01/26/2026
Dear NLOL Chicago Family and Friends,
After 21 years, over 800 hundred dogs saved, and countless hearts touched, we’re announcing the difficult but necessary decision to close New Leash on Life Chicago.
This decision comes from a lack of essential resources, not a lack of love, passion, or commitment to the Chicago rescue community and the dogs we serve. Continuing the work requires financial and human resources that are no longer sustainable, particularly for a 100% volunteer run rescue.
We have a saying at NLOL that is very important to us. Every dog’s journey in rescue is different. Some needed medical miracles. Others needed time, patience, and a second chance. And together, with your support, we gave them that and so much more. We built families. We built love. It has truly taken a village, and we’ve been endlessly inspired by the community that came together to help these dogs find love, safety, and family.
We’re not seeing this as an end, but as a celebration of the impact we’ve made together. Hundreds of lives changed and hearts healed. And a legacy of compassion that will live on in every NLOL dog and every person, we helped along the way.
Though this chapter is closing, the spirit of rescue lives on. In every home that welcomed one of our dogs, in every lesson we've learned, and in every small act of kindness we witnessed.
To everyone who’s adopted, donated, volunteered, shared posts, or simply cheered us on, thank you. You’ve been the reason more than 800 New Leash on Life dogs found their forever homes. And for that, we are deeply and forever grateful.
Please enjoy the 📸s and share yours! ❤️ 🐕
With love and gratitude,
The New Leash on Life Chicago team
Going forward if you need to get ahold of us, please note our new email: [email protected]
