Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Play in the Snow

Since it was cold and snowy when I visited Orphans of the Storm® this week, I thought it would be a good idea to walk some of the fluffier dogs who are better prepared for this weather. No Chihuahuas this week, I’m afraid! (Although I’m convinced that little Hershey now recognizes me as soon as I walk into the wing where his kennel is. If you didn’t see his video on Facebook, check it out!)

Brutus the three-year-old Chow Chow/Golden Retriever mix is so fluffy and so handsome! He will definitely catch your eye as you walk through the shelter on your next visit. Chows are known for their blue tongues, but since Brutus is a mix he just has a big blue spot in the middle of his otherwise-pink tongue. Super cute!

Brutus ready to play

Brutus is a very playful pooch with a good amount of energy. He likes to run and jump and give doggy hugs. Although I didn’t get a chance to find out, I would guess that he’d be excellent at playing fetch, with that Retriever mixed in. Brutus also knows some basic commands like “Sit” and is eager to learn more. If you’re looking for a fluffy dog to keep you warm for many winters to come, stop by and meet Brutus!

Brutus watching other dogs during their photo shoot

Diamond/Riley the eleven-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is another long-timer at Orphans of the Storm®, but I had never taken her out before this week! She may not be fluffy, but she certainly is a sturdy dog who doesn’t mind the cold weather and snow at all. Whenever I tried to kneel down to her level to get a picture, she would come bounding over to see what was going on (hence her nose not being visible in the picture below).

Diamond wants to say hi

Diamond/Riley is a very strong girl, especially when she first gets out of her kennel and is ready to stretch her legs. You can’t hold that against her, though–wouldn’t you be excited to run and play too? UPDATE 2019: Diamond/Riley was adopted but returned due to separation anxiety. She is looking for a home where someone is home the vast majority of the time. Diamond is ready and waiting for her forever family. Maybe it’s yours!

Diamond ready to go on our walk

If you’ve been to Orphans of the Storm® before, then you definitely know Akiva, the beautiful seven-year-old Husky mix. This was her kind of weather, so I thought it would be the perfect day to take her out again. In fact, if she could talk, I bet she would’ve said, “You call this snow? Please. This is just a dusting!” Akiva is a gentle dog who walks wonderfully on a leash. She still has a playful side, though–I would throw a snowball in the air above her and she would jump up and try to catch it. It usually broke apart in midair, though, and showered down on her fluffy fur. She loved it. She would love even more to be adopted by a loving family! You can read more about my first visit with Akiva here.

An updated photo of Akiva, enjoying the snow

Another gentle old friend I took out this week is Ebbie the ten-year-old Shepherd mix. Although I’ve written about Ebbie before (from my first visit to the shelter!), this was actually my first time walking her. Ebbie is Orphans of the Storm®’s featured pet because it makes no sense why a dog as sweet and gentle as Ebbie would still be at the shelter after all these years. She doesn’t need too much exercise, just a nice walk around the neighborhood to keep her joints moving. The rest of the time, she will happily curl up next to you. If you’re looking to give an older dog a home, please consider Ebbie!

An updated photo of Ebbie, also enjoying the snow

Kennelmates Bandit and Lilly were both willing to brave the cold and come for a walk with me this time, too!

There are also going to be several off-site adoption events in February:

• On February 2-3, 17, 23-24, from 12pm-4pm each day, at Carson’s, Hawthorn Mall, Vernon Hills
• On February 8-17, from 12pm-7pm each day, at Northbrook Court (lower level in front of Lord & Taylor)
• On February 2 and 9, from 11am-3pm, at Re-Invent Gallery in Lake Forest

For more information on each of these events, please visit the Facebook page.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Deserve a Second Chance

When I arrived at Orphans of the Storm® this week, Tiger the Chihuahua was working as greeter in the front office. And greet me he did! He wanted to hop right into my lap, snuggle, and give some doggy kisses. Wouldn’t you love to come home to that every day? Tiger is sure to bond quickly with his new family, since he seemed extra-happy to see me and I’ve only walked him once!

Now, onto some new dogs (and a couple old favorites)!

