Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Have Fun in the Sun

What a gorgeous day it was when I went to Orphans of the Storm® this week! The dogs all loved being out in the nice weather, though some of them found some shade to settle in after we had been out for a while. We all have to get used to this heat again, after such a long winter!

Meeko the two-year-old Chihuahua mix is a fun little guy who gets along with everybody. He’s more than happy to be scooped up and carried around, and will give your chin a few doggy kisses while you’re at it. Meeko also has the ability to make friends with dogs of all sizes. His kennelmate, Lilly, towers over him, but Meeko tries to keep up with her as best he can. (Side note: What is Lilly still doing at the shelter?? She’s one of my favorites!)

Happy little Meeko

Although Meeko is a champion snuggler, he also likes to have the opportunity to run around like any other dog. Don’t plan on keeping Meeko tucked in your purse! He likes to keep those little legs moving and approaches everything with a wagging tail. That’s a great personality trait to have! If you’re looking for a little dog with a big heart, come in soon to meet Meeko!

Meeko romping in the grass

Carson the three-year-old Boxer mix is one of the most affectionate dogs I’ve met at the shelter. He loves to jump up to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses (but if you say “off” he will listen). When I was kneeling to get a good picture, Carson put his paw on my shoulder like we were already the best of friends. What a loyal companion he will be!

Carson giving me his signature doggy hug

Carson is also a very handsome dog. He might be mixed with some Lab or Shepherd, since his fur is a bit fluffier than the usual boxer, but it’s impossible to resist that Boxer face of his. Carson gets along with people and dogs alike. He currently has a kennelmate (see below) and seemed to get along with another dog that was in the run next to ours, too. Carson is more than ready to join a new forever family!

Carson getting some exercise

Kelly the three-year-old Labrador Retriever mix has the typical Lab personality that makes them the most popular dog breed in America. She’s friendly, energetic, playful, and lovable. Kelly is currently Carson’s kennelmate, and they’ve already become fast friends who stuck close to each other while we were inside the run. Kelly is a big girl who can be pretty strong when she first gets out of her kennel, but she was a better walking buddy after she had burned off some of her energy.

Kelly smiling for the camera

Kelly is first and foremost a companion dog. When I sat down on the bench to get some shade myself, Kelly hopped up next to me and put her front paws in my lap, then gave me lots of doggy kisses. When I stood up and walked to the other side of the run, Kelly followed. This beautiful girl can’t wait to have a loving family to call her own. If you think a Lab might be the breed for you, stop by the shelter and get to know Kelly!

Kelly playing with another dog in the other run

As has become a custom these last few weeks, I spent some more time with Molly and Reebok. Molly still has that perfect fetch form, and Reebok still loves to get a nice scratch on his back. I also said hello to Diamond, who was out enjoying the nice weather too. Freckles and Buckeye were returning from an offsite event while I was there, so of course I had to give them a few nice pats too. There are so many wonderful dogs to choose from at Orphans of the Storm®! Which lucky pooch will be your new family  member?

Orphans of the Storm® Black and White Dogs

Two of the dogs I met this week at Orphans of the Storm® have since been adopted, but there are still plenty more who are ready and waiting for their new forever home!

Rafiki the four-year-old Chihuahua mix kind of looks like his namesake, with his scruffier fur (he seems to be somewhere between a short-haired and long-haired). He also is more black-and-brown than black-and-white, but I think he’s got a little bit of white on him! Rafiki was sharing his kennel with another Chihuahua (one of the two I met this week who has already been adopted), and they seemed to get along pretty well, so Rafiki could go to a home with or without another dog.

Rafiki’s cute little face

Rafiki is a friendly little guy who enjoys going for walks. He led the way as soon as he was out of his kennel and liked to see what was going on with the other people and dogs who were outside with us. Rafiki especially liked getting scratched on his itty-bitty back, close to his tail, and would prance right over and say hello whenever I knelt down to his level. If you’re looking for a little dog, come in soon to meet Rafiki!

Rafiki leading the way on our walk

Wags the four-year-old Border Collie mix sure has an appropriate name. The first time I saw him inside his kennel, his entire back half was wiggling because his tail was wagging so much. What a happy, handsome pooch! Wags was excited to have a chance to romp around in the off-leash run, but would come hurrying back to me for a nice pat on the head every so often.

Is Wags a handsome boy or what?

Wags, being part Border Collie, would probably do best in an active home that can keep him stimulated. Border Collies are one of the smartest breeds out there, so Wags should be able to easily pick up any tricks you want to teach him, and will be an enthusiastic learner. Border Collies are also excellent at agility, though I didn’t try to get Wags to climb over the agility bridge in the run when I was with him. This happy guy will be even happier once he’s in a home with a family who loves him! Is that family yours?

