I would absolutely recommend Save-A-Pet to anyone considering adopting. You can tell how much the staff and volunteers care about finding loving homes for these animals. We are so grateful Enzo found his way to us! I would highly suggest getting "pre-approved" for an adoption. Start your adoption application early, it could take a few days. Adoptions for pets are first come, first serve. We saw Enzo on Wednesday filled out an online application , Don called for an interview (very helpful)on Thursday, we got approved and made appointment to meet on Friday @Petco and took our kitten home. (We were persistent not sure that this is the normal timeframe.) read more

Save-A-Pet - Enzo such a cuddle bug. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

Horrible. Drove an hour for my 7 year old to see some cats and was told to come after 1. No sympathy as my daughter openly wept

I was Looking to adopt an older cat after my one cat passes away. I filled out the application and had a phone interview and was able to setup an appointment. I went to the appointment and was taken in the cat room. Only one cat was loose. All the other cats were in enclosures. I asked the age of the cat I was interested in. The young Women said 9. I said that's great because my cat at home is 8. Then she said the cat has to be the only cat in the home. The cat's bio on their site said he is good with cats. Another Cat I asked about that was said to be friendly she said he bites and I cannot look at it. Cat looked friendly to me. Not one cat in the room was adoptable. When I asked why I was not told in my interview about the cats she said the people that do the interviews don't know about the animals. I feel I was discriminated against because of my age. I just turned 70. read more

I adopted my kitten Annie, and we could not be happier! The staff is extremely knowledgable and accommodating. We love Save-A-Pet. There is a reason they have been around for over 52 years and have rescued more than 67,000 dogs and cats. read more

Save-A-Pet - Annie - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

I wasn't even told not to hover in front of the dogs by the staff (lady) who walked us inside and then I got yelled at by another staff member (guy) for interacting at a distance with a dog which was uncomfortable to say the least poor dog!!! I appreciate that this shelter saves animals but they should give clear instructions before going in and also post it; if they forget obviously visitors will too!!! Dogs require interaction... the staff (guy) is lazy because he literally told me don't stand in front of the cage because the dog will think you're going to take him for a walk instead of taking the dog out to walk he was busy yelling at me!!! The guy was worried about the dog getting "over stimulated"... He was overstimulated because he had an attitude!!! There is a puppy with health issues who got surgery why don't they have him in a room separate if they are concerned about him getting overstimulated??? They don't seem to appreciate the people that take time out of their day to see if they can possible adopt!!! Customer service is terrible because I sent an email and never got a response!!! If someone is interested in adopting etc. they make it difficult because i couldn't even get thorough information the staff (lady in the front) cut me off to assist others!!! We got our dog years ago from here and I don't remember having to go through all this; plus my dog was underweight when we adopted him!!! Please please please get more professional staff for the sake of the animals It smells like shit even before you walk in; It's more like a boot camp... I feel bad for these animals!!! read more

Wow! I wish the staff was friendlier (specifically the front desk). I absolute support rescuing animals and they have so many loveable little ones at this location. Unfortunately the staff needs some training on how to treat people that are just trying to help an animal have a loving home. It seems to be a common thread among all these reviews. Hopefully ALL of the staff's piss poor attitude does not deter people from bringing a pet into their home. read more

FIND ANOTHER ADOPTION CENTER YOU WONT GET PAST THE 2 RATHER LARGE PEOPLE AT THE FRONT DESK. YOU USED to have to go through an interview process where you met the animal you met the handlers and then you were approved by the board. Now these two rather large people size you up as you walk in the door their decisions made before you open your mouth. There are other places to adopt an animal. They should change their name to PLEASE SAVE A PET FROM US Go there you'll see Google reviews save-a-pet Grayslake read the one-star reviews read more

This place is very unprofessional. They throw away alot of donations that people donate. Like if your not going to use half of the donations give them to other shelters in need. Also Kennel staff people are rude. I wonder how long this place will run. Sadly this place is garbage i feel bad for the animals. They dont do a good job giving some of the animals the BEST quality of life. Such a selfish place read more

