To the wonderful people and animals of ADOPT,

We adopted our Payton (known there as Rosie Greer from a litter of lab-mix puppies) in May 2003. He was the last left from his litter and as soon as we saw him we just knew he was one of us. He instantly bonded with us and has been our constant, loyal companion ever since! A year later, we decided to make him a big brother so of course, we headed back to ADOPT. We went out back to one of the fenced in areas where the puppies were playing and saw a little lab mix puppy (known there as Sheldon) sitting in the middle watching all the other dogs. I went right over to him, picked him up in my lap, and with one look from his big brown eyes, felt that same feeling we had just one year ago with Payton. Instantly Payton and Jordan were best of friends and to this day, are pretty much attached to each other! We are so blessed to have found such wonderful dogs from ADOPT. We cannot imagine our family without them and want to thank Camille for all she has done for us. We are forever grateful to everyone involved with ADOPT for bringing these two gentle giants into our lives.

The Lenz Family

Here is an update of Pretzel (aka Malama). When we got 10-month-old Pretzel in December 2006, she hid for the first week only to come out when she wanted to eat. After a few months of solitary living Pretzel realized she is part of a family and it was high time to show off her outgoing personality. Pretzel talks all the time and as an added measure will howl if no one is paying attention. Now that summer is over, Pretzel will be sad to have less birds and bunnies to watch out the windows. If a housefly dares to enter the house she will hunt, catch and play with it (and sometimes eat it). How wonderful to never have pesky flies in the house because she gets them so quickly! No bed is sacred at night as she makes her round to cuddle with each family member for a while. Our son has also taught Pretzel to roll over on command and Pretzel also loves to play pool. Thank you ADOPT for allowing us to adopt this adorable, smart little cat. We love her so much and can’t imagine not having her in our lives.

The Ruscitti Family

This is just a note of thanks for my two little girls, Tulip and Daisy. They are truly the joys of my house. This is the first time I`ve ever had cats that are so friendly to all who enter our home. Their feisty personalities bring hours of enjoyment to me, my friends and family. They are both very loving, even when they are being naughty. Tulip`s favorite activity besides sitting in "mama’s" lap is sleeping in the bathroom sink. Daisy loves looking out the window and sleeping in the bed. When we were living in Oak Park, they had the most fun chasing and killing the mice that entered our apartment. Although causing me sleepless nights, they went after each "intruder" as "mama’s" little protectors. I wish I could remember their foster mom`s name because I would thank her many times over for the tremendous job she did in caring for them. Everytime Tulip wraps her paw around my arm and gazes up at me, I feel really blessed that she had someone show her care and love as a kitten. And Daisy`s little kisses on my nose are heartwarming. Thank you, again. I`ve encouraged all my friends to consider adopting before going to a pet store, as I will in the future.

-Dana Thompson

Just wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for our beloved Russell. Russ is a special dog - and quite a little character. We think of him as something of a wagging contradiction. He barks like a tough guy, but is really something of a wimp. He is full of energy, but always willing and wanting to snuggle up for a cuddle. Loved his obedience classes, but made sure the trainer knew that it was really Russ in charge.

He and Rani, our little 7 year old female sheltie, are the dearest of friends.

We cannot think of our family without him. Thank you so much, ADOPT, for the wonderful work you do, and for our little Russell.

We just wanted to again thank you for our little girl - Zoey. We got Zoey in March, and she has done great with bonding with our whole family and she and the kids have a great time together. She is lots of fun to watch and play with and loves to be in the middle of whatever is going on– she is a real character! Her most favorite thing to do is to have you rub her belly and give her a massage and of course, give her treats… No we don’t spoil her! She is my little snuggle puggle too! She loves to curl up and be a little lover! Thank you again for all the work you do and providing us a wonderful puppy! Attached are some pictures of her!

Thanks for everything you all do!!