Wags being a happy boy

Nico the three-year-old Rat Terrier mix is a whole lot of cute. His markings are cute, his teeny-tiny tail is cute, the way he runs is cute–just everything is cute! Nico is currently sharing his kennel with Astro (who is SO soft and fluffy, especially now that his fur has grown out again. I just wanted to snuggle with him all day!), so Nico too could go into a home with or without other dogs.

Nico’s adorable face and big ears

Nico (who has apparently been given the wrong photo on his page on the website, because that fluffy gray dog is not a Rat Terrier), being a Terrier mix, certainly has lots of energy. Although he’s small enough to be a lap dog, he seems to be more interested in running and playing. After he wears himself out, though, I’m sure he’d be happy to come cuddle in your lap. Those big ears of his would also enjoy some nice scratching from a helping human hand. What are you waiting for? Come to the shelter and meet Nico!

Nico almost looks like a bunny when he runs

I also spent some quality time with brothers Wilbur and Rosco. They were so thrilled to be able to come outside and stretch their legs. If you have a nice fenced-in yard, these two big boys would love it! As with most pairs, one is more active than the other: Rosco was running laps around the yard in a spurt of joy before settling down for some petting, while Wilbur took a more casual stroll and took his time sniffing through the bushes. These two lovable guys would be so happy to find their new forever home together! If you have the space for two big dogs, consider this handsome pair.

Molly and Reebok, like last week, were ready for some exercise, too. Have I mentioned that Molly is a pro at playing fetch? She absolutely loves it. She brought me a tennis ball and set it down by my feet, then waited expectantly for me to throw it. She’ll even catch in midair! We also tossed around a Frisbee for her. You could train her to be one of those crazy Frisbee-catching dogs who do the fun tricks like jump over their owner’s back or run between their owner’s legs or something neat like that. Molly will do anything to play fetch! Reebok was more interested in watching the action than participating, and preferred to get a nice scratch on his hips. Like Wilbur, Reebok was content with following his nose and just enjoying the fresh air.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Enjoy the Warm Weather

What a beautiful day it was at Orphans of the Storm®! Although a couple of the dogs I took out this week were a little on the shy side, there’s no doubt that they enjoyed being outside on one of the first days where it finally felt like spring!

JoJo the two-year-old Mountain Cur mix is a cute little ball of energy. JoJo wants to say hello to anyone and everyone, and does so with a wagging tail. I don’t think JoJo would ever be described as shy (unlike her kennelmate, MamaMia, below). There are a few Mountain Curs in today’s post, and none of them really look alike, but all of them have happy personalities!

Cute little JoJo

JoJo definitely took the lead in where we were going to walk, and who we were going to say hello to. There was a family sitting outside with a puppy they had just adopted, and JoJo and that puppy were playing together for a little while. JoJo would do fine in a home with or without another dog, as long as she gets plenty of exercise and attention. What a little cutie!

You can’t resist JoJo’s adorable face!

MamaMia the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Hound mix is pretty nervous in her new surroundings. She was a little hesitant to come for a walk with her kennelmate, JoJo, and would get as low to the ground as she possibly could while we were walking. MamaMia needs to know that there are people who she can trust, and people who will love her. Because what’s not to love about this sweetheart?

MamaMia will come out of her shell after she gets some love

Even though MamaMia was scared, she was ready to snuggle with whoever gave her the opportunity. I sat down in the grass because I thought I might not look quite so intimidating then, and she curled up into my lap instantly and stayed there until I got up. She kept one of her front paws on top of my leg as if to say, “Don’t leave me!” Trust me, I didn’t want to. MamaMia is ready to give her whole heart to her new family. Will you be the lucky one who gets to bring her home?

MamaMia just wants a lap to sit in

Kimba the three-year-old Shepherd mix comes from a family who had to move to a “no dogs allowed” place, so now Kimba is looking for a new forever family. Since she was living in a home for her first three years, it’s safe to say that she’s both housebroken and already knows some basic commands. And, as a Shepherd mix, she would be eager to learn more!

Kimba is one pretty pooch

Kimba, being a working breed, is pretty strong when she first gets out of her kennel. Once she was able to run off some energy, though, she was a pretty good walking buddy. I also got the impression that Kimba might like to swim. When we were in the off-leash run, she stuck one of her front paws in the water bucket and splashed around a bit, then stuck her entire face into the water bucket (completely submerged!) and then shook the water off. Is a swimming pool or doggy beach in her future? She’d love it!

