Having had to put our precious Snowshoe kitty, Cleo, to sleep earlier this month, I thought it would be a very, very long time before I was ready to have another pet. Making that decision to end a pet’s life is a tough one, even if it’s the right one. So color me surprised that as of this weekend, I’ve got two little furballs running underfoot.

I couldn’t help it – I found myself wandering over to Petfinder.com just to peek to see what was available locally. Not that I was going to get anything, right? I was just looking. But then, I came across this:

Argh! How can you even think of looking away from such cuteness? North Shore, meet Moo. Of course, Moo had a buddy:

Oh, but is this little guy is a LOVER. How could I resist a kitty named Comet? After much sitting-on-pins-and-needles waiting, I finally got the call - we could come pick up these little guys!

We found them through a Petfinder.com link to Adopt-A-Pet, a Mount Prospect-based foster care organization for animals in need of a new home. You simply complete an application, then let them know if there’s an available pet that has struck a chord with you. Be warned - they check references - both the ones I had listed told me they got a call. This organization loves their animals, and want to make sure they are going to a “forever” home. When the kids and I went to get Moo and Comet, we were greeted by a foster mom with 14 cats in her home, only a couple of which were staying with her forever. (Gosh, I hope someone goes to get Jonah! Adorable!)

Seriously – while I don’t discount the allure of owning a purebred – we did, too – what an awesome way to bring a lot of love into your home, while doing something so beneficial. These cats and dogs are just as loving and adorable as purebreds, and need a good home! Check them out - I am SO glad we did!

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Not everyone is up for champagne toasts and fireworks. And you don’t have to head downtown, either. North Shore Chicago has a number of great New Year’s Eve activities, from family skates to romantic dinners. And of course, there’s First Night in Evanston. There you’ll find all sorts of kid- and family-friendly options to keep you entertained as you celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another.

We’ve also got a great list of local activities here on our site. Glenview’s Winter Carnival even has Spongebob Squarepants coming to skate with the kids!

And when you wake up New Year’s Day, do it with a bang - Waukegan has a Polar Bear Plunge event certain to clear the cobwebs!

If you’re sticking around town, there’s plenty to do - visit our holiday page and you’re sure to find a restaurant or ice rink that suits you!

Technorati Tags: North Shore Chicago New Year’s Eve activities, North Shore Chicago New Year’s Eve dinners, First Night Evanston, ice skating, Apple Tree Theater, Polar Bear Plunge