We picked up our dear sweet Miss Lily in the fall of 2001 from ADOPT. I could hardly wait to get her! Simply, she`s a sweetheart! She loves her walks and begins her proud prance as she heads out to see if her buddy is out walking, too, a neighborhood dalmation she goes crazy to see! She was quite fearful of many things from her past life, but she has blossomed into what she was meant to be - a leader with a very silly side. I`m trained to re-cover her at night when she rearranges, by a gentle tap or moan. Her signature paw comes out when I drive and she`s shotgun. She begins to paw my arm, asking: "Are you SURE you can drive this?". Lily is loved beyond words and has two playmates, a greyhound and another doberman. Thank you ADOPT for saving her for us! She is such a joy to spoil and love!

Mary C.

It will be a year on September 23, 2006 that we went to live with Mark and Renee Jones. As you can see from the pictures we have grown. We each only weighted about 4lbs when we arrived to our new home, but a year later we are 15lbs.a piece. If you are wondering about our names---we have been named after God`s. Eros is the God of romance or love (I love-love-love to be held and cuddled by anyone willing to hold me) and my brothers name, Loki, is the God of trouble or misgiff (He lives up to his name, but mom says he`s not ever bad, just curious.) Mom said that her cat`s are treated like God`s, so they should be named after them.

Having my brother to play with all the time is great. We make everyone laugh when we chase each other, practice our wrestling skills, and play sneak attack. Loki and I have rules to follow, like any kids. Dad`s a push over, but we listen to mom. She feed us and cleans the litter box! The best is that we love our Mom & Dad, and they love us too.

Thank You "Adopt" for giving us a place to live until Mark and Renee came for us. Mom said it was because of "Adopt" that we are happy and health kitties.

Eros and Loki, too

PS from the Jones--- The "Adopt" experience from start to finish was excellent. Thank You for helping us find our two beautiful boys.

Hi!

Just another lil update.

These two couldn`t be more "family". It has been over a year now, and we are overjoyed that our babies came into our life! For brother and sister, their personalities couldn`t be more different. Cuddles (the Boy) is shy, even demure sometimes. He is frightened of thunder and likes to crawl into Daddy`s armpit when it is storming. He is the SWEETEST boy ever! Buddy Girl is a tomboy. She is never afraid of anything, and loves to lick and bark. She charges into any situation with vigor! They enjoy walking around the lake with Mom and Dad. While we are at work, Grandma loves to watch her grandpuppies! What joy they bring to our family!! We can`t help but let them sleep with us a night. Their puppy love is precious! Thanks for taking such good care of them while they waited for us to find them!!!

THANKS ADOPT!!!!!!!

Keep up the good work!!!

Much love and respect,

Cathie and Jason Roeseke

Hello A.D.O.P.T.

It’s Ace, I just wanted to send you a note to let you know how I have been doing since my Mommy and Daddy (Cheryl & Tali Diaz) adopted me last November, 2005. I now live with them and my sister, Callie (she`s a collie). I love my new home! I have a big back yard that I can play in with my sister. We have been known to chase a rabbit or two. I also like to chew on the pinecones from the evergreen in the yard too. Mom always tells me to "drop" which I do most of the time. Sometimes I can be a little stubborn and she has to take it from me. I have lots of toys and love to play either by myself, with Mom and Dad or with my sister. I am so happy that you helped me find my forever home. I am such a "Cuddle-Bug" as Mom calls me. I think she likes cuddling with me as much as I like cuddling with her. Dad and I have our time too. I like to be on the couch next to him and rest my head on his leg to take a nap; I like that he lets me do that. I sometimes get to sleep in the bed at night with Mom & Dad. If they tell me to get off, I do but I may not like it. I like to be near them all the time. Thank you again for helping me find my "forever" home. Attached is a picture of me and my sister and another one of me by myself.