Kimba keeping an eye on things

Carly the two-year-old Mountain Cur mix is so happy and so adorable! I think I have a thing for brindle dogs. Their fur is just so beautiful. Carly was ready and rarin’ to go when she realized she was about to come out for a walk. She scampered around everywhere, always with that little nose of hers following one trail or another through the grass.

Carly leading the way on our walk

Carly currently has a kennelmate (Betsy, below), so she could easily go into a home with another dog. She’s young enough that she would be able to learn the ways of a new home quickly, and this happy girl will make her entire family just as happy! If you’re interested in a little brindle beauty, come in soon to meet Carly!

Carly always with her nose to the ground

Betsy the two-year-old Mountain Cur mix is another one of the shy dogs I walked this week. She wasn’t too eager to get a leash put on and was a little hesitant to come out and join her kennelmate, Carly. Once she got used to the idea of being out and about, though, she warmed up quickly and wanted to say hi to the other people who were outside on this gorgeous day.

Betsy getting some sun

Betsy is a little bark-y when she’s inside her kennel, but that’s because she’s nervous and isn’t quite sure why she’s in this kennel. Once you get her outside, though, there’s no barking to be had. She plopped down in a sunny spot of grass and enjoyed getting scratched behind the ears. Betsy’s sure to brighten your day every day if you’re the one to bring her home!

Betsy enjoying the outdoors

I also visited with Momma, who has been a little depressed since her kennelmate Eli got adopted a few months ago. She’s wondering when it will be her turn to find a forever home! She’s usually curled up napping when I see her in her kennel, but once she’s outside she loves to run and play! Cheer this sweet girl up by welcoming her into your family!

Reebok and Molly also came outside to play with me in the off-leash run. They are both such pretty dogs. Why do they keep getting overlooked? I do not know. Molly loves to play fetch and will stretch out for a nap by your feet after she’s run off her energy. Reebok loves to get a nice scratch on the back, and even gave me a doggy kiss this time! If you’re looking for a larger dog, either one would be an excellent choice!

Orphans of the Storm® Labrador Retriever Mixes

Firstly, a giant THANK YOU!! to everyone who attended or donated to the Orphans of the Storm® Benefit Dinner on Monday! It was a great turnout for a great cause. (I was out-bid on some Sox tickets during the silent auction, but that’s okay. Go Cubs!) The pooches below all want to say “Thank you!” too, because they know Orphans of the Storm® will help them find their new forever home.

Lindy the two-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix was a little overwhelmed by all of the hustle and bustle going on at the shelter when I first took her out. But even though she started off a little nervous and unsure, she warmed up quickly and even gave my chin a quick doggy kiss when I leaned over to pet her.

Lindy posing for the camera

Lindy is great with people, as Labs are known to be, but isn’t such a fan of other dogs (small dogs in particular), so she would like to be the only dog in her new home. That’s perfectly all right, though, because Lindy will make such a loyal, loving companion that she’ll be the only dog you’ll need. Labrador Retrievers aren’t the most popular breed in America for nothing! If you think you want to add one to your family, come in soon to meet Lindy!

Lindy investigating the camera

Blackie the one-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix probably has some Shepherd or other longer-haired breed in him as well (he looked like he could use a brushing). This sweet boy was just laying on his tummy with his nose pressed against the door to his kennel, and wagged his tail enthusiastically whenever someone stopped to say hello to him. Considering he’s so young, I was impressed by how calm he was!

Blackie keeping an eye on what’s happening

Blackie was a little more energetic once he got to play in the off-leash run, though. He was running and sniffing and so happy to be outside and playing. It was hard to get a non-blurry picture of him because he was enjoying the yard so much. If you have a fenced-in yard, Blackie would be thrilled! If you don’t, that’s all right–he’ll be equally thrilled to accompany you on nice walks. An adorable pooch like Blackie won’t be at the shelter for long, so stop by and say hello to him!

Blackie getting his exercise

Midnight the eleven-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix could pass as a puppy. I honestly thought he was a puppy when I first saw him, because he doesn’t have any gray on his face yet and he’s much, much, much smaller than your usual full-grown Black Lab. He is a senior dog, though, and would appreciate a family welcoming him into their home so he can enjoy his golden years.

Midnight being a little camera shy

Midnight, like Lindy, was a little bit nervous at first. Once he gets to know you, though, he turns into a total lapdog. I sat down on a bench and he put his front paws right up on top of my legs and stood there while I scratched his chin. When another volunteer sat on the ground, Midnight plopped right down into her lap like he was meant to be there. Good cuddle buddy? I think so!

Then Midnight felt like posing

As with last week when I had one non-Hound (Toby) in my Hound post, I thought I’d add a non-Lab for a little variety this week. Sasha the five-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix is just adorable. She has a bit of an underbite, which gives her a bit of a tough look sometimes, but Sasha is a big softy! She enjoys the company of both people and other dogs.

