2023 Charity:
Live Like Roo

Midwest FurFest is excited to announce our 2023 beneficiary charity: the Live Like Roo Foundation!

The origin of Live Like Roo goes back to 2015, when Sarah Lauch adopted a dog named Roosevelt from Chicago Animal Care and Control, the municipal animal shelter. A dental exam revealed that Roosevelt – “Roo” for short – suffered from bone cancer with a poor prognosis. Sarah created a bucket list for Roo so he could live the next 6 months like there was no tomorrow.

Now, Live Like Roo does the same for other animals, providing emotional and financial support to families whose pet faces a cancer diagnosis. Applicants can receive grants for cancer care as well as a care package including a blanket, a tennis ball, toys, treats, and a McDonald's gift card – all of the things that Roo the rescue dog loved, particularly McDonald’s ice cream cones!

In its first 7 years, Live Like Roo has granted more than $2 million for medical treatment, assisting more than 20,000 families facing a pet’s cancer diagnosis. 75% of the organization’s revenue goes toward veterinarian services with another 15% toward care packages. Special funds are also in place to help families with hospice dogs, those hosting rescue and foster dogs, dogs from military and veteran families, those needing assistance for end-of-life care – even funds for cats!

Midwest FurFest and its attendees have donated more than $800,000 to animal-related charities since 2000, and we expect that generosity to continue as we help scores of additional pets Live Like Roo!

MFF holds two auctions over the convention weekend for its designated charity: a silent auction Friday and Saturday (December 1-2) in the Dealers Den next to Live Like Roo’s information table, and a live auction Sunday morning (December 3) at the Hyatt Regency O‘Hare’s Rosemont ballroom. Come check it out, and bring your generosity!