Pit Bull Terrier Dogs Available for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

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

Scroll through her pictures to see her cute video content!

Meet Polly Pocket, the little southern ray of sunshine, who we're hoping will convince spring to stick around for good in Chicago!

Polly Pocket was picked up by our rescue partner in rural Alabama, after she was dumped outside of a dog groomer. Polly was fostered in Alabama until she was transported to us, by her foster mom...she loved her THAT much that she had to be the one to drop her off to us!

Polly's foster reported she loved every person and all the other dogs at her house. She is affectionate, polite, and walks wonderfully on a leash. We hope you will not be deterred by her cropped ears and "bully-ish" look-- Polly is short and stocky (like a true pocket pittie!), yet dainty. She is a phenomenal dog, and anyone who adopts her should count themselves very lucky!

At 2 years old, we think she's the perfect age to fit in to any family situation. She's still young enough to play with toys, go on long walks, and entertain you with her zoomies, but old enough to sleep through the night curled at your feet or nap on the couch while you watch baseball.

Polly's "pocket pittie" status means she's smaller than your average bully breed - apartment-sized, travel-sized, and lap-sized (according to Polly, at least). She's proof that the biggest hearts sometimes come in the tiniest packages.

Polly Pocket's adoption fee is $300.00. This animal is spayed and up to date on core vaccines. Polly Pocket is Heartworm positive and is undergoing treatment with us. Heartland will cover the cost of treatment until she is Heartworm negative.

Heartworm is not contagious to other dogs or people; it is a mosquito-borne disease. It is both preventable and curable! Once cured, there are no long term health effects associated with having Heartworm.

Polly Pocket is on a 28 day course of antibiotics, after which she will receive three injections to treat her Heartworm, all to take place at our shelter with our veterinarian. Her first injection is scheduled to take place on 6/3/26, with the next two occurring on back to back days, on 7/7 and 7/8.

That will complete the treatment, but she will need a quick retest at the adopter's vet 9 months post-treatment to make sure that she is Heartworm-free.

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.

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