Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – What does the state’s checkwriter-in-chief have to do with adopting pets?

“I’m paying homage to my good friend (the late treasurer and comptroller) Judy Baar Topinka,” said state Comptroller Susana Mendoza (pictured, right) in hosting her adopt-a-dog event Friday at the Illinois State Fair. “Whenever you can save municipalities money by not having to euthanize animals or keep them locked up in a shelter until they’re euthanized, and instead, we’re able to adopt out animals, it’s a beautiful thing, right? Love wins every day, and we save taxpayer money in the process.”

Mendoza is now between dogs. “This is the first time in my either childhood or adult life that I don’t have a dog, because our dog passed away two years ago,” said Mendoza. “Given my very hectic travel schedule, our family’s, it does not make sense for us right now to have a dog, and I always tell people as a fierce dog lover, you have to be there.”

Mendoza said WILD Canine Rescue provided the dogs for her event.