Sasha being adorable

Sasha also seems like she is already well-trained. If I stopped walking for some reason, she would sit right down and wait. I would tell her, “Good sit!” so she knows to keep doing what she’s doing. Her tail is always wagging, and she’s another dog who sometimes looks like she’s smiling at you. She’s sure to make her new family smile!

Sasha sniffing the (finally!) green grass

I also spent some time with Winter again, who is just one of the best walking buddies you will find at the shelter. The only time she pulls is when we get close to the gate, because she wants to go for a longer walk. The rest of the time, though, she’s perfect. She also learned to go over the agility bridge (though she stopped in the middle and covered my face in doggy kisses before going down the other side, but there’s nothing wrong with that!). If you’re a one-dog type of family, consider Winter!

Orphans of the Storm® Hound Dogs

Elvis clearly had not met any Hounds from Orphans of the Storm® when he first sang, “You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog.” There ain’t nothin’ BETTER than the hound dogs available for adoption at the shelter!

Jasper the two-year-old Hound mix is a big boy, but a gentle soul. Jasper gets along with everybody, human and dog alike. When we were on our walk, he kept wanting to say hello to all of the other dogs who were outside with other people. He used to have a Beagle for a kennelmate who has since been adopted, and now Jasper is waiting for his turn to find a forever home.

Jasper following his nose

Jasper is a pretty good walking buddy, although being a Hound, he will follow his nose wherever it leads him. We went to all corners of the shelter’s outdoor area in search of a good scent. When he’s not hot on the trail, he’s convinced that he can fit in your lap, even though in reality he can only fit his front legs on top of yours. Is Jasper the hound dog for you?

Jasper, you aren’t supposed to blink!

I first took out Eever the five-year-old Hound mix almost exactly one year ago. What is this great guy still doing at the shelter? I will admit that he’s pretty strong, but only when he first gets out of his kennel and before he has the opportunity to run off his energy. A dog like Eever is bred to be out hunting in the woods for hours, so of course he needs his exercise!

Eever in action!

Eever is, I think, the first hound I’ve met who actually enjoys playing fetch. As soon as he got out of his kennel, he stuck his nose in a bush and produced a tennis ball. When we got to the off-leash run, he was thrilled to run around and chase after the ball. Once he had had enough of running, he plopped down and chewed on it. When it was time to go back inside, the poor pooch didn’t even want to give up his tennis ball. We had to exchange him for a treat! Eever would make a fun, lovable companion for a family who can keep up with his energy.

Eever chewing on his favorite tennis ball

Prowler the seven-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix is such a sweetheart. You will usually find him curled up on his bed when you walk through his wing inside the shelter, but he was plenty happy to get up and go for a walk when he saw me with a leash. Since he’s an older guy, he doesn’t need nearly as much exercise as Eever, but still appreciates a nice stroll.

Gentle Prowler

Prowler (who is listed as Pierce on the website, but they’re the same dog!) loves attention. He stood right next to me and enjoyed getting scratched on the back, ears, and especially neck! Prowler does that cute back-leg-kick when you’ve found the right spot to itch. This boy just wants a comfy spot in a nice home where he can enjoy the love and care he deserves. Is that home with you?

Look at Prowler’s sweet face!

And last but not least, Toby the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Shepherd mix doesn’t fall into the Hound group, but he’s looking for his new forever home too! Toby has, I think, more energy than any of the other dogs I’ve walked, so he definitely needs an energetic home–preferably one with a nice, big yard where he can play. Like Eever, Toby loves to fetch, though he’s not nearly as particular about what toy he’s chasing after. If you throw something, Toby will retrieve it (as a Retriever mix should!).

Toby playing fetch

Toby‘s kennel is at the very end of the wing, and I sometimes think people don’t walk all the way down there. You should! If you don’t, you could accidentally miss finding the perfect pooch for you. (I think this may also be the case with Freckles and Buckeye, or Chopper.) Once Toby had run around for a while, he came and sat next to my feet while I sat on the bench and gave me a happy look that said, “Boy, this is fun!” Give Toby the chance to show you what a good boy he can be.

Toby taking a breather

I hope to see you on Monday at the Orphans of the Storm® Annual Benefit Dinner!

Orphans of the Storm® Big(ger) Dogs with Sweet Personalities

Reminder: The Orphans of the Storm® Annual Benefit Dinner is fast approaching–April 22 at 5:30pm! I hope to see you there!

Tina the three-year-old Border Collie mix isn’t quite ready for adoption yet, but she–like Tyler–is sure to have lots of people asking about her. What a gorgeous girl! Tina had a kennelmate who has since been adopted, so we know that she gets along well with other dogs and could therefore go into a home with or without another four-legged friend.

