Found near a rail line in Chicago, these two were already doing the only thing that mattered: staying together.
Bird, a Chihuahua short coat and pug mix, and Dee, a German Shepherd, have been inseparable ever since. In their shared kennel, staff often find Bird curled right on top of Dee, like she's claimed him as her safe place. Dee doesn't mind one bit. He just stays steady beneath her. Bird is a female, Dee a male, and both are around one year old.
What they went through built a bond that didn't break when help finally arrived from Anti-Cruelty Chicago. Now they're looking for a home that will keep that bond intact, because they've already chosen each other. They are currently available for adoption at Anti-Cruelty at 510 North LaSalle.
Forever friends and somehow a Mother's Day story, Bird and Dee represent one of thousands of times over the past 125 years when Anti-Cruelty has lived into its mission of building a healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together, with programs offering a multi-faceted approach to strengthening the human-animal bond by increasing access to adoptions.
Emily Klehm, Anti-Cruelty's Vice President of Operations, told what is known of Bird and Dee's story.
"Our field services department recently heard that they were running loose in an open field and called a team to investigate. Someone nearby said that their owner had abandoned them there. Our staff has fallen in love with them, they are gentle and snuggly and totally devoted to one another. Like all our animals up for adoption, they are neutered and spayed, and microchipped and have all their vaccinations.
"We invite everyone who might be interested to come by and meet them. We are open every day but Tuesday 12:30 until 7:30, with Tuesday's hours 3:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. There is a short application form that we can process the same day and you could leave with Bird and Dee or another animal. We really try to make it as pleasant and accessible as possible."
Anti-Cruelty has between 4,000 and 5,000 animal adoptions each year. Not only dogs and cats but also rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, pet mice, chinchillas and more have found homes. "We work with bird specific rescue centers when a bird comes in because we don't have that expertise," Klehm said.
If you are a cat person, consider another bonded pair: Charlie and Oliver. Here's what we learned.
"Charlie and Oliver are the kind of duo that reminds you some bonds are simply unbreakable. Wherever one goes, the other is close behind, offering quiet reassurance, playful energy, and constant companionship. They've grown side by side in foster care, finding comfort in each other through every new experience, and they're looking for a home where they can continue that journey together."
Klehm described that very special adoption moment:
"My great happiness is when I see an animal going home with a new family. These happy-out-the-door moments are what I scroll through in my mind. These are moments of pure love."
Even if you already have pets at home, you can help Anti-Cruelty.
Register for BARK: Walk for Chicago's Animals and you can start fundraising today. BARK is taking place on Saturday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Lincoln Park and every dollar raised helps provide shelter, medical care, and the support animals need from the moment they arrive to the day they find a home. The fundraising goal is $150,000. The two-mile dog-friendly charity walk ends in a party in the park for the whole community – canines included!
For more information about Anti-Cruelty Chicago visit: anti-cruelty.org
