Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Have Paws o’ Gold

Apologies for the long silence! It’s been a few months, but the pooches at Orphans of the Storm® are still eager to meet their new forever families.

This weekend is the last few days of Orphans of the Storm®’s Paws o’ Gold adoption event for St. Patrick’s Day. Through March 21st, if you adopt a senior animal (7+ years), or an animal that has been at the shelter longer than 6 months, ALL fees are sponsored, including vet fees (at Orphans’ partner vet only). Any adoption also receives a goodie bag to help get you and your new best friend started. For more information and to see the full list of eligible dogs and cats for this event, see the Facebook event page.

And here are some dogs who are younger and newer to Orphans of the Storm®, but ready for it to be their lucky day!

Cheerio the three-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix loves toys–and loves having lots of options for toys, so his future home will need to be well stocked! Cheerio took the lid off the toy bin all by himself and then climbed into the bin so he could check out every toy available before deciding on the ones he wanted to play with. Cheerio enjoys playing fetch, but his favorite is tug of war. Whenever I let go of the toy, he brought it right back and nudged me with it until I took it and started tugging again. Cheerio already knows “sit” and is very treat-motivated, so he’ll be a fast learner when it comes to new tricks.

Cheerio is the best playmate

Cheerio likes to lead the way on walks and moves at a quick pace. He has the potential to be a great jogging partner, because he doesn’t stop to sniff too often. When I sat down on the bench, though, Cheerio was happy to pause and joined me for some snuggles and lots of kisses. Cheerio has gone to off-site events and gets along with people of all ages, including children. He prefers the company of people rather than other animals, though, so he’s looking for a home where he can be the only pet. Come in soon to meet Cheerio!

Cheerio is a smiley boy

Bonus photo of Cheerio climbing inside the toy bin

Reina the five-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is a little shy and skittish, but is coming out of her shell more every day. She has a very serious and regal look that matches her name perfectly. Reina did some exploring around the yard and likes to keep an eye on what’s happening around her or who is walking by. After she finished going around the yard, she came over to get some pets before waiting by the gate to let me know she was ready to go for a walk.

Reina has the pointiest ears!

Reina likes to lead the way on walks, but that’s mostly because she’s eager to get back to her kennel. Once settled in a home where she feels safe and comfortable, she’ll probably be much calmer on walks. She did take a few breaks with me, though, and happily joined me on the bench for some more cuddles and even gave me a couple gentle doggy kisses. Reina attends play group and was a little unsure during her first visit, but is making more dog friends and getting more comfortable. She prefers the company of gentler dogs like herself. This sweet girl is ready for a home to call her own, so make an appointment soon to meet her!

Reina the queen says, “I have no time for peasants.”

Bruno the two-year-old Great Dane/Pit Bull Terrier mix gets excited when it’s his turn to come out for a walk. He can be a little overenthusiastic for the first few seconds and likes to jump up as a greeting, but once he gets on the trail, he is actually extremely easy to walk. He goes at an easy pace and likes to stop and sniff. Bruno is very strong when he wants to be, though, so if he decides to go in a particular direction then that’s probably the direction you’re going to go! Bruno is looking for a home that has experience with large, strong breeds.

Bruno being an excellent walking companion

Bruno loves toys and is good at chasing after them, and sometimes good at returning them. He also loves just romping around in open space, so he would appreciate having a fenced yard to call his own where he can play and stretch his legs. Bruno occasionally attends play group but would do best as the only pet in his new home (he thinks cats are toys). He would also do best in a home with teenagers or just adults, since his size and strength might be too much for younger children. Bruno is a sweet, goofy boy looking for a home that understands him. If you think that’s you, make an appointment to come in and meet Bruno!

Bruno is a cutie

I also saw Bjork, who I haven’t spent much time with since I first wrote about her in October, but she was her same playful and affectionate self—lots of belly rubs, doggy kisses, and toy-chewing were involved!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Celebrate St. Pawtrick’s Day

This weekend, March 14-15, Orphans of the Storm® is hosting a St. Pawtrick’s Day adoption event! The adoption fee for dogs and cats 6 months and older will be waived (final vet fees still apply). New adopters go home with a goody bag! We are especially hoping to find families for dog-friendly dogs who can go to a home with another furry friend. Since the dog wings have been closed due to kennel cough for the past two weeks, we are excited to be back open and hoping for lots of happy adoptions this weekend!

Chili the two-year-old American Bulldog mix is super playful. He particularly enjoyed playing with a big, long rope toy–he ran around with it in his mouth, shook it back and forth, and plopped down to chew on it. Chili then brought the toy over to me and leaned into my lap while continuing to chew. When we eventually went for a walk, Chili didn’t want to leave this fun toy behind!