Tina walking over to say hi

Tina seemed to be a little shy when we first got to the off-leash run, and was just enjoying being out in the sun and getting to sniff and explore. That fluffy fur of hers is just too soft to not pet, though, and Tina started to warm up and let me scratch the top of her head. If you think Tina might be the pooch for you, stay in touch with the shelter to learn when she’ll be ready to go to her new forever home.

Tina sniffing in the hay

Maya the four-year-old Alaskan Malamute mix is, like the rest of the Huskies/Malamutes I’ve written about (like Akiva!), one of the prettiest dogs at the shelter. One look at that face, and you know you’re looking at a great dog. Maya is both athletic and playful, so she would enjoy going to a home where her people have the same traits.

Maya is one good-looking dog!

Maya seemed to prefer the purple plush squeaky toy over a regular tennis ball, and happily chased after it when I threw it across the run for her. She liked investigating under and behind the bushes, but would always come back for a nice scratch on the back. Her soft fur will make her a great cuddle buddy! Is Maya’s future home with you?

Maya loves to play

Bailey the two-year-old Pointer mix (not to be confused with the other Bailey, who is still eagerly looking for her new home too!) might just be one of my new favorites. She was pretty shy at first, always keeping a couple feet of distance between us when we were inside the run. She let me put her leash back on, though, and after we had been walking together she started to show just how sweet she is.

Bailey being attentive

Bailey is a pleasure to walk. She’s happiest right by your side, or just a little bit in front, but doesn’t pull on the leash at all. When I knelt down next to her, she tentatively sniffed me and then decided that I was worthy of some nice doggy kisses on my chin. After that, she stayed next to me and enjoyed getting her chin scratched. Bailey may be a little slow to open up, but once she does, you know you have found a loyal friend.

Bailey is such a pretty girl

Buster the one-year-old silver Labrador Retriever mix is another dog who isn’t quite ready to go home yet (sorry!) but will surely be adopted quickly once he is. He’s the perfect Lab: friendly, happy, and playful, with a constantly-wagging tail. He’s a pretty big boy, especially for just being a year old, and can be pretty strong when he first gets out of his kennel. Once he has the opportunity to stretch his legs, though, he’s a good walking buddy.

Buster putting that nose to use

Buster likes everybody, from people to little Chihuahuas and everyone in between. He wants to get his nose into everything and will cover you in doggy kisses if you give him the chance. This happy-go-lucky guy will be even happier once he’s in a home of his own, with a new loving family. If you’re looking for a Lab, keep an eye on Buster!

Buster is always so happy

Ty the nine-year-old Labrador Retriever/Bulldog mix could really use some cheering up right now. For reasons I can’t even begin to understand, his family didn’t want him anymore. How could that be? Ty is one of the gentlest dogs I’ve walked at the shelter. This is partially due to his age, but also due to his sweet personality.

Ty being a great walking buddy

Unlike most of the other dogs I’ve written about today, Ty doesn’t need a whole lot of activity to keep him happy. A nice walk around the neighborhood a couple times a day would be appreciated, but he doesn’t need to be jumping through hoops or anything like that. Ty would gladly join you for some relaxing time in front of the TV, as long as you’re scratching his cute ears. Give Ty a reason to wag his tail by welcoming him into your family!

Ty would be much happier with a new family that loves him!

Orphans of the Storm® Little Dogs with Big Personalities

Finally, a warm(er) weekend at Orphans of the Storm®! The dogs were all excited to be able to spend some time in the outside part of their kennels, and many of them were happily dosing in the sunlight. It was a great day to get to know some great pooches!

Biscuit the five-year-old Jack Russell Terrier (AKA Parson Russell Terrier) mix may only have one eye, but don’t tell her that! This little cutie still had her stitches in when I took her out for a walk, but you wouldn’t even know anything had happened to her from the way she was happily romping around. Dogs are so much more resilient than people–even small dogs like Biscuit. Biscuit wasn’t interested in any pity; she just wanted to enjoy our walk and get some nice pats on her back.

Biscuit being happy-go-lucky

Biscuit has one of the funniest barks I’ve ever heard. She barely even sounds like a dog. Biscuit also has one of the cutest little tails. Since it’s so short, her whole behind wiggles when she’s happy. Biscuit is one of those dogs that just makes you smile as soon as you see her, and makes you smile even more once you get to know her. One eye? Who cares! Biscuit is more than enough dog to make a family very happy.

Biscuit doesn’t mind that she only has one eye, so neither should you!

