On this gorgeous Sunday afternoon, Orphans of the Storm® dogs were attracting people of all ages to come visit their booth in downtown Highland Park. There were plenty of dogs–and three kittens!–for potential adopters to meet. Two different families seemed very interested in adopting while I was there–so let’s keep our fingers crossed that all of these dogs find their new forever homes soon!
Look at the crowd getting to know the cats and dogs of Orphans of the Storm®!
The first dog I saw when I arrived was Colt, a handsome three-year-old black Labrador Retriever/Shepherd mix. What a lovebug! He was ready to cover my face and hands in doggy kisses as soon as I walked up. When I knelt down to his level, he put his front paws in my lap so he could snuggle. Colt currently has a kennelmate (who I’ll talk about a little later), and he’s a very friendly guy, so he would do well in a home with another dog. Or he would be happy to be the center of your attention!
Colt cooling off by the wading pool
Next was Lady, a six-year-old American Bulldog mix. Lady is also very affectionate and gave me some kisses when I came to say hello. She already knows some basic commands (one volunteer walked by with a treat for a different dog, but Lady sat right down and of course she had to get the treat for being such a good girl!) and would be happy to learn more. She was friendly with all of the dogs and people at the event, so she too could go to a home with another dog. The volunteers all told me what a sweet, lovable girl she is. If you’re looking for an older dog, Lady might be the one for you!
Lady, ready for her closeup
I also spent some time with Suki, a seven-year-old Rat Terrier mix. Suki was probably the calmest dog at the event, but still enjoyed getting attention from the volunteers and visitors. She’s a cute little dog with a cute little tail that was wagging almost all the time. Suki was doing a very good job of selling herself to a family that was at the event. The two sons were using some pretty good persuasion skills on their parents (including the ever-popular “But look at that face!!!”). We’ll have to wait and see how it turned out!
Suki in the middle of a group of volunteers
Another small dog at the event was Jelly Bean, a six-year-old Brussels Griffon mix. That’s not the most common breed you see in a shelter, but Jelly Bean is quite the cutie! A little Yorkie walked by, and since it was about the same size as Jelly Bean, the two of them had a great time together. It’s hard to resist a face like Jelly Bean’s. It’s also very hard to stop petting her, because that fur is so soft! It will probably be even softer after she gets a nice bath. You’ll want to cuddle with her all day.
Jelly Bean being a cutie
Colt’s kennelmate Roo was also working the crowd. Roo is a six-month-old Husky mix–just a little puppy who would benefit from being adopted soon. He has one of the cutest faces I’ve ever seen, and very expressive ears. He’s already learning how to sit on command, though he sometimes gets excited by the treat and jumps up. Who can blame him? But he’s a smart guy who will learn quickly. If your family is looking for a puppy to bring home, visit Roo at the shelter.
Roo showing off his sitting skills
Another puppy I met today was Jackie O. She just arrived at Orphans of the Storm® yesterday, so she isn’t even on the website yet! Jackie O is a nine-month-old black Labrador Retriever mix–but she’s very petite. Her body seems to fit her paws, so she probably isn’t going to grow much bigger than her current size, if at all. She’ll be able to fit in your lap with no problem! This sweet girl will bond quickly with whoever is lucky enough to adopt her. She was already bonding with the two volunteers who were taking care of her today, so it’s clear that she will make a loyal and devoted pet, as Labs are known to be.
Jackie O enjoying her seat on the bench
And last, but certainly not least, is my old friend Clay, the two-year-old Chihuahua mix. All this guy wants to do is play with other dogs! Every time one of his shelter friends came by, he would go into a play bow. When other dogs would walk by on the sidewalk, Clay would bark excitedly. You can read more about Clay in my earlier post from when I met him at the shelter–but if you’re looking for a playful four-legged friend, Clay is a good choice!
Clay loves getting his back scratched
Also, don’t forget that kitten season is in full swing! There were three adorable kittens in Highland Park also, and there are more waiting at the shelter. If you’re looking for an older cat, don’t worry–Orphans of the Storm® has plenty!
The three adorable kittens waiting for their forever home
Three upcoming event reminders:
- Wine, Bark & Meow Part II—Thursday, August 9 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. The first wine tasting event at Cellar Gate in Highwood was such a success, we’re having another! This week’s will feature Mediterranean wines. Cost: $25/person
- Dog Cooling Station at the Glen Town Art Fair—Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12, all day. If you’re thinking about attending the Glen Town Art Fair in Glenview, and thinking about bringing your dog, the cooling station will be there so your dogs can have a nice drink and splash in a wading pool. Adoption information will be provided. Cost: free!
- Pooch Parade 2012—Saturday, August 18 at 9am. Help raise money for Orphans of the Storm® and show off your pooch during the 2-mile charity walk at Jaycee Memorial Park in Deerfield. Prizes will be available! Cost: $20 donation per dog
We hope to see you around!
Meet The Pooches 