Ace

Dear Adopt,

I wanted to thank you again for letting me adopt my two cats, Foxy and Pumpkin. I had adopted Foxy in January of 2005 and then Pumpkin in December. They get along fabulously, and take charge of the house. Especially Pumpkin, the black tortie mix. I have never met a cat quite so dog-like in my life. She comes when she is called, plays “fetch” (after about 3 times she stops playing with me), and is extremely friendly with strangers. They have made me home a better place to live and I love them dearly. Thank you again ADOPT!

Amanda Gaikowski

Greetings from Zoey (aka Juanita at ADOPT, adopted Dec. 05)

Zoey completed obedience training from PetCo this spring. However, she continued her education and you might wish to see her "graduation picture" and comments from her "graduate studies". She attended boarding school with Marc Goldberg (a miracle worker, I would say). Here is the link to Zoey`s story - besides fulfilling her training requirement, it is a wonderful story that you all might enjoy hearing! (Scroll down a bit to get to Zoey`s story)

http://www.chicagodogtrainer.com/id21.html

Zoey is such an angel and sooooo loved. Everyone who meets her thinks she is the sweetest little dog they have ever met. And she loves everyone and every critter she meets. She has so much fun at PetsMart DoggieDayCamp and gets to spend the day there frequently so that she can have fun playing like a little dog! (She loves "her" two cats but it is just not the same!)

Thank you so much for caring for our little Zoey until she could come to live with us!

The McGuires

This is a current picture of Jackson. He is a deer-type chihuahua that I adopted three years ago. As you can see, Jackson has it very good! He is an adorable 10 lb. "baby" with the most precious face and ears! He has been such a joy to have, and has enjoyed his time with me, his daddy Ryan, his loving grandparents - who refer to him as their "granddog" and his "sister" Harley (a golden lab./greyhound mix.) Nothing makes him happier than cuddling up under a big warm blanket (and food!) I just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to such a wonderful addition to my family! - Katrina Escobedo

Dear Adopt-

We adopted "Jumpin’ Jack Flash" in May of 2004. He is a 3 yr. old Jack Russell with tons of energy and we have enjoyed every minute with him. Jack,as we call him, has been a phenomenal dog. He is great with all of our little nieces and nephews and lets them play with him and jump all over him. He gets a smiley face whenever he sees a little kid. Last year in January, we got Jack a brother from animal control in Broward County Florida, where we were living at the time. His brother is a 1 1/2 year old Chihuahua/Rat Terrier mix named Chewy. Both dogs are inseparable and do everything together. They especially love chasing each other through the house and stealing the others toys!! We truly have enjoyed our adoption experiences with both animals as they bring joy to each day that we have with them. Attached is a recent picture of them. Thank you Adopt!

Sincerely,

Jason and Carolyn McIntyre

Out of all the wonderful families that come through your facility, Chappy, our 6 year old Cocker Spaniel, chose us to spend the rest of his life with on November 6th, 2005. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. Thank-you Judy H. for having so much faith in us. He is a joy to have in the family. The Wiechert Family.

Hello Everyone!

Just wanted to send an update on little Pamela. We brought her home in late January and she quickly became a member of our family. She gets along great with her beagle-big brother, Harley. They pal around all the time... and even get into some trouble together! Pamela loves her new back yard and going to the dog park. She`s still got a lot of growing up to do, but is making progress. I`m sure she`ll be even better behaved once she finishes puppy class.

Attached is a picture of Pamela perched outside in her back yard...If I can ever get her and Harley to sit still long enough, I`ll send a picture of them both!

Thanks to everyone at ADOPT!

Tammy & Ron Bongat

Adopted: approximately 4 years ago

Adopters: Ronald & Alice Edwards

Pet`s new name: "JENNY" - 7 Years Old

Hello everyone. Just an update. Stanley finished puppy classes last week and we start beginners on Wed., March 22. Can`t wait, we had a lot of fun, he loves to go so we will continue as far as we can! Will let you know, will try to register him as an Ambor with the United Kennel Club and compete in obedience. He liked the tunnel and other obstacles we had to help him build his confidence. Good with down, sit, and stand commands.

