Orphans of the Storm® Little Dogs

If you’re looking for a dog who is more lap-sized, Orphans of the Storm® has plenty of options for you right now!

Charlie the eight-year-old Chihuahua mix may be a little bark-y when he’s inside his kennel, but that’s just because he wants to make sure you won’t miss him! Once he’s out and about, he’s a happy-go-lucky little guy. When we were in the off-leash run and he saw that I had knelt down to his level, he came scurrying over and flopped right onto his back next to me so I could give him a belly rub. He loves rolling around in the grass and makes silly faces while he does so.

Charlie coming over to say hello

Charlie acts like a tough guy when there are dogs bigger than him nearby, but he gets along great with dogs who are more his size; he was sharing his kennel with another Chihuahua who has since been adopted. Charlie is most definitely a people-dog who likes staying close by rather than going off and doing his own thing. If you’re looking for a cute little companion, come by the shelter soon to meet Charlie!

“I LOVE BELLY RUBS!” says Charlie.

Patches the six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix certainly lives up to that Terrier reputation. This little guy is always on the move. He had a fun time going deep into the bushes in the off-leash run to do some exploring, and then popped out and ran around a bit. He did chase after the tennis ball when I threw it, but he hasn’t quite mastered the whole “bring it back” part. But he’s a smarty, so he’ll certainly be able to learn whatever his new owners teach him!

Patches showing off his patches

Patches is an active guy, but he still knows his manners. He patiently sat for me while waiting for me to get the leash, and once he was on the leash he walked pretty well. Patches is another pooch who gets along well with other dogs. He was sharing his kennel with Louie (who has since been adopted, hurray!). Patches will be sure to keep you entertained, so come in soon and find out if he’s the one for you!

Patches exploring the bushes

Stanley the three-year-old Terrier mix is such a little cutie. I didn’t measure to make sure, but he might be longer than he is tall, which is always adorable! Stanley was ready and waiting for me at the gate to his kennel when he saw me with the leash, and happily set off to lead the way to the off-leash run, where he had a great time sniffing around and stretching his little legs.

Stanley following his nose

Stanley also likes to snuggle. When I sat down on the ground, he climbed into my lap and gave my face a quick sniff. Then he stood next to me for a bit while I scratched his hips and neck, which he seemed to enjoy. His fur is so soft! Stanley has a bit of that Terrier independence in him, but he’ll always come back to you for some love and attention. If small, fluffy, and white (or off-white) are part of your criteria, come in soon to meet Stanley!

Stanley says, “Please love me!”

Joey the three-year-old Feist mix is a happy little guy. He was sharing his kennel with Della (who I met last week at Northbrook Court, and who got adopted while I was walking Joey!), so he could go to a home with or without another dog. Joey was so happy to come for a walk with me that he was jumping up and down, but he settled down nicely once we were on our way.

Joey enjoying the summer sunshine

Joey has such interesting markings, and such a cute face and ears! He’s sure to catch your eye as you walk through the main dog wing. When we found a shady spot in the grass, Joey stood by me so I could give him a nice pat on the back, and he gave me a quick doggy kiss as a thank you. His tail is almost always wagging, and he usually looks like he’s smiling. Let this little guy bring a smile to your face every day by bringing him home with you!

Joey has the most interesting coloring!

I also saw some of my furry friends who can’t exactly be described as “little,” but that just means there’s more of them to love!: Cody, Daisy, Ebbie, Honey Lamb, Rock, Ryla, Scotty, Shasta, and Wilbur.

After I was done with the dogs for the day, I stopped by the new cat room for the first time (which I have been meaning to do for months)! And let me tell you, I have been missing out. I don’t even consider myself to be a cat person, but those 20 minutes were the most relaxing 20 minutes of my week. All you have to do is sit down, and the cats will come to you and snuggle right into your lap and purr and knead and just overall be adorable.

So many cats on cat trees

Even more cats on cat trees

This little cutie is waiting for a forever home

Don’t you just want to take all of them home?

Of course I would find the cat who enjoys belly rubs like a dog

This sweetie kept me company for a while

One lap is plenty of room for two (or more) cats

“Roar!” (or, more accurately, “Yawn!”)

Having a warm and fuzzy cat (or two, or three) in your lap will undoubtedly make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside!

There is also plenty happening off-site over the next few days!

• If you’re interested in becoming a dog walker volunteer, please attend the Shelter Dog Handling Class at Deerfield Public Library on Monday, August 4 at 7pm or Wednesday, August 6 at 10am.
• Orphans of the Storm® dogs and cats will be at their usual place at the Pet Showcase at Northbrook Court on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm.
• Orphans of the Storm® dogs and cats will also be at the Chalet in Wilmette on Sunday, August 2 from 12pm-3pm.
• Even more dogs and cats will be at Port Clinton Square in Highland Park on Sunday, August 2 from 11am-2pm.

Orphans of the Storm® is everywhere!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs and Cats at the Pet Showcase at Northbrook Court

The Orphans of the Storm® Pet Showcase and Gift Wrap has been going strong at Northbrook Court for months, so I’m ashamed to say I only just visited there for the first time this past weekend!

