Orphans of the Storm Dogs® Would Be Thankful for a Family

The dogs (and cats) at Orphans of the Storm® are certainly thankful that they have a roof over their heads and meals every day, but being in a kennel just isn’t the same as being in a loving home with a family to call their own. This holiday season, make a new furry friend forever thankful and forever grateful by adopting!

Liberty the five-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix is very mellow and calm. Most of the time I pass her kennel, she’s curled up on her doggy bed. It even took some convincing to get her to come out for a walk! But once she was on the leash, her head was up and her tail was wagging. She’s a great leash-walking buddy who never tries to stray very far from her person.

Liberty is such a sweetie

Liberty turns into quite a snuggler once she gets to know you (which, for her, just means a few minutes of walking around together). When I knelt down to her level, she put her nose right up to mine and happily stayed by my side while I pet her. She seems a little unsure of new things (like the new pebbles in the off-leash run), but with some encouraging, she comes out of her shell. Liberty was previously sharing her kennel with a dog who has since been adopted, so she could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’re looking for a real sweetie, come in soon to meet Liberty!

Liberty not so sure about those pebbles

Ginger the three-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix was adopted but returned because her new family realized they didn’t have enough time for her. Ginger is like a more active version of Liberty–she was more than ready to come out for a walk and took the lead on our way to the off-leash run. Once there, she did a little bit of racing with the dog on the other side of the fence and enjoyed exploring in the bushes.

Ginger’s sweet face

Ginger is super cute and super affectionate. She attempted to climb into my lap and succeeded in giving me several doggy kisses. When I sat down on the bench, she hopped up to join me for a moment before going back to following her Hound nose. She has that signature Hound voice, but doesn’t use it too often. Ginger is ready to commit to a new family, and hopes that her new family will be just as committed to her. Stop by the shelter soon to meet Ginger!

Ginger at attention

Cinder the five-year-old German Wirehaired Pointer mix is full of energy. In fact, I thought she was still a puppy because of the way she was racing around. Most of my pictures of Cinder turned out be action shots that were more of a black-and-gray blur. This is a girl who likes adventure, as shown by her attempting to climb on top of the water bowl stand, rather than just stand next to it to get a drink.

Cinder says, “It’s playtime!”

Cinder is a pooch who just wants to play. She had such a fun time racing the different dogs that came into the run next to ours, and barked in disappointment if they stopped or went away. She doesn’t quite seem to have mastered the concept of ‘fetch’ yet, but once she does, she will be great at it. Cinder was a little wound up when she was first on the leash, but after she got a chance to expend her energy, she turned into an easier walking buddy. If you’re looking for an energetic companion, look no further than Jordan!

Cinder on the move!

I also saw Baylor, Corky, Daka, Javan, Lucy, Ranger, Rocky, Rosco, Shamrock, Shasta, Shogun, Sweet Pea, Topaz, and Tucker.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Want a Cozy Winter

It was a bit of a chilly day at Orphans of the Storm®, but these pooches didn’t mind! They were happy to be out and about. But I’m sure they would all be even happier to have a home to call their own this winter, where they can spend plenty of time snuggling with their new families.

Yolanda the four-year-old Great Pyrenees mix is a big (and I do mean big) sweetheart. Everybody we saw while we were out said, “Wow, that’s a big dog!” and Yolanda happily wagged her tail at the attention. She can pull a bit when she’s walking on the leash, but that’s just because her steps are so much longer! Yolanda is a playful pooch who enjoyed romping around the off-leash run and using the bushes to scratch that hard-to-reach spot on her back.

Yolanda being a friendly girl

Yolanda is under the impression that she can be a lapdog. She just loves to snuggle. Once she had spent her initial burst of energy, she came trotting over to where I was kneeling, rested her big head on my shoulder, and tried her best to get all of her paws into my lap. When she realized that arrangement wasn’t going to work, she just gave me a couple of doggy kisses and settled for a nice scratch behind the ears. Yolanda is sure to catch your attention as you walk through the shelter, so take some time to get to know her and see what a wonderful family companion she can be!

Yolanda using the bush as a back-scratcher

Buck the four-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is quite the cutie. He was very excited when he realized it was his turn to go for a walk, and it turns out that he is a great walking buddy! He stayed pretty close to me and didn’t pull much at all. Buck always has a sweet expression on his face that just makes you want to give him a big hug. He also has cute white ‘socks’ on all four of his paws!

