studios, and Buca di Beppo. Special guests honored by Heartland during the evening included Heartland founder Dr. Herbert Preiser, Dr. Kristine Preiser, Barb and Marvin Feig of Good Earth Lighting, Wendy and Eric Rychel, Jennifer Goodwin and her Heartland dog Abby (and the Goodwin family), Tom Bohn, Castino Painting & Home Services, Mary Ann Alexander and Sharon and Jerry Rush. Some of the auction items at the event included a five course dinner for two donated by Oceanique in Evanston, Pearl and Blue Iolite dangling earrings donated by Dimend Scaasi in Chicago, a private photo sitting package donated by Sutton Studios in Evanston, four tickets to a Wrigley Rooftop with Chicago Cubs items donated by 3629 Wrigley Rooftop and the Cubs, and a week stay in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico during May or June donated by Mary Ann Alexander. Proceeds benefit Heartland Animal Shelter, a no-kill humane organization dedicated to finding homeless animals their forever homes while educating the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets in order to decrease pet over population. Further information about adoption, volunteer opportunities and other upcoming events is at www.heartlandanimalshelter.net or follow Heartland on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HeartlandAnimalShelter. Heartland Animal Shelter is located at 2975 Milwaukee Avenue in Northbrook.