I was a little surprised at the negative reviews I read on here about Save A Pet. I have donated a considerable amount of money to them over the years just because they are a no kill shelter. I recently lost my cat of 16 years and have continuously had at least one cat for over thirty years. I filled out an adoption form online and was contacted by a staff member a few days later. I can understand some of the frustration some people have about unfriendly staff because the phone interview was a little rough but, they do care about the animals that they have. One has to keep in mind that these are pets that were discarded by people for whatever reason and Save A Pet has rescued them and are doing their best to make sure that these discarded animals never have to suffer through an experience like that again. I did visit the cat room and I would have adopted them all but that is not being realistic. I ended up not adopting a cat only because it has only been a couple of weeks since my last cat passed away and I am still going through a morning period. I will go back eventually and give a cat or two a forever home! P.S. I also made another donation. read more

I had adopted (3) dogs from this location I'm totally grateful for them. My dogs. 1 lived there to be 17 lab , one lived to be 14 sharpei Ridgeback mix & 10 year old boxer pit mix *still healthy and thriving. I went in here when my second of three dogs passed away to find a companion for my 1 dog at home. I was treated so badly ( all I wanted to do was view the dogs ) they( staff) ran up on me & treated me like a criminal, I'll never step back into this facility. I think it goes without saying if you've adopted 3 and loved and cared for the dogs , of course all of mine were "forever dogs of course" you'd treat those dog lovers a lil better. NEVER AGAIN!!! Could NOT believe how rude they were. read more

We adopted our cat from here 5 months ago and so far our car Sammy has been a great cat. His name was originally Blimpo. The staff was nice to us and very friendly. I really like their cat area where they have them out of the cage and walking around. Some are in cages because they just got there or other reasons. Overall clean environment and helpful staff and would come back again. read more

Save-A-Pet - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

Everyone was really nice and understanding that I was upset over losing my cat. I left that afternoon with another wonderful cat. The cost was a little over $100, maybe $120(??). This includes spay/neutering, shots, deworming, microchip, small bag of Science Diet food... I don't know the price for dogs, but it is more. You can check their website and see photos of many the cats and dogs that are available for adoption and fostering. read more

I love Save-a-Pet and everything they stand for. I have supported them for many, many years and they are always so caring for not only the animals in their care but for the people whom walk in to visit. My business tries to donate as much as we can to this non-profit organization to ensure the loving animals that are in need of a home can find a loving family they righteously deserve. They have been in business for a very long time and no matter how much it costs them to operate, their no-kill mission is always something that makes me so happy. They are caring, loving individuals (many are volunteers) who are simply there for the betterment of the dogs and cats in their care. Adoption fees are extremely reasonable. They have animals of all ages and you are sure to find one to fit perfect in your home. I would recommend Save-a-Pet to absolutely anybody looking to adopt a dog or cat. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. read more

My family first tried to adopt a dog from Save A Pet almost 20 years ago. Our first dog, a Samoyed/Husky mix, died at the ripe old age of 16 years. After a mourning period we were looking for a new dog. Its very difficult to describe how it feels to walk in the back to see the dogs. If any of you have ever been to a dog shelter you know how loud it can get from all the dogs - barking, jumping, etc. There wasn't a single sound; a strange and uncomfortable feeling at a dog shelter. Nonetheless, we tried filling out an application but we were immediately denied. Over 15 years later, my family found ourselves in the exact situation: another pet died of old age, this time a lab mix. We went to Save a Pet, not a single barking dog, immediately denied. They expect someone to be home 24 hours a day and they will do house checks. Not wrong, but with two dogs dying of old age, we don't need someone telling us our home is unfit for a pet. There are really good shelters all over Illinois. This unfortunately is not one of them. read more

I went In there yesterday and they told me to I couldn't look at this German Shepard and to come back today, I was on my way there and then was informed that the German Shepard was sold earlier today. I've been looking at this dog and have talked to them several times about buying her today I'm highly upset read more

Save a pet is a great no kill animal shelter located in Grayslake, IL. It is a non profit that is run mostly through the work of dedicated volunteers, they offer adoptions and fosters to a large variety of cats, dogs, puppies and kittens. They also house and offer special needs pets on a foster basis- meaning they pay for and take care of your fostees medical bills as long as you give them the attention and home they need/deserve. Save a Pet will also give you a large variety of information that can assist you comforting your special needs pet- should you adopt someone with a need that you haven't dealt with before (ie: FIV). It is a nice, welcoming environment with decently priced adoptions that come with basically everything you'd initially need from a vet anyway. I definitely recommend them both for their mission and their amazing ability to stay true to said mission. read more

