After fostering 64 animals, it was time for me to adopt when my beloved adopted dog Sammy died suddenly last autumn. Charlie is very bright and full of humor, and brings smiles to everyone she meets. She will be a puppy for a long time, and I love telling potential adopters about the Green Dog exercise plan. I've lost 30 lbs. while she's gained 10. I'm grateful to PAWS for bringing such a loving and spirited companion into my life. She will be ready to start sharing her home with foster dogs very soon.

Chris

Andre is absolutely delightful and has settled into his new home very well. He is extremely energetic, yet loving and even gives his big sister Mina a run for her money. They do race around and have been found snuggling each other in the middle of the night on our bed! Mina even licks him periodically like a loving mother! It's really sweet. Thank you for a positive adoption experience.

Teresa Hjerpe

Hi PAWS! It's me Coach! (PAWS name - Cocita) Things are going great here in my new home. I have two comfy beds, tons of toys and two wonderful big brothers named Bruno and Rocko. Here's a picture us! (I'm the little white one in the picture.) Bruno, Rocko and I are having a blast! I like to follow them around stealing their toys and nipping at their ankles - I think they're really starting to like me! I'm having fun with my new parents too - we're doing something called Obedience Class. We go to PAWS once a week to take the class. All I have to do is sit, walk, stay, come when I'm called, and they give me lots of treats! I can't believe what a sweet deal it is! Thanks PAWS - for taking care of me and finding me such a wonderful home!

Coach Smith-Doyle

Quigley is quite a joy. He is growing fast. But what a cutie. We did not change his name. Everyone who meets him just loves him. I am attaching a picture from our holiday cards.

The Kedrowski's

Peter's name is now Monty (short for Montgomery)and he has a great personality. Monty is healthy, he is spunky, playful, and full of personality. He and I have bonded really well and he gets along with all of my friends.

Best,

Sarah

I just wanted to let you know how much we love our little boys!! Jake (PAWS name Belushi) & Elwood (PAWS name Akroyd) are the sweetest boys!! They love to play and snuggle with each other (and us!). It took them about 10 minutes to feel at home, and now they have the run of the house. Each is developing their own little personalities - Elwood is a no-nonsense boy, not afraid of anything! Jake is a snuggler. If he isn't playing with his brother, he is on your lap and purring away! Thank you so much for our wonderful boys!! PAWS Chicago is amazing!

Heather & David Irwin

Scrappy has been renamed Metro and is loving his new home and his fenced-in backyard. He likes to go nose-to-nose with the dog on the other side of the fence and he is very fond of belly rubs when I get home from work. He's very smart!

Mike O'Malley

We have changed Flaco's name to R2 and he is doing great. He is a perfect addition to our family.

Thank you for all of your help!

The Travers Family

Goldie is doing pretty well. I've renamed her Murphy. Murphy Girl formally, because everyone asks when I tell them Murphy's name, whether or not she's a girl, so I just added it as a middle name and given her beautiful auburn coat, she just seems to have a little Irish (or Irish Setter) in her!  I hope to find another yellow lab through PAWS in the coming months to add to the family and keep energetic Murphy happy!

- Elizabeth

Just writing to let you know that J.D. (formerly Oscar)  is doing GREAT! He has adapted well to his new home and is excelling in obedience training. He is one of best dogs in his obedience class. The instructor has commented numerous times how quickly he learns and responds to commands. He's the best dog I've ever had and he has become a wonderful companion. Thanks again.

Mike Landando 

Sisters Wilhelmina (PAWS name Thelma) and Chloe (PAWS name Louise) are doing great. They steal the show wherever we go. At home in their crate they cuddle beyond belief and out of the crate they like to wrestle. There is never a dull moment. They just mastered "lay down" and now will hit the floor at moments notice hoping for the treat. We couldn't be happier with our choice and so happy for all the advice PAWS gave us as part of the adoption. 

- Jay Burghardt & Miles Coric

I adopted Tori at 7 weeks old from a PAWS event at Woodfield Mall back in 2002. Five years later, she is still doing great, has full run of the house (I just pay the bills), and as you can see from the picture is loves to hang her stocking for Santa to come. She's very playful and loves company. I walk her every day after I go running. I work out of my house so we spend a lot of time together which is good for the quality of both of our lives. Your organization does great work and my life has been enriched since she's been a part of it.

David 

I wanted to write to thank you for your amazing dedication to animals.  PAWS is an incredible facility and it is obvious that our pup was happy before we adopted him! We adopted Charlie (formerly Farley) in October and he has made two newlyweds really feel like a family.  Charlie is doing WONDERFUL! We  love him so much!

- Bree, Erik, and Charlie Liscinsky

 Star is doing well and yes, her name is still Star!! (She'd been through enough, we didn't want to change her name too!!). Star is definitely a keeper!! We love her very much and she seems like a natural fit to our home. Thank you!

