I don't know how it happened, but it did. I lost my beloved Gordon almost 5 years ago. When I moved to Chicago in 2018 I immediately put in applications for the English Bulldog rescues. I knew it would be a long process, I didn't expect it to be impossible. One of them denied my application because of their income guidelines that evidently only Jay-Z could qualify for, but ONLY if Beyoncé co-signs the deal. When I was really really ready to have a dog in my life early last year, I applied to foster with another local bully rescue. We had a great phone interview, they claimed to be "impressed" with me, but they don't allow people in high-rises to foster. Some of the dogs don't like elevators. Why we went through that whole process when they could see my address, I don't know. I started researching breeders. Another undertaking that would likely take me years to find a good one and wait for the litter. It wasn't part of my regular routine at all, but I decided to go on pet finder one day and I saw this meatball at a rescue, recently listed. I applied right away. When I didn't get a confirmation e-mail that they received it, I called the next day. I was told that they'd rejected me because this love bug needs a family. Vicki didn't seem insulted when I told her that I know she knows what's best for her animals, but to please reconsider. I didn't expect to hear back. 20 minutes later i had a date to meet the guy the next day. And he's a dreamboat, so I was ready to kidnap him anyway but his two care takers decided we'd be a good fit. I wasn't the first applicant, or the only good one, either, I was told afterwards. Sorry everyone else! His name is Norman. He's about 3 years old. His limited history made it clear that his last "home" wasn't ideal. He was dumped at a dog pound, was found by someone connected to this rescue, and they bailed him out. My intuition tells me that he wasn't anyone's pet. He was likely used for breeding (he was neutered just before I got to take him home.) He couldn't get enough affection, attention, or enough to eat. He loves any soft surfaces and when he got his own bed, he looked like he won the lottery. It's been just over two months and this guy has come so far and has made me so proud of him. He's confident enough to not run over for attention just because I look at him. He leaves food in his bowl! He's learned how to play with his toys, people, and he's recently gotten playful with his friends from the dog run at my building. He was always a sweet boy from the moment we met, but he's learning to be a dog, it seems. He still uses me for a napkin whenever he wants, which is right on track. Dogs are the best. This guy had no reason to like anyone, but he can't help himself. He's a people person. He is a notorious party crasher if we happen to be walking by one in one of the lobby areas. He had no reason to trust me, but he does. And that brings me more joy than I can possibly express. I thank the hard rescue workers for what they do every day. For dogs like mine, and for the ones who don't get the lives they deserve. Thank you. Thank you. to trust me read more

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If I could have given 0 stars I would have. First, I sent an email & did not receive an answer. I called with a couple of questions about adoption policies & as soon as I said I was a senior citizen she promptly responded, "I have to wonder about a senior citizen who can't afford the adoption fee we charge would have money to feed the dog". My husband & I have pensions & social security & we own our own home as well. Does that mean I should go & spend thousands for a dog rather than give a rescue a good home with us? She was indeed rude & will never adopt from this rescue. I feel sad for the dogs that are in their care as they unable to judge the who is a worthy candidate to adopt. read more

Wonderful people who truly love dogs! They answered all my questions and you could tell they want the pups to find good homes

The process of adoption was different then other adoption. We meet our dog and wanted to adopt him. Volunteer seemed to not know how the process worked on getting records to us. We were told when we adopted him if we got him neutered we would get our $100 back. That never happened and doesn't look like they will be paying us anytime soon. read more

I adopted Roo (formally Tandra) from John and Shari last week and we couldn't be happier! Roo is so very sweet and you can tell she came from people who were very loving and took such great care of her. I have an 8 year old dog and I was a little nervous to have them meet in a Petsmart pay area but it worked out very well. Shari and John were very nice people and you can tell they really care for all the dogs in their care. Thank you so much!! Update: I just got done with Roo's first vet visit and they were very impressed with her vaccine records and said the people I adopted her from did a great job keeping her up to date and keeping great records read more

4 Paws 4 U 4 Ever - Roo - Animal Shelters Near Me

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We adopted a 2 yr old hound mix named Minka from 4 Paws last week and could not be happier! John and Shari are extremely nice and caring and it becomes obvious very quickly that they love the dogs, and finding a good, responsible home for them is top priority. Their adoption process is very thorough, and all documentation available on the dogs is given and discussed in detail. Our dog is very healthy, and was well care for by 4 Paws. Shari even called a couple of days later to see how we all were doing. All in all, an outstanding experience in adopting a pet who needed a home. Wonderful people doing wonderful work! It doesn't get any better than that. Highly recommend giving them a look if you're considering adopting a homeless dog. Thank you John & Shari once again!!! read more

