Black Labrador Retriever and Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

Loki is at our shelter. Please submit an application from our website or just come in to meet him during open hours!

Scroll through his pictures to see all of his cute videos!

Loki is a sweet young pup who made his way here from Kentucky with his sister Pam. While Pam was immediately outgoing, Loki was completely shut down. When you would walk into their kennel to leash them for a walk, Pam would come up to you excitedly and shower you with kisses, while Loki trembled on his bed and refused to budge.

Loki started going for walks, taking treats, and then he joined his first playgroup and we finally saw the young pup who had been inside the whole time! Loki zoomed and zagged all over the play yard. He splashed through puddles, wrestled with dog friends, and his tail was wagging all along! It was such a beautiful sight. We knew Loki would thrive in a foster home with another dog, and fortunately, we found him one!

Loki has grown so much with the consistent schedule and positive reinforcement at his foster home. He has become so comfortable, in fact, that he is now showing her how much of a puppy he still is by sometimes chewing on things he isn't supposed to and digging in the yard! Typically we wouldn't cheer for that behavior, but we're just so happy that he has come out of his shell enough to be his young, mischievous self!

Fortunately, Loki is easily redirected with toys and loves his crate, so thanks to his foster, he is well on his way to learning important lessons like Elk Antlers are for Chewing 101 and Houseplants Aren't Food - A Guide to Peak Nutrition.

Loki absolutely adores other dogs (he and his foster sister sleep in his crate together!) and is the most affectionate, sweet boy once he gets to know a person. He comes up slowly, almost tiptoeing, with a quiet earnestness. No jumping, no chaos-just a soft hello and a hopeful little presence that is so endearing, you almost can't even stand it.

Loki is looking for a patient, kind home that will positively reinforce the great head start he's gotten in his foster home. He would absolutely thrive with another young dog friend to show him the ropes.

If you're ready to help a shy boy grow into his best self, Loki is waiting for you!


Loki's adoption fee is $300. He is neutered, up to date on core vaccines, and Heartworm negative.

The black Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. They are agile, keen swimmers with a strong work ethic, making them excellent hunting and service dogs. Their glossy black coat is low maintenance and sheds minimally, while their friendly temperament makes them great family pets. Black Labs are known for their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, making them loving companions in various roles and settings.

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

Heartland Animal Shelter is a no-kill shelter and a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.  We depend on your donations in order to...