Easter events galore this weekend on Chicago's weekend pet scene

It's a big weekend for pet lovers as they get ready for the real visit from the Easter Bunny. There will be Easter Egg Hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, a networking event and classes to learn about senior pets and caring for rabbits. Here are the many activities on tap on Chicago's weekend pet scene.

Thursday, March 21

Stop by Karyn’s On Green at 130 South Green Street in Chicago for the Soak Your Nuts book launch party starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 and proceeds benefit the Dino Calabrese Memorial Fund and include an autographed book, hors d’oeurvres, drink ticket and more. Buy tickets online.

Saturday, March 23

Do you have a senior dog in your life or are you considering adding one? Canine Links is hosting a day long seminar on senior dogs focusing on health and comfort measures from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 651 West Washington. Learn about training, enrichment and massage techniques to alleviate normal aches and pains. Register online or email sarah@caninelink.com to get on the roster.

It’s a shop and play networking event at Chicago Party Animals from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Stop by for off leash play for your small dogs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and big dogs from 2 until 4 p.m. There will be cocktails, playtime and shopping along with adoptable pets from Secondhand Snoots Rescue.

Get ready for Easter with Hop Around the Shops from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with all the great shops on the 3200 to 3900 blocks of North Southport in Chicago. Shop for people and pets as local merchants team up with local rescue organizations to help homeless pets.

Check out some of the great pets available for adoption with Magnificent Mutts Rescue at the Petco at 160 South Mannheim Road in Hillside. They’ll be on hand from noon until 3 p.m.

Get your pet’s picture taken with the Easter Bunny at the Hungry Hound Boutique and Grooming at 8243 Wicker Avenue in St. John’s Indiana. Fetch Portraits will be there from 12-3. Bring in your precious pet for a picture with the Easter Bunny himself! Please call for sitting time. 219-.365-5543

Join Red Door for an on-leash Easter Egg Hunt at Rex’s Place Dog Obedience Group at 2120 Ashland in Evanston. $10 per dog for Easter Egg hunt and $5 for pet photos with the Easter Bunny. The event runs from 1 to 3 p.m. with proceeds supporting the rabbits, cats and dogs at Red Door.

Join animal advocates at a peaceful demonstration at the Puppy Parlor at 4707 Main St. in Lisle. The protest will be from 1 to 3 p.m. No parking in the strip mall lot.

Support the animals at Heartland Animal Shelter with the Helping Hips Belly Dance Benefit starting at 6 p.m. at Durty Nellie’s at 180 North Smith Street in Palatine. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 in advance (by March 20).

Sunday March 24

Stop by the Impecca Restaurant from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 123 Main Street in Roselle. There will be a breakfast buffet, costumed characters and have your kids pose for a photo with the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids with kids under 2 free.

If you missed your pet’s photo with the Easter Bunny, stop by Dog-a-Holics Boutique from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. for photos from Fetch Portraits. Receive a 4" x 6" print a few days after, a mini Easter basket filled with treats for your pooch. Your donation of $40 goes to helping the homeless dogs of Chicago Canine Rescue! Call 773-857-7600 to reserve your spot.

Stop by the Glenview location of Noodles and Company for a Food Drive for the Pets at Heartland Animal Shelter. Between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. bring in two cans of non-seafood pet food. Receive a free bowl card to use at your next visit.

Join the Dog House Humane Group at the Easter Parade sponsored by Karen’s Pet Grooming in Joliet starting at 1 p.m. Meet off Scott Street at the Old Sears Building – lots of fun costumes will be available. There will be a DJ and lots of fun activities. Bring your pooch and your kids.

Are you thinking of adding a rabbit to the family? Learn about the care and health of rabbits with Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, the foremost rabbit veterinary hospital in the Chicago area at the Red Door Shelter at 2410 West Lunt in Chicago from 1 to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but do call first for reservations or email info@reddoorshelter.org.

Join Lulu’s Locker Rescue for the Doggy Easter Egg Hunt from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Oak Forest Community Center at 15501 South Kilpatrick. There’s a $10 donation per dog with registration starting at 12:30. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny and lots of fun – your dog should be leashed.