Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Are Super

Some of the dogs at Orphans of the Storm® are energetic and eager to say hello to anyone and everyone, while others are a little more reserved and need a few minutes to warm up to new people. Either way, what all of them really want is a loving home to call their own. This week, I met both types!

Mary the two-year-old Terrier mix is one of the dogs on the shy side. She seems a bit overwhelmed by the shelter environment and was sitting in the back of her kennel, rather than up at the front to sniff people as they walk by. But when she realized she was coming outside for a walk, she perked right up! Mary walked pretty well on the leash, though since she’s a little nervous she would sometimes stop and duck behind me if she saw or heard something.

Mary is such a cutie

Mary may be shy, but that doesn’t stop her from being super snuggly! Whenever I knelt down next to her, she put her front paws in my lap and gave me a few little doggy kisses. When she wasn’t attempting to climb into my lap, she was leaning against my legs while I pet her and seemed to appreciate the fact that someone was giving her love and attention. Stop by the shelter soon to see if Mary is the next cuddle-buddy for you!

Mary being a good walking companion

Jarvis the one-and-a-half-year-old Hound mix is as outgoing as they come. His short tail is constantly wagging and he’s happy to greet every person he sees. Jarvis has quickly become a volunteer favorite because of his great personality. Jarvis is just barely out of puppyhood, so he still has plenty of energy and would do best with a family that can keep him active and engaged.

Jarvis smiling for the camera

Jarvis, being a Hound mix, always wants to explore everything. We went dashing through the snow, stopping every few feet so Jarvis could sniff around. Jarvis would probably make a good running buddy for anyone looking for a new exercise partner in the new year. Jarvis is sure to bring a smile to your face with his exuberance. A happy-go-lucky pooch like Jarvis won’t stay at the shelter for long, so come in soon to see if Jarvis is the one for you!

Jarvis enjoying the snow under his paws

Cosmo the one-year-old Shepherd mix is an absolutely stunning all-white dog who, unfortunately, is extremely nervous at the shelter. I’ve been getting to know him over the last three weeks by sitting in the outdoor portion of his kennel with him, giving him plenty of treats and words of encouragement. I was thrilled that I could finally take him for a walk this week! Since he’s still young and doesn’t appear to have had the best start in life, Cosmo doesn’t seem particularly comfortable with being on a leash–but the longer we were out together, the better he walked.

Cosmo is such a handsome boy

Cosmo seems very food-oriented and will gently take treats from your hand, then lick your fingers to get the crumbs. He doesn’t mind being pet, especially if it’s nice and gentle. Cosmo just needs an owner who will take the time to build his trust and show him the world isn’t such a scary place. He has so much potential to be a wonderful, loyal companion. I plan on spending time with him every week as long as he’s at the shelter, and you should visit too to get to know Cosmo!

Cosmo has a signature “one ear up, one ear down” look

I also saw Bella, Blush, Corky, Courage, Diamond, Ebbie, Lady, Lucky, and Topaz.

Orphans of the Storm® Has Big Boy Dogs

You know it’s been a cold couple of weeks when 40 degrees feels warm! The dogs at Orphans of the Storm® were eager for a chance to romp in the winter sunshine this week. If you’re looking for a big dog who can keep up with your adventures, there are plenty of options right now!

Charlie the three-year-old Shepherd mix came to the shelter with his brother, Bravos (see below), after their owner got too allergic to keep them. Charlie and Bravos would prefer to be adopted together, but if two big boys are too much for you right now, they can go to separate homes. Charlie is the smaller of the two, but definitely the more energetic one. He was running this way and that way and was thrilled to have the chance to race a dog on the other side of the fence when we were in the off-leash run.

Charlie has such handsome coloring

Charlie is an affectionate boy. Once he had burned off some of his energy, he came bounding over to me so I could pet him, and he thanked me by giving me a few doggy kisses. He was interested in tennis balls and liked chasing after them, but hasn’t quite mastered the second part of ‘fetch’ that involves bringing the ball back! He’s a smart boy, though, so with a little practice he’ll become an expert fetcher. Charlie has a lifetime of experience as a pet and is ready to join his new furever home. If you think that home might be yours, come in soon to say hello to Charlie!

