Please help us help this sweet dog UPDATE!

Donations needed to help this girl! This is a very sweet dog coming up on transport this Saturday. She is a mixed Golden Retriever, who as you can see is a very happy dog! Good with kids, good with other dogs and only about 1 1/2 years old. She did have a rescue that was going to take her Until they found out she was HW+. She was scheduled for euthanasia this Saturday, but we couldn't see that happen to such a sweet dog so we stepped in to rescue her and have her treated. If you would like to help us help her, any donation of any size would be greatly appreciated. To make a donation you can go to our PayPal account. If you make your donation as a gift no fees will be taken out by PayPal.

UPDATE:  We want to thank everyone who made contributions to help pay for Allison's heartworm treatment.  She has undergone her treatment and is going to her forvere home.  Thank you one and all and good luck Allison!

UPDATE RIVER ADOPTED River is being sponsored by Rene Krebs

Rene Krebs is sponsoring River in hopes of helping him find his forever home.  River is a Collie mix who is 5 years old.  He is a very nice dog, who is good with children and other dogs.  He is housebroken and well behaved.  He will make a wonderful addition to any family.


UPDATE: RIVER HAS BEEN ADOPTED!  WOO HOO!

PUMA being sponsored by Gloria Wong has been adopted

We wish to thank Gloria Wong for sponsoring Puma.  Puma is a beautiful Neutered male cat who is just as sweet as can be.  The lucky party who adopts Puma will get a wonderful feline friend!  He is litter trained and such a good kitty, some see for yourself!

* UPDATE Puma has been adopted

Happy ending for Onyx

I wanted to send you a long overdue note to update the story of Onyx, formerly “No Name 300”. A woman had found him and, after putting up flyers and trying to find his owner, no one claimed him. He was then brought in as a stray.

My husband and I decided to visit the shelter in April 2010. There were several kittens on the website, but when we arrived we found out they all were taken. We figured while we were there we would see who else needed a home.

While looking at all of the cats there, one decided to yank on the leg of my jeans. He was in one of the lower cages and just couldn’t wait to be noticed! We knew we had to see more. We took him to the interaction room and he was so loving. He jumped into my husband’s lap and gave him a little head butt. Then he came over by me and gave rubbed my face. We knew this was the one and took him home that day.

Onyx was a little skiddish the first couple weeks, but he has settled in nicely. He is very playful and enjoys being the "king" of the house.

Attached are a few pictures of Onyx. The first one is when we just brought him home and the next few are of him having fun.

Thank you so much for all you do and taking such terrific care of these animals. Onyx has brought us great joy and is a wonderful addition to our family!!!

Happy ending for Sylvi

I came in last Saturday 5/7 with my 6 year old daughter and adopted the 6 month old Chihuahua, she arrived 5/7 to the shelter. The nice people there said her name is Sylvie, they think she is about a year old instead of 6 months. I wanted you to know how much we love her and will cherish her forever. She is a wonderful part of our lives and are so thankful for her. Could you please write on the web page that she is adopted so that everyone knows she has a home.

Thank you so much!

Kind Regards,
Mindy McKegney

Happy ending for Leela (formerly Sugar)

Around Christmas of 2010, I found out my landlord would allow small breed dogs in my apartment and immediately began my online search. I found the TLC video featuring “Sugar” and proceeded to watch it several times each day until I could get my husband out to the shelter. As soon as we met with her, we knew it was a good fit. We love Leelaʼs sweet, humble, and calm demeanor. She has adjusted to a lot of changes very well, including Chicagoʼs Snowmaggedon (picture included). Sheʼs met a lot of the neighborhood dogs and kids at the park, and she continues to impress us with her great behavior. Leela hardly ever makes a peep in our apartment and spends most of her time cuddling with us. This is our first pet together, and she has made the transition very easy!

Thank you so much!

David and Allison

Happy ending for Seymore

I couldn't help but show you how relaxed our newest member of our family is. We couldn't be happier that we have him and totally recommend that anyone looking for a pet should adopt from Tender Loving Care Animal Shelter. He just makes us smile!

