Adopt a Gentle Green-Eyed Cat

Buddy Boy needs a home to explore and a great owner to play with.

Adopt This Playful Black Lab Pup

Bailey has a lot of energy, but she’ll also listen to an owner.

Black Cats, Dogs in Desperate Foster Need

Dawn Isenhart of Oak Forest is co-founder of a rescue that specializes in black cats and dogs, which are at higher risk in shelters than other pets.

Those looking to adopt a shelter dog or cat may not realize that some pets are more likely to be euthanized than others. That is the case, according to Dawn Isenhart, co-founder and president of a foster-based pet rescue called Lulu's Locker Rescue. The Oak Forest shelter specializes in high-risk pets, specifically black dogs and cats. Isenhart said the lack of demand for black dogs and cats is so serious that some shelters will euthanize them outright. One of the basement rooms in Isenhart's home looks like a cat playhouse. She and Mike Copp, who also is a part of Lulu's, recently described their goal to save pets. "Really, our mission statement is to pull black cats and black dogs out of high kill situations," Isenhart said. There are a …

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This Week's Pet: Loyal Golden Retriever Mix

A friendly, 4-year-old Golden Retriever mix is hoping you'll take her home. She came to PAWS all the way from Kentucky earlier this month.

Janelle has been given a second chance at life. The 4-year-old Golden Retriever and Border Collie mix came to PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park on June 2. She was rescued from a Kentucky "high-kill" shelter and was found with matted fur and feces stuck to her, PAWS volunteers said on Monday. Looking clean and content, she's now looking for somewhere to belong.  The pup is full grown at 32 pounds, but could stand to gain a little bit of weight, staff said. True to Golden form, she absolutely loves playing in water. She's also shown signs of loyalty with certain volunteers.  Staff members said they're sure Janelle would make an exemplary addition to any area home. If you're interested in her, contact the shelter at 815-464-7298 or visit its…

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This Week's Pet: Water-Loving Alaskan Husky Mix

Jack is a 4-year-old pup who loves to be outside. He also can't get enough of the garden hose, as shown in the accompanying video.

Jack needs someone he can play with. The 4-year-old, 88-pound Alaskan Husky mix is full of energy—especially when there's a hose or pool within reach. As temperatures soared beyond 90 degrees on Monday, he splashed around outside in any water he could find. He was happy as a lark, despite his thick wintry coat.  Jack very recently found his way to PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park, where he was relinquished by his owner. The person said Jack didn't get along well with other animals but volunteers said he's shown no signs of aggression while staying at his hopefully temporary home. He scurries up to newcomers, hungry for a pet, and his golden eyes glisten in the sun.  The American Kennel Club doesn't list the Alaskan Husky as a breed …

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This Week's Pets: Oodles of Kittens

We're featuring five undeniably adorable kittens in this week's edition of Adopt Me. This bunch only serves as a preview of the 25 little ones waiting in cages at PAWS Animal Shelter right now, looking for homes.

Some volunteers at PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park consider summer to be stray kitten season.  The little ones are coming out of the woodwork. In some cases, like today's featured pets, entire litters are being relinquished while in others, lone kittens are finding their way to the shelter. There were 25 young ones being housed at the shelter on Monday afternoon and volunteers said that around 20 others were in foster care. If you know anyone looking for a tiny furry friend, PAWS is the place to be. Good luck taking your pick, though. All will melt your heart. This week, we're featuring three male kittens—Alan, Delta and Ranger—and two female ones—Patch (I swear, we didn't name her) and Dezi. The bundle of love came to PAWS in May. All …

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This Week’s Pet, An Affectionate Terrier-Pit Bull Mix

Lana is a sweetheart of a dog in need of a home, especially if someone is looking for a lap dog.

Lana is gentle Terrier-Pit Bull mix who likes to snuggle. The 8-year-old is friendly and can find her place in about any home, provided that home is looking for a relaxed pet to add to the warmth. Her ear was recently nibbled by a fellow guest at PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park, which is why she’s wearing a bandage around her head. But she’s healing well and she’s adoptable. Lana is a favorite among the PAWS crew, largely due to her calm, sweet demeanor, and the nuzzling doesn’t hurt either. Looking for a cat instead? Boots is still in need of a home. For someone interested in a special, and rather large, dog, Brando also is looking for a place to lay his big head. Find more adoptable pets in our Adopt Me! archives.   Like Tinley Park …

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This Week’s Pet: A Rare Giant Saved by PAWS

A special Adopt Me this week focuses on the big-bodied, but even bigger hearted, Brando. He’s a Cane Corso that the folks at Tinley Park PAWS saved from being euthanized at a Chicago shelter, and he needs a special owner.

A pooch like Brando doesn’t come along very often. The 3-year-old Cane Corso weighs 136.5 pounds, and is about 3.5 feet tall—even on all fours. But he responds well to commands and has a sweet disposition. That’s why the staff members at PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park couldn’t bear to see him put down. Brando was found in a Chicago animal shelter in February, on a short list to be euthanized. The local shelter, which has a no-kill policy, took him in and they are looking for the right owner for this gentle giant. Brando needs an owner with experience handling dogs of his size and weight, and does not have young children or other pets. Cane Corsos are described as “noble, majestic and powerful” by the American Kennel Club, and are …

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This Week's Pet: A Floppy-Eared Hound Mix With Energy for Days

If you're looking for a new companion, consider Zeke. He's a bit rambunctious but his love for affection matches his spunky spirit.

If you're a mover and a shaker, it's nice to have someone by your side who can keep up—like Zeke, a 1 1/2-year-old pup who is wishing for a new home. A plott hound mix whose smooth brindle coat shines in the sun, Zeke is waiting for you at PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park. His droopy ears and long tail make it difficult to take him seriously. He prances around the outdoor cages and likes chasing after toys. He understands simple commands, like "sit" and "down," and enjoys head scratches. He's also house trained. Other than that, Zeke seems to fit the plott bill. The American Kennel Club website describes his breed as eager to please, loyal, intelligent and alert in the home, and aggressive, bold and fearless while hunting. Owners should …

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This Week's Pets: Not One, But Two Kittens to Love

Roger and Panda are looking for homes.

What's better than a newborn kitten? Two. Roger and Panda arrived at PAWS Animal Shelter in Tinley Park on Dec. 22, just in time for Christmas. The two brothers love playing and are used to being handled. Panda—the one with the all-black nose—weighs 3 pounds and Roger weighs 4. They are both scheduled to be neutered this week and should be ready to leave the shelter on Friday. Although it'd be great if they were adopted together, it certainly isn't necessary, volunteers said. Either of these two could be your friend for life. Looking for more adoptable pets? Spike, a Chihuahua mix, is still hoping to find a home. As are Dusty and Tilly and Clifford—one of a seven-pup litter that we featured earlier this month.

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