Back in January, I took out nine-year-old Beagle mix Freckles. Freckles and her brother, nine-year-old Buckeye, are looking for a forever home where they can spend their golden years together. Buckeye didn’t want to come outside with me in January because it was too cold, but this past weekend was so nice that he was more than happy to come out for a walk with his sister and me.

Buckeye’s sweet little face

I learned very quickly that Freckles is the more active, playful, rambunctious of the two. Buckeye is more laid-back and moves at his own pace (which makes walking the pair of them an interesting task). When we got to the off-leash run, Freckles was bounding around like a puppy and kept jumping into my lap to give me lots and lots of doggy kisses. Buckeye, on the other hand, moseyed along, sniffing here and there and just enjoyed being out in the sunshine.

Freckles, much happier in the warmer weather

I could not stop squealing over Buckeye because he is too precious for coherent words. Although Buckeye moves more slowly than his sister, he is just so cute when he decides to run. Those little legs! *Insert squee* Buckeye has a sweet face and a sweet personality to go along with it, even though he’s usually overshadowed by his sister. This pair isn’t asking for much–just a nice home where they can continue to enjoy each other’s company and be part of a loving family.

Buckeye sniffing, slowly but surely

Whether you’re looking for a little dog or a big dog, Orphans of the Storm® has the right pooch for you!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs with Muddy Paws

With spring finally here and the snow finally melting, you know what that means–muddy paws for the dogs at Orphans of the Storm®. They didn’t seem to mind much, though. These pooches were happy to get outside and play!

Sweeney the one-year-old Hound mix caught my eye right away on this visit to the shelter. He is so cute! Although he’s still a puppy and might have some more growing to do, he’s still much smaller than some of the other tricolor hound dogs who have come through Orphans of the Storm®. Besides his good looks, Sweeney also has a great personality. So happy and so friendly!

Sweeney putting his nose to good use

Even though Sweeney probably hasn’t had much training yet, he already knows to come when you call him. I took him and his kennelmate Rolly (see below) to play in the off-leash run, and if I called for Sweeney, he would come running even from all the way on the other side of the yard. I was very impressed. This cuddly little guy could do well in a home with or without other dogs. Come in soon to meet Sweeney!

Sweeney coming over for a pat

Rolly the one-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix is a little bit nervous in this unfamiliar setting of the shelter–but you certainly can’t blame him for that. When I let him and Sweeney off their leashes, Rolly stuck right by his kennelmate and followed him everywhere. When I would call for Sweeney and he came over to get pet, Rolly would stay a few feet away, unsure of whether or not he wanted some attention too.

Rolly being a little camera shy

It’s clear that Rolly is still a gentle, sweet dog hiding under those nerves. When he was back on the leash, he let me pet him without trying to pull away. Rolly would appreciate going home with an understanding family who can show him what being part of a loving home is all about. Once you brighten his life, Rolly will be sure to brighten yours!

Rolly following Sweeney

Beezer the two-year-old Terrier mix is your typical Terrier: lots of personality in a little body. Beezer gets excited about everything. He was more than ready to come out for a walk, and set a quick pace. He’s friendly with other dogs and would bark hello to everyone we passed. His little legs weren’t going to tire out anytime soon!

Beezer’s little ears flying in the wind

Beezer has a unique look–but it’s an especially cute look! I loved his ears and his nose in particular. Beezer would do best in an active home where he will have lots to do, whether it be training or playing or going on nice walks. If you’re looking for a new four-legged friend who can bring some fun into your life, Beezer might be the pooch for you!

Beezer always on the move

Tyler the two-year-old Mastiff mix isn’t quite ready to be adopted yet–but if you’re looking for a big dog, keep an eye out! Once he’s ready to go home, he won’t be hanging around the shelter for long. This big boy is also a strong boy–especially when he first gets out of his kennel. Once he runs off his energy, though, he’s a much better walking buddy.

Tyler’s great face

Tyler‘s face is, in my opinion, one of the best ones at the shelter. His head is bigger than mine, but one look into those bright eyes and you know you’re looking at a giant sweetheart. Tyler likes to lean against your legs while you scratch his back, and is more than happy to give you a doggy kiss as a thank you. I fell in love with this guy, and I’m sure you will too!

Tyler enjoying the hay

Rocky the one-year-old Rottweiler/Labrador Retriever mix is one of the silliest-looking dogs at the shelter–but I promise that isn’t an insult! He’s the kind of dog who will make you smile as soon as you see him. I’ve never met a Rottweiler/Lab mix before, but I hope they all have faces like Rocky because he just looks so precious! It also seems like Rocky couldn’t decide whether he wanted a Rottweiler tail or a Lab tail, so it’s kind of in-between.