Charlie is all about exploring

Bravos the three-year-old Shepherd mix is Charlie’s (see above) big brother, size-wise. Although he’s a little calmer than Charlie, he is extremely strong–I don’t think he even realizes his own strength. He seems to get along well with children, but the adults in his future home should be the ones responsible for holding onto the leash. Bravos is a handsome boy who just loves getting attention.

Bravos is a big, friendly boy

Bravos is already at the expert level when it comes to playing fetch. He had a fun time chasing after the tennis ball, batting it around in the snow with his front paws, and then dropping it near my feet so I could throw it again. Bravos also likes to give doggy hugs, but might accidentally knock you over with his exuberance if you aren’t paying attention. Bravos hopes he and his brother can find their new home(s) soon, so don’t make them wait too long! On your next visit to the shelter, be sure to say hi to Bravos.

Bravos running over for a doggy hug

Boston the two-year-old American Bulldog mix is a happy dog who seems to want to be able to do everything all at once. He would jump up to give me a doggy hug, then hurry towards the off-leash run, then stop and sniff a pile of snow, and repeat. Boston seems like the type of dog who would absolutely love to have a yard to call his own. His face lit up once he was able to romp freely in the off-leash run.

Boston with his wagging tail

Boston is such a cutie. He’s one of those dogs who looks like he’s smiling all the time. Based on how much his short little tail wags (which is almost constantly), he probably is really smiling! He may bark a bit when he’s inside his kennel, but that’s because he’s saying, “Pick me! Pick me!” Once he was out and about, I didn’t hear a peep. If you’re looking for a fun, playful pooch, come in soon to meet Boston!

Boston says, “I’m ready for my close-up!”

Hooch the two-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux mix is very shy and nervous at the shelter. He was a little resistant to walking on the leash at first and needed a bit of coaxing, but he soon realized that it’s not as scary as he thought and ended up being a pretty good leash-walking companion. Hooch always looks like he’s thinking deep, serious thoughts with that adorable face of his–but then he sticks his tongue out a little bit and you can’t help but laugh.

Hooch with his little tongue sticking out

Hooch needs a patient, understanding owner who will help him come out of his shell. He was already making progress just during our short time together, and seemed to decide that getting love and attention from people is actually a good thing. He stood by my side while I scratched under his chin and pet his back. Everybody I saw walking past Hooch’s kennel mentioned how cute he is, so you better hurry in if you think Hooch might be the pooch for you!

Hooch being very serious

I also saw Bella (who is so sweet), Blush (who has been waiting at the shelter for far too long), Corky (who loves to play with doggy toys), Courage (who is absolutely convinced she is a lapdog, despite her large size), Ebbie (who wants nothing more than a warm bed in a loving home), Rock (who got fully trained when he went to boot camp last year), Scotty (who is ready to become part of a new family), Skipper (who will be the most loyal companion), Tom-Tom (whose resemblance to a hippo will make you smile every time), Topaz (who loves to give doggy hugs), Tucker (who quite possibly loves to give doggy hugs even more!),  and Zha Zha (who would make a good running buddy).

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs in the First Real Snow of the Year

It was a busy day at Orphans of the Storm®, with many pawprints and footprints being left in the freshly fallen snow and many happy adoptions! But there are still plenty of dogs waiting for their future furever family to find them. Meet a few of your snuggly options!

Larry Byrd the four-year-old Boston Terrier mix is a super friendly guy who seems to get along with everybody, including other dogs. He walks pretty well on the leash, though with squishy-faced breeds like Boston Terriers, it’s recommended that they be walked on a harness rather than a regular collar. Larry Byrd had a fun time playing in the snow in the off-leash run and didn’t mind sticking his nose in snow piles to investigate.

