Feb. 11--PAWS Chicago hopes you and a couple furry friends can create a lifelong bond this Valentine's Day.
If you adopt bonded animals, pets that come in a set of two or three, you can receive a 50 percent discount on the adoption fee Feb. 13 and 14 at the Lincoln Park Adoption Center.
The initiative hopes to find homes for bonded pairs of dogs or cats who have been given up together or developed a relationship while at the animal shelter. This is sometimes difficult because many people are interested in adopting just one pet, according to PAWS.
"This is the first time we've done this," said Sarah McDonald, associate director of media relations at PAWS. "We thought it was perfect for Valentine's Day to keep two buddies together. Our hope is that this adoption discount will incentivize potential adopters to consider opening their home and hearts to two homeless pets in need, so they can stay together and live out their years as a family."
Some of the animals have been given up because their families may have been struggling financially or can no longer care for them.
The benefits of adopting bonded pets include constant companionship, socialization and preventing unwanted behavior, according to PAWS.
If you want to take a look at these furry pairs, go to PAWS' website (www.pawschicago.org), where they have a "sweetheart" designation.
PAWS will throw in a free can of Merrick's Sweetheart Stew for adopters who take home a pair of bonded dogs.
gwong@tribpub.com
