Paulie - Yellow Labrador Retriever Dog for Adoption in Wheeling, Illinois

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

Scroll through his pictures to see his cute video content!

Those of us who love dogs know we don't deserve the unconditional love they give us-but we spend every day trying to be worthy of it. Sadly, not everyone is...

Paulie has experienced that firsthand.
His previous owners had adopted another dog from us last fall. Paulie wasn't one of ours; they had taken him in from someone who could no longer care for him. Wanting to help them do right by him, we vaccinated and microchipped Paulie at no cost to them.

This past April, the dog they had adopted from us in November was found wandering as a stray and brought to a local animal control. Despite multiple attempts to reach them, her owners never came for her. Thankfully, she found an incredible new family within a week of coming back to us.

We couldn't help but wonder what had become of Paulie.

Then, in late June, another local animal control called us. Paulie had been found roaming the streets alone. Because we had implanted his microchip we were the contact linked to him, and so they reached out to us. Their shelter was full, and Paulie had nowhere to go.

There wasn't a moment's hesitation. We brought him to safety.

We'll never understand how someone can abandon a dog, let alone two dogs, who love them so completely. What we do know is this: Paulie deserved better. And now, he's finally going to get it. Because this chapter isn't about how he was let down-it's about everything that comes next.


Paulie is as handsome as they come, soft as a baby duck, and full of the goofy, happy enthusiasm you'd expect from a young Lab. He loves to play, adores people, and has done wonderfully with dogs, cats, and kids.


His story has already taken a heartbreaking turn. Now we're looking for the chapter where he finally gets the family he's always deserved.

Could that be yours?

Paulie's adoption fee is $300. This animal is neutered, up to date on core vaccines, and Heartworm negative.

The Yellow Labrador Retriever breed is renowned for its friendly temperament, intelligence, and versatility. Known for their stunning yellow coats, these dogs are loyal family companions and excellent working dogs. With a strong retrieving instinct, they excel in various activities such as hunting, service work, and competitive sports. Yellow Labs are highly trainable and adaptable, making them popular choices for families, individuals, and organizations seeking a loving and reliable canine companion.

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