Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Love to Love

There are so many lovable dogs at Orphans of the Storm®. You’ll be covered in doggy kisses by the time you leave! If you give them the love and attention they deserve, they will love you forever in return.

Willy the five-month-old Shepherd/Pit Bull Terrier mix is your typical cute, rambunctious puppy. This little guy just wants to run and play! When he tires out at the end of the day, though, he’d love a comfy lap to snuggle in.

Cute little Willy

Willy is the perfect age to benefit from training and socialization. If you want to turn this puppy’s life around and give him the perfect forever home, come in soon to meet him! With his adorable floppy ears and wrinkly forehead, you won’t be able to pass Willy up!

Willy watching everything around him

Cozumel the three-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix is a gentle soul who follows his nose. It was hard to even get a good picture of him, because he had his nose to the ground and was leading us on an invisible (but apparently good-smelling) trail through the grass.

Cozumel’s sweet face

Cozumel would whine a little bit whenever we walked by other dogs; I imagine he was saying, “Aww, please, can I play? Can I?” Labs are usually a great mix of snuggly couch potato and enthusiastic athlete, and it seems like Cozumel fits that description. Labs are the most popular breed in America for a reason! If you’re thinking of adding one to your family, come say hi to Cozumel.

Cozumel following his nose

Morpheus the two-year-old American Bulldog mix is another great example of a gentle giant. What a face! His head may be bigger than most people’s heads, but that just means there’s more of him to love. I could not get over how sweet and adorable this big boy is. Although he probably could have pulled me over if he wanted, he was a perfect leash-walker who stuck nice and close to my side.

This picture does not do Morpheus’ face justice. He’s too cute!

Morpheus loves being close to people. He would lean against my legs, rest his head on my lap, look up at me with the sweetest expression, and press into my hand for a pat. His big tail wags almost all the time. If you get excited, he gets excited; if you want to be mellow, he’s mellow too. Come in quick to meet Morpheus–a pooch this lovable won’t stick around long!

Morpheus the gentle giant

Jane the five-year-old Hound mix is another gentle dog, though she’s much smaller than Morpheus. This sweet girl seems to be a little on the nervous side, but she’s friendly all the same. Even though her tail usually stayed between her back legs, it would wag from side to side when I pet her.

Jane being a gentle girl

Since Jane is a gentle dog, a gentle owner would be the perfect match to bring her out of her shell. She currently has a kennelmate, so she can get along well with other dogs. Her sweet eyes and quiet demeanor will steal anyone’s heart. Is Jane the dog for you?

Jane the sweetie’s sweet face

Sanders the two-year-old Beagle mix is currently Jane’s kennelmate, but they’re almost complete opposites! While Jane is quiet, shy, and slow-moving, Sanders has a voice, loves attention, and has plenty of energy. He is a sweet, happy dog who would be even happier with a new family to play with.

Sanders wants to play!

Sanders is a little larger than your average Beagle and has plenty of personality to match. That little tail was wagging. He was so happy to see me at his kennel that he didn’t even run out the sliding door when I opened it so we could go for our walk; he kept licking my hand and I had to keep pointing for him to go out and promise I’d meet him there. He will make a great sidekick.

Sanders with his best Beagle face

Greta the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is very well trained, considering her young age. She sits very nicely for a treat and walks well on a leash. Her eyes are such a light brown that they’re almost yellow, which gives her a very striking (but very cute) appearance.

Greta flying to fetch the ball

Greta loves loves loves to play fetch. Hopefully you have a good throwing arm, because this sweet girl can play for a long time. She is also a very good fetch-player. When I said, “Drop,” she politely dropped the ball at my feet and waited for me to throw the next one. When she needed a moment to catch her breath, she plopped down on the bench next to me and chewed her tennis ball while I scratched her head. If you’re looking for a sweet, active dog, Greta might be the perfect match!

Greta happy as a clam with her tennis ball

Tillie the nine-month-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is a beautiful dog. Her black back kind of reminds me of a German Shepherd‘s coloring, so maybe she has some of that mixed into her genes. Tillie, being a puppy with lots of energy, was very excited to go out for a walk and jumped up to give me a doggy hug a few times.

