Buddy is a sweet 2- or 3-year-old cat rescued by an older woman, who is very sick. Her friends are looking for a new home for him, and can't say enough good things about this sweet, gentle cat. He is very affectionate and loves to lie near his owner and keep her company. Debbie Haws, the friend who is trying to find the right home for Buddy, believes he would be a perfect companion for an older person. If you know someone who would love the companionship of a cat who likes to snuggle, call Debbie at (847) 383-5840. **** Enter yet another wrecked dog whose life is now in the balance. Cayden …

  It seems like almost everyone discovers the ideal pet to adopt on the Internet these days. Whether you use Petfinder.com or specifically look at a rescue's website, locate a dog or cat, and e-mail them about your choice, you see the heart-tugging photos of the dogs and cats who need homes. These pix are nice, but they don't really capture the true spirit of the animals. Now some rescue sites are using videos to let you see how these guys interact with other pets, and sometimes how well trained they can be.  PAWS in Chicago is a pioneer of this great method of letting the pet's true …

  I recently brought my three dogs (rescues, of course) to Best Friends Pet Care in Prairie View for their monthly grooming appointments, and I noticed two of the most precious cats I have ever seen! These darling cats were just sitting in the glass-enclosed cat condo in their lobby, watching all the dogs parade in (or, for some, being dragged in) to be bathed and trimmed up. They are so curious and friendly! I could not believe Rihanna and Skye are up for adoption with Young at Heart Pet Rescue. If you, a friend or relative is looking for an older but healthy and oh-so-cute cat, stop by Best…

  Black cats and dogs everywhere are donning their dark glasses and engaging their "flashy things" to wipe out the myths and stereotypes about black animals during "Back in Black 2", a national adoption promotion during the month of May by Save-A-Pet. Supported by national animal welfare organization Best Friends Animal Society, nearly 100 animal rescue groups and shelters across the country including Save-A-Pet are participating. Every day, approximately 9,000 pets are killed in shelters because they don't have a home. Best Friends and the No More Homeless Pet Network Partners are committed …

  Spring is the time many puppies and kittens are born, but let's not forget the older generation! Young at Heart Pet Rescue in Palatine finds homes for older pets who need love as much as puppies. Here is a dog named Lady Bug and a cat named Belle who are waiting for new homes. Check them out along with others. Lady Bug: I’m a 9 year old collie/lab mix, and I lost my home when my family was forced to move into public housing…. and though they tried to sneak me in, I got evicted. At the pound, I was so upset, I tried to chew my way out of the kennels. When Young at Heart took me in, I was so …

  There are many great shelters who rescue dogs and cats in Illinois. However, sometimes you can find an amazing pet at a shelter in a neighboring state if you do an online search. I found two adorable dogs at the Animal Protection League in Anderson, Ind. Located near Indianapolis, it is about a five-hour drive and well worth it to see these two dogs. Zuk is a one-year-old male sheltie mix, and weighs 36 pounds. He is in kennel 33 and waiting for a forever home. Gixxie is a one-year-old spayed female sheltie mix and weighs 35 pounds. She is also in kennel 33 with Zuk and really needs a home …

  Wright-Way Animal Rescue in Niles rescues abandoned dogs or those from kill shelters in southern Illinois, gives them medical attention and then brings them up to Niles to their adoption center. One dramatic example of their outstanding work is the rescue of Sage, a young Yellow Lab and spaniel mix who was found abandoned with her puppies. She was injured from having bricks thrown at her, and she had a mangled left front leg from a car accident. The leg was safely amputated by a vet working with Wright-Way Rescue, and she is looking for a permanent adoptive home. Look at their web site for …

  Welcome to spring! Or is it summer? This beautiful weather might finally lure you into adopting a new dog or cat into your family. While you can use www.petfinder.com or look at individual sites, check out Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka's rescue site, Comptroller's Critters. How it has grown! You will find more than 57 (it started with about 17 last year) rescue organizations in the state who need homes for their dogs and cats. Every spring these organizations and shelters find themselves overflowing with puppies and kittens, so now is the perfect time to adopt. One thing to …

  Last week we showed you some wonderful black cats. Here are a few black dogs from Save-a-Pet in Grayslake that need homes. Meatball is a 5-year-old black and white lab mix who says, "After spending years at another shelter, I am finally moving up in the world. I had heard so many good things about Save-A-Pet and they were all right! Nice accommodation with bed and blanket, good meals, yummy treats and best of all, lots of people that spend time with me. I was originally given up with another dog and as far as they can tell, I seem to get along with dogs. "Even though I have had little …

  There are many reasons why dogs and cats are given up by families, but one of the saddest is when the owner dies and the remaining family members can't or won't keep the pet. Even more heartbreaking is when the pet is older and confused about where its beloved owner has gone. Older pets face a dismal chance of adoption at most shelters, and they have, to put it mildly, a difficult time adjusting to a strange, crowded, noisy cement run or metal cage. I received this email from one of the vets I work with, and she is helping find a new home for a sweet, older miniature poodle who finds …