Sure has a LOT of energy. Stays with me in the shop all day, runs around the yard. Loves car rides. Practice school lessons. Finally, drops off in the evening. Sometimes (if his people have the energy) we take an evening walk.

We will see you at the Walk-A-Thon.

Lynne and Phil Oddo

(A Hurricane Katrina survivor)

Just an update...he is 17 inches tall now 25 inches long and over 30 pounds. Went back to the vet last week for a final shot and also still treating the diarrhea, this broad spectrum antibiotic seems to be doing the trick. He is active!!! eats well, drives Charlie nuts, meets and greets all my clients and their dogs in the shop daily so he has a lot of socialization and stimulation. Still doesn`t understand that scarves are not toys. We start puppy class in January, no one had anything in December, too much going on for holidays and no one shows up for class. Went to Petsmart today, overload....like a kid at Toy-R-Us for the first time, which way do I go, what do I smell, who do I say Hi to and lick. Here are some pictures (taken two weeks ago) he has grown A LOT since.

Thanks for everything. Lynne and Phil Oddo

I think he feels more confident and secure so his aggression and tendency to sprint when an opportunity presented itself have improved significantly.

We were able to adopt Cinnamon and we picked her up last Thursday and she has been with us since then. I don`t know if you can believe this, but she acts as if she has always lived here! She is wonderful. She and Gertrude (my other dog) are getting along perfectly. I am attaching a couple of photos of her, and will send a better one once we have one. We are going to sign up for obedience classes, as soon as things settle down. I want the confidence that she will listen to me, only because I couldn`t stand to lose her. Right now, she loves to follow me around, and when we are outside, she loves to fetch and play, but as soon as I go in, she is right behind. She loves the couch and that`s just fine with me. I can`t believe she wasn`t adopted right away. We love her, and she is just perfect.

Take care, thanks for your help, and we`ll keep you updated, she is a very special dog.

Thanks again,

Lisa Berg

Hi,

Here are some pictures of my little Aries. He loves the snow and cold weather. He is a total homebody too, doesn’t like to be away from home for more than a couple hours. He doesn’t play with toys, he sucks on them. He has 2 blankies on his bed that he bunches up between his front paws and sucks on too, such a baby. To get him over his aggression towards visitors I started having people give him a treat as soon as they came in. Now he barks at guests to try to get more treats, smart guy but mom had to set a limit on that.

Jennifer

When my roommate and her dog moved out of my Lockport home in 1999, I wanted a dog for company and protection. I didn`t want a dog too big for me to handle nor did I want a small yappy one.

My sister spotted Spanky`s photo on A.D.O.P.T.`s web site and we visited Boulder Terrace in Naperville. While many dogs up for adoption shared large pens, Spanky was in the farthest pen all by himself aside from Nancy Speidel, a foster mom with a big heart.

As adorable and young as he was, Spanky had a horrible history. He had been abused to the point of no longer allowing anyone to pet him except Nancy. He`d bite and was nicknamed Jaws. He barked at everyone and everything.

Nancy explained that Spanky, a pug-terrier mix, would require an extraordinary amount of obedience training, patience and unconditional love. He needed me, too. Only a female with no other pets or people in her home would do.

So I adopted him.

I learned how quickly Spanky could change from a cutie to a devil. The first few weeks were very difficult. But I figured he deserved a chance to have a good life.

Today, he is a spoiled little cuddlebug who makes me smile every day.

No longer does Spanky snap at me, bark at every passing vehicle or attack his leash on his daily walks.

Instead, Spanky eventually understood who is boss and what happens when he tries to be boss. He craves attention and found being gated in the kitchen is lonely and boring. The more training was enforced, the better he behaved. I knew I had to stick to my guns and not give in to that adorable little face.

