We asked and readers responded with photos of animals they've adopted
When we asked readers to share photos with us of pets they've adopted during the pandemic, we didn't expect 100 photos (and counting) to come pouring in. But that's what happened - only going to prove what we've known for a long time. Suburbanites are big-hearted and they love their pets.
And what better time to add a new furry friend to the family than when we are home more and in need of comfort?
"We didn't know how much we needed him in our lives," a Wildwood family wrote of their newly adopted dog. "His sweet demeanor and happy spirit has really lifted us up during this time."
Many families said their new pet's antics were a welcome distraction from stress and worries.
"She keeps us entertained for hours," an Arlington Heights family wrote about their new puppy. "She makes a great addition to our family."
It was more than just cats and dogs adopted during the pandemic, although dogs were definitely the most popular. Readers also sent photos of their cats, birds, bunnies and pocket pets.
Here's a sampling of pet photos readers shared with us. We couldn't fit them all on this page, so look for more next Sunday, Jan. 3; and in a gallery online at www.dailyherald.com.