  No-kill shelters have so many things to worry about as they struggle to keep their doors open and place as many dogs and cats as possible. Can you imagine what it's like feeding and cleaning up after hundreds of pets each day? Finding the money to run the rescue? Looking after all the animals, trying to keep them physically and emotionally healthy enough to be adopted? So it's not surprising that the question of how to list dogs and cats on the shelter websites often is not a top priority. Some places list the newest and youngest (read: cutest) dogs and cats first, then slip those animals …

  I guard the door to the catroom, but I am told that I am pretty lousy at it because most of the time I am actually napping on the job. Hey, this is hard work that requires a lot of concentration so every so often I have to take a long nap in order to keep my alertness. So whether I am awake or not, you can typically find me on the cat tree right by the door. I do enjoy attention and petting and can be quite affectionate but also don’t mind doing my own things. I have a little playful side that emerges at times, running a couple of laps and then of course, I need to relax for a while. I came…

  Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and people are not the only ones who need some love!  Dogs Deserve Better, a national organization that works toward freeing all dogs from being chained or penned all day in yards, is celebrating "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week," Feb. 7-14. They collected valentines to distribute to owners who don't understand why it's cruel and dangerous to leave a dog chained up and isolated all day, away from people and other dogs. The valentines, most written and drawn by children, are supposed to be given to the dogs as a loving gesture to show they are …

  Hi there! I’m Bella, a very cute and bubbly 10-year-old poodle who loves people. I am super-fun and cuddly, and love nothing more than to be in your lap or your arms. And my charm and good looks will win you over and steal your heart! One of my most endearing moves is when I bounce up and down to get you to pick me up. You can almost hear my little doggy voice saying, “pick me up! Pick me up!” I am so happy to be in your arms and once there, I snuggle in as close as I can. I am in heaven whenever I am held. I am up for adoption through Young at Heart Pet Rescue, and I am so much fun! I love…

  I’m Calliope, and when you watch me walk gracefully across the floor, you’ll know why I’m named after the goddess of poetry. Slinky and graceful, my beautiful markings and ballerina-like motion will capture your heart. I’m a very sweet girl, and none of those rumors about calicos having attitude can be applied to me. I am very quiet and affectionate, and enjoy my other feline pals just fine. I love heated cat beds, fleece blankets, and snuggle time – and if I can make a request, I really do prefer canned cat food. Treats whenever I ask for them are always appreciated, though I am very lady-…

  I’m Angel, a very sweet and quite 10 year old wired-hair terrier mix. Even though my owners of 10 years decided not to take me to their new home, I have adapted instantly to my foster home. They have three other dogs in their household, and we all get along. Sometimes I like to chase away the three cats because they annoy me every once in a while, but I have never have been able to catch them, and I never hurt them. I have the perfect name because I have the gentlest nature. I love being brushed, and I love back and tummy scratches. I will even press my paw on you if you stop scratching me…

  Hello, World! I’m Lexi, a quiet, cuddly 7-year-old domestic short hair who loves to play with fuzzy mice and take naps anywhere with a view.I’m a laid back girl that is happy to take life as it comes to me. I’m always looking out the window, not wanting to miss a minute of the action outside. In my down time, I enjoy a good snuggle anywhere that is soft and warm. I’m very sweet and quite laid back. I’m good with other cats, and I have no problem with cat-savvy dogs. I’m also a star with my litter box. I really enjoy the company of my people friends, especially when they are petting or sweet…

  Last weekend, I was at an adoption event at PetsMart in Bloomindale for Almost Home Foundation, and I found a wonderful dog who needs a foster home for the holidays and beyond. She is so beautiful and sweet! I could not take her because I live in Long Grove and we are not allowed to have fenced-in yards. Cheers needs a fence to keep her from wandering, as most dogs do, and we are only allowed to have electric fences in my village. Please read her description below from Almost Home's website, and know it is all true. She is such a great dog! Why not give yourself the gift of saving a life, …

  It's holiday time, and it's a good time to think about giving to others. Why not peruse the Internet and discover the wish lists for a dog and cat? Some suggestions: http://www.orphansofthestorm.org/GetInvolved/WishList.html http://www.saveapetil.org/ http://www.almosthomefoundation.org/newsite_wishlist.html http://www.heartlandanimalshelter.net/WishList.html   How about helping Animal Education and Rescue in Libertyville with a purchase of a collar for your dog for Chanukah or Christmas? These collars are durable, soft and help you control your pet in a humane way. There are so many cute …

  This is from an e-mail I received from Pat Porcelli, who, along with her husband, does volunteer work for Illinois Animal Rescue. This Thanksgiving weekend, we should all consider giving a homeless dog the gift of life and love. Below are a few of the rescues that receive wonderful dogs from high kill facilities. I hope they have a precious pet that you are looking to adopt. And thank you for considering adopting a pet from a shelter. www.illinoisanimalrescueinc.org    (Their dogs are in foster homes.) http://www.almosthomefoundation.org  (Their dogs are in foster homes.) http://…