We just had the moment which every rightful dog owner must dreadfully experience, we had to put down our dog Beauty. We got Beauty over eight years ago at Save a Pet. Beauty was a 6 year old black lab when we took her home. At the time we had no idea that Black Labs were so needy and had such a willingness to share their love with anyone. The first few days we brought her home she was extremely nervous and fearful. This was because she had been returned three prior times because she was too much to handle for prior owners. Knowing this we knew she would need that "extra care, love, and attention" We made sure we gave she got this kind of attention and she gave back. Over time she became the most wonderful Beauty and became a part of our family. Save of Pet once again had become our favorite place. Save of Pet brought joy into home. How Beauty came into lives is a Hallmark moment. My wife told me how the idea of getting Beauty came about. One of our family traditions is keeping a Christmas Box. During the year on given occasion, any of us would drop ideas for Christmas presents for anyone in our immediate / extended families. After losing Francis later in the year, our daughter wrote down that she wanted another dog and put that note in the Christmas Box. During the Christmas season of 2011 my wife open the Christmas Box and saw our daughter's note in a heart shape form. At that instant my wife and I decided we had to get our daughter a dog. Christmas morning came. As with every Christmas morning we went into the living room and started opening presents. After a couple rounds my wife gave me a wink and then handed a present to our daughter. Our daughter expecting a typical present for any Jr. High School girl was given this special present. Our daughter opened the present with a joy of love and happiness all over her face she saw a picture of dog inside the box. This really charmed our daughter. It was a great family Christmas moment, the present for all seasons in terms of what our daughter felt. It indeed was a Hallmark moment. After the Christmas season just before spring we decided to go to Save a Pet. The Save a Pet associate sat us down in the waiting room and asked us before we went into the kennel area if we would be willing to see a particular kind of dog. She went on to explain that this particular dog was very special with the staff. We said why not so we waited. After waiting for a while, a very nervous Black Lab who had been abandon by three prior families entered our waiting room. She started sensing that we liked her and wanted her. She then began to cry with the hope we would take her home. At that moment we wanted Beauty as much as she wanted us. We got Beauty home and she was very uneasy and nervous. We then realized we had a special needs dog and over time with lots of love Beauty overcame her issues and became a big part of our family. We had a eight great years with Beauty. Our memories of her will stay with us forever. To the owners and volunteers of Save a Pet, thank you for providing our family to so much joy and tender heart felt moments. You all provide so much care and attention to all pets coming through your doors. I am sure there are thousands of stories just like this. Thanks again to all of you. read more

We adopted both of our kittens from Save-A-Pet. We couldn't be happier with their service and our kittens are now very happy cats!

I have adopted three of the best dogs I've ever had from this shelter. I've never had a problem with them or process. My most recent fur baby is from them and he will go down in history as one of the best. Cat room makes me gag from the smell though- yuck! read more

What a great selection of lovable animals!! I had a hard time deciding but I am taking Lily home today. She is a pure bred chihuahua with a very sweet disposition do Im so happy that i found her! read more

Proud to be a volunteer for SAP. They truly care for the dogs and cats and I would recommend adopting from them. Check them out!

What a great no-kill shelter. We just adopted our amazing boy Tonka! Everyone at this shelter was so nice. They made is such an amazing experience for our first pet. The shelter was beyond clean and all the animals were well taken care of. I recommend going there and enjoying the same experience I had as well as taking home an animal that deserves a second chance for a great home! read more

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My wife and I decided we wanted to get another dog and found this place online. Saw the reviews with the common theme about the unfriendly staff, but figured we'd still give it a try. Sure enough that's what this reviews theme is going to be too. Was soooooo disappointed in the unfriendly staff that we just left. When we arrived no one greeted us or anything. Luckily there was a nice volunteer sitting at a table who could tell we had no idea what to do and informed us that we had to go up to a desk and "sign in". After we signed in, they told us where to go and informed us not to approach the cages or crouch down to them. Hard to get a feel for any of them without any sort of interaction. Later I asked to play with one of the guys and was told "that's not how it works, you have to fill out a application". How am I supposed to get a sense of the dogs personality without any interaction what so ever. Love animal charities, but like I said the staff was unhelpful and unfriendly. read more