Chili with his favorite rope toy

Chili is a good walking companion. He likes to walk at a quick pace but doesn’t pull too often. He also likes to stop and snuffle his nose through piles of leaves or in tall grasses. Chili has become a play group regular and has a long list of doggy friends that he actively likes to play with, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’re looking for a fun-loving pooch, be sure to say hello to Chili!

Chili being a good walking buddy

Ziggy the one-year-old Labrador Retriever/Hound mix loves to snuggle. He gave me a doggy hug as soon as he came out of his kennel and just wanted to stand still there, getting lots of pets. He gave me many more doggy hugs during our time together. Ziggy always waits for the person to end the hug first because in his mind, a hug can never be too long! When Ziggy wants attention, he’ll sit at your feet and look up at you expectantly until you start petting him.

Ziggy gives the best hugs

Ziggy enjoys playing with a variety of toys: stuffed squeakies, ropes, balls, etc. He’ll happily plop down next to you and chew on a toy while you pet him. If you stop petting him, though, he’ll stop chewing and poke your hand so you continue. Ziggy also hopped up to join me on the bench. He just wants to be close to his person! Ziggy can occasionally pull on the leash, but he’s barely out of puppyhood so he just needs some extra practice. Ziggy has participated in a few play groups and gets along with the other dogs, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. Come in soon to see if Ziggy is the one for you!

Ziggy happy with his big toy

Crema the two-year-old Shepherd mix loves her toys so much that she even carries them in her mouth during walks. Soft squeakies, tennis balls, ropes–she’s happy to have them all! Crema is also great at playing fetch. She prefers to play with a person, but she can also keep herself entertained by throwing the toy in the air herself and catching it. She may even be able to figure out how to use an automatic fetch machine in her new home because she’s such a smart girl.

Crema’s face of contentment/satisfaction

Crema likes to lead the way on walks. She keeps up a quick pace and doesn’t stop too often for sniffing. Crema doesn’t pull too much if you’re able to keep up with her, though. Crema participates in play groups regularly and her favorite form of play is to chase or be chased. Sometimes she gets overexcited with a lot of other high-energy dogs, but after a quick breather she settles down again nicely. If you’re looking for an active dog to participate in your active lifestyle, stop by the shelter soon to meet Crema!

Crema says, “Yay! TWO toys for me!”

I also saw Hayden, Hunky, Rusty, Scooby, and Titus.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Hoping Today Is Their Lucky Day

I don’t think there are many Irish breeds at Orphans of the Storm® at the moment, but all of the dogs are claiming they’re Irish today so they can get some extra luck! They don’t care too much about finding a pot of gold, though–what they really want is to find their forever home.

Cookie the two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix came from an owner who had to move and couldn’t bring her with. This means she already has two years of experience being a family dog, and she is housebroken and gets along with kids. Cookie is a sweet and snuggly girl.

Half of Cookie’s pictures included her tongue sticking out

Cookie walks pretty nicely on the leash. She enjoyed sniffing her way along the woodland preserve trail. When I knelt down next to her, she put her front paws in my lap and snuffled around my face. Later, she joined me on the bench for a snuggle session. Cookie likes getting her hips scratched and does a cute wiggly dance. Stop in soon to see if Cookie is the one for you!

Cookie hanging out on the bench

Candy Cane the one-year-old Mountain Cur mix has lots of energy, understandably, since he’s still a young pup. We were off and running as soon as he came out of his kennel. Candy Cane was happy to lead the way, but often looked back to check in with me (and probably also wondering why I wasn’t keeping up).

Candy Cane doing a little wiggle

Candy Cane settled down eventually and showed off his sweet side. He gave me some doggy kisses when we were in the off-leash run. Candy Cane was also eager to race the dog on the other side of the fence. He didn’t seem too interested in playing fetch, but I’m sure he’d be happy to learn. If you’re looking for a young and fun dog, come in soon to meet Candy Cane!

Candy Cane is ready to give doggy kisses

Sir the three-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix can be a little wound up when he first comes out of his kennel, but give him a few minutes to settle down and then you’ll see what a sweetie he is. Sir wanted to play tug-of-war with the leash when he first came out, but by the time we got to the woodland preserve, he wasn’t paying it any attention at all and walked pretty well.

Sir is a cutie

Sir and I found a quiet spot along the trail where he sat right at my feet and gave me some doggy kisses while I pet him. When we went to the off-leash run, Sir loved chasing after a tennis ball, but needs some practice on bringing it back so his person can throw it again. Sir would do best in an adult home with an experienced dog owner. If that description fits you, be sure to say hi to Sir on your next visit!

