Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Get a Little Chilly

I met some very lovable dogs at Orphans of the Storm® this week! (Of course, I do that every week 🙂 )

Biscuit the five-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever mix is one of the sweetest, gentlest dogs I’ve walked at the shelter recently. He walks pretty slowly, so you never have to worry about him pulling on the leash. Even when we got to the off-leash run and he was free to roam, he heeled without being asked. Maybe “Shadow” is a more appropriate name for him, because that’s what he’ll be for his new lucky owner!

Biscuit is a big, sweet doggy

Biscuit is also an affectionate pooch. Whenever I knelt down to be on his level, he’d get himself as close to me as possible and then give me a few nice doggy kisses. When you scratch the side of his neck, he’ll give you a tail wag as thanks. This big boy would make a great companion for just about anybody. Come in soon to meet Biscuit!

Biscuit has such a lovable face

Duke the six-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix has the winning combination of looks and personality. Duke will grab your attention with his handsome brindle coat, and then he’ll seal the deal with his happy-go-luckiness. He did a good job while walking on the leash but was very happy to be able to romp in the off-leash run. This is a dog who would certainly appreciate a backyard of his own.

Duke having a good time in the snow

Duke is of a playful sort. He had fun racing the dog on the other side of the fence and is eager to greet any new person who comes by. Duke also enjoys being in the middle of whatever action might be going on so he can lend a helping paw. This well-behaved boy is more than ready to get settled in a new home with a new family. Could that be with you?

Duke squinting in the bright winter sun

Zeus the nine-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix may look like all brawn, but behind his exterior is a sweet boy who just wants to love and be loved in return. His whole body wiggles when he wags his tail, which is most of the time because he’s a happy pooch. He was a great walking buddy and would love to go on walks around his new neighborhood with his new family. A backyard of his own would be an added bonus!

Zeus being a good walking buddy

Zeus just loves getting attention. He would stand right next to me and lean against my legs while I pet him, and then lift his chin up and give me doggy kisses as a thank you. There may be some doggy drool involved, but that’s pretty minor compared to the happiness Zeus is sure to bring to his new furever home. Come in soon to meet Zeus!

Zeus keeping an eye on things

Shasta the eight-year-old Border Collie mix is very nervous inside her kennel, but once she’s out and about she’s like an entirely new dog, with a wagging tail and smiling face and everything. She’s on the large size for a Border Collie, but is just as attentive and intelligent as a purebred and would probably enjoy some outdoor activities to help shed a few pounds (once the weather gets warmer, of course!).

Shasta with her tail wagging

Shasta just needs someone who will help her come out of her shell. She doesn’t understand how she ended up at the shelter, and will be forever thankful to the person or people who take her home. She’s a gentle girl who enjoys a nice pat on the back or scratch under the chin. Give Shasta a chance to show you how wonderful she can be, and you won’t be disappointed!

Shasta sniffing her way through the snow

I also spent time with Molly, the other Molly, Lucky, Akiva, Wilbur, and Rosco.

Orphans of the Storm® Has Hounds of All Sizes

There are some handsome Hound dogs waiting to be discovered at Orphans of the Storm® right now!

Ranger the two-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix falls into the “medium-sized” category this week. Ranger was very happy to come out and play in the snow, and did pretty well walking on the leash. Once he was in the off-leash run, though, he was ready to stretch those legs and ran a couple of laps before settling down.

Ranger using his Hound nose

Ranger is a sweet boy. In fact, he gave me my only doggy kiss of the day, right on my chin. Although Ranger loves to run around, he will come to a full and complete stop as soon as you start to pet him, and will stay right by your side until you stop. He isn’t too particular about where you pet him: back, chin, ears–it’s all good to Ranger! If you’re looking for an active dog to keep you company on your outdoor adventures, come in soon to meet Ranger!

Ranger loved the snow

Ralphie the three-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix is a big, big boy. The paw prints he left in the snow were huge! Ralphie was even more excited than Ranger to come outside, and he had me running through the snow behind him before we made it to the off-leash run. Ralphie seems like the kind of dog who gets along with just about everybody.

Ralphie coming over to investigate the camera

Ralphie, being a Hound, has plenty of endurance and would need plenty of exercise in his new home, whether that be a nice long walk or a big yard to play in. But once he’s gotten his exercise, he’ll be ready to cuddle up with you and enjoy all of the love and attention you can give him. He has that great Hound howl, but only uses it on occasion. If you’re looking for a big dog with a big heart, Ralphie could be the one for you!

