CHICAGO — Looking for a new best (four-legged) friend?
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Paws Chicago, 1997 N. Clybourn Ave., and other shelters in and around the city are waiving adoption fees for pets older than six months for a national "Clear the Shelters" event.
Paws is hoping to find homes for some of its special needs, senior and "long-termer" dogs and cats, or those who have been at the shelter for months or even years.
Find information on other shelters in the Chicago area here. All participating shelters will be open at least from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Meet nine dogs and cats you bring home for free this weekend from Paws:
Yule is a two-year-old Labrador retriever mix. He was taken in by the city pound as a puppy, and has been at Paws since May 2014. Yule is housebroken, but needs more training.
From Paws: "He would be a fantastic workout partner and will promise that you will meet your fitness goals with him around!"
Shandy is a five-year-old Great Dane mix. She recently underwent ACL repair, so needs a home with few stairs, but she isn't slowed down for walks. The dog with "gorgeous gold eyes and silky blue-grey fur" is house-trained and crate-trained and has been at Paws since early June. She gets along with other dogs.
From Paws: "This 5-year-old Great Dane mix has the whole package; beauty, brains, and personality."
Margo is an eight-year-old domestic long hair. She adores affection, sitting on laps and never stops purring. Margo has been at the shelter since January 2012. The cat does have a chronic digestive condition that requires medicine and frequent vet visits, but Paws Chicago would cover the associated costs for the remainder of Margo's life. Because she's so affectionate, Margo needs someone who isn't gone from home for long periods of time.
From Paws: "PAWS Chicago volunteers lovingly describe her as 'a cross between a Cheshire cat and a feather duster.'"
Mancini is a four-year-old domestic short hair and has been at Paws since January. He gets along well with humans and other cats, though he is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus positive. Though many cats live a long time while FIV+, they are more susceptible to infection, and Mancini can only live with other FIV+ cats.
From Paws: "He loves being around people and enjoys sitting with his human friends on the couch and cuddling in bed at night."
Luna is a nine-year-old domestic short hair and has been at paws since March 2014. She has diabetes so would need someone who could give her insulin injections. Luna can be shy, but is calm and loves companionship.
From Paws: "She is very calm with big, soulful eyes and beautiful markings."
Heidi is a five-year-old American Staffordshire terrier mix. She arrived at Paws from another shelter and has been at Paws since January. Heidi has one eye and weak knees, so a home without stairs would be best for her.
From Paws: "Her favorite food is green beans and she even will work on a puzzle toy to get to them!"
Connie is a two-year-old domestic short hair with tortoiseshell coloring. She's been at the shelter since October, and has been working on losing weight after coming in overfed. Connie would prefer a home where someone is usually home and there are no kids.
From Paws: "She would make the ideal addition to a household where she will be kept active and where making sure she stays on her kitty 'weight watchers' routine is a priority.'"
Cardenas is a two-year-old Labrador retriever and shepherd mix. She has been at Paws since January 2013, after being returned by a family who didn't have time to train her. Cardenas has been through training classes at Paws and is looking for a home where she's the only pet and would get plenty of exercise.
From Paws: "Fun fact: when you scratch her back she 'dances' in appreciation!"
Auntie Em is a 12-year-old bulldog mix. She has been at Paws since January, and was found on the streets of Chicago. In her old age, Auntie Em can provide a "low-maintenance friendship" with a lot of sitting and belly rubs. She is mostly blind, and enjoys swimming and treats.
From Paws: "This little lady doesn't know she is older and is full of life."
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