The rent-a-puppy fundraiser hosted by Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority Friday and Saturday received a large turnout.

The event cost $10 per half hour, or $15 for groups of three, and helped raise money for the local animal shelters as well as the sorority.

The puppies were from Boone, Iowa, and Jewell, Iowa, and ranged from around 8 months to 6 years. The dogs ranged in size from big to small.

“Last year we raised around $1,200, and this year’s goal is to raise around $1,500,” said Zaneta Jones, Sigma Lambda Gamma member and senior in interior design. “We are also hoping to just get every time slot filled each day and give the dogs a lot of exercise.”

The goal of Rent-a-Puppy is to find people to adopt the dogs. By 1 p.m. Friday, there already was a prospective adopter for a cute beagle. 

Molly Kieffer, freshman in industrial engineering, was playing with a puppy named Cyrus.

“I came out today because I love animals and I wanted to help support the animal shelters,” Kieffer said.

Prior to playing with a puppy, each participant had to sign a waiver and pay. Then the renter was taken to the dog corral, where each puppy had his or her own station. The puppies were let out of the kennel and could be held by their leash. Some people were running them around the big pen, while others were playing with the puppy on the ground.

The puppies were full of energy, and Kieffer’s puppy Cyrus was very active and wanted to greet all of the people.

“Students should come because it’s fun, and dogs put a smile on your face and you know you’re supporting a good cause,” Kieffer said.