Sir shines in the sunlight

Tucker the three-year-old Redbone Coonhound mix is a big softie. We met a little puppy on our walk around the woodland preserve, and I thought Tucker might be too much for a small dog, but it was the other way around! The puppy jumped on Tucker’s head and Tucker just looked at me like, “Is this okay?” It was too cute.

Tucker is a handsome guy

Tucker has long legs, so his walking pace was my jogging pace. He doesn’t pull on the leash as long as you’re keeping up with him, though. Tucker gave me a doggy hug and some doggy kisses and wasn’t in any hurry to put his front paws back on the ground. He can be a little skittish around loud or strange noises, but will probably get over that once he’s settled in his new home. Come in soon to meet sweet Tucker!

Tucker following his Hound nose

I also saw Bella, Blaze, Buddy, Casper, Chester and Te Amo, Clarinet, Cleo, John Boy, Sammy, Tino, and Tyson.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Could Use the Luck of the Irish

Orphans of the Storm® has some pooches with St. Patrick’s Day-related names who have been waiting for their furever families for far too long. Emerald, Shamrock, and Corky (for County Cork!) are three of the shelter’s longest long-timers, and Lucky has been at the shelter much longer than I expected he would be.

Emerald‘s story has been shared many times. She arrived at Orphans of the Storm® in 2006 (that’s eight years ago!) with a litter of puppies. All of her puppies found their new families quickly, but Emerald is still waiting for her turn. This ten-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is full of love and affection and plenty of energy to make for a wonderful, playful companion.

Emerald

Shamrock, as you may recall, was the first dog I ever walked at Orphans of the Storm®. She may not like other dogs very much, but she certainly loves people! Shamrock is an eight-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier who has been waiting patiently (and I do mean patiently–Shamrock never barks or jumps around inside her kennel) for the right person to find her.

Shamrock

Corky is such a well-behaved boy, and yet it seems like he never gets the chance to show off his good manners because visitors continue to pass him by. Corky knows his basic commands like “Sit” and “Shake” and is extremely food-motivated, so he could easily learn much more. This six-year-old Hound mix is also great at giving doggy hugs.

Corky

Lucky has been at Orphans of the Storm® for less than a year, but I thought he would have been adopted long before now. Lucky is a nine-year-old Border Collie mix who loves to run and play and give doggy hugs. It certainly doesn’t seem like he’ll be slowing down anytime soon. Lucky originally shared his kennel with another dog who has since been adopted, so we know he gets along with both people and animals.

Lucky

The next time you visit Orphans of the Storm®, ask the staff about the long-timers. They are just as deserving of a good home as everybody else–it’s just taking them a little longer to get there.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs and the Luck of the Irish

Here is a belated St. Patrick’s Day post! These past two weeks, so many lucky dogs have found their new forever homes. Their humans will consider themselves lucky too, for adopting such wonderful dogs.

There are still many dogs who have waited more than their fair share of time to find a new family to love, though. Let’s revisit a couple dogs who I met on my first few visits to the shelter, who just happen to have Irish-related names 🙂

Shamrock was the first dog I spent time with on my first visit to Orphans of the Storm®, so of course I feel a special attachment to her. She’s a beautiful American Staffordshire Terrier mix who also might have some Australian Cattle Dog in her. That brindle fur is so soft! You’ll just want to sit and pet her all day long, which I’m sure she would enjoy.

This six-year-old has, unfortunately, spent most of her life at the shelter. Even so, she seems very well-behaved. Although she had the initial burst of energy that most dogs understandably have when they first are let out of their kennel, she was a much better walker on the way back and was perfectly happy to let me put the leash on and take it back off.

Shamrock needs a little extra luck so she can find a family to join. Help by spreading the word and visiting her at the shelter!

Shamrock, waiting for her lucky day!

Emerald is another Orphans of the Storm® long-timer who I spent time with on my second visit. When she arrived at the shelter with a litter of puppies, the puppies all got scooped up and adopted right away. What about Emerald? Adult dogs want to be part of a loving family just as much as puppies do!

Emerald is full of love and affection. An eight-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix, she is a happy dog with a wagging tail. She came when called, and liked to put her front paws up on my arms so we were nice and close. She loved getting her belly rubbed and her chin scratched. Even though she’s a little too big to fit, she attempted to climb into my lap to be even closer.

Emerald’s puppies were lucky to get adopted so quickly. I’d say it’s about time for Emerald to have some luck brought her way. Bring her out to one of the off-leash runs and you’ll see just how lucky you’d be to have her as part of your family.

Emerald is ready for some good luck to come her way!