Buck’s sweet face

Buck definitely seems like a people-dog. Although he was happy to run around the off-leash run, if I ever reached out to pet him, he would stop moving and stay by my side. Buck is also a leaner, so while I was petting him, he would keep leaning onto me. Buck is at an ideal age to join a new family–he’s old enough to be well out of his puppy phase, but plenty young enough to have lots of fun exploring new things and going on nice walks. Come by the shelter soon to see if Buck is the pooch for you!

Buck enjoying the outdoors

Wilder the one-year-old Hound/Labrador Retriever mix is definitely still a puppy, in pretty much every sense. He has big paws that he doesn’t quite know what to do with (watching him run can be really entertaining), he has lots of enthusiasm for just about everything, and he absolutely loves attention. Wilder will certainly bring a smile to your face with all of his puppy antics. For example, he started to take a drink from one of the water bowls in the off-leash run, but decided that wasn’t enough for him. So he started splashing around with his front paws and ended up tipping one of the bowls over. So silly!

Wilder before he tipped over the water bowl

Wilder is in the process of learning to come when called, and when he does so, he’ll basically crash right into you with all of his enthusiasm and then hang out in your lap for a moment while receiving praise and petting. He’s a smart boy who will be eager to learn new tricks and show off his skills. Wilder is currently sharing his kennel with Myra (such a sweetie!), so he could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’re looking for a fun young dog to bring into your home, be sure to say hello to Wilder!

Here comes Wilder!

Cara the ten-year-old Beagle mix is just adorable. Her face has gotten a little gray with age, and she has a bit of a round tummy and a constantly wagging tail. She’s very easy to walk (though, being a Beagle, she’d sometimes prefer to follow her nose than follow the person at the other end of the leash) and seems pretty happy-go-lucky. Cara would prefer to be the only dog in her new home, and would probably do best in a low-key adult home so she can enjoy her golden years in a relaxing environment.

Cara could be your next best buddy!

Cara is another pooch who thinks she’s a lapdog, but in her case, she actually fits! When I first knelt down next to her, she put her front paws on my legs and gave me a few doggy kisses. Later on our walk, I sat down in the grass and she settled down right next to me, again putting her front paws in my lap. Cara isn’t asking for much–she doesn’t need too much exercise, and she’s happy to just be a companion. If you’re looking for a calmer, older pooch who can keep you warm this winter, come in soon to meet Cara!

Cara the cutiepie

I also saw Ares, Casey (who is so snuggly!), Corky, Courage (who is convinced that she’s a lapdog), Daisy (who is so easy-going), Dezzie, Ebbie, Luciano, Lucky, Lucy, Mack (as promised last week–he comes when called if you have a treat, knows how to sit, and walks well on the leash), Ranger, Rock, Rocky (who has a face that will automatically make you smile), Scotty, Shamrock, Shasta, Tom-Tom (who gives the best hugs!), and Zoey. So many great choices! The best way to choose is to come into the shelter and see who chooses you!

Orphans of the Storm® Celebrates Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and the senior dogs (and cats!) at Orphans of the Storm® are ready to celebrate all month long with plenty of adoptions! I compiled a list of Senior Dogs just a couple of months ago, but there are new dogs to be added to that list–and, I’m happy to say, almost half of the dogs I profiled then have since been adopted!

Note: The dogs below are listed in the order they arrived at the shelter, so long-term residents are first.

Shamrock the eight-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier is, as you may know, the first dog I ever walked at Orphans of the Storm®–so, of course, she holds a very special place in my heart. She has been at the shelter for over six years now, which is far too much time. Shamrock may not get along with other dogs, but she certainly gets along great with people! Shamrock has a beautiful brindle coat and warm, expressive eyes. She’s a good walking buddy and just wants to be someone’s companion and have a home to call her own. If you don’t mind having just one dog in your house at a time, let Shamrock show you that one dog can give you as much love as you could ever want.

Shamrock

Corky the eight-year-old Shepherd mix is such a good boy. I see him out and about almost every weekend and have walked him plenty of times myself. He’s a great leash-walking buddy and would love to go on long walks with his new family. He also knows a few commands, and will happily sit for you even if you don’t have a treat to offer in return (though hopefully Corky’s future family will spoil him with lots of treats!). Corky loves attention and will stay by your side as long as you’re petting him.

