Rescuing Special Needs Dogs in Chicago

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Pet month and more and more people are discovering the wonderful opportunties shelters give us to find a special pet.  One shelter that really impressed us was Found Chicago, a shelter on the northwest side that specializes in dogs with special needs - the one's that other shelters don't want to take.  These dogs often become great pets after being rehabilitated.  Some dogs just need medical care, behavioral training, and a lot of love to become the dogs they were meant to be.  It always amazes me how a dog can go through so much pain and come out the other side as a loving pet with the right people working with them. Found Chicago is based out of Stay, a Chicago pet hotel and training facility.  There's a great article in the Chicago Sun-Times, dated Oct. 21, 2010, that tells all about the work of Found Chicago and it's owner, Michael Heltzer.  Check it out at   http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/easy/2821190,ESY-News-EasyDogRisk21a.article

In our area, in the southwest suburbs, there are also excellent shelters.  If you are looking for a pet and can give it the love and attention it deserves, check out these local groups:

PAWS Animal Shelter
8301 W 191st St.
Tinley Park, IL 60487

TLC Animal Shelter
13016 W 151st St.
Homer Glen, IL 60491

Animal Welfare League
10305 Southwest Highway
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

South Suburban Humane Society
1103 W End Ave.
Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Remember, a pet gives back so much more than it gets. 

For a special coupon for grooming your adopted pet, click the facebook button in the right column.

February is National Spay and Neuter Month

Spaying and neutering your pet is an important decision for all pet owners. Unfortunately, there are too many homeless animals all over the country, many ending up in shelters. The Humane Society of the United States estimates about 7 million homeless animals end up in shelters every year. Half of these animals are adopted, but the other half are euthanized. Many of the pets that never get adopted would have been loving companions if they only had a chance.

As a pet owner, you should know that the only reason not to spay or neuter is if you intend to be a responsible, knowledgable breeder. Otherwise, the pet is much better off being spayed or neutered, from both a health standpoint and for your own piece of mind. It's not true that females need a litter before being spayed, or that males will somehow be less of a dog if they are neutered. It will not make them less protective or fat and lazy. This procedure is safe, inexpensive, and the right thing to do. It's an easy way to save lives.

For more information, go to the Humane Society of the US at www.humanesociety.org