Adopters Laura and Brad came to PAWS Chicago with an open mind and an open heart, in search of a loving companion. Although they were not specifically looking to adopt a Pit Bull, when they met Chilli – a four-year-old Pit Bull Terrier, they were immediately taken by his charm and calm demeanor.

“Chilli was a really mellow dog when we fist met him, which was one of the things that first drew us in,” said Laura and Brad. “He was really sweet and just loved people. We just knew he was going to be a great dog.”

Chilli is the best dog we could have found for our little family. If we had completely ruled out Pit Bulls as a breed, we would be missing out on so much love that we receive from him everyday.

Before the adoption took place, Laura and Brad met with behavioral counselor and trainer Curtis Scott who spoke with them about what to expect with a Pit Bull in terms of personality traits, needs and reactions from other people.

“We completed basic training sessions with Curtis shortly after adopting Chilli. As new dog owners, I think these classes benefited us more than they did Chilli,” Laura and Brad said. “After we brought Chilli home, we found that he had some issues with doggy manners (he’s a bit over friendly!), so we’ve been working on socializing him through daycare and play dates.” Soon, Laura and Brad plan to sign him up for a formal training.

According to his adopters, “Chilli has been the best addition to our family. He is such a cuddle-bug! His favorite thing to do is flop on the couch and put his head in our lap – and of course drool everywhere! He is a complete charmer and quickly wins over every person he meets He constantly receives compliments in the elevator and on the street about how polite and well-behaved he is.

Chilli is the best dog we could have found for our little family. If we had completely ruled out Pit Bulls as a breed, we would be missing out on so much love that we receive from him everyday.”