Rocky’s silly tail

Although Rocky looks a little silly, he’s a very well-behaved dog. He walked well on his leash and when we got to the off-leash run, he just sniffed around calmly and came over for a nice pat on the back every once in a while. Rottweilers and Labs both make great family dogs, so you know Rocky is ready to find his forever home and settle in with his new family.

Rocky’s precious face

Tammy the two-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix has all the great traits that come with her breed: she’s friendly with people and dogs alike, she’s well-behaved and would be happy to do even more training, and she’s got that wagging Lab tail. Tammy likes to run when she first gets out of her kennel, but she settles down quickly.

Tammy keeping an eye on the birds in the bushes

Tammy was the popular dog on the day I visited the shelter. There were a couple families who had already taken her out and were considering adopting her–so if you’re looking for a Lab, you better come in quick! Tammy is a great dog who would do well in any home. Maybe your home will end up being hers!

Tammy loves to explore

I also took out Toby and his kennelmate, because I hadn’t written about his new kennelmate yet. His kennelmate has since been adopted, but Toby is still waiting for his forever home! Tennis balls or squeaky toys are kind of a requirement for Toby. He absolutely loves them!

Toby loves his toys

Remember: The Orphans of the Storm® Annual Benefit Dinner is less than a month away–Monday, April 22 at 5:30pm.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Ready for Spring

Before we meet our pooches for this week, I wanted to let you all know that you can now RSVP for the Orphans of the Storm® Annual Benefit Dinner, which will be Monday, April 22 at 5:30pm. Check out the Facebook event page for more information. I hope to see you there!

Now, time to meet some of the dogs who will benefit from the benefit dinner!

Jax (who has the name ‘Cooper’ outside his kennel now) the two-year-old Bluetick Coonhound mix is such a handsome boy. He looks a lot like Mervin, who was happily adopted a few weeks ago, but is a little smaller and has a little less drool. Jax, being a scent hound, kept his nose pretty close to the ground while we were out on our walk. If you start to pet him, though, he stops sniffing and will stay right next to you until you stop.

Jax sniffing his way over to me

Jax loves other dogs. If you already have a dog and are looking for another, Jax might be a good choice for you. He really, really, really wanted to play with Ebbie, but Ebbie isn’t really a fan of playing with other dogs, so poor Jax had to settle for just walking and sniffing. He is a sweet boy ready to make himself at home with a new loving family.

Jax has too cute of a face to keep it pointing at the ground all the time!

Wilbur the eight-year-old and Rosco the seven-year-old are Pit Bull Terrier mix brothers who would be extra happy if they could both go to the same new home together. They’ve been together all this time! When they first came to the shelter two weeks ago, they were a little shy and very skinny. They’ve already started to perk up and gain some weight, and would improve even faster if they were in their forever home.

How can you resist Wilbur’s adorable face? (And say hi to Sage, still waiting for her forever home, in the background!)

Wilbur and Rosco are, of course, very friendly with each other. They also seem to be pretty friendly with other dogs, though Rosco wasn’t such a fan of a visiting Rottweiler. Even though they’re on the older side, they aren’t showing any signs of slowing down–don’t let Wilbur’s graying face fool you! They love to run and explore and sniff.

Rosco the big sweetie

They’re also good dogs who walked pretty well on the leash after they got their energy out. They both came over to me periodically while we were in the off-leash run to get a reassuring pat on the head or scratch on the back. Wilbur even came close to giving me a doggy kiss–but then decided to stick with just a friendly sniff for now.

Wilbur enjoying the outdoors

If Rosco jumping up on the bench is any indication, these two guys would probably be happy to join you on the couch while watching TV or reading a book, once they’ve gotten their exercise for the day. What better snuggle buddies are you going to find than these two lovable guys?

Rosco investigating the bench

I also took the always-gentle Akiva out for a walk during my visit. She’s probably the only one at the shelter who is just fine with it still being below freezing in March! The rest of us are hoping that sun and warm weather are on the way!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Found Their Forever Homes, Part VII

I have another success story to share with you today–mine! Today marks exactly one year since my family adopted Cooper (formerly Chewchee, or Chewie for short) the six-year-old Beagle/Basset Hound mix. It would be a little strange to do a Q&A with myself, so I’ll just jump right in.

But first! If you would like to share your own Orphans of the Storm® adoption success story, please email meetthepooches@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to feature you and your pooch (or cat) on the blog!

Now, Cooper’s story

Since I started volunteering at Orphans of the Storm®, I had been keeping an eye out for a possible new pooch for my family. Our first dog, Dusty the Cockapoo, had passed away a couple years before, and I thought it was about time we got a new four-legged friend. We were looking for a medium-sized, laid-back, middle-aged dog. When I first saw Cooper at the shelter, I loved how cute he was, and how sweet he was, and I felt bad that he looked so nervous and shy. I brought my family back the next day, and we took Cooper out to the off-leash run. He proved that he was a sweet little guy who was happy to just sit at our feet and be pet.

