Here’s how to spend Chicago’s best season with the cutest summer pals.

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Dear John,

Imagine this: you’ve spent two months fostering a homeless pet, helping them come out of their shell and you're falling in love with their every quirk. Then comes the day they’re ready to be dropped back off at PAWS Chicago and made available for adoption. They look up at you with their big, glistening eyes, and...

Spoiler alert: you foster fail.

Amazing, right? Last year, over 500 animals were adopted by their foster families. And for certain pets looking for special, hard-to-find homes, these foster fails make a world of difference.

Right now many of our homeless pets have special circumstances that make finding the right family a bit more difficult. Our "Foster First" program gives adopters a chance to incorporate a pet into their lives without making a permanent commitment. Pets win too, because every day with a loving foster family is chance develop the skills they need to thrive in a home. Take Phoebe, a blind dog who needed a home that was quiet, kid-free, and with people who could help her navigate the world. Phoebe’s adopters, Stacy and Paul, fostered her first while they made sure they were the right people to help her flourish.
There are advantages to fostering first—especially for pets with unique needs. For one, it gives you the chance to fall in love with a special pet while getting medical, behavioral, and food support from PAWS. If you have a home that you think might meet the needs of a special pet, like one that’s kid- or pet-free with a big backyard or an experienced pet owner, consider fostering first.

Not every pet is looking for a foster home, but you can see some of the pets who are by clicking the button below and keeping an eye out for the "Lincoln Park Adoption Center" location. Make sure your ComPETibility scores are a good match, then apply to foster and reach out to [email protected].


Foster First ([link removed])
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** From Fostering to Family Member
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Meet Max, a recent foster-turned-adopted pet! When our Community Outreach team scooped him up, he was a friendly stray with a severely fractured leg that required amputation. But that didn’t stop his foster mom, Mileena, from falling in love and after a month of fostering, she made things official with an adoption and a tasty “welcome home!” bag of Merrick pet food.

Read Max's Story ([link removed])

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** Returning to Routine
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Ahhh, Chicago summers. With roughly half of Chicago’s adults vaccinated, you’ll likely be out and about more than you were last year. That's great for everyone, but there are challenges—for you and your pets. Whether you’re heading back to the office or just out on the town, make sure your pets are ready to watch you walk out the door and are prepared to be left alone again. Change is hard for everyone, including your pets. Watching our Return To Routine video series is a must-do for all pet parents to make sure your post-pandemic schedule is pleasant for everyone involved!

Watch the Video Series ([link removed])

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** Volunteer to Help Pets & Their People
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Calling all animal lovers! Our PAWS for Life program is looking for volunteers to help pet owners in Chicago’s under-resourced neighborhoods care for their pets. From spay/neuter days on the Gus Mobile to transporting pets to and from their care at PAWS, volunteer help is SO appreciated.

Sign Up ([link removed])

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** Last Chance to Shake Your Tail for Homeless Pets
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Save Chicago’s favorite workout buddies during our Shake Your Tail at our last fitness event of May. Join animal lovers and one of Chicago’s top strength and yoga instructors for our last workout class of the month, 10am Saturday, May 22. Attendees will receive access to a class, a digital goody bag with coupons to local businesses, and an entry in our Health & Wellness Raffle! 100% of your $30 donation benefits PAWS Chicago.

Save My Spot ([link removed])

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** May Volunteer of the Month
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Meet Morgan Peacock, our May Volunteer of the Month! Since 2020, Morgan’s been supporting PAWS Chicago as a Dog Town/Operational Support Team volunteer. Whether she’s spending time with a pup or leading an adoption appointment, Morgan’s work is so appreciated! Of volunteering, she said, “it feels great to know that you’re contributing to such a fantastic cause. I’d recommend it for anyone!"

Meet Morgan ([link removed])

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** Run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with TEAM PAWS Chicago
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Didn't get a spot in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon lottery? Run with TEAM PAWS Chicago! You’ll become part of a supportive group of dedicated runners making their miles matter for homeless pets. Plus, every runner receives PAWS swag, access to social events, and the feeling of being a lifesaver. Sign up before June 6!

Run with PAWS ([link removed])

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** Rescuing Gretchen and Her Kittens
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It’s a Kitten Season classic: a stray cat becomes pregnant with kittens, then gives birth to a litter and the homeless animal population grows. It happened to Gretchen, cat mom to six adorable—and homeless—kittens. Only this time, there’s a happier ending thanks to a longtime PAWS Outreach Partner named Juana.

Read Gretchen’s Story ([link removed])

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** Reserve a Spot in Our Desktop Calendar
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Showcase your adorable pet in PAWS Chicago’s 2022 Desktop Calendar! Claim a Pet of the Day, Week, or Month spot to celebrate a special date, like a birthday or Gotcha Day. Whether you provide your own favorite photo of your furry best friend or book a private photography session with pet photographer, Candice Cusic, your pet will be a star!

Purchase Your Page ([link removed])

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** It’s Training Time
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Maybe your pup’s already been through a few PAWS training classes and is looking for a challenge, or maybe they’re still working through what it means to stay calm and collected in new situations. No matter your dog’s skill level or training needs, PAWS offers classes like Teen Manners, Relaxing Your Dogs Reactivity or The Cautious Canine, and Nose Work to help them grow.

Sign Up Your Pup ([link removed])

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** Save Pets—Win Big
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The Inaugural Golf Outing to benefit Chicago’s homeless pets is sold out, but there are still ways you can support the event! Purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a Nexgrill 5-burner grill, Whiskey Lover’s package, or His & Hers Salvatore Ferragamo watches!

View Now ([link removed])

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** The Dog at Dollar General
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Mirage the pup is all smiles, joy, and sheer tail-wagging happiness. She’s priceless! But earlier this year, she was found still producing milk and with mammary masses, alone and puppy-less in the parking lot of a Dollar General. It's a story of challenge, hope and inner strength.

Meet Mirage ([link removed])

Sincerely,
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mailto:[email protected]

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