Tillie investigating

Tillie calmed down soon after we had walked around for a while, though. She seemed to prefer walking on a leash rather than running free around the run and wasn’t too interested in playing fetch at the time. Instead, she was very curious about all the different smells that she encountered. If you’re looking for a young dog to call your own, come meet Tillie!

Tillie is such a pretty little girl

There are lots of other lovable dogs at the shelter waiting for their new loving families. I got to say hello to two of my favorites, Chewy the Black Lab and Finnigan the Beagle, while I was there this week. Stop by, meet some of the pooches, and find your new best friend at Orphans of the Storm®!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Would be Thankful for a Furever Home

Happy belated Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for this year? The pooches of Orphans of the Storm® would certainly be thankful to find their new “furever” home with a loving family. Here are some you should meet on your next visit!

Charlie the four-year-old Mountain Feist mix is a real sweetie. Haven’t heard of a Feist before? Me, neither! They’re mostly found in the Appalachian region, but Charlie found his way north to Riverwoods! Charlie has the looks and personality of a Terrier: cute, smaller than many other breeds, lots of energy, and, most importantly, lots of love.

Charlie’s adorable face

Charlie was leading the way on our walk and sniffing every which way. When he noticed I was kneeling next to him, he put his little front paws in my lap and gave my chin a few doggy kisses. Charlie is the type of dog who gets along with everybody, people and dogs alike. His little tail is always wagging. Come meet Charlie and see if he’s a good fit for your family!

Charlie being attentive

Warren and Andy the two-year-old Basset Hound mixes are so adorable! The brothers came into the shelter together, and would be especially thankful if they could find their new home together. They’re best friends and stuck close together even when we were in the run and they were off-leash. Since they’re scent hounds, their noses are almost always on the ground (and they sometimes run into each other because of it, which is super cute).

You will get double the cute with Warren and Andy!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t sure which one was Andy and which one was Warren, but they each have unique markings, so once you know who is who it will be easy to keep track. These two are sweet dogs (which Basset Hounds are known to be) who will come galloping towards you when you call for them and run right into your lap. Those faces are impossible to resist!

Warren and Andy are two too-sweet dogs

Reebok the eight-year-old Shepherd mix acts more like an eight-month-old dog–in a good way. He has lots of energy and would be a great running partner, especially if you happen to be wearing Reeboks! If you’re not a runner, Reebok would be happy to go on walks with you too.

Reebok ready to play

Reebok is a very handsome dog, with his brown-and-white coloring and perky ears. His fur is soft and fluffy and he enjoys being pet. He also gets along with other dogs. He had a kennelmate that I also took out, but she has already been adopted! Reebok is still waiting for the perfect family to come and bring him home with them.

Reebok’s handsome profile

Coco the four-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever had a cast on his leg at the beginning of his time at Orphans of the Storm®, but you wouldn’t be able to tell that now! Coco was ready to run and play as soon as he was out of his kennel. In typical Lab fashion, he is a happy dog with a constantly wagging tail.

Coco on the move

Coco wanted to be everywhere at once when we first started our walk, but he calmed down quickly. I sat down on one of the benches under the tent and Coco came up and leaned against my legs while I scratched his back and ears. He was interested in all of the people and dogs walking around us, and would sometimes bark hello to them. Chocolate Labs don’t last long at the shelter, so if you’re interested in Coco, come in soon!

Coco loves walks

Winter the six-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix loves people; she just doesn’t love dogs so much. Winter is the first dog I have taken for a walk beyond the shelter’s fence! Winter loves going for long walks and does pretty well on the leash.

Winter ready to go for our walk

When we came back from our walk, I took a seat on one of the benches and Winter happily climbed onto the bench and sat next to me. She gave me a few gentle doggy kisses and then hopped back off the bench to walk around some more. Winter is on the smaller size compared to some of the other Pit Bulls at the shelter, and she’s especially cute because of it.

Winter’s angelic face

Trixie the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is another happy dog who would be even happier with a family of her own to love. She is super cute, with ears that sometimes stick straight up and sometimes flop to the side. She is a playful girl with lots of energy.

Trixie in motion

Trixie and I went into one of the runs, where we found a plastic ball and some tennis balls. Trixie loved to play fetch with the tennis balls, and loved to chew on the plastic ball. You’ll have to get some sturdy toys for this girl, because she is an excellent chewer. Trixie didn’t want to part with her ball when it was time to go back to her kennel, so she carried the tennis ball with her on the walk back. If you’re looking for a dog who loves to play, come meet Trixie!

