Meet nine animals who have been waiting at their shelters the longest. (Hint, hint.) Ready to pounce? If you adopt one of these animals, photographer Karen Morgan will give you an 11-by-17-inch print of its photo that appears below. Just tell the shelter where you saw it.
Age:9
Breed:Domestic shorthair
At the shelter since:September 2015
Why he’s still there:Ronald suffers from renal failure, which means he needs regular treatments, including a daily shot.
Why you might want him:Unlike the stereotypical snobbish cat, Ronald loves people. Says Sydney Maier of Tree House Humane Society: “He’s a good dude.”
Where to adopt:Tree House Humane Society, treehouseanimals.org
Sequined bow tie, $24, Tails in the CityPhoto: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski
Age:4 or 5
Breed:New Zealand
At the shelter since:Summer 2012
Why they’re still there:This bonded pair (like, literally—they barely stopped touching each other during the photo shoot) has to be adopted together, and Desi (right) has a heart condition.
Why you might want them: They’re much friendlier than the more popular (and divaesque) dwarf rabbits.
Where to adopt:Red Door Animal Shelter, reddoorshelter.org
Desi has a tattoo that a breeder likely used to identify him.Photo: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski
Age:2
Breed:Pekingese mix
At the shelter since:September 2015
Why he’s still there:It takes a lot of energy to keep up with this little guy—like, a lot. He’s on the doggie equivalent of Ritalin.
Why you might want him:With all that vitality, he’s a good match for homes with equally rowdy teens.
Where to adopt:PAWS Chicago, pawschicago.org
Rhinestone necktie, $188, Lulu’s VintagePhoto: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski
Age:3
Breed:Domestic shorthair
At the shelter since:July 2015
Why he’s still there:Shelter workers suspect it’s because he’s so low-key. (Think Garfield on ludes.)
Why you might want him:Donut’s chill personality means he’ll be comfortable even in a super chaotic home with dogs or kids.
Where to adopt:Felines & Canines, felinescanines.orgPhoto: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski
Age:5
Breed:Hound mix
At the shelter since:February 2016
Why he’s still there:This big guy is, well, a little too big and needs to be put on an exercise plan.
Why you might want him:Who doesn’t want a 90-pound heater in their lap during the winter?
Where to adopt:The Anti-Cruelty Society, anticruelty.org
Rhinestone brooch, $158, Lulu’s Vintage, attached to a crystal-studded collar, $120, Tails in the CityPhoto: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski
Age:4
Breed:Domesticated ferret
At the shelter since:March 2015
Why they’re still there:These two are actually part of a trio. The third, Neville, has chronic health issues—and for the good of all of them, they have to stay together.
Why you might want them: What could be a better conversation starter than three ferrets on leashes?
Where to adopt:Greater Chicago Ferret Association, gcfa.com
Bow collars, $55 each, Tails in the CityPhoto: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski
Age:5
Breed:Greyhound
At the shelter since:October 2015
Why she’s still there:Tina’s a little on the aloof side and is mortal enemies with cats.
Why you might want her:She ran more than 100 races during her track career. Now? She’d be a great walking buddy.
Where to adopt:Greyhounds Only, greyhoundsonly.comPhoto: Karen Morgan; Credits: (animal trainer) Kat with Amazing Animals; (Digital Tech) Brian Eaves; (Photo Assistant) Nicole Thomas; (Prop Stylist) Arkadiusz Byczkowski