This dog came to our shelter so severely matted from never being groomed that we had to remove two toes that were completely infected and one of her eyes. Fortunately, we spruced her all up, gave her a little TLC and she found a new family in just a few weeks.

This little Siamese, living as a stray, was attacked by a dog and chewed up pretty good. We were able to suture her back up and she was adopted within days by a family that was in the waiting room when she first came in.

This little guy was found abandoned in the forest preserve. He was suffering from ailments caused by severe weather...frostbite and starvation. A foster parent took him in for a few months and was able to find a loving family with lots of children just for him. No more cold nights in the forest!

Neighborhood friendly Tom-Cat was attacked by another animal and brought to the AWL by a concerned citizen. Lesions and broken leg were cared for by our staff and this little man found himself an older couple to live out his life with... in luxury.

Not all animals that make it to the AWL are cats and dogs. This sweet Miniature Horse was rescued from a farm were he suffered from daily neglect. His hooves were completely grown up and under causing him to go lame. An equine veterinarian was brought in and we were able to save this poor baby. He currently resides at a new farm where he can run with a herd... of all sizes!

Imagine our surprise when we opened this box left in our lobby. Twenty-two (22) starving snakes shoved into a cardboard box. Immediate call to herpetological rescue and these slithering souls found their way into appropriate habitats that same night.

Landlord found this young pup in a vacant apartment after days of abandonment. With lots of vitamins, fluids, food and tender kisses, he found himself soon in the arms of young couple that enjoys taking him to their campground where he loves to hang out on the beach. BTW... he's a good 70#s last we heard...

White kitten brought to us loaded with fleas and worms! A few warm baths later, medication and nutritional foods, we were able to find her a new home through our fabulous offsite adoption program. She currently resides with an older gentleman and now has two sisters to play with.

Great Pyrenees not living a great life. Found living in a small cage in a barn during a "hoarding" rescue. She was not very well socialized so we got her into one of our foster homes where she still resides. Foster family decided that she "was already home" after she insisted on being a lap dog once she got over her fear of humans.

This scared and scarred baby came to us off the street. We soon learned that the lesions along his back were butane burns. Who knows the torture that he endured at the hands of a human. The AWL was his salvation and we were able to treat his wounds and get him into a loving home where he now knows that a human hand can be gentle and loving.

The date, April 23, 2011.. the number of kittens brought to us that day...38. Thirty eight hungry kittens in need of food, shelter and some, medical care. And that's just one Spring day. "Kitten Seaon" runs from late March through early July. Kittens are found under decks, in garages and abandoned houses. If we weren't here, where would they have all gone?

Over bred and never loved. This momma dog was bred over and over again and then left abandoned on the street when she was of no use to her owners. Her breasts ruptured, she was hemorrhaging and required multiple surgeries. Her demeanor could not have been sweeter even after all she had been through. We put her in a home where she is the queen of the castle... her own bed, bowls and exquisite collection of toys.

Dog was brought to us by the police who confiscated the dog from its owner for neglect. Further examination determined that he had a foreign body in his intestines and would not eat. Our surgeons worked quickly and we were able to get him on the path to recovery immediately. Just a few weeks and he had gained enough wait for us to find him a wonderful family in the city. His family feeds him only the best!

You've heard about hoarding and we've seen it way too often. Here is a load of puppies from just one home where they did not believe in spaying and neutering. Soon, a concerned neighbor contacted us and with the help of the police, we were able to get these pups out of that home. Proper shelter, food, water, vaccinations and alot of flea medication was needed to get these poor babies ready for adoption.

Dog brought to us after he was beaten with a bat by a group of kids in an alley. Neighbor grabbed him and brought to us immediately. Suffering from multiple bruises, broken ribs, a broken jaw and teeth, this little Pomeranian mix found relief from his pain at our shelter. We immediately started pain management and our surgeons performed a "miracle". After months of rehab and soft foods, he now finds comfort in playing with chew toys in his new home.... with no kids!

Hit by car found laying on the side of the road in the middle of the night. Road rash covered her body but this ol' gal soon recovered and now resides with a family that has two other Chihuahuas.