Spanky proved to be a smart boy, too. He learned to stop on the second step - not first, third or fourth - for me to clean his paws and to turn around with just a twirl of my finger. He learned to be a good boy on his walk even around other dogs. He learned to behave when young children are around, especially if they drop food or hand him treats.

He still only allows my fiance and I to pet him, which may sound sad but is truly an OK thing considering his background. In the fall, we moved to a much bigger home but a much smaller yard. Nonetheless, Spanky made the transition flawlessly.

We guess he`s around 8 or 9 years old now. A year ago he had a very rough time with hypoglycemic seizures that became a daily trauma. We didn`t think he would make it. But once agin, Spanky proved to be the comeback kid. With the help of Dr. Ness, a holistic vet, Spanky is completely seizure free.

Spanky is a shining example of how even a troubled animal can become a loving companion.

When I first adopted Spanky, I questioned my decision because he surely didn`t make my life any easier. Today I can`t imagine going home and not having him be right there, wagging his tail and waiting for a belly rub.

Vickie Snow

I have one of the Yorkies and he is the most wonderful boy! I have been watching to see that they find homes. You guys are so awesome!!

Thanks for all you do for these babies! I attached a picture of my little boy!

Sincerely,

Phyllis Johnson

I just wanted to take a moment to let ADOPT know about "adopted family" and the joy that they bring us!

Our Kitty, Rocky, has been with us about 3 1/2 years. He is a big kitty with a great personality! Our family brought him home when our other cat got sick and passed away. Rocky has bonded with our kids more than he has with his new "parents." Mom and

Dad can barely hold him, but he snuggles right into our daughter`s neck and is very content. He has a "kitty" brother in our home and they spend hours cuddling in the lap of luxury on our king sized bed!

Otis (the Chihuahua-terrier mix) Has been with us for years. He is just the cutest thing. He`s all of 10 pounds, but he is clearly the leader of the pack! He bosses the other dogs like only a Chihuahua can! He enjoys his nightly walk around the neighborhood and keeps the other dogs in line.

Floyd (aka Larry) is our newest ADOPT baby. We brought Floyd home a year ago when he was 3 months old. Floyd has graduted puppy school and was a quick learner. He is a very passive puppy who needs time to be properly introduced to strangers. He loves going for long walks and seems so proud he almost "struts" as he walks! We knicknamed him Poppy and we think he enjoys his role as the baby of the family.

Thanks again to ADOPT for giving us the opportunity to spoil our critters. Our lives are fuller and we are all loved because we have pets that love us, too!

Jennifer & Tom Angelos & Family

Hi my name is Chico (a.k.a. Claude). I was adopted in August of 2004. I was not very social when I was adopted. I have now become a very well behaved Chico that loves to go for long walks, play in the snow and even play with toys which I didn`t like too much when I came to my new home. Mom and Dad think I am supper smart too, because I learn new commands very quickly. I have heard recently that maybe I will get a new friend. Hopefully soon from ADOPT.

Thank you so much for allowing us to adopt Chico. He was a little difficult at first with his social shyness but now he is just a good little boy who just needed a lilttle patience and lots of love. He loves other dogs so hopefully we can get him a little partner soon.

Hi,

Just wanted to share some pictures of our ADOPT alumni pack, with the newest member being Justin. We adopted him in August of 05. He’s the white and brown terrier/chi mix. We think he must be 99% terrier and 1% chihuahua. That 1% being his long, curlie-q of a tail. He runs, jumps and LEAPS like a maniac. He’s great. He loves to play tug of war with Gizmo, his big brother Pom. Their favorite "rope" being one of our socks. Spice, the little brown and black Pom wrestles with him. While Binky, the brindle chi, wards off his adoring advances. You would never know he has a heart condition. In fact, we call him "zoom doggie" because once he gets going, he’ll do laps around the house, jumping over everyone and everything in his path. We`re just going to spoil him for as long as he`s here.

Thanks again!