- Joy

We are happy to say that Toronto (who is now named Tazer) is doing just fine. He has been such a good puppy so far. He is getting along with our 3 year old Dingo and he loves to play with him. Dingo went through an adjustment period of not being the only child anymore and plays with Tazer regularly.

Thanks,

CJ

Ruby is doing great. I have renamed her Lola. She has quickly become my best friend. I can't wait to go home to see her. She is so affectionate and playful. Thank you so much!!!

Tracy

I am very happy with Chip who is now know as Henry and am thankful and amazed that I found such a sweet and loving dog. I am including a picture of Henry.

Thanks,

Amy Brakarsh

Here's a picture of Sam (PAWS name Spiderman) enjoying his new home.

- Will

We re-named Sarah - her new name is Ramsey and I think she's really enjoying her new home. She's quite a cuddler, and loves to be as close as possible to anyone who will pet her. She's calmed down since we got her, but she still loves to play and is a pretty good listener for a kitten: she even comes when  she's called! I included a picture of her from Halloween, she fit right in with the pumpkins!

Emily Broadbent

I adopted Tahoe a while ago and he's been doing very well since. We changed his name to Christopher.  He's an extremely active and playful cat, but still takes time to show his affection. He is also very very friendly and welcoming to visitors and friends. He greets new people immediately with headbutts and licks. I couldn't be more happy with him and want to thank you guys at PAWS for the pleasant adoption experience.

- Jon Feigenbaum

Bambi is doing great and we didn't change that already great name of hers. She gets alone great with the other dogs as well.

Thanks,

Just a quick note to let you know that Mason is doing very well. We've kept his name because it suits him. He is doing well in obedience school and is just a pleasure. Mason is very well behaved and as you see from the attached picture, he gets along well with our other dog Charlie.

We changed Hanna's name to "Nala" and she is doing great! She and our other dog, Mac, love to play with each other, and she was the perfect fit for our family! She's getting big fast, but is so much fun and we are so happy to have her. Thanks to everyone at PAWS for the wonderful work they do!  I attached a picture of Mac and Nala.

Lauren Lux

Hogan (now Wesley) is doing great. He's just finishing up puppy training and is a really smart and good dog. Thanks again for staying in touch!

thanks,

Jonathan

Here is a one year old photo of Nikki (PAWS name Adriana) we adopted from PAWS last year. Our many, many thanks to all of you and your efforts for your rescue and adoption services. She is an enormously important part of our lives and is thriving.

Sincerely,

John Wahlund & Rich DuCasse

Fred McCool is doing well and has been re-named Artie (short for Arthur). He immediately made himself right at home. Kylie was afraid of him at first (we're not sure why--she's twice his size) but now she tolerates him. They can now sleep on the couch at the same time and we're hoping that someday soon they will actually be friends. Regardless, we're happy to have him, he's a sweet little kitty!

Thank you,

Kim Truax & Jeff Licciardi

Thanks so much to all at PAWS for saving Chelsey (new name Tara) so we could find her!! We just love this little sweet dog who loves flowers, butterflies, people, and other animals. You can see she was very well taken care of by PAWS until we met her, she is so happy and healthy and full of life. So smart too, she already figured out how to "ring" a bell when she wants to go out! Thanks so much PAWS, we're forever grateful!

Deirdre, Seaogh, and Richard

My boyfriend and I adopted Janet, a black lab/retriever mix pup, during PAWS Grand Opening weekend.   Since the adoption we have changed her name to Bella because she is so beautiful and full of life!  She is doing great!  We are proud parents for sure and are so thankful to have met and saved her!

Thank you,

Jen Rodriguez and Mitch Tennison

We've been having a wonderful time with Mochi (PAWS name Martin), and he's definitely a joy in our house. He's one of the fastest runners at the dog park, and he's super energetic. There're more things we want to teach him and also possibly learn from him. We feel lucky to have him and thanks so much for the great opportunity!

Best,

Esther & Max

Rocky is doing just great in her new home. Her new name is Clawdette (actually, Clawdette Colbert. My other cat's name is Bing Clawsby). She is an unbelievably affectionate cat. She will climb on me no matter where I'm at, and within seconds she is purring like a diesel truck! She has a unique habit of licking my hand and/or fingers -- sometimes she'll even stand on her back paws while she's doing it! All in all, she is a delight to have around. I can't believe she was a shelter cat for so long!

- Jeff

Thanks so much for Meeka (PAWS name Angel). She's doing well; coming more and more out of her shell every day. She's affectionate and talkative (she mews at us as if in conversation) and loves to play (we can't believe how playful she is for a 7 year old cat). She such a great addition to our little family. We love her very much!

- Mindy and Keith

Ivy and Rhett are doing great. The first two weeks I was worried because I thought they did not like each other, but right now they became really good friends and are growing up together. Here is the picture that I took when they just woke up a. Thank you for your support!