Corky

Winter the seven-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is one of the most affectionate dogs you’ll find at the shelter. She will cover your face in doggy kisses with her tail wagging the entire time. Winter also seems like she is very eager and willing to learn new tricks. She quickly became an expert at climbing the agility bridge in the off-leash run and you could just see how proud of herself she was. Just think of what other fun things she could learn! Winter has beautiful, all-white fur and is on the smaller side, which makes snuggling that much easier.

Winter

Benny the seven-year-old Terrier mix is one of my favorites at the shelter, and he cemented that spot after he and I went to this year’s Happy Halloween Pooch Parade together. Benny is super easy to walk (and doesn’t need too much exercise anyway), super easy to pick up and carry (if need be), super easy on car rides (just settles in and makes himself comfy), and super adorable! Benny goes to lots of off-site events and, if the Pooch Parade was any indication, gets spoiled with affection and treats by anyone who sees him. Benny could be the ideal companion for an older person who isn’t necessarily up for talking long walks and playing fetch all day, because Benny is content to spend most of his time cuddling.

Benny

Gypsy the seven-year-old Miniature Pinscher mix is a little cutiepie. Gypsy gets along great with other dogs (especially ones who are closer to her size) and has shared her kennel with several dogs who have been adopted. Why does Gypsy keep getting passed over? It’s a mystery to me! She may be a little reserved at first, but once Gypsy gets to know you, she’s happy to snuggle. The last time I walked her, she tried to jump into my lap and give me doggy kisses as soon as I knelt down to put her leash on!

Gypsy

Mack the seven-year-old American Bulldog mix was such a sweetheart when I walked him–but, I’m ashamed to say, I haven’t walked him since then. I will have to fix that on my next visit! Mack may do some barking when he’s inside his kennel, but that’s most likely because he’s nervous. Mack came from a family who had to give him up when they moved to a building that didn’t allow dogs, so the shelter is a strange environment for him and he misses his family. How thankful Mack will be to the new family that comes along and discovers what a great pooch he is!

Mack

Shasta the eight-year-old Border Collie mix is a sweet girl who becomes even sweeter the more you get to know her. She gets a little nervous when new people come to her kennel, but once she’s out and about on her leash, she’s a happy girl with a wagging tail. Shasta could probably benefit from going home with a family who will take her on nice, long walks so she can shed a few pounds. She’s a good walker, so she won’t mind the extra exercise at all!

Shasta

Daisy the seven-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is as happy and bright as her name indicates. She’s a volunteer favorite because of her easy-going personality, and volunteers are always showing her off to potential adopters; the right one just hasn’t come along yet. She’s a good leash-walking buddy, she gets along with other dogs, she’s affectionate–what more can you ask for in a pooch? Her breed may have a negative stereotype, but Daisy will proudly show you that stereotypes can be wrong. She’s a lover, not a fighter!

Daisy

Scotty the eight-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix is another pooch who came from a family that could no longer take care of him. That just means that Scotty is ready to quickly settle back into family life again! He’s a pretty laid-back guy who walks well on the leash and loves to be showered with affection–and he’ll shower you with doggy kisses right back. Scotty recently had some work done on his knee, but you wouldn’t even be able to tell from looking at him; he walks like there was never any problem in the first place. Let Scotty show you just how much of a pro he is at being a family pet!

Scotty

Daka the seven-year-old Shepherd mix is a big, big boy who doesn’t believe that he falls into the “senior” category. He’s always up for going on a walk, and he’s always up for playing with toys. His official photo on the shelter’s website features him carrying a toy, and the first time I walked him he wouldn’t let go of the stuffed monkey he found. Just think of how happy Daka would be to have a full set of toys in his future home! That tail of his would never stop wagging.

Daka

Joanie the eight-year-old Beagle mix is just the sweetest. You can tell by looking at her that her life hasn’t always been the easiest, but she always has the nicest expression on her face that shows she’s plenty hopeful about the future. Joanie has shared her kennel with several other dogs so far, so she could go to a home with or without a furry friend. Mostly, she just wants to go to a home that will love her. (I’m in the process of trying to convince my family to come in and meet her, but seeing as our current dog isn’t overly fond of other dogs, I certainly won’t be upset if someone else comes in and adopts her first!)

Joanie

Rocky the seven-year-old American Bulldog mix is yet another pooch who came from a family that could no longer care for him. Although Rocky misses his old family, he certainly isn’t shy about getting to know new people. Rocky will happily offer doggy kisses to anyone, and has been known to roll over for belly rubs with a giant doggy grin on his face while he wriggles with happiness. Rocky still has plenty of energy and plenty of playfulness and would love to have his own yard to romp around in. This cutie’s face will make you smile as soon as you see him.

