THE HERON POST presents NEWS
July 11, 2026 | Westfield Old Orchard
Families, shoppers and animal lovers gathered at Westfield Old Orchard as PAWS Chicago brought adoptable dogs into the community, offering visitors the opportunity to meet pets in search of permanent homes. While the event connected prospective adopters with animals, it also underscored the broader work of an organization that has spent decades reshaping animal welfare in Chicago.
Founded in 1997, PAWS Chicago emerged with an ambitious goal: to help end the euthanasia of homeless, healthy and treatable companion animals in the city. At a time when tens of thousands of cats and dogs were euthanized annually in Chicago-area shelters, the organization focused on expanding adoption programs, increasing access to affordable spay and neuter services, and building a network of foster homes, volunteers and donors committed to reducing pet homelessness.
Over the years, PAWS Chicago grew into one of the nation's largest no-kill animal welfare organizations. Its work extended well beyond sheltering animals awaiting adoption. Dogs and cats received medical care, behavioral support and rehabilitation before being placed with families. The organization also invested in preventive programs, including community outreach, affordable veterinary services and educational initiatives designed to keep pets with their owners whenever possible. Those efforts helped reduce shelter intake and improved long-term outcomes for thousands of animals across the region.
The adoption event at Westfield Old Orchard reflected that mission. Rather than serving simply as an opportunity to adopt a pet, the gathering introduced the public to the organization's broader approach to animal welfare. Adoption counselors spoke with visitors about responsible pet ownership, the needs of individual animals and the lifelong commitment involved in bringing a pet home.
By the close of the event, several animals had found new families, while others had gained valuable exposure to potential adopters. For PAWS Chicago, each successful adoption represented more than a happy ending for one animal. It created space to rescue another pet in need and advanced the organization's long-standing effort to ensure that every healthy and treatable companion animal had the opportunity to find a safe, permanent home.
Visit PAWS Chicago to adopt today or see how you can get involved.