- Meenhee

Luther (PAWS name Sir William) is loving his new Uptown home. After his cone was removed and he received a bath, Luther realized that he that is the cutest dog alive and struts his stuff as such. Named for the Illini basketball great Luther Head, Luther is very happy about the Illini football team making it to the Rose Bowl. He is also having a great time in the snow, as he can't go outside with rolling around and making sure every body part is covered in snow. Thank you for bringing Luther into our family.

Zipporah Porton and Jeff Parker

Rascal (now Ranger) is doing just fine. We love him--he's so sweet and funny. He is getting big! He claimed the cat bed (the cat claimed his bed), so all is well.

Best,

Amy

Mama's (PAWS name Mamacita) doing great. She has a favorite perch in every room and sleeps on a cat pallet on my bed at night. She's full of energy and is always playing with one of her many toys or attacking anything else at hand, like a foot under a blanket, unfortunately. She tolerates my mother's beagle pretty well and hopefully they'll get along better as he visits more often. Well, enjoy the photo and thanks again for such a wonderful companion.

Ellen Deranian

The kittens I adopted are doing very well. Poplar (bottom) and Lucia, now known as Smokie and Foxy, are two little balls of fun. They are some of the most playful and hyper kittens that I have ever met. And not to mention very curious! It seems that they are very happy here, which they should be because I transformed my apartment to a giant playground. Thank you very much PAWS for my little friends.

-Josh

Just wanted to let you know that Olive and I are doing just fine. She is the cutest cat ever. She follows me around like a puppy and when she wants something she meows so adorably I can't stand it! Thank you so much for helping us to find each other.

Cheers,

Hazel

Butterfly is doing wonderful. She is very playful and energetic. We usually have to take her for 45 minute walks at a time, about 3 times a day. She's being taken care of well. So far everything is going great.

- Noah

I have desperately wanted a cat since I was three years old. When my new husband, Tim, and I moved into an apartment that would allow us to keep a cat, I could barely contain myself. When we arrived at PAWS, several of the other kittens had been taken, but there was one odd character who had been overlooked, squeezed between the litter boxes. Tim picked him up and when the kitten started to purr and lick Tim's watch, we knew we had found our Ollie (PAWS name Oscar).  Thank you so much, PAWS, for helping me find such a wonderful kitty.  He has changed my life and the wait was certainly worthwhile. I don't know who's happier now - him or us.

- Annie

Everything is going great, Bonsai, now Mojo, is great. He has brought a lot of smiles and hours of entertainment to our home. I've attached a picture; he has grown so fast!

Will

Gina, now named Matti, is doing wonderfully. She's adapted to our home very well and has won a coveted place in our hearts as our "little girl". We love Matti dearly, and are so glad she's become part of our lives. She a character that brings us much joy and adds humor to our lives. She also is adored by all who meet her, and gets attention from people just passing on the street. I've attached a picture so you can see how cute she is for yourself. Thank you PAWS for allowing us to bring her into our home, and we'll gladly send you updates on how she progresses.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Franke & Bret Olson

Gwen, who we've renamed Chimpy, is doing very well. We couldn't be happier with her and we've told virtually everyone we know (as well as a few complete strangers) about how great our experience was with PAWS.

I've included a picture of Chimpy.

Thanks again, for everything,

Tom & Jenna Deja

Missy is doing just wonderful! I did in fact change her name to Tess. She is very happy and playful, loves to look out the window, and she's recently become a purring lap kitty (which I love), very cuddly. She has a cute chirping sound that she makes when she's in a great mood, adorable - I think it's her way of talking to me. I love her very much!

- Laura

Max has just been a great addition to my life. Everyday when I leave for work, he says "good-bye" to me at the door and every time I come back, he's always super jubilant to see me. He definitely is a stress buster as well. When I'm working in my office at home, he'll crawl underneath the desk at my feet and just lay there. Somehow, I can get through all those reports whenever he's around. He's a terrific companion and I'm so lucky to have him in my life. Thank you all so much for making this relationship between Max and me possible!

- Cindy

We finally decided on a name for our new pet, Kayleigh (PAWS name Cecelia). She has adjusted well and gets along with our cats. However; it's taking the cats a little longer to get used to her.

- Robert

We can't believe it's only been 3 months since Star joined our family!  She's a natural fit and we can't imagine life without her. Star is one of the most affectionate dogs we've ever met and continues to bring lots of joy and energy to our homes. She recently graduated from introductory obedience school and will soon be attending intermediate obedience.  She also now attends doggy day care once a week and has a visit from her dog walker once a day.

- Joy

I did change Missy's name, it is now Roxy. She has took to it pretty well.  She was pretty shy at first but she is now opening up and she is starting to learn tricks!

Thanks,

Jackie

We adore Abby, Samoa's new name. As you can see in the attached photo, she has a loving kitty buddy, my tabby, Samantha. They are great friends and a joy to both me and my husband. I still have more love to give to other deserving kitties as I am also a volunteer now at PAWS.

- Deb McGowan