Tatiana - Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

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

Meet Tatiana! Tatiana and her sister Talia are Sato dogs (a slang term for a Puerto Rican street dog, which has become its own "unofficial" breed!). They made the big journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago in August, with the help of kind travelers who volunteer to fly with them in the cabin. They had quite the adventure! And they've already proven what adaptable, happy little puppies they are.

At just under 5 months old, Tatiana and Talia are still puppies but they are on the more mature end of the puppy spectrum... They are beyond the crazy raptor phase, at least! The girls spent a couple of weeks in a foster home where they were absolute rock stars. They did beautifully with an 8-year-old child, lived happily with a cat, and settled into home life like they'd been doing it forever. Not bad for two little island girls experiencing a whole new world!

Tatiana's foster mom reports "She is a very happy, energetic, and playful girl! She loves to play and has especially enjoyed playing with my cat, so she has been doing well having another animal in the home.
She is also very food-motivated, which I think will be a great advantage when it comes to continued training. She is eager when treats or food are involved, so positive reinforcement seems to work well with her. She is currently pad trained and has been doing great with that. As long as she has access to her pads, she has not been having other accidents around the house. Overall, she has a really joyful personality. She loves to play, has lots of energy, and just seems happy to be around people and other animals. I think with continued structure, training, and lots of love, she will make a wonderful companion for the right family."

Tatiana will grow to be a medium-sized dog, and while she is still young enough to have plenty of puppy antics ahead of her, she has already shown us that she is super sweet and eager to be part of a family.

Their personalities are a little different, too. While Talia is the more outgoing and confident sister, Tatiana is a bit more reserved, taking a little time to warm up and get comfortable. Talia is bolder and more confident. But both girls are equally sweet, and once they're comfortable, they're pretty irresistible.

They love each other and enjoy being together, but they are not bonded and absolutely can be adopted separately. Each girl is ready to start her own adventure with a family of her own.

From Puerto Rico to Chicago, these two little Satos have already traveled quite a distance. Now they're looking for the final destination:

Home!

Tatiana's adoption fee is $450. This animal is spayed, and is up to date on core vaccines.

She will need a Heartworm test between 6-7 months of age at the adopter's own vet.

Since she is a puppy, any adopter should anticipate needing to work on housebreaking and other training using positive reinforcement training only.

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...