Trixie will need to be spoiled with lots of toys!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs are Affectionate

Ready to meet some more of the wonderful pooches you can find at Orphans of the Storm®?

Duke the one-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix (not to be confused with the other Duke) is a volunteer favorite; they’re really hoping he gets adopted soon. He is probably having a hard time getting adopted due to Black Dog Syndrome. As I’ve said, and will continue to say, a Lab is a Lab is a Lab regardless of its fur color.

Duke already knows “sit”!

Duke is a strong boy, and a happy boy. He is excited to investigate everything going on around him, whether it be smelling under some bushes or watching other dogs and people walk by. He’s still young, so he’s ready to please his lucky new owners and do a good job with his future training. If you’re looking for a younger dog, consider Duke!

Duke’s happy face

Momma the four-year-old Shepherd/Pit Bull Terrier mix is a pretty, pretty dog. She is super friendly and doesn’t try to hide it. She currently enjoys jumping up to say hello to whoever happens to be standing closest to her and will lick your face if she gets close enough.

Momma smiling for the camera

Momma currently has a kennelmate whom she gets along with very well, so she would be able to go into a home with another dog. She would be thrilled to have a new home with some new playmates, whether it be human or dog. Momma can’t wait to shower her new family with affection!

Momma is such a pretty girl

Eli the four-year-old Pointer mix is Momma’s kennelmate at the moment. You don’t often see Pointers at Orphans of the Storm® (though there are a couple there right now), so if you think that might be the breed for you, hurry in to meet Eli!

Eli following his nose

Eli is a very affectionate dog. I wasn’t even able to get good pictures of him myself, because every time I knelt down to get a picture of his face, he bounded over and tried to climb into my lap and cover me in kisses. Eli is such a handsome dog, though, with his black-and-white markings. (He and Momma actually look very good together.) If you’re looking for an energetic, lovable new friend, stop by and see Eli!

Eli being handsome

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs are Cool Dogs

Even though I’m not a fan of the cooler weather, I think the pooches of Orphans of the Storm® appreciate the crisp fall air. They can actually enjoy playing and walking outside, instead of trying to hide in the shade all the time!

The first doggy for today is Samba the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. Samba is one of the most gentle Pit Bull mixes I’ve taken out at the shelter. She was a great walking buddy because she almost never pulled on the leash and was happy to walk at a normal pace, sniffing here and there.

Samba’s adorable face

Samba has a great face. It’s hard not to smile when she looks up at you with that wrinkly forehead and those big brown eyes. Samba enjoyed getting the top of her head and her ears scratched, and gave my nose a quick doggy kiss as a thank-you. This cute, happy girl is ready for a new home!

Samba’s a silly girl

If you’re interested in a smaller dog, you should meet Quiz the six-year-old Parson Russell Terrier mix. I can’t get over how cute this little guy is. He’s friendly, happy, and lovable. Since he’s a terrier, you know that he’ll have lots of energy and want to play.

Quiz is too cute to handle

Quiz is also an easy-going pooch. He currently has two kennelmates, so he does well with other dogs. He also let me scoop him up and carry him around in my arms for a little while–no squirming or wiggling. The entire time I was out with him, I couldn’t stop saying, “You are too cute!” You’ll be saying the same when you see him!

Quiz following a scent

One of Quiz’s kennelmates is Hershey the nine-year-old Chihuahua mix. Craig and I both thought Hershey was a great dog (and Craig is partial to Pit Bulls, so that’s really saying something!). Like Quiz, Hershey was happy to get picked up and cuddled. This older pooch would definitely appreciate some extra snuggling with his new family.

Hershey is good at cuddling

Hershey is also good at walking on the leash. He went wherever we walked without much pulling from his end, and kept his head high so he could keep track of everything that was happening around him. He too gets along with other dogs and can’t wait to settle in to his furever home.

Hershey being a cutie

Another Chihuahua mix looking for a new home is five-year-old Tiger. I’m not quite sure how this guy got his name, since he’s much smaller than a tiger and much more cuddly. Maybe it’s his colorful paws. Tiger has a unique (and precious) look, and is larger than the average Chihuahua–but still a perfect size for someone interested in a small dog.