Dorene Rice

Happy ending for Rufus

We adopted Rufus two years ago, during the frigid month of January. My oldest daughter had recently moved out and had taken her dog with her. Our German Shepard was sad and was missing his brother. When we came in we immediately fell in love with Rufus. We were told that Rufus and his human were homeless. His human had realized this was not a good situation for Rufus and loved him enough to offer Rufus the chance to live with another family. We were told that Rufus was accoustomed to eating from the dollar menu at McDonald's. We were also told that at some point in his life someone had been mean to Rufus as his canine teeth were broken in half as if someone had kicked him. His name seemed to suit him and it was what he knew so we opted not to change it.

On the way home Rufus was very nervous. He trembled the entire way, with one exception, when we would pass a fast food restaurant he would perk up and go crazy, whining and barking. He could smell a burger place before we even saw it.

We are grateful to Rufus's owner for the decision he made. My youngest daughter loves him to pieces as we all do. Rufus is quite the character we have discovered. He likes to take things from you and then have you chase him to get them back. He is quite the snuggler in bed too. Rufus is quite the hunter as well. Since we have had him, he has brought me "gifts" of squirrels, birds, and oppossums. He also likes to sneak into the garden and make it his own salad bar. Recently we discovered another thing about Rufus. He loves red carnations. We have no idea why or if he even knows that they are red, but he is crazy about them. This past Valentine's Day, my daughter was given one at school. She brought it home and placed it on her dresser. Rufus would sit there and stare at it for hours at a time. We wondered what it was about this flower, or would it be any flower. We bought some other flowers and he wasn't interested at all. One of life's little mysteries that we will never know the answer to I suppose. I have attached a picture that shows him staring at the flower.

Our beloved German Shepard, recently passed away from cancer. Rufus is taking it very hard, he won't go outside alone, he keeps looking for his brother to join him. He walks around the house looking for him. We plan on returning to TLC to find another family member.

Again, thanks to Rufus's previous human for loving him enough to give him up and thanks to TLC for the wonderful job they do helping families grow!

Debi

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In Loving Memory of Kitty

We adopted ‘Kitty’, an elder black female tabby, a couple years ago as a companion to our feisty orange and white ‘Killer’. She was perfect right from the start. She was well behaved and poised. She played like she was a kitten and would straighten out Killer if he got “out of line.” She would greet visitors and loved to be petted, but would never demand attention. Her time with us was cut short and suddenly by heart failure. It’s been about 6 months since we lost her and our family of 7 miss her dearly, although I don’t think as much as Killer does. We will be looking again soon for a companion for our Killer and for the rest of us, but Kitty will always be missed.

Thank you TLC! with love from: Holly, John, James, Jules, Sheila, Adrian, & Killer.

Happy ending for Chico (formerly Brady)

We rescued our awesome Chico from TLC around March of 2010. He was so calm and mellow and sweet! We found later why he seemed so relaxed. He was sick and just didn't feel good. Not to mention probably confused going from a stray, to a road trip, then into our home. It took some time and lot's of vet visits but we got him feeling great. He had three kinds of worms and bad kennel cough. After his treatments and feeling better the poor guy broke out in hives from his booster shots! He was all puffed up and had hair sticking straight out from the hives raising on his skin. He just didn't seem to be able to catch a break.

It is now almost a year later and he is happy and healthy. He has tons of energy, loves his walks, and treats. He has one doggy sibling and two cat siblings. He was not sure about the cats at first. I think his instinct was to catch one and eat it. lol Now our big cat Otto comes and rubs all over him giving Chico hugs.

Chico did not know how to play really. Sometimes he'll fetch for a bit but will stop and play with his toys by himself by throwing them in the air and hopping around. It's so cute. I have taught him to sit and sit up. Pics below. He is a handsome guy and and we are VERY happy to have him in our family.

Thanks TLC! Amy and Elise

Happy ending for Lily

It's been two months now that I've been blessed by Lily (Lillie). I got her November 23, 2010. I was steered in her direction by some of the workers there. She had just come in, but they knew that she was such a sweetie. She is that!!! Although we have had a few medical issues, I love and care for her with all I have to give.

