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It all began in 2005 with a group of people who loved animals. But in particular, the older animals: Dogs who had a little grey around the muzzle, but whose hearts were young and whose love knew no bounds. Cats who lounged around, pretending to be hard of hearing, until the whir of the can-opener proved otherwise. These animals had once been loved, cherished, and part of a family- until one day they were no longer wanted. Often, an older dog or cat sits patiently in a shelter, awaiting a soft voice, a kind hand, or even a friendly glance. They sit and wait, often scared, often depressed, and almost always overlooked by potential adopters. Passed by for younger dogs and cats, these pets are often just what an adopter is looking for – quiet, calm, housebroken, good with kids, affectionate and easily acclimated to a new home. Yet, they sit and wait for someone to love them, until many times, it is too late. In April of 2005, Young At Heart was formed to aid in the rescue and rehoming of older dogs and cats in the Chicagoland area. Since that fateful day, hundreds of senior pets have been rescued and adopted into loving homes. In September 2019, Young at Heart opened Chicagoland's first adoption center & sanctuary just for senior dogs and cats. This safe haven is our homestead; a place where more dogs and cats get a second chance at a loving home, a place where age is just a number, and a place where the care and comfort of those with greyer muzzles and stiffer joints than their younger counterparts come first and foremost. A place where all senior pets can find their happily ever after. We are a non-profit 501c3 volunteer-based organization that operates with a small staff and an army of dedicated volunteers. We receive no federal or state funding, and rely solely on the generosity of pet-lovers like you, fundraisers, and grants to support our mission and our rescued animals.
How to adopt a Young at Heart dog: 1. Complete an application. The approval process can take up to 3 days during a normal work week. Please note: applications submitted Sat/Sun/Mon may take longer to complete, as we are closed Sun/Mon. 2. Once your application is approved, you'll hear from the adoption team and make an appointment to meet the dog(s) you are interested in. 3. If the meeting goes well and all parties feel it's a good match, complete the adoption paperwork and welcome your new family member! How to adopt a Young at Heart cat: 1. Complete an application. The approval process can take up to 3 days during a normal work week. Please note: applications submitted Sat/Sun/Mon may take longer to complete, as we are closed Sun/Mon. 2. Once your application is approved, you'll hear from the adoption team and arrange for an appointment to meet the cat(s) you are interested in. 3. If the meeting goes well and all parties feel it's a good match, complete the adoption paperwork and welcome your new family member!
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