Ralphie is a big, lovable pooch

Buddy the ten-year-old Beagle mix was the smallest of the Hounds I met this week. This little guy is all sorts of adorable. To Buddy, age is just a number. He was romping through the snow even though it was as deep as his legs, if not deeper, and wasn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Buddy will follow his nose wherever it takes him!

Buddy sniffing in the snow

Buddy wanted to say hello to all of the other people and dogs we encountered while we were out, so “shy” is definitely not a word I would use to describe him. Also, Buddy’s tail is wagging pretty much all the time. He’s a happy pooch, but would be so much happier in a comfortable, loving home. He’s the perfect size for snuggling and would make a great companion. On your next visit to the shelter, be sure to stop by Buddy’s kennel!

Buddy has the cutest little face

Cupcake the five-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix may not fall into the Hound category, but she is just too cute to keep out! Cupcake is friendly with people and dogs alike; when she first arrived at the shelter, she was sharing her kennel with two other dogs who have since been adopted. Even though Cupcake had just met me moments before, she had no problems with me picking her up and carrying her (so she wouldn’t have to walk in the salt on the sidewalk).

Cupcake enjoying the outdoors

Cupcake absolutely loves to play fetch. She found a tennis ball inside the off-leash run and had a great time chewing on it and chasing it. She was very good at bringing the ball right back to me, and I had to be the one to end the game because I was afraid her little paws were going to get too cold! Cupcake is another pooch who is great at cuddling. Terriers have even more energy than Hounds, though, so Cupcake would be happiest in an active family with plenty of playtime. If you think that might be you, come in soon and get to know Cupcake!

Cupcake loves her tennis balls

Some other pooches who enjoyed the snow this week were Wilbur, Rosco, Jade, Keini, Winter, Trixie, Akiva, Lucky, Corky, Topaz, and Ebbie.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs in the Wintertime

There are lots of new dogs at Orphans of the Storm® ready to meet their new families!

Onyx the one-year-old Rottweiler/Mountain Cur mix is a shy little guy who just wants to love and be loved. It took a little bit of persuading to get him to come out and walk with me, and he’s on the skittish side, but that’s because Onyx is pretty new to the shelter and I can only imagine what an overwhelming situation that must be for a little puppy like him. But Onyx did eventually start walking with me, and he even ran around the off-leash run for a bit.

Onyx not quite sure about this whole ‘going for a walk’ concept

Onyx, shy as he was, warmed up pretty quickly. He hopped up onto the bench and didn’t mind when I sat down next to him and pet the top of his head. Towards the end of our walk, I knelt down next to Onyx and he tucked his head under my arms, resting his chin on my legs, and it became quite clear that all Onyx needs is someone (or multiple someones) who will treat him kindly. He’ll be forever grateful if you give him the opportunity. Come in soon to meet Onyx and help bring him out of his shell!

Onyx ended up enjoying the outdoors

Bufford the eight-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix is just another confirmation of what I’ve been saying all along: older black Labs at Orphans of the Storm® are the best. Bufford looks rather forlorn when he’s inside his kennel, but once you get him out on a leash, he perks up and his tail starts wagging. He stayed right by my side and enjoyed getting a nice pat on the back and a good scratch under the chin.

Bufford the big, lovable boy

Bufford is also a great example of a gentle giant (giant enough that he may need to go on a diet). He never pulled on the leash, he greeted an overenthusiastic puppy with just a pleasant tail wag, and he caused everyone who saw him (and there were a lot of people at the shelter!) to say what a sweetie he is. Don’t let prejudices against black dogs or older dogs prevent you from getting to know this really great pooch. Bufford is ready for a new furever home.

Bufford says, “Look at how sweet I am!”

Smokey the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix ended up at Orphans of the Storm® due to very sad circumstances: his owner passed away and no other family members were able to take care of him. What that means for his future owners, though, is that Smokey already has two years of experience as a family pet, is housebroken, and knows some basic commands (and can certainly learn more).

Smokey is quite the handsome fella

Smokey is pretty strong, but most likely has better leash manners than I experienced since he was just so excited at the opportunity to go for a walk (as is the case with many of the dogs at the shelter). When he’s settled in a new home with daily exercise and playtime, Smokey will be a loyal companion. And, of course, I can’t talk about Smokey without mentioning that absolutely adorable face of his (even when it has some slobber on it). Visit the shelter soon and give Smokey the second chance he deserves.

Smokey sniffing in the snow

I also spent time with my buddies Wilbur, Rosco, Keini, and Shamrock (who is extra-special to me because she was the very first dog I walked at Orphans of the Storm®!).

Orphans of the Storm® Puppies

One-year-old dogs are still puppies in my book, and Orphans of the Storm® currently has plenty of pups to choose from!