Larry Byrd romping in the snow

Larry Byrd is also super affectionate. He is a big fan of giving doggy kisses and makes a cute little snorting nose while he does so. Larry Byrd is also not shy when it comes to sharing personal space. He attempted to climb into my lap and had no problems with me picking him up and carrying him to avoid some of the salt on the sidewalk. Larry Byrd is all about being a companion, and can’t wait for the right companion to come in and adopt him! Stop by the shelter soon to see if Larry Byrd is the pooch for you.

Larry Byrd has the cutest face

Lottie the one-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix is such a little sweetheart. She was originally curled up on her doggy bed inside her kennel and wasn’t too sure about coming out into the cold, but once she was on the leash she was happy to take a walk. Lottie seemed a little shy and nervous at first, but warmed up to me quickly after I gave her a few scratches on the back and behind the ears.

Lottie following her Hound nose

Once Lottie knows you, she turns into quite the snuggle-bug. She’s also a fan of offering doggy kisses and will put her front paws on your lap or lean against you while you pet her. Lottie seems to thrive on attention; she could also use some extra TLC, since she’s both a little nervous and a little skinny. Whatever her past may have been, she’s ready to move on and join a family that she can love for years to come. On your next visit to the shelter, be sure to say hello to Lottie!

Lottie hurrying over for a doggy hug

Luigi the ten-month-old Hound mix seems to be pretty calm and well-behaved for a puppy. He walked nicely on the leash as we made our way to the off-leash run and seems to be past the stage where puppies want to nibble on everything. But don’t let that fool you–Luigi definitely still loves to play! Whether it’s romping in the snow or racing another dog, Luigi is game.

Luigi is a playful pup

Luigi tried his best to get the dog on the other side of the fence to race him: play-bowing, little yips and barks, sticking his paw through the fence, and lots of tail-wagging. Once that dog left, Luigi realized that there was a person (me) with him in the run who was more than happy to give him the attention he wanted. Luigi cuddled up with me and enjoyed a good scratch on the hips. He even smiled! If you’re looking for a fun, happy-go-lucky pup, come in soon to meet Luigi!

Luigi really knows how to smile for the camera!

Chato the four-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is a big, strong boy–but don’t let that discourage you from taking him out for a walk. As long as you don’t mind walking at a quick clip, he doesn’t really pull. But a big boy like Chato would appreciate an owner who can give him the exercise he needs, whether it be long walks, running, or playing in the yard.

Chato is all about the action shot

Chato had such a fun time playing in the snow in the off-leash run. All of my pictures of him ended up being action shots, since he was flying through the air. You can just tell by the look on his face that he was having a blast. After he got a chance to run off his energy, he spent some time with me so I could pet him and tell him what a good boy he is. Chato’s file says that he gets along with children, so he’s more than ready to be your new family member! Come in soon to say hello to Chato.

Chato knows how to smile, too!

Lukas the four-month-old Basset Hound mix is actually one of the dogs I walked last week, but wasn’t up on the Orphans of the Storm® website yet. Now he is, so now I can tell you all about him! This little cutie is still very much a puppy. He’s playful, adventurous, and a little bit of a troublemaker (as demonstrated by him thinking my gloves were a chew toy–while they were still on my hands!).

Possibly Lukas’ first time in the snow!

Lukas is guaranteed to make you smile. Everybody who walks by his kennel stops and exclaims over how adorable he is. Lukas will do his best to jump into your lap and cover you with doggy kisses, and then run off to play. Lukas is currently sharing his kennel with another dog, so he could go to a home with or without a furry playmate. He’ll need some obedience training, since he’s just a pup, but make it into a game and he’ll be an eager learner. If you’re looking for a cute puppy to add to your family, come in quick to meet Lukas!

Lukas is a cute little pup

I also saw Aubrey, Bella (who is such a gentle giant–so sweet, but so sad to find herself back at the shelter), Corky, Dezzie, Joy, Lucky, Scotty, and Tom-Tom.