The Orphans of the Storm® Pet Showcase storefront

The Pet Showcase is wonderful, for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it’s great exposure for Orphans of the Storm®; people who are doing their shopping and maybe hadn’t heard of it before can see the name and the pictures in the window and learn about it. Secondly, it gives some of the cats and dogs a chance to get out of the shelter for a few hours and get some much-deserved, one-on-one human attention. Thirdly, it gives people who might not want to visit an animal shelter the chance to still adopt and give a good home to an animal in need.

Posters with happy adoption pictures

Inside the Pet Showcase

When I stopped by the Pet Showcase, there were cats of all ages, including some adorable little kittens! (I didn’t want to turn on my flash and startle them, so I apologize for all of the blurry photos.) But adult cats need loving homes too, and there are plenty to choose from. If there doesn’t happen to be one that catches your eye at the Pet Showcase, there are literally hundreds more waiting to meet you at the shelter.

Cute kitty #1 (whose name is Taz, if I’m remembering correctly)

Cute (sleepy) kitty #2

Cute kitty #3

Cute kitten #1

Cute kitten #2 (whose name is Beetle, if I’m remembering correctly)

There were also plenty of pooches, including some familiar faces!

Rusty greeted me with a big doggy hug and proceeded to attempt to climb into my lap, though he’s a little big for that. So instead, when I knelt next to him, he put his big paws on my shoulders and gave me lots of doggy kisses. Rusty is a lovebug through and through, and he gets along well with other dogs too! As I’ve mentioned before, he shares his kennel with Creek.

Rusty is just the cutest-patootest.

Sky (who still gets called Stewie by volunteers who have been with Orphans of the Storm® for more than two years) is just as affectionate as Rusty, but a little less exuberant about it. He likes to snuggle and give kisses and receive lots of petting on his back and neck. Sky also gets along well with other dogs–in fact, during his first stay at Orphans of the Storm®, he shared his kennel with Precious!

You can see with eyes as blue as his why his name was changed to Sky!

Della the four-year-old Labrador Retriever mix was one of the new furry faces I met at Northbrook Court. She is much smaller than the usual Lab and she uses that to her advantage by being a complete lap dog. Della‘s favorite thing is to get her belly rubbed. In fact, I saw her more on her back than on her feet! Little kids were coming over and giving her kisses and she just loved all of the attention. What an absolute sweetheart!

Della enjoying her belly rubs

Homey the two-year-old Pointer mix is another mellow pooch. He was stationed right by the door of the Pet Showcase, so he got to greet everybody who came in and he did so with a wagging tail. Homey is a gentle boy who enjoyed snacking on some treats, and he could certainly use some more. He’s a little on the skinny side right now. If you’re looking for an addition to your family that will make your house feel a little more “homey,” stop by soon to meet Homey!

Homey being a sweetie

Different dogs and cats get a chance to come to the Pet Showcase each week (the Pet Showcase is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-5pm), so you can stop by every week to see who is there! And, of course, you can always visit the shelter every day of the week to see all of the dogs and cats available for adoption all at once.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs on a Warm Summer Day

It was a hot and humid day at Orphans of the Storm®, as evidenced by all of the lolling tongues you will see in this week’s photos! The dogs were still happy to come outside for a walk, though many of them found a shady spot pretty quickly.

Abby the one-year-old Red Heeler mix is such a little cutie. When I mentioned to one of the staff members that I was going to walk her, I was told that she is a sweet dog–and that turned out to be very true! Abby is the perfect size and has the perfect amount of energy. She’s more than happy to play with you, but equally happy to snuggle in your lap.

Abby has the cutest markings!

Abby hopped right up onto the bench next to me, and she seemed to really enjoy this perch so she could keep an eye on everything. She was very interested in the other dogs who were walking around, watching them with her ears perked, though we never got close enough for her to greet them. At one point, Abby tried to climb into my lap and give me some doggy kisses. If you’re looking for a friendly and adorable pooch, come in soon to meet Abby!

Abby smiling for the camera

Diesel the four-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix is a handsome boy who is, sadly, extremely nervous inside his kennel. He’s not so sure about getting a leash put on for a walk and would probably do best with an owner who will be gentle and understanding in order to help him come out of his shell. Once Diesel is out of his kennel, though, he perks up and becomes a happy, friendly dog.

Diesel is a friendly guy

Diesel is actually pretty good at walking on the leash, despite his initial hesitations. After we walked around for a bit, Diesel found a shady spot under a tree and laid down. When I started to pet him, he rolled over and gave me a big doggy smile while I rubbed his belly. Another volunteer gave Diesel a bath last week and said he was very well-behaved. This sweet boy is ready for his chance at a loving home. Stop by the shelter soon to see if he’s the one for you!

Diesel being a good walking buddy

Charlie the six-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix seems to have two settings: full speed and full stop. This is pretty normal for Jack Russells, and Terriers in general. Charlie likes to run and run, and then stretch out in the shade and catch his breath. Since Charlie’s body is a little longer than the average Jack Russell, him stretching out is especially cute. And that face of his is even cuter!