Josie the one-year-old Basset Hound mix is very lovable. Everyone knows by now that I’m a softy when it comes to dogs who want belly rubs, and Josie absolutely loves them. She didn’t care about the ice or the snow–she just flipped right over and gave me a big doggy grin while I rubbed her tummy. And she has just the cutest face!

The snow may have been deeper than Josie is tall, but Josie didn’t mind!

Josie was originally sharing her kennel with another dog who recently got adopted, so she is both dog-friendly and people-friendly. However, Josie would do best in a single-person home because she gets very attached to her person. And what’s wrong with having a loyal companion? Nothing! Josie was also a good walking companion who would enjoy a good walk around the neighborhood with her new owner. Come in soon to meet Josie!

Josie enjoying one of many belly rubs

Nicki the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix has pretty good manners for such a young dog. When I came up to her kennel with the leash, instead of jumping up and down like a lot of the dogs do, she laid down and waited patiently for the leash to be put on. Since she’s still young, she could probably use some training–but she certainly seems eager to please!

All of Nicki’s pictures are action shots

Nicki has plenty of puppy energy, of course. She had a great time racing Diamond along the fence between the runs, and Diamond got tired long before Nicki did. Nicki has also become a quick favorite of the other volunteers at the shelter, since she’s such a sweetie. Don’t let Nicki spend too much longer at the shelter–she deserves a home to call her own!

Nicki takes the lead in her race with Diamond!

Hutch the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix was a little shy when he first came out of his kennel (he seemed more interested in standing between my feet rather than walking with me), but he warmed up quickly. And he certainly didn’t mind the snow–in fact, he wanted to jump right into the deepest pile! He looked a little disappointed when I didn’t follow.

Hutch is one good-looking pup

Hutch is just the cutest. I love his spots, his ears, his face–everything! Hutch was also politely interested in Corky on the other side of the fence, but was more interested in sticking his nose into the snow and finding a fun scent trail to follow. Hutch enjoyed a good scratch on the back and was a pretty good leash-walker. Stop by the shelter soon to say hello to Hutch!

Hutch enjoying the snow

Some other dogs who enjoyed the snow on this chilly day were Wilbur, Rosco, Jade, Ebbie, Keini, Molly, and Trixie (who loves to catch and eat snowballs in place of her favorite tennis balls).

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Go Ice Skating

It was a cold, slippery day at Orphans of the Storm®, but four dog paws seem to do much better on ice than two human feet!

Gramps the eight-year-old Hound mix might look like a senior citizen, but don’t let his appearance or his name fool you! Gramps is eight years young, in his humble opinion, and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon. He led the way to the off-leash run and happily put that hound nose to good use as he sniffed his way through the snow and the bushes.

Gramps using that nose to lead the way

Gramps likes to be with people. Even though his nose led him astray every once in a while, he would always come back to me for a nice scratch behind the ears and he offered me a sweet doggy kiss on the nose a couple of times. Whenever you pet Gramps, his tail will wag nonstop because he’s so happy to get the attention he most certainly deserves. If you’re looking for an older gentleman who still has plenty of pep in his step, come in soon to meet Gramps!

Gramps following a scent trail

Lina the seven-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is a very gentle dog. She waited patiently while I put her leash on, and walked nicely once we were out and about. It was a little hard to tell if she was shy or just cold because she wasn’t too sure about going for a walk, but she warmed up to both the temperature and me soon enough.

Lina is such a pretty girl

Lina enjoyed exploring the off-leash run and had a fun time racing with the dogs on the other side of the fence (and nobody slipped!). Lina came over to me for a nice pat on the back and touched her nose to mine–not quite a doggy kiss, but close! This pretty girl is ready and waiting for a family to find her and welcome her into their home in the new year.

Lina wondering why there is ice in the water bowl

Lael the two-year-old Chihuahua/Corgi mix is a cutie-patootie with ears that almost seem too big for her head, but that’s what makes her so adorable! Lael is a little furball of happiness who was more than ready to come outside and play. Those short legs sure can move quickly when they want to.

Lael keeping me company on the bench

Lael is mostly interested in cuddling. After she took a lap around the off-leash run, she hopped up next to me on the bench and, after I scratched her chin for a moment, climbed into my lap and snuggled into my arms. How could a pooch so cute and lovable still be at the shelter? Lael will find a spot in your heart just as soon as she’ll find a spot in your lap. Come to the shelter soon to meet her!

Little Lael being too cute

And Happy New Year from all of the pooches at Orphans of the Storm®! May this new year bring new furever homes to all!