Wendy – 2-year-old domestic short-hair girl I arrived at Helping Paws a little over three months ago, where the medical staff noticed I was pregnant. I now have five kittens! My kits are old enough now that this story gets to be about me and my new life. I am spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready […]
Luna – 5-year-old female, domestic medium haired I was originally a stray, but I have lived in a home also. I am a very sweet girl and love to get scratches once I am comfy with you. It does not take me long to ask for pets! I am still getting used to shelter life. […]
Scooter and Lucy – 7- and 6-year-old beagle mixes Scooter and Lucy are a bonded pair and plan to go home together. I used to have a home, but then I found myself without one. While I was a stray, I found Lucy, and that’s how we were found together! We traveled five hours and […]
Oliver – 3-month-old Blue Heeleer mix Currently weighing about 18 pounds, Oliver was bought off the side of the road, gifted, and relinquished to the shelter when the owner did not have time for him. He is growing quickly. Oliver went into foster soon after he was brought in, where he became great at pottying […]
Pumpkin – 5-year-old domestic short-haired boy My owners surrendered me when they moved. I am a very curious boy and I was so excited to explore my new room for the first time. I am kind of new here but I seem to be indifferent to the other kitties. I met a girl kitty and […]
Cupcake – 3-year-old min pin/beagle mix I am fully grown! Unfortunately, my owner was not able to take care of me anymore, and I ended up at an animal control in southern Illinois. The staff will tell you I am sweet, great at going potty outside, and I know how to “sit.” I am energetic, […]
Clove – 10-month-old beagle/terrier mix I weigh around 38 pounds, and I shouldn’t get too much bigger. I am looking for my furever home! I traveled to this shelter all the way from Kentucky River Animal Shelter, with my four sisters. I have been here for 207 days (as of 5/2/23). I love to play […]
Porsche – 20-month-old female domestic shorthair I was brought to Helping Paws in August of ’22, with my four kittens. My kittens and I were found as strays! All of my kittens have found their homes, but I am still waiting. I have been waiting for 256 days (as of 4-25-23). I have my days […]
Makenna – 6-month-old hound mix I weigh about 34 pounds. I traveled here from a kill shelter in Kentucky with my seven brothers and sisters. I have unfortunately been waiting for my home for 123 days (as of 4-17-23). The staff here will tell you I am sweet, outgoing, and loving. I love to play […]
Pedro – 9 months old I was brought in with my sister almost a month ago! We were strays that hung out by someone’s house; he fed us and we let him pet us. My sister is not available at the moment, but I am! I am a friendly boy, though I am shy. I […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