That first visit was when I noticed one of Cooper’s unique traits: he purrs like a kitty! I first thought he was growling at me, so I stopped petting him and took a step back, but he just looked at me like, “What? Why did you stop?” So now we have to inform everyone who meets him that he’s purring, not growling. (Cooper’s other cat-like trait is that he will find any sunny spot in the house and nap there.)

Poor Cooper had a bit of a rough start when we first brought him home. He bolted through our screen door after accidentally knocking over a house plant with his cone (which he was wearing since he had just been neutered) (he was perfectly fine; the screen, not so much). He had worms, which cleared up immediately with some medicine. He had kennel cough, which went away on its own after a few days. I think it’s safe to say he wasn’t feeling his best that first week with us.

Now Cooper loves the house plants!

Cooper was also afraid of basically every single noise. He was afraid of the TV, so if we had it on in the living room, he would go hide in a corner or a bedroom. He was afraid of the refrigerator door opening and closing, cabinets opening and closing, people sneezing, my bed squeaking if I rolled over in the middle of the night (he usually sleeps in my room), you get the idea. He has improved drastically, though he still hides in that same corner for big noises like thunder or fireworks. He also howled at my mom’s snow globes and Christmas music. What a Scrooge.

Cooper getting in the holiday spirit

But now watching TV is one of his favorite things! Who would’ve guessed? Cooper’s favorite show is “Too Cute!” on Animal Planet. He prefers the puppy episodes, but has also watched kittens and piglets. He enjoyed watching The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February as well. Cooper does not like sheep or horses, though, which we learned when my dad rented “War Horse” and when I tried to watch “Babe.” If Cooper could’ve jumped into the TV to get those sheep, he would’ve. We have hypothesized that Cooper had a traumatic experience on a farm, though we’ll never know, since he was picked up by animal control with no collar or microchip, and a bit on the skinny side.

Cooper the Basset Hound mix watching the Basset Hound compete in Westminster

I have sometimes considered submitting Cooper to Dog Shaming. He used to jump up on the dining room table when no one was home, in search of crumbs (no one believes us when we tell them, because he has little Basset legs and everyone thinks he can’t jump. But he can, and we have the claw marks on our tablecloth to prove it); he once ate an entire loaf of cinnamon bread (we checked with the vet and he was fine); and he chewed my mom’s glasses, among a long list of other things. We’ve learned to push in the dining room chairs before we leave, and to not leave things where Cooper may find them and chew them. Now we (almost) always come home to a clean house.

We took Cooper to obedience classes, where he was originally too scared to function. After a few months of being in the same place with the same instructor and some of the same dogs, he got a little more comfortable. The instructor always liked to tell the other people in the class, “The first time I met Cooper, I couldn’t even pet him! Now look at him!” (as he jumped up on her to get treats). His only failing by the end of class was that when I told him to “Stay,” he would make a run for the door and attempt to escape. Other than that, he was a star student. We’ve started working with him again in the last couple weeks, and he “Stay”s much better at home where he’s comfortable.

Cooper enjoying some sun in the backyard

Speaking of comfortable, Cooper is a total lapdog, although I’m the only one who sits on the floor with him. He just plops right down and makes himself comfy. Cooper also discovered the couch a few months ago. We originally taught him to stay off the couch (mostly because dogs with long backs like him shouldn’t be jumping up and down all the time), and he never even attempted after his first night at home. But then, one random night in December, he decided that he would give it a try. Now that’s his favorite spot. Unfortunately for me, it is also my favorite spot. We’re still working on how to share fairly. Cooper usually stretches out across two of the three cushions, so I have to resort to curling up into a ball and squishing onto the last cushion. The concept of “fair” is lost on Cooper.

“Oh, you wanted to sit here?”

Overall, Cooper is a great dog. We’re still working on a few behavioral quirks, but in many ways he is extremely well-behaved. He only barks when there’s an unfamiliar noise, he doesn’t jump around like a maniac to let us know it’s dinnertime (which is what Dusty used to do), he lays down when he knows we’re about to put on his leash, and he’s a great walking buddy (unless the weather is too hot or too cold–then he tries to head right back inside). He loves getting belly rubs, and, of course, he is super adorable. Nothing is better than coming home to a lovable dog who greets you with a wagging tail and kisses. We love our Super Duper Cooper!

Cooper being a good boy and wearing his bat costume for Halloween

Thank you, Orphans of the Storm®!