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!