I recently had a very frustrating and disappointing experience at Save a Pet. Please read and let me give you advice before you adopt here: My father and I were trying to adopt a lab puppy this week, and we and we brought in our other dogs for their "pet interaction". We have 2 smallish dogs that live at the home with a massive fenced in backyard. And I happened to have my black lab puppy with me even though she is with me at college all year, so we had 3 dogs come in for the interaction. The extremely rude young woman and the incoherent old lady that were in charge of the interaction told us that each dog must go into the room alone, without their owners(us). We watched through the window as they brought in our first dog, who we clearly saw showed NO signs of aggression towards the puppy and just sniffed around the room, and they walked out of the room and just told us "no". The 2 ladies tell us no and say our dog was growling like crazy and couldn't handle the puppy playing. They didn't even bring in the other two dogs for the interaction, or even ask about our living situation and our backyard, they just lied and said it was too aggressive and just took the puppy away. The old lady made absolutely no sense in trying to explain her thought process, if there even was one. She told us to "try again another time". And we were left without the puppy we thought we were going to adopt the whole time. My advice for anyone who thinks about adopting a dog from here; TELL THEM YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER DOGS OR CATS AT HOME! Avoid the pet interaction because they very well might tell you that you that your dogs won't get along, even though you know they will for sure. Avoiding their BS interaction will surely help you bring your next family member home. Not to mention, the two large individuals at the front desk are also extremely rude, which seems to be a trend throughout the other reviews here. read more

We just adopted a cat from this shelter a few weeks ago. It turns out the cat we adopted gave our other cat at home the Feline calicivirus. And it cost use around $800 for tests, medicine, and for the other cat to stay overnight at the vet, an IV because he wouldn't eat, many trips to the store to try and find something he would eat, as well as the worry and stress it takes to force feed a cat let alone worry about them passing away, etc. So, I wouldn't get a cat from this place anytime soon. They have this disease and they obviously are not checking for it when they release their cats for adoption. The cat we adopted had a bit of a cough/sneeze thing going on when we got him but apparently that was no issue for them to still release him to us. Save a pet of course denied helping us at all with the $800 bill. They knew the cat wasn't for sure healthy as they told us that "if he starts licking incessantly call us" - well the other cat started licking his own mouth incessantly soon after we brought the new cat home. Looks like complete negligence to me. They can't release a cat if they think it might be infected. And they KNEW he might be infected. Did they tell us that the cat COULD have Feline calicivirus? Nope. I am sure they do good work overall over there, but they really cost us money we can't really afford. If I were you I would not get a cat from them anytime soon. read more

This is by far the best shelter for animals. The staff is so caring and so nice all they care about is the well-being of the animals I have adopted three animals from the shelter and every time I visit I am always impressed by the staff I just adopted two senior cats Lillian and twinkle read more

I am attending their volunteer orientation tonight and thought I'd see what the Yelp community had to say. Surprised and disappointed with all the negativity! I will follow thru with my decision to volunteer at Sav-a-Pet and hope to offer a new, fresh and more positive review in the near future. read more

We followed a kitten for 6 weeks that we wanted to adopt. I went there with my 14 year old daughter to pick up the kitten but was told that because we de-clawed our previous 3 cats that we would not be eligible for adoption. My daughter cried and I was humbled. read more

My friend and I were made to feel like we were criminals when we went to look for a dog. The staff is suspicious and doubting on whatever we said. We both walked out feeling sort of creepy. I'm heading back to Orphans where adopters are warmly welcomed. I will never again try Save-A-Pet as too many radical volunteers with self righteous comments are running good pet owners out the door with their heavy handed questions and holy than thou attitude. Those poor dogs that are kept in really clean pens are developing bad habits by lack of good exercise and limited exposure to different people. Give me a healthy well adjusted dog who is covered in mud any day...... read more

I adopted a dog from here 2 months ago and had a great experience. The staff was very knowledgeable about the many dogs they had and answered all my questions. Yes the application and interview process is long but that's to ensure the pet goes to the proper home. If you're denied a pet its to protect you and the animal. The first dog I looked at wasn't the right match but the second one was. I'm very happy to have rescued my dog from Save-A-Pet. read more