Lilly the six-year-old Labrador Retriever/Shar-Pei mix is such a sweetheart. (I find myself saying that about a lot of the dogs, but that’s because it’s true! There are so many lovable and loving dogs at Orphans of the Storm®–What are you waiting for?!) She is currently rooming with Bandit and gets along great with him, so she could do well in a home with or without another dog.

Pretty Lilly

You know Lilly has some Shar-Pei because of those adorable ears, and you know she has some Lab because of that wonderful, happy-go-lucky personality. She’s looking for some new companions to love and play with. Her tail wags constantly and she is a big fan of giving and receiving kisses. Labs don’t last long at the shelter, so come in soon to meet Lilly!

Lilly being a good girl

Vivian the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is (unintentionally) hilarious. I have never in my life seen a dog wag its tail so hard and so much. Vivian almost knocks herself over because the wagging doesn’t stop at her tail–her entire body wiggles from side to side. It is too funny and too, too cute. She is such a happy dog!

Vivian posing for the camera

Vivian obviously loves to be with people, and that tail is wagging when she’s around other dogs too. Since she’s still in her puppy stage, she could probably use some basic training. She looks small and skinny, but she is a strong girl who can end up walking you instead of the other way around! Give this sweet girl a chance, and she will love you forever!

Vivian’s wagging tail

Keegan the one-year-old Pointer/Pit Bull Terrier mix is another strong pup who would be much happier with a family to call his own. This handsome boy is full of energy, as he should be with that mix of breeds and his age. Pointers can go-go-go, so you should be prepared to keep up with them!

Handsome Keegan

Keegan will grab your attention as soon as you see him inside his kennel, with his adorable, inquisitive face and those unique markings. Take him over to the run where he can burn off some energy, and then let him show you what a great companion he can be!

Keegan walking along

Buddy the eight-year-old Beagle mix is very appropriately named. This guy will be your best buddy if you’re the lucky family who takes him home. (You may have seen Buddy and I pictured together on the Orphans of the Storm® Facebook page! He is very photogenic.) Buddy is great with people and dogs alike, and doesn’t seem to be as talkative as some other Beagles at the shelter.

Buddy coming to say hello

Buddy is a snuggler. If you saw our picture, you saw that he was attempting to both climb into my lap and kiss my nose (before the photographer got his attention). He was also perfectly content to let me pick him up, carry him around, and set him on my lap. If you’re looking for an older dog who still loves to go out and have fun, but will be ready to cuddle at the end of the day, come in and meet Buddy!

Buddy is so photogenic

Toby the two-year-old Terrier/Beagle mix is currently Buddy’s kennelmate and he is just too cute to handle (not literally–I scooped this little guy right up into my arms). The first time I knelt down and started to pet him, Toby did the closest thing I’ve seen to a doggy somersault and flipped right over onto his back so I could rub his little belly.

Toby getting his belly rubbed

If you end up bringing Toby home, the first thing you must get him (besides the essentials like food and a water bowl) is a squeaky toy. I’m not sure if he stole the squeaky toy from the photographer or if she let him play with it, but boy did he love that toy! He didn’t want to part with it because he was having such a wonderful time, but even so, he didn’t show any signs of aggression when the photographer finally decided to take it back. Toby is ready for a home he can call his own, a family he can call his own, and toys he can call his own!

Cute little Toby

Sonya the one-year-old Terrier mix was a popular dog on the day I was at the shelter. She’s currently living with Dillon (who has really come out of his shell! What a difference two weeks make. He’s still as sweet as before, but now you can see his tail!), so she would be happy to go into a home with or without four-legged friends.

Sonya being attentive on our walk

Sonya has that great Terrier personality: she’s curious, energetic, happy, and playful. She also has a great look (that face!) and is a great size if you don’t want a dog who is super small or super big. Sonya has lots to offer her new forever family. Come in soon and say hello!

Sonya and her buddy Dillon

Now for some old friends! Emerald the seven-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is one of Orphans of the Storm®’s longest residents, and she is another one of the dogs I first took out. Emerald arrived at the shelter back in 2006 with a litter of puppies, all of whom were happily adopted. But what about sweet Emerald? She loves to give slobbery doggy kisses and doggy hugs, and she appreciates getting scratched on her hips and ears. She may be seven (which really isn’t old at all), but she still loves to run and play. Emerald knows that her future family is out there somewhere, so she’s waiting patiently in the meantime. Maybe that future family is yours? You can read more about my first visit with Emerald here.