Christine and Les Bender

Greetings from Zoey (aka Juanita at ADOPT)

Thanks to Laura, Lisa and everyone at ADOPT for taking such good care of me and my brothers. Kisses and snuggles to all of you for finding me the perfect family who loves me sooo much!

As you can see I have a whole new wardrobe! I came "home"in December ’05 the day before the big snow and needed warm clothes to keep my tummy warm. I have my own little bedroom (crate) in my mom`s room so I feel very safe at night! I am spoiled as you can see! My mom calls me her Christmas angel.

I have a girl cat and a boy cat - they can`t figure out how to play like a doggie so I am learning to play their games : chase, hide, lurk, and pounce. I have a neighbor Llasa who lets me run circles around him and a shitsu who comes to visit sometimes. Santa brought me lots of toys - my favorites are a squeaky hedgehog and a ball that bounces in all sorts of directions. Mostly I just love to snuggle and have my tummy rubbed!

Love, Zoey

Hello to everyone at Adopt:

We are writing to let you know "Wiggles" is doing VERY well in his new home. We adopted him in November of 2005 after the loss of our 13 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Needless to say, we were devastated. Every loving pet owner out there knows exactly what I mean. You always feel like you`ll never get over it and then .. it happens, suddenly you see in another face and another set of eyes what you lovingly saw in your departed pets and that`s it! the process has started all over again. Well that`s what happened to us anyway .... When we saw the picture of Wiggles on your website we knew we just had to meet him and then when we did we knew we had to have him. Upon first meeting Wiggles he was a very timid little guy who had been around quite a bit for a six month old. That has all changed. He has adapted to his new environment quite well. He is smart and learns quickly which is making him a very well mannered, pleasant little guy to be around. We have two young boys ages 7 & 5 and they just adore him. He is a healthy, happy, active young pup and the perfect edition to our family. Thank you Adopt for "Wiggles", he has filled the void perfectly with love and happiness, he now welcomes everyone with a wagging tail and a toy and has won the trust and love of the entire family.

The Lew Family,
Frank, Christina, Nicholas, Matthew & Wiggles!

I adopted Charlie in September 2005 after I saw him on your website. I was so sure that this was the dog for me, I had to meet him! Until I could go to A.D.O.P.T. to meet Charlie, I called often to ensure he was still available. On the day we finally met Charlie, we were early as I feared someone else would adopt him first. When we were taken around by an A.D.O.P.T. volunteer to see all the dogs, Charlie initially growled at us, and I almost had second thoughts. But after meeting him and seeing that he was a good dog, and after getting my husband’s nod of approval, I could hardly wait to take him home. On the day I picked him up, I received a little surprise. One of the ladies mentioned that he would look beautiful when his coat had grown in. I was quite stunned as I was certain I was getting a short-haired dog (based on his picture) but learned that he had been shaved because of a severe flea infestation. My previous dog was a Sheltie, so long coats are no problem for me, but this was quite a surprise!

Although I feared he suffered from separation anxiety the first week he was here, I learned he only didn’t like being penned up in our hallway (or in a kennel, for that matter). After slowly giving him free reign of the house, room by room, he was fine. My husband, who at first wasn’t thrilled about getting another dog, now loves Charlie a lot (I mean a lot). In fact, he loves Charlie so much, he spoils him more than I do by buying him many toys and snacks! (I’ve since had to law down the law!) Their favorite games to play are Hide and Chase, and Charlie always comes to me to play Tug.

I continue to take Charlie on long walks as we trudge through the snow and cold. Charlie always wants to go for a walk, and he wants to go fast! I can sometimes hardly keep up! In fact, we no longer believe that he is a Golden Retriever mix, as was posted. Rather, he appears to be an Australian Shepherd, either mix or pure. As you can see by his picture, Charlie is doing really well! He is a fun and happy dog, and we love him a lot! Thanks, A.D.O.P.T., for seeing something special in this dog and rescuing him and putting him up on your website! He has made a wonderful addition to our family!

Lori Pelar