Orphans of the Storm® Beagle Mixes

It was a snowy/rainy/icy sort of day (which explains the blurriness of the photos this week), but the dogs at Orphans of the Storm® were still happy to get a chance to stretch their legs and cuddle for a bit before warming up and drying off back inside their kennels. I unintentionally ended up walking all older Beagle mixes this week, and true to their Beagle nature, they were all so friendly! Phoebe the nine-year-old Beagle mix is a pretty mellow girl. When I stopped by her kennel to let her out, she politely sniffed my hand and then stretched before trotting out the door. She is super easy to walk on a leash and didn’t try to stray very far. As we waited for one of the off-leash runs to open up, she snuggled up next to me and rested her head on my knee.

Phoebe in the first snow of the new year

Phoebe put her Beagle nose to use once we got inside the run and had a good time exploring underneath the bushes (or maybe she was just trying to stay dry). After a few minutes, she came back over to me for some more snuggling. She even offered a couple of sweet doggy kisses. Phoebe has adorable pointy ears (unlike the usual Beagle floppiness) that go up or down depending on the situation. Stop by the shelter soon and see if this sweet senior is the right match for you!

Phoebe’s eager to spend the cold winter in a warm lap

Utah the seven-year-old Beagle mix is a fun dog to be with. He was off and romping as soon as he got on the leash and happily led the way to the off-leash run. His tail wags pretty much constantly and he just loves being the center of attention. If there is a person nearby, Utah will do his best to get a pat or two and isn’t shy about jumping into an open lap.

Utah hurrying over for some loving

Utah is currently sharing his kennel with Chubs (see below), so he could go to a home with or without another dog. You can even consider adopting Utah and Chubs together! Utah is definitely the more active of the two and had a great time trying to get the dog on the other side of the fence to race him. Utah’s happy-go-lucky personality will make you a happy person too, if you’re the lucky one to adopt him!

Utah ready to climb into my lap

Chubs the ten-year-old Beagle mix is just adorable. He has a round tummy (so his name is very appropriate) and that sweet Beagle face that will make anyone say, “Aww!” He needed a little more convincing to go out in the cold, but didn’t seem to mind once he was moving. He’s generally a pretty slow mover, so he’s easy on a leash as long as you don’t mind a casual stroll vs. a brisk walk.

Chubs being silly by sticking out his tongue

Chubs isn’t quite as demanding as his kennelmate Utah (see above) when it comes to getting attention, but he certainly still wants to be snuggled. While Utah was off racing, Chubs came over to me and enjoyed a good scratch behind the ears and under the chin. One look at that face, and you’ll be ready to scoop him up and bring him home with you! Come into the shelter soon to meet gentle, lovable Chubs.

Chubs is too cute

I also saw Lady, Lucky, Shasta, and Tom-Tom–a great group of senior dogs who are more than ready to settle down in a new home.

Orphans of the Storm® Cats Ring in the New Year

It was a little too chilly to walk the dogs when I visited Orphans of the Storm® on New Year’s Eve Day, so instead I spent some time cozying up in the cat room. This is the best place to warm up this winter–at one point, I had three cats in my lap simultaneously, and more were looking for a place to squeeze in! I sat in a few different spots inside the cat room, and each place I sat had a new group of kitties who were more than happy to cuddle.

This little cutie was the first to curl up in my lap.

This one was close behind.

Cats enjoying their beds by the window.

This kitty looked a little rough around the edges, but just wants someone to love.

There are lots of toys for the cats to play with (but many still wanted to play with the wristband on my camera).

Look at these expert snugglers!

This black-and-white cutie was a purring machine (and also stuck its tongue out when it was happy).

This one made itself quite comfy.

This sweetie has a bad eye, but a loving heart!

Whether you’re looking for a dog or a cat (or both!) to welcome into your home in the new year, Orphans of the Storm® is the place to go!