Charlie watching the dogs in the other run

Charlie currently shares his kennel with another dog, and he was also pretty friendly through the fence with the dogs in the run next to ours, so he could probably go to a home with or without another dog. But the main thing Charlie is looking for is a fun family who will be sure to keep him entertained. And with Charlie as part of your family, you will certainly be entertained as well! If you’re looking for a playful and spunky pup, come in soon to meet Charlie.

Charlie knows how to smile for the camera, too!

Luciano the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is one of those special dogs with one blue eye and one brown eye (like Clint and Elmo!). Luciano is a little rambunctious when he first gets out of his kennel and he especially likes to jump up to say hello, but he listens when you tell him “off” and he settles down after a few minutes, turning into a good walking companion.

Luciano is a big lovebug

Luciano, according to the card on his kennel, gets along with just about everybody, including kids, cats, and other dogs. Although I didn’t get to see him interact with other dogs while I had him out, I can certainly believe that he’d be a very good boy. Luciano is a happy dog whose tail is always wagging. He doesn’t understand how he ended up at the shelter, but Luciano is more than ready to show his future owners what a great addition he would be!

Luciano enjoying the warm summer day

I also saw my furry friends Corky, Dezzie, Emerald, Lucy, Molly, Ryla, Scotty, Shard, and Wilbur.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Want to Celebrate Independence Day by Finding a Family

The dogs at Orphans of the Storm® are happy to celebrate our country’s independence this 4th of July, but they’re also ready to find a dependable family! Orphans of the Storm® will be closed on the 4th, but will be open during its normal hours (11am-5pm) all weekend. Maybe save some of your BBQ leftovers for your new pooch!

Shogun the twelve-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is still plenty spry for his age. He may have some gray fur around his nose, but other than that he isn’t showing any signs of aging. When he first came out of his kennel, he was off and running and couldn’t wait to have some fun in the off-leash run. As has been the case with other dogs at the shelter far too often recently, Shogun’s previous owners could no longer care for him. Shogun is more than ready to find his new, permanent family.

Shogun using the bush as a back-scratcher

Shogun is a friendly guy who greets people with a wagging tail. He enjoys getting his back, chin, and ears scratched, and will stay right by you while you pet him. Shogun loves getting his back scratched so much, in fact, that he will use the branches of a bush to do so! Do you have bushes in your backyard? Shogun would love them. Now is the perfect time to give this senior pooch a chance at a happy home in which to spend his golden years. If you’re looking for a big lovebug, come in soon to meet Shogun!

Shogun keeping an eye on things

Louie the two-year-old Chihuahua mix is a playful cutie who is full of energy. Louie isn’t the type of little dog who wants to be carried around in a purse–Louie wants to use his own four legs to get around, and get around he does. It was hard to get a good picture because he was darting this way and that way! Louie also doesn’t let his size deter him; he seems to be an adventurous sort.

Louie the cutie

Louie may like to run around, but even so he was perfectly fine with me picking him up and holding him (though he was more than happy to spring back onto the ground when I was done). Once he gets his playtime for the day, he’ll be happy to join you for some snuggles. If you’re looking for a little dog with big-dog-sized energy, Louie might just be the pooch for you! Stop by the shelter soon to find out.

Louie is a good walker

Brooklyn the one-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix is another pooch who is full of energy, but she has an excuse: she is most definitely still a puppy! And all this puppy wants to do is find a family who will play with her and give her plenty of attention. When you walk by Brooklyn’s kennel to say hello, her entire body starts wiggling because her tail wags so hard from side to side. Talk about one happy dog!

Brooklyn taking a break from racing

Since Brooklyn is still a puppy, she hasn’t quite mastered her leash manners yet–but I’m sure she would be an eager learner, especially with food as a reward. Brooklyn used that doggy nose of hers to unearth a treat from under the hay inside the off-leash run. Brooklyn also loves toys and was getting jealous when the dog in the run next to ours got to chase a squeaky, so I found a toy of her own for her to play with. If you’re thinking about adding a big pup to your family, please consider Brooklyn!

Brooklyn quenching her thirst

Sylvester the six-year-old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix is such a sweet, calm boy. He was by far the best leash-walker of the day, happily staying by my side and rarely pulling. Sylvester is currently sharing his kennel with another dog, so he could go to a home with or without another furry friend. Sylvester has such soft, pretty, surprisingly curly fur and an adorable, lovable face.

Sylvester is one handsome boy

Sylvester likes to snuggle. When I sat down on a bench, he put his face right into my lap and gave me a big doggy grin while I scratched his neck and ears. He then proceeded to walk underneath my legs and stand there while I continued to pet him. This guy is certainly companion material! Come by the shelter soon to see if Sylvester could be the next member of your family.

Sylvester in the sunshine

I also saw some of my favorite seniors Archie, Ebbie, Emerald, and Scotty, and two of my favorite active buddies Molly and Rock (who, like Zeus, is back from training and walks so much better on the leash now, especially after he’s had a chance to run off his energy).

And the day after I visited the shelter, I stopped by Orphans of the Storm®’s Pet Showcase at Northbrook Court! There was a great group of adoptable cats there that day, and there are many (MANY!) more adoptable cats waiting in the brand new cat wing at the shelter.