So much of success in life is finding the right person. Solutions are out there. They just need to be introduced to problems. Less than one week after their heartbreaking story was shared across the Chicago area, two best buddy rescue canines are settling into their new home. Mimi and Gucci, a bonde d pair of pitbull-mix dogs, were surrendered to the Naperville Area Humane Society in February by their terminally ill owner. Unable to care for them, and hoping the 5- and 7-year-old beloved pets would be able to find a new home quickly, the owner brought them to the shelter and tearfully wished them well. I offered to share the story in the Chicago Tribune’s suburban newspapers, including the Naperville Sun, Daily Southtown, The (Elgin) Courier-News and The (Aurora) Beacon-News. Just days later, on March 27, the tears were of the happy sort as a local married couple, who asked to remain anonymous, welcomed Mimi and Gucci into their home. Christine Natarelli, executive director for the shelter, said staff and volunteers are “so happy, so thrilled.” The Naperville couple, who do not have any children, recently lost their two beloved dogs within a few days of each other, Natarelli said. Suffice it to say, a lot of broken hearts are now on the mend. “When they read Mimi and Gucci’s story, they knew they had to meet them,” she said. “Both owners came in and met them early in the week. They instantly fell in love but took day or two to think it over. “They came back on Thursday to make it official,” Natarelli said. Since then, she said, “Mimi and Gucci have been settling into their new home nicely. They have a big backyard in which to run and play. We are staying in contact with new owners, and all are doing well. “On the first night in their new home there was a big thunderstorm,” she said. “Both dogs crawled up into bed with their new owners. All seem very happy.” On the shelter’s Facebook page, Natarelli wrote: “Mimi, with her gentle and loving nature, quickly stole the hearts of their new family, while Gucci, who is full of energy and spunk, is already bringing so much laughter and joy to their new family. They are settling in wonderfully and will no longer have to worry about anything other than enjoying their life. “These adoptions,” the post continues, “are a perfect example of the incredible difference a caring community like ours can make in the lives of animals. Mimi and Gucci are now safe, loved, and ready to begin a bright new chapter.” Natarelli said the most amazing part of the story is that the new owners have decided to stay in contact with the previous owner, sharing updates and photos and planning to maybe meet in person one day. Staff, she said, “miss Mimi and Gucci dearly — they made such a big impact when they were here — but we’re so happy for them. Everybody was crying happy tears, including the original owner. “We love that we can alleviate that stress from his shoulders,” she said. It is the happiest ending all involved could hope for, she said. Natarelli hopes the bump in attention will have a reciprocal effect on the other animals at this shelter, and the animals at shelters across the Chicago area that are also desperately in need of a home. “We’ve had a lot of social media attention. This story was shared all over. It got great reaction from our audience,” she said. “If you’re interested in adopting, we would love for you to come visit us. Or visit our website (www.naperhumane.org). We have lots of volunteers who can help make a match,” she said. If you’re not in a position to give an animal a home, consider donating supplies or cash to the shelter, she said. At the very least, continue to share the requests for help. Because somewhere out there are caring people who can help. You just need to reach them. Donna Vickroy is an award-winning reporter, editor and columnist who worked for the Daily Southtown for 38 years. She can be reached at donnavickroy4@gmail.com. ...read more read less