Teresita - Mixed Breed Dog for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

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

Meet Teresita, a beautiful 5-month-old brindle Sato puppy who has already come such a long way - and she's still waiting for the part of her story where she finds a family to call her own. "Sato" is the slang term for street dog in Puerto Rico, which has between 5-600K strays on the small island. "Satos" have become their own unofficial breed, and we are always happy to help these deserving babies!

Satos are typically medium-sized petite cuties! Teresita is no different. She is petite and is such a great size.

Teresita was rescued in Puerto Rico and made the journey to Heartland Animal Shelter in the cabin of an airplane with a "flight angel"-- a tourist flying home who volunteers to escort a dog to a rescue on the mainland.

Now she's now safe, cared for, and ready to begin the next chapter of her life. Teresita has been living in a foster home for the last few weeks while getting ready for adoption. She has been living in a home with two small-breed dogs, and two children.

She's a friendly, spunky, sweet little girl who loves being around people and has all the playful puppy energy you'd expect from a 5-month-old. Teresita has the most adorable puppy face and loves attention. Even just a couple hours after her spay, she was up at the front of her kennel, tail wagging, ready to enthusiastically greet any of the staff caring for her.

Teresita has two sisters, Tatiana and Talia, who came through the rescue journey with her. Both girls have already been adopted and are off living their happily-ever-afters. Teresita is so happy for her sisters - but now she's the one waiting.

Her foster mom writes, "She is a very playful, happy pup whose tail never stops wagging. She can be shy at first, but she quickly warms up with food or treats. She loves romping in the yard and playing with other dogs. She does need to work on getting familiar with the leash, and leash walks. It is still somewhat of a foreign concept to her! But, she loves food and has a great appetite so should be easy to motivate and train!

She has been doing great with house training, and will use a pee pads as well as go outside in the yard. She does not go potty on the leash yet."

Every rescued dog deserves the chance to go from surviving to thriving. Teresita has made the long journey from Puerto Rico to safety, and all she needs now is someone willing to make the rest of the journey with her.

She'll need the patience, guidance, love, and commitment that every young puppy deserves as she learns about life and grows into her forever family. In return, you'll get a bright-eyed, beautiful little Sato with a fun-loving spirit, a sweet personality, and so much love to give.

Her sisters found their people. Now Teresita is hoping hers are out there, too. If you've been searching for a dose of sweetness in your life, meet her and see if she's your match!

Teresita'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...