I recently went to Save a Pet to see a bulldog named Midge. She was a great dog and I wanted to adopt her. Unfortunately there policy is first come first serve, and with the hours they have anyone with a job would have a hard time getting there before 5:00, except Thurs when it is 1-8. I arrived Wed filled out the application and saw midge, but I had to have my wife see her and see if my other two dogs would get along. So I told them I was really serious about Adopting Midge and I would pay for her now but they would not do it. So I told them I would be back tomorrow and I was really serious about adopting Midge. After leaving a message that I would be in and was still wanting to adopt her around noon on Thurs. I thought COMMON COURTESY WOULD HAVE KICKED IN, BUT NO. An hour before I was ready to leave I get a call that they have another family that is going to adopt her. THANKS A LOT SAVE A PET organizations like this will just make people want to buy puppies and not adopt. Some how this review was taken down. I just want to get this out. This happened in March of 2015. read more

I have lived close and been going to save a pet for about 10 years now and everytime I have went in there recently about 4 times tis last year olus 1 time yesterday the YOUNGER staff is extremely RUDE. I went and DONATED items like leashes, collars and food. I walked in asked the only one who was smiling if they accepted donations and the big girl who btw is one of the rudest people I have ever met just kept saying yep yep yep not letting me talk basically like trying to get me out of there & I was going to look at some dogs for possible adoption but I decided against it because of the staffs rude behavior that day and the previous 4 times. I understand some of these people are volunteers but if the same people volunteering is the same ones with this attitude maybe talk to them and let them know that their ignorant snotty rude behavior is effecting nobody more than those animals. They love animals oh so much but want to treat the ones helping them like garbage. I will never be going back to save a pet, i will never donate to save a pet and i will NEVER EVER adopt a dog from save a pet the energy the YOUNGER crowd at save a pet give off genuinely makes me want to throw up. Never ever again. & to the people that work there that know me you people really should be ashamed of youraelves but dont you guys worry when i see you i will make SURE to let you guys know! read more

These people are angels and should give themselves a huge pat on the back for the voice they give to our furry friends who cannot speak for themselves. Many years ago they received a call regarding a very badly abused stray dog who was about to be euthanized - they took her in despite room limitations & she has been in our family for over 10 years now, happy and healthy. We are so thankful for everything this organization has done and continues to do! read more

Very positive experience! Donated items were much appreciated. Visited the cat room and were greeted by a very kind man who told us helpful information about all of the cats! The animals seem very well cared for. I highly recommend Save a pet! read more

I discovered this place on accident many years ago, stopping in for their rummage sale. I spent some time exploring the cat room, and one of the cats picked me. I visited several times a week to see my new found kitty friend, the staff noticed, and were very supportive of my adopting him, and his brother. Finally everything clicked into place at home, and I was able to bring the two boys home. I still go back now and then to see the new kitties, the staff is very kind and supportive, an treat the animals very well. I am very happy I found Save-A-Pet, and will continue to have a special place in my heart for them. read more

I often visit SAP since I'm an animal lover; I don't usually visit specifically to adopt, but on one occasion, a dear little thing begged for attention and my heart went out to the puppy, which happened to be a Siberian Husky which I've had as pets for 25 years. I now have a fourth Husky, having lost 3 others to senior age related health issues, or cancer. Since we usually have two Huskies in the home, and I had just lost my 11 year old Husky to cancer, I thought my visit and the Husky available for adoption was fate. I asked if it was possible to interact with the young Husky at SAP and was told I could do so after filling out an adoption application. And, when that was completed, I was told I was an unfit candidate for adoption because I crate my dogs when I'm not home (which is important if you have two large rambunctious dogs), and, because I declawed a cat 32 years ago. Are you kidding me??? I guess someone with no experience whatsoever is going to be a better pet owner than me! I'm so disappointed that this is the only shelter in No. Illinois. read more