Rocky

The pooches that I profiled during my previous Senior Dogs post who are still available for adoption are: Ebbie, Akiva, Rosco, Lucky, Lady, Tom-Tom, and Shogun.

Orphans of the Storm® Hounds, and a Collie

You can always find a wide variety of breeds at Orphans of the Storm®, but there just so happens to be quite the collection of Hounds right now! Orphans of the Storm® also gets its share of purebreds–you just have to keep an eye out if there’s a particular breed you’re looking for!

Rigby the one-year-old Redbone Coonhound mix is a very polite pooch. He waited patiently while his leash was put on, he walked pretty nicely on the way to the off-leash run, and he gave the dog in the run next to ours a friendly sniff and tail wag. Rigby has a bit of a crooked tail, but that doesn’t stop him from wagging it almost constantly. It wagged whenever he saw a new person or a new dog.

Rigby has such pretty fur!

Rigby enjoyed following his nose around the run and investigating behind the bushes. When it was time to put the leash back on, though, Rigby’s attention turned to me. He even decided after a few minutes on our walk that he was comfortable enough to give me a nice doggy kiss. Rigby has such a cute, sweet face and a sweet personality to match. Come by the shelter soon to meet Rigby!

Rigby just being a Hound

Winnie the one-year-old Hound mix is a playful little girl. She was stretched out on her doggy bed when I first stopped by her kennel, but as soon as she realized she was going for a walk, she was up and at ’em! Since Winnie is still in her puppy phase and probably hasn’t had too much training, her leash manners aren’t the best–but she is certainly ready to learn.

Winnie knows she’s a cutie

Winnie is a dog that will make you smile. She has a funny habit of jumping around and then sitting perfectly. When you start petting her, she will lean all of her weight (which isn’t very much) against you so you can pet as much of her as possible. She is certainly a people-dog! She thought another volunteer’s water bottle was a toy, but didn’t mind when I took it away from her. Instead, she just wanted to cuddle. This cutie-patootie is more than ready to join a family and bring them years of happiness. Stop by the shelter soon to see if Winnie is the girl for you!

Winnie is such a good sitter (though you may want to discourage her from sitting on your table at home)

Old Red the six-year-old Redbone Coonhound mix is a Hound through and through. If you’re looking for a dog who will happily hit the trails with you, Old Red would be an excellent candidate. He has plenty of energy and plenty of endurance, so he would love to go to a home that will give him plenty of exercise. He would also love a home with a big yard (preferably one with a high fence) that he can explore.

Old Red likes to stay active

Old Red is all about following his nose. While we were in the off-leash run, he went to the back corner where the woods meet the edge of the shelter. There must have been something in the woods, because Old Red did the signature Hound howl and very much wanted to climb over the fence to find whatever it was. Old Red reminded me of the dogs in Where the Red Fern Grows, which is quite the compliment! Come in soon to say hello to Old Red!

Old Red in the autumn sunshine

Lassie the nine-year-old Rough Collie is an absolute sweetheart. I thought a purebred Collie would have been adopted the second it came into the shelter, but for some strange reason, Lassie is still here. What’s not to love about her? She is super gentle, super easy to walk on the leash, and just an overall super dog who would make her namesake proud! She seems a little sad at the shelter right now, but she will certainly cheer up when she finds her new family.

This Lassie will rescue you once you rescue her!

Lassie is such an easy dog to get along with. Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month at Orphans of the Storm®? Lassie’s age might be the only thing that’s prevented her from being adopted already, but there are so many benefits to adopting an older dog like Lassie. As I mentioned, she is extremely calm and knows her manners. She knows what it takes to be a good family pet. All she needs is a family that’s willing to welcome her into a new furever home. If you think that home could be yours, come in quickly to meet Lassie!

Lassie might just be the prettiest dog at the shelter right now

I also saw my furry friends Ares, Corky, Daisy (who gets along well with other dogs), Ebbie, Javan (who is such a good boy–I have no idea why he keeps getting passed over!), Luciano (who loves people and isn’t shy about showing it), Lucy, Rosco, Scotty, Shamrock (who has been at the shelter five years too long), Shasta, Shogun (a great example of a senior dog who still has plenty of pep in his step), Sweet Pea, Tom-Tom, Topaz (who is super affectionate), Tucker (who gave me a sweet doggy hug), Wilbur (my favorite!), and Zoey.