I am so happy to have adopted Mz Lily as she adds joy to my life. I found A Meet Up site hosted by Pirahna Banana yesterday and we look forward to an upcoming play date. And you can expect another visit by me in the spring as I'll be looking for a constant companion for Lily.

Thank You for spreading JOY!

Marva Campbell-Pruitt

Happy ending for Misty & Maya (formerly Elke & Shyla)

Here's our 2 'girls'( Misty & Maya) from TLC. The smaller darker dog is Maya. We adopted Maya September of 2007 (Her name was Shyla @ the shelter). She's 4 now. This past February 13, we went to the shelter to look around. We were interested in a dog coming in on transport, her name was Elke.We waited till almost close when she arrived. When I saw her I knew she was going to be ours. The folks at TLC were nice enough to let us go back home and get Maya so the two dogs could meet. We changed her name to Misty (she's the bigger lighter dog in the pic) Misty is doing well and adjusting nicely to her new home. She was a little shy at first, but is coming out of her shell. We LOVE these girls! Thanks TLC. We MAY be back soon to add one more.

Donna

Happy ending for Hollie

Just wanted to give you all an update on Hollie. She is a really great dog - very friendly and full of life.

A few years ago we adopted a dog named Cheech from TLC - but, when our daughter got married last fall she decided to take Cheech to live with her. Since we were so happy with our experience with TLC - we decided to come back for another dog. My husband and I thought we would just start stopping in on our weekend off of work to see if any of your dogs bonded with us - and we found Hollie on our first trip out. I put my hand in her cage and she leaned up on the cage door and tried to give me kisses through the spaces in the bars. We had one of the workers bring Hollie out and we took her outside and played with her - that was it - love at first sight. I was shocked when my husband said "We will take her." We have been married for 25yrs. and had several pets during that time - but, this is the first time that he picked out the pet. He was so excited - like a kid - he even sat in the backseat of our car with her on the way home.

When we got home our youngest son was in the basement playing video games and my hubby brought Hollie downstairs to meet him. (we didn't tell our son that we were looking for a dog) Our son was shocked - he could not believe that his dad had picked out a dog. Hollie and Tommy (our son - in the picture with Hollie) bonded instantly - they are best pals. Tommy likes playing ball with Hollie in our backyard - his goal this summer is to teach her how to catch a frisbie and teach her to walk nicely on a leash. So far everyone who has come over and met Hollie - falls in love with her. What a great dog she is. Hollie loves her new fenced in yard - she is so quick - she runs back and forth in the yard - tossing her toys up in the air and catching them.

The staff at TLC were very kind and helpful - they even gave Hollie a booster shot and dog flu shot before we took her home. We couldn't ask for better care and service. The staff told us that the reason Hollie was given up was because her owner moved to an apartment where dogs were not allowed - and that the previous owner was quite distraught and had to have her sister drop Hollie off at TLC. We want Hollies previous family to know that we love her and that she has a nice home and yard of her own - she is very happy - and we promise to love her and keep her safe and happy for the rest of her life.

Thank you all again - for the great work that you do at TLC - not only for the families that have to give up their pets - but, for the families out there looking to bring a great pet into their home.

Very Sincerely Yours,

The Barkoski Family

Happy ending for Boo (formerly Buddy)

We adopted Boo (formerly Buddy) in February, 2010. We’ve had him for a little over a year and couldn’t be happier. We got married on Halloween, so a spooky-sounding name seemed appropriate, especially for a black dog! When Boo first came home, he was very timid and shy. Things have certainly changed since then. He’s brought so much happiness and boundless energy to our home. He’s a total licker and loves getting pets.

Boo loves playing fetch, going for walks, running and jumping, and meeting new dogs. He’s very athletic (the vet said an Adonis of dogs) and very smart (soon to be an AKC Good Citizen). He’s the best dog in the world and everyone in our family loves him. Thanks, TLC, for letting us adopt him and for helping out families find the pets they need!

Brian and Eileen

Happy ending for Sydney (formerly Norma)

My husband and I adopted a puppy (approx. 10/12 weeks old) from TLC back in July of 2009.

