“February is the month of love, so why not bring a new love into your home?” That is the question posed by Northbrook’s appropriately named Heartland Animal Shelter in a new month-long promotion offering reduced adoption rates for some of its mature populations of dogs and cats—or those often overlooked for the precocious puppies and cats the shelter also adopts out.
“We had a cat adopted recently that was with us for four years and a dog that found a new home after being with us for more than two years,” said Janice Greenberg, public relations volunteer for the nonprofit group. Because Heartland is a no-kill shelter, animals can take up a long-term residence before finding the right family, but that’s okay, according to Greenberg. “We thoroughly believe that every animal at our shelter has the right home waiting for him or her. We just need to find a perfect match.”
There are certain benefits to adopting a mature dog or cat, as Heartland shows in this Top 10 list.
“Puppies are sweet, but when it’s February with two feet of snow and 18 degrees and you have to housebreak them there is something to be said about adult animals,” laughed Greenberg. She also points to some other things you should know before beginning the adoption process.
“First be ready for the commitment and a forever experience. For dogs it can be 10-12 years they are with you; for cats, it can be 20. Can you see that animal with you in a decade?” she asked. “Also think about your lifestyle. If you work outside from home do you have a dog walker or a cat sitter for when you are gone on vacation? Do you live in a one-bedroom apartment or a home with a fenced-in yard? The breed and temperament of dog you should adopt will vary based on this.” And be ready for the financial, investment, noted Greenberg. “Pets can be expensive, there are annual vet visits, food, supplies and sometimes health issues arise.”
Though when you do adopt with Heartland you receive 30-day free pet insurance and some significant savings on adoption fees in the “Month of Love” promotion. For dogs at least five years old or who have been waiting for a while to find a home, the fee is just $100. For cats eight years and older, the fee is $50. Adoption fees also include spaying/neutering, vaccinations, a microchip and a two-week medical checkup.
If you are interested, fill out an application online or stop in (see hours below). “We do suggest the whole family comes in to meet the animal,” said Greenberg, who also noted that adoption counselors are available to help you find the right match so you can feel the love. “After all we do have ‘heart’ in our name.”
Take a look at the adorable dogs and cats up for adoption! (Please note some of them may be adopted by the time you read this, so check Heartland’s website for the updated list.)
Peenut is 3 1/2 years old and has been at Heartland most of her life.
Loosie is 5 1/2 years old and has been at Heartland 4 1/2 years.
Zeus is 11 years old and returned to Heartland due to owner’s health.
Aura is 9 years old and was a recent owner surrender.
Sydney is 8 years old and rescued from Kentucky in September.
Miss Liberty is 8 1/2 years old and has been at Heartland three years.
Heartland Animal Shelter is located at 2975 Milwaukee, Northbrook. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 4-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12-4 p.m. Dogs and cats can be viewed online at www.heartlandanimalshelter.net.
