Appletini - Boxer and Pit Bull Terrier Dog for Adoption in Shorewood, Illinois

Meet Appletini

Appletini's journey with us began at our local animal control after she was found as a stray. It didn't take long to discover she was very pregnant, and we were asked to help so she wouldn't have to bring her babies into the world from inside a kennel.

She arrived at her foster home on the evening of April 3rd. Just about 60 hours later, on the morning of April 6th, she welcomed eight beautiful puppies into the world.

In the beginning, Appletini was scared and unsure, but she allowed just enough trust to let her foster family care for her. Once her puppies arrived, her protective instincts took over. For weeks, she guarded them fiercely, and even her foster mom couldn't enter the room while she was caring for them. Over the next seven weeks, patience, consistency, and respect slowly helped her realize she was finally safe.

And that's when the real Appletini began to shine.

Today, all of her puppies have found their forever homes, and Appletini continues to blossom into a playful, affectionate, and genuinely sweet girl. Every week she grows a little more confident, a little more trusting, and a little more carefree. Watching her learn how to simply be a dog has been one of the greatest rewards.

Appletini is looking for someone who understands that trust isn't rushed—it's earned. She will need a patient family willing to let her settle in at her own pace. We are continuing to work on her ability to coexist with other dogs, and we know she has all the potential to thrive in the right home.

The good stuff:
Spayed
Current on vaccinations
Heartworm negative
Microchipped
House trained
Kennel trained
Absolutely adorable

Her "flaws" (if you can call them that):
She needs time and patience to build trust.
She may secretly be part mud puppy.
She proudly carries her toys outside... then forgets to bring them back in.

Appletini has already overcome so much. Now all she needs is someone willing to give her the love, patience, and security she's waited so long to find. If you're looking for a loyal companion whose love is truly earned, Appletini just might be your perfect match.

The boxer is a medium to large sized dog breed known for its muscular build, distinctive square head, and energetic personality. Boxers are loyal, affectionate, and good natured companions, making them an ideal family pet. They are intelligent, playful, and love to be around people, making them excellent with children. Boxers require consistent training, plenty of exercise, and socialization to thrive. With their strong work ethic and protective instincts, boxers excel in various roles, including as service dogs, therapy dogs, and in dog sports.

The Pit Bull Terrier is a resilient and loyal breed known for its muscular build and loving nature. Originally bred for bull baiting and later dog fighting, Pit Bulls today are beloved family pets cherished for their gentle temperament and playful personality. With proper training and socialization, Pit Bull Terriers make affectionate companions that thrive on human interaction. Recognized for their strength and agility, these dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation to channel their energy positively, reinforcing their reputation as devoted and trainable pets.

Our mission as a rescue is to assist community cats (and abandoned stray dogs) get the medical care they need...