First this is a long one. It is to say, Shame on all of you who have posted bad and very negative posts because I almost did not go. Second I do not work for them and I do not know anyone who does. My 15 year old dog passed away of old age recently and I am finally ready to search to find my next fur friend. Third to say after reading the horrible posts I almost did not go because I was afraid to go. I was afraid of being yelled at, I was afraid I was going to see animals in a nasty hell hole. This as not my experience, this was. I knew I would not buy from a store or breeder. I wanted to rescue an animal. I started to search online. I found Save A Pet. I read the reviews and thought I still wanted to rescue a dog and I was going to prepare for the worse. I printed out the application and filled it out. I read the hours and the rules. I went to the shelter well before they closed prepared to be as nice as possible and watch the people who worked their intensely and pick up on their cues if I was doing anything wrong. I walked in and a few people were at the counter being assisted, I waited. I was asked if they could help me by Heather. I told her I am looking to adopt a dog and I had an application filled out. She said, "okay sign in and I will take you to look at them". She took my application. She got up after I signed in and started to walk me back to the kennels, Which were fairly close. On the way I looked into carpeted rooms with couches and chairs filled with people and animals. Those rooms were the meet and greet rooms. I saw a dog laying in the lap of a woman and it made me so happy. Heather told me that the dogs names are on the white board. She told me the Green paw prints on the floor leads to one kennel and the blue paw prints lead to the other kennel. She told me the rules. She said walk in the middle of the aisle, Do not put your hand in or on the cage, do not bend down. She said don't call out the dogs by their name because the dog will think they are going for a walk or coming out of their kennel. The first kennel I went into I made sure I walked down the center with my hands in my pocket, I stayed silent. It was long, but not that long. All the spaces the dogs were in were big with a doggie door, they were very clean with lots of bedding. The dogs were calm. This was the older dogs side. Next I walked over the the other kennel, this was the puppy side. Same set up. Clean, bedding, and doggie doors. The animals that are going to their forever homes have a happy note posted so you know they have been adopted and waiting to go to their new home. Also notes were posted saying something about the dog including if they should not have a collar and must use a harness, or if they are blind, so sad. It did smell like wet dog kind of but If I had a house full of dogs, yep it would not smell like a normal home. All in all I am sooooo happy I went on a Sunday at 3, Heather asked me if I wanted to meet any dog. I said not today but I will be back and to keep my application on file, she said yes and to come back when ready. She told me they update the pictures every Monday but sometimes they can't keep up with that part because of low volunteer help. So with all that said shame, shame on all the negative posts. I re-read many of them and I now know they were written by people who did not follow the rules, who were denied an animal, or who had a bad experience caused by their actions. I am so thankful I went. I will be back to adopt a dog soon. I will look every Monday at the new dogs and probably go back a few more times before I am really ready. I will also donate blankets toys and towels the next time I go. This post is for YOU to go and know this is a good rescue place and you will be happy to get your furry friend. BTW the cats area was nice too, but I did not pay too much attention to that. Lastly I went to the Grayslake location. read more

Save-A-Pet - One of the last pictures of my fur baby before she passed away I miss her so much. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Grayslake, Illinois

When I first walked in no one greeted me. I asked to see the cats/kittens and was told to sign in and for the kittens I was forced to fill out an application to see them. So I filled out an application and waited around ten minutes to get anyones attention when I was finished. A lady sat down with me to go through my application and I wasn't allowed to even see the kittens because there were a few questions I wanted to research before I answered. I asked for my application back and they refused to give it back. I will not come back and will never adopt from Save a Pet. It is places like this that give adoption agencies such a bad name and why they are so overfilled with animals. Not a good experience at all and the facility was filthy. read more

We recently visited Save-A-Pet. We were looking to adopt a puppy out of a litter, they listed on their website. Our experience was excellent. Staff was very polite, professional & informational. Although we did not get a puppy, 4 puppies do not divide evenly into 6 families, we will go back. The facility was clean, odor free & the animals were well taken care of. read more

While I'm so thankful that Sav A Pet is a non kill shelter that takes in all animals I really think they need to network more for their dogs to get adopted. I've been on their site Over the last 5 plus years and see some of the same dogs. Over 5 years in a shelter is terrible. Why are they not getting these long timers out at adoption events or into foster homes? 23 hours a day in a cage with all the commotion of a shelter can be really stressful.... I see other shelters like Paws Chicago or CACC that get I their dogs info out DAILY and more often than that the longer they've been there. Sav A Pet needs to advocate for these dogs and get them I to homes! read more