Early on a Tuesday morning, I saw a photo for a pup named Norma on your site; she was scheduled to arrive that same afternoon. I sent the link of the photo to my husband and he said she was cute. I took that as a sign that I should pay her a visit.

During my lunch break at work, my co-worker and I went to go take a look at her. She was perfect. Quiet. Calm. Gentle. Adorable all around.

As I was deciding on whether to adopt her or not, another lady was looking at her.

I struggled with the decision all the way back to work in the car.

I decided that if Norma was still there by 3:15 that afternoon, I was going to go get her before TLC closed. Sure enough, she was.

I raced back to the shelter and brought her home.

My husband and I decided that Norma wasn't the name we wanted for her, and after going through lists of human names, my husband made an astute observation.

"She looks like a dingo."

It clicked and I suggested the name Sydney.

Our Sydney was sick for her first few weeks at home, and boy did her personality change after she was feeling better! Although still sweet and quiet, the calm went away. We found out her lab was mixed with either greyhound or whippet. She LOVES to run!

Sydney turns 2 years old in April. She loves to play and her best friend Tasha (my mom's dog, a husky/border collie mix) was also adopted from TLC back in Oct. 2006. They love to run and chase after frisbee together. Most of all, they love to cause chaos.

She's a happy, sweet dog and, although trouble always finds her, she is a good girl. One thing that is for sure, there is never a dull moment when she is around!

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Happy ending for Seymore

My name is Dorene Rice, and I adopted Seymore from your shelter two weeks ago. I thought that you might want to know how he is doing. He moved in and has acted like he was always a part of our family. We all love him, and he was everything that your shelter said he was. He loves everyone, especially our four year old cocker spaniel. They are now sleeping side by side, eating and drinking together, and of course, having treats together. He is such a smart cat, and we love that he knows his name and comes to it when called.

I just want to thank you all again for being there for all of the animals you care for and the excellent care that you give them. I thought you might like to see a picture of how well Seymore has adjusted...he took the dog's bed and our dog didn't even care!

Thanks again,
Dorene Rice

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Happy ending for Charlie

We adopted Charlie from TLC on February 13, 2010. We came in just to look. Our other dog was getting older and packing on the pounds. We thought that she needed a playmate. We came, looked around, and did not find a dog that was right for us. Someone said that a truck was coming in with puppies from Kentucky. We decided to stay. When the puppies arrived, it was a mad rush. Some people grabbed a dog as soon as it came out of the van. We waited until they were put in a cage. Two young Beagle mix puppies were in one kennel. Their brother was just adopted. One was all black, but he was over 40 pounds already. The other dog was a small black and white puppy with the body of a beagle and the head of an English Springer Spaniel. He was so cute. We took him into the "interaction room" in the back by the cats with our other dog. He was so great that we decided to take Charlie home. Thank you so much!

Happy ending for Patches (formerly Peaches)

I adopted a cat known as Peaches nka Patches from your shelter in November of 2008. An update on Patches, he is a happy and very spoiled boy. He loves his Grandma and the two of them love to cuddle in bed and watch TV. Patches loves to have his tummy rubs and will get into his rub position all day long if you let him. He still likes to jump on things he shouldn't but we love him just the same. I am attaching a couple of pictures of my boy. Thanks again for bringing us together.

Kathy Stalony

Happy ending for Kiki (formerly Spot)

Kiki is such a sweet cat. She loves to cuddle in your lap. She is really happy in her new home and she has so much fun running and chasing her new friends. When we adopted her, her name was Spot. But when our Grandson Joey came over and saw her, he called her Kiki and she came running up to him so we decided to name her Kiki. She is such a great cat, as are all our cats that we acquired from TLC. Thanks again TLC for another wonderful addition to our furry family.

Randy & Sheri Mitrovich

Happy ending for Chloe

Hi! We are the Willett family. On October 23, 2010 we adopted a 5yr old calico named Chloe. We wanted to drop you a note and say thank you. She is a really great cat. It took her some time to warm up to her new surroundings. Now that she is settled in she is very playful and loves the attention she gets from us. Thank you so much for all you do for these animals. You have given us a great addition to our family!!!