Terrier and Shepherd Dogs Available for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

Alejandra 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 videos!

Alejandra could teach us all a lesson in resilience. This young girl arrived to a shelter in Birmingham, Alabama this past February with an injury of unknown origin, and a bad limp. She was likely in a lot of pain, but she was, and is, such a ray of sunshine that you would never have known her hip was dislocated and broken. Ale caught the eye of a local rescue who transferred her to a foster home while they looked into how to best help her leg. Ultimately, in mid-April, Ale's rear left leg was amputated.

As you can see in her video where she is running around our yard, she is able to keep up with the pack without issue! Ale has a blast running and walking and playing, which is great since she needs to lose a few pounds! We know she was not able to move around much right after surgery, and who among us can blame her for gaining a bit of weight in that time?! A girl still needs to eat! But now that she is fully healed, the best thing we can do for Ale is help her take some weight off and reduce the risk for arthritis in her remaining limbs and joints.

Alejandra's foster mom in Alabama has had a hundred fosters, and she said that Ale was perhaps her favorite, and definitely one of the nicest dogs she has ever met. We can attest to the fact that this girl is perfection! She is easy to handle, attentive, able to hang with any dogs, polite, and we could go on and on.

Ale is now living her best, pain-free life, albeit one limb lighter. Her future is bright, and we count ourselves lucky to be the final stop on her journey to her forever home. Alejandra is very special, and we hope whoever adopts this treasure of a dog knows how lucky they are!

Ale's adoption fee is $300. She is spayed, up to date on core vaccines, and Heartworm negative.

The shepherd dog breed encompasses a versatile group known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic. With a heritage deeply rooted in herding and protecting livestock, shepherds excel at various tasks ranging from obedience and agility competitions to search and rescue missions. Their protective nature makes them excellent family pets, offering unwavering devotion and a natural instinct to watch over and care for their loved ones. In addition to their remarkable abilities, shepherds are often characterized by their distinctive appearance, including a sturdy build, alert expression, and a signature double coat that provides insulation and protection in various climates.

The terrier is a spirited and intelligent dog breed known for its feisty personality and boundless energy. Terriers come in various sizes and coat types, but they all share a common heritage as fearless and determined hunters. These dogs are typically highly trainable, making them versatile companions for active individuals and families alike. With their loyalty and playful demeanor, terriers are beloved for their endless enthusiasm and affectionate nature.

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