An updated photo of Emerald

I also took Astro out for a walk (since his new kennelmate was out with a potential new family, it only seemed fair). Poor Astro seems to be a little misunderstood. It’s true that he is a barker when he’s inside his kennel, but can you really blame him? As soon as you get him on a leash and take him outside, he becomes so calm and gentle. You can pet that soft, fluffy fur as much as you’d like, and he’ll stand right by your side. He almost always has a kennelmate, so he does well with other dogs, but would be sure to bond with the person who decides to give him a chance.

Finnigan also came out for a walk with me this week. He certainly does like to talk, especially when there are other dogs for him to talk to, but when it’s calm one-on-one time, Finnigan is a big sweetie. There are so many Beagles to choose from at Orphans of the Storm®! Perhaps Finnigan will be the one for you.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Give Doggy Kisses

More dogs are arriving every week at Orphans of the Storm®, and they’re all looking for their new perfect family. I also met with a couple long-timers–including the first dog I took out on my very first afternoon at Orphans of the Storm! (Anyone remember/want to guess who that is? 🙂 No real prize for correct answers, but many thanks for being a loyal reader!)

Opie the two-year-old Hound mix is a big sweetheart. He was looking a little sad when I first walked by his kennel, but as soon as he realized he was going for a walk, that tail was up and wagging. He’s excited to find a new walking buddy (of the two-legged or four-legged variety–he was sharing his kennel with another dog who has already been adopted) to go on adventures with.

Opie’s sweet face

Opie also loves attention. He’ll trot right over to you and appreciate all the petting you can give him. Those floppy Hound ears are especially irresistible. Opie has that wonderful sweet expression that you see on Beagles and other Hound dogs. It’s hard not to fall in love with that face immediately. Stop by and say hi to Opie!

Opie putting his Hound nose to work

Ella the four-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is one long-timer who sometimes gets to go to off-site adoption events. I’ve heard other volunteers talk about her several times, and they love her. She is energetic and strong, two traits commonly found in her breed, but she settles down once she’s gotten the chance to stretch her legs and play.

Ella knows how to “sit” on command!

Ella is dog-friendly and enjoys being with people. She will make a game out of anything–including her leash (so she could probably use some leash training). She likes to keep an eye on everything going on around her, and will often just take a seat and observe. Ella currently resides in the first kennel in the big wing, and she loves being able to look through the window in the door and see what’s happening out in the hallway. I always wave when I see her looking. If you’re looking for a playful new friend, check out Ella!

Ella looking at the camera

Rita the three-year-old Parson Russell Terrier mix just wants to love and be loved in return. This little girl will eagerly climb into your lap and kiss your nose whenever she’s given the opportunity. She was far more interested in snuggling than taking a walk when I was out with her.

Rita about to jump into my lap

Rita does well with other dogs, whether it’s her smaller kennelmate (see below) or a big Pit Bull like Domino (who we said hello to on our walk). That little face of hers is just too cute! You’ll want to scoop her right up and bring her home with you–I know I wanted to. Rita is ready for her new cuddle buddy. Could it be you?

Rita is such a cutie!

Mister the one-year-old Beagle mix is currently Rita’s kennelmate, and he is also super cute. He’s a bit bigger than the usual Beagle, but still has that lovable Beagle face and the friendly Beagle disposition. He enjoyed following his nose wherever it took him while we were out on our walk.

Mister is a handsome boy

Mister also enjoyed all of the attention he could get. When I leaned over to pet him, he looked up at me with his tail wagging and thanked me with a doggy kiss. When I knelt down to his level, he ran right over to say hello and get his ears scratched. Don’t miss out on Mister!

Mister is the perfect size for cuddling

Now for the answer to our trivia question… Shamrock the six-year-old Australian Cattle Dog/American Staffordshire Terrier mix is the very first dog I took out! You can read that first post here. Shamrock is one of the better-behaved dogs when she’s inside her kennel. She doesn’t bark or jump up; she sits quietly and will move right up against the door of her kennel so you can pet her when you stop by and say hello. Shamrock isn’t too fond of other dogs, but loves people and would make a great walking companion–and a great companion in general. Shamrock has been waiting for her new home since 2006. If you think you’re a one-dog family, please consider Shamrock!