Tiger is ready to go home with you!

Tiger also has a couple kennelmates at the moment (one of which I took out with Tiger, but he was taken right out of my hands by an interested family and got adopted! Yippee!), so he can go to a home with another dog. He would also be okay with being the center of attention, and would be great at keeping his new family happy and entertained.

Tiger leading the way on our walk

There are so many great dogs to choose from at Orphans of the Storm®! Who will steal your heart?

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs in the Autumn Sun

Meet the Pooches went to “Meet the Authors” last week and it was wonderful! As a dog lover and aspiring author myself, it was great to talk to these three authors who have combined those two passions. Jennifer Skiff, who wrote The Divinity of Dogs, generously gave me a free copy of the CD that accompanies her book, with music specially composed to calm dogs (I’m definitely going to try that on my dog soon!). Spencer Quinn, author of the Chet and Bernie mystery series, signed my newly-purchased copy of the first book in the series, Dog On It (with both his signature and a dog paw print stamp–too cute!). Dr. Barbara Royal had everyone laughing (and some people hooting!) with a reading from her book The Royal Treatment: A Natural Approach to Wildly Healthy Pets. If you haven’t read any of these books yet, you should definitely check them out!

The event was a fundraiser for the wonderful pooches of Orphans of the Storm®, so let’s meet some more!

Kendall is a two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix, and she is currently sharing a kennel with Bandit. Craig and I took the two of them out together for some exercise, and they got along great, so both of them could potentially go to a home with another dog. Kendall is both a cutie and a sweetie. She could almost pass for a puppy, because she’s so small and so cute!

Kendall’s adorable face

When I knelt down to Kendall‘s level, she put a paw in my lap and gave my nose a few doggy kisses. She is a lovable dog with plenty to offer the lucky family who adopts her. If you’re looking for a smaller dog who wants to play, stop by Kendall’s kennel and say hello. She’s too adorable to pass up!

Kendall enjoying her walk

Midnight the Labrador Retriever/Shepherd mix is a seven-month-old puppy who certainly belongs in a home with a loving family. Midnight is a beautiful dog, and Lab/Shepherd mixes are especially known for their great personalities and easy training. Midnight is a happy, playful dog who gets along well with people and other dogs alike.

Midnight out and about

Midnight will make a great companion dog and will be up for any adventure her new family wants to go on. Puppies don’t last too long at the shelter, so if you’re looking for a younger furry friend, come in quickly and meet Midnight!

Midnight is such a pretty girl!

Andy the eight-year-old Boxer mix is Midnight’s current kennelmate. You know he’s a good sport for putting up with a puppy! Even though Andy is an older dog, he certainly isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. He’s the perfect balance of calm and fun, and loved being out for a walk with his pal Midnight.

Andy looking at the camera

Andy may have some gray around his nose, but that just means he’s wiser! If puppies aren’t for you, please consider adopting an older dog like Andy who will appreciate a nice home and the attention he deserves.

Andy following his nose

Chaos the five-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is a big, handsome boy! He was so excited to get outside for some exercise, that big Lab tail of his was wagging all over the place. Chaos definitely led the way on our walk, and followed his nose wherever it took him.

Chaos being handsome

Chaos is a bit of a special-needs dog. He has seizures, but does well on medication. (Personal aside: my previous dog had epilepsy, but with his medication he was a healthy, happy dog who lived a good 11 years.) Please feel free to talk to the staff at the shelter for more information. Chaos lost the home he had for his first five years, and would be much happier in a new home with a new family!

Chaos leading the way on our walk

The last dogs Craig and I took out were two sisters, Woopsie and Winnie the eight-month-old Pit Bull Terrier puppies. Woopsie has since been adopted, but Winnie is still waiting for her new home! Winnie is the stereotypical puppy: she just wants to play all day, and would love some new playmates!

Winnie (right) and her sister

Winnie is a cute little girl with floppy ears. Even though she’s still pretty small, she is a strong girl who knows where she wants to go. She’s probably feeling a little lonely right now without her sister at her side, so you should come to the shelter and cheer her up by taking her home with you!

Winnie saying, “I want to play!”