We stopped by at the adoption taking place at PetsMart Downers Grove IL. The little dog we were interested in that my Son & I spent 2 hrs with and I had asked my wife who wasn't feeling well to come from home to see the dog & interact with us and this old man was quite rude and ignorant while we were interacting with the dog and would not leave us alone with the dog and kept saying have you made a decision over and over and kept saying some gang-bangers dropped the dog off and we come to find out that was a lie . We were ready to adopt when we found out only cash, check or zell was accepted for payment. We had neither and said we would come by Monday with a check. Monday my Son called to asked if they would bath & cut the dogs nails because we noticed the dog was very dirty and smelled and had really long nails. The lady named Shari told my son she did not like the way my wife looked so we could not adopt the dog. Well Shari my wife was not feeling well and still came out to see the dog and for you to judge someone not feeling well is judgmental and completely rude and discriminatory. After the interactions with you at Petsmart and the way you spoke to my son you really are not the kind of person I would trust to adopt a dog from and you and that old man are the rudest people we ever met. We will contact Petsmart about how you conduct yourselves with customers. read more

Denied pet adoption bc the male owner didn't think my children whom are 5 and 2 interacted with the dog enough. They petted the dog and looked at her, and then started running around, like boys do. This is why people go to breeders and pet shops. Bc they make the process so damn hard. Go to a more reputable shelter with standards. read more

I am sharing my review of 4 Paws 4 U 4 Ever - because I want everyone to know how wonderful my experience has been with this particular shelter and its remarkable owners. I encourage any of you fellow adopters to do the same. As we all know, people are generally more quick to criticize - but not nearly as quick to praise and that is a sad reality. My opinion is that anyone posting negative comments because they were not allowed to adopt from this shelter were not selected for a good reason. The intent here is not to just farm dogs out to anyone who wants a dog - the intent is place their rescues in the best possible homes - with the most responsible and caring families. My review of this shelter follows. Please read and share! "Several months back, I was looking to adopt a rescue and saw a dog on the 4 Paws 4 U 4 Ever website that captured my heart. I sent an email to let the shelter know which dog I was interested in and they responded with a questionnaire to fill out, which I did. It was a very extensive questionnaire - unlike any I have ever seen by a rescue agency. I was VERY IMPRESSED with this questionnaire because it clearly suggested that this shelter wants to know as much as possible about prospective adopters. Obviously, they don't want to adopt their dogs out to just anyone - as well they, or any reputable shelter should do. As a result of my submitted questionnaire I was contacted by the owners and an appointment was made so I could meet the dog we had our hearts set on adopting. I have to say, I not only FELL IN LOVE with that dog IMMEDIATELY - but I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE OWNERS AS WELL! I have never met such kind and concerned people and I was truly impressed with them. Unfortunately, the dog we adopted, who was a very timid, scared little dog, RAN AWAY only 1 1/2 days after we adopted her. I was heartsick! I posted a flyer on my Facebook page via Lost Dogs of Illinois - and these shelter owners saw that flyer and called me immediately to offer help. EVERY DAY for THREE days those owners were helping me search for our lost little girl! It was January and bitterly cold - but they were outside searching an area she had been spotted in for 3 and 4 hours every day in that bitter cold. They gave us special treats to put out that they knew our little dog especially liked in the hopes those treats would lure her home. They brought me a special blanket she was familiar with - they even brought us a humane trap - so that we might be able to capture her. They even placed some food for coyotes - in the attempt to give them an alternate food source. They were very cautious in doing this and placed this food in an area far enough away from neighborhood homes so as not to lure these night creatures into the neighbor - but, in fact, in area outside of it. It was an impressive and humane thing to do. Luckily, three and a half very long days later our little girl made it back to our yard and I was able to grab her and bring her inside. I was never so relieved in my life. BUT - those owners, John and Sheri Casey - will live in my heart forever!! Their assistance and concern was beyond amazing! They are truly wonderful people that CARE about the dogs in their care - and they CARE about the homes they send their dogs into. I have read unfortunate, ill informed, negative posts written by people to whom they did not choose to allow to adopt - and my response to that is - John and Sheri want their rescues to go to homes and owners they trust and feel comfortable with so that their rescues can truly find their perfect furever homes. If they reject a prospective adopter - they have good reason to think that this particular adopter is not what they want for their rescues. These people are nothing short of AMAZING. In the meantime, I am proud to say our little girl has progressed so far beyond timid! She runs and plays and is so sweet and so loyal and she is truly a success story! I would never consider adopting another rescue dog from any other facility. This place is TOPS!" read more

We have adopted 2 wonderful dogs from this shelter. We frequently see the owners of this shelter at Pet Smart trying to find loving homes for the dogs and puppies that come from some pretty unhappy circumstances. We love our rescue dogs and support all that John, Shari and the rest of the volunteers do to try and find the right fit for each family. These pups have been through enough and after decades of hard work the volunteers know what makes a successful match. It may be hard to accept but some people just aren't a good fit and I respect the shelter for caring about the dogs well being first. read more

We adopted our sweet pup several years ago, and love that this rescue hosts an annual picnic, so families who might have adopted litter mates can visit each other throughout the years. It's nice that the organizers and volunteers also want to see their puppies "grow up!" When we were looking into adopting (which we had before from another shelter) we visited 4 Paws' home, where our puppy was being sheltered. We saw 6 puppies, and all looked/acted healthy, well-adjusted, clean, and social. We have never regretted our choice. Perhaps, if Laura C. was denied adoption, the owners simply felt that her family wouldn't have been a good fit for the puppy. Someone has to advocate for these animals' best interests! read more