An updated photo of Shamrock

Come by Orphans of the Storm® soon to meet your new furry friend!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs, New and Old

What a wonderful holiday season it was for Orphans of the Storm®! Did you hear the incredible news that over 100 dogs were adopted in the month of December alone?! Thank you to all of the new owners who are giving these dogs a second chance at a happy life. Plenty of dogs are still waiting for their new home, though, so come on in and meet them!

Zeus the one-year-old Boxer/Pit Bull Terrier mix will definitely be able to live up to his powerful name–but for now, his wrinkly forehead and sweet expression just make you want to cuddle with him. Although he’s a young dog, he walked pretty well on the leash (though he sometimes got excited when other dogs or people walked by, understandably) and would love to have a buddy to take him on nice, long walks.

Zeus watching attentively

Even though Zeus is new to Orphans of the Storm®, he’s already a volunteer favorite. It’s easy to see why: he’s energetic, playful, friendly, and overall a happy dog who would be even happier with a new home in the new year. Could that new home be with you? Stop by and say hi to Zeus!

Zeus’ precious wrinkly forehead

Dillon the three-year-old Basset Hound mix is beyond adorable. I just wanted to scoop him up and carry him everywhere with me–and luckily, he loves being carried, so it was a win-win situation. Dillon is much smaller than the usual Basset Hound and can fit nicely on your lap, where he enjoys sitting and being pet.

Dillon licking his nose

Dillon is a little nervous and shy when you first meet him, but he warmed up pretty quickly and even had his tail out from between his legs and wagging by the end. He was also a bit nervous around a big Lab who came to say hello, but after a few minutes Dillon was the one who wanted to play! Show Dillon what true love is, and he will be sure to love you in return.

Dillon’s cute face

Freckles the nine-year-old Beagle mix is part of a package deal: she would love to find a home with her brother, nine-year-old Buckeye. I tried to take both of them out for a walk together, but Buckeye thought it was far too cold to venture outside (even when tempted with a nice doggy biscuit) so I just spent some one-on-one time with Freckles.

Freckles following her nose

Freckles is a typical Beagle, in that she spent most of her time with her nose to the ground, following all of the interesting scents. She is also a typical Beagle in that she is very friendly. She put her front paws up on my lap and gave my nose some gentle doggy kisses. Since she and Buckeye are older dogs, they don’t need too much activity and will be able to keep each other company. If your home has room for two, please consider Freckles and Buckeye!

Freckles wondering why her brother Buckeye didn’t want to walk with her

December was an especially wonderful month for two Orphans dogs, Rocco and Forest. Both of them had spent years waiting for the perfect family to find them, and December 2012 was finally that time. There are still some other long-timers who are wondering when their new family will come for them, so as part of the new year, I’m going to highlight a few of the dogs I’ve already written about and hope that they get discovered.

Corky the four-year-old Hound/Shepherd mix loves to play and go for long walks. He already knows some basic commands like “Sit”, which he will do automatically right at your feet if he thinks you have a treat hiding in your pocket. You can also tell him to be “Gentle” when he takes the treat from your hand. Corky is also a lover. When I knelt next to him, he first sniffed my pockets in the hope of finding some treats (which I didn’t have, poor guy) and then he happily licked my face. You can read more about my first visit with Corky here.

An updated photo of Corky

I’m not sure how many times I have mentioned Chewy the nine-year-old Black Labrador Retriever mix so far (it’s been a lot), but you may recall that he is my absolute favorite dog at Orphans of the Storm®. I love Chewy to bits and pieces, but the only thing (I think) that has held him back from being adopted is that he doesn’t particularly like other dogs. If you think you’re just a one-dog family, though, Chewy would be a wonderful addition. Since he’s older, he’s pretty slow-moving and extremely gentle. He will happily rest his chin on your lap and just enjoy being scratched behind the ears. I always spend some extra time at Chewy’s kennel to give him some love. Please read more about Chewy here.

An updated photo of Chewy

There will be more Orphans of the Storm® dogs, new and old, to come! Stay tuned, and happy new year!