Orphans of the Storm® Puppies and Pups-at-Heart

Last week we featured some of the older dogs at Orphans of the Storm®, and so this week it’s only fair for younger dogs to get their turn!

Bolt the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is a cute boy who still has that puppy spunk. He was eager to hit the walking trail and for the most part he walked pretty well on the leash, though he did occasionally pull a little. If I stopped walking, though, Bolt would immediately come back to my side and lean against my legs so I could pet him.

Bolt enjoying the walking trail

Bolt likes people and is happy to give you doggy kisses. He doesn’t seem like a big fan of other dogs, though. Bolt would do best in an adult home with people who can give him some training, since he’s still pretty young and hasn’t learned all of his manners yet. If you’re looking for a young dog who likes to snuggle, come in soon to meet Bolt!

Bolt romping around

Reggie the seven-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix has plenty of energy. We quickly headed to the off-leash run, where Reggie had a fun time chasing down and playing with the toys there. He hasn’t mastered “fetch” yet, but he seems like a pretty intelligent boy who would get the hang of it eventually.

Reggie in my lap

Reggie has the cutest wrinkly forehead and a very expressive face that you will fall in love with. When I sat down on the bench in the off-leash run, Reggie quickly came over to me and put his front paws in my lap so I could scratch his ears and he could give me doggy kisses. Stop in soon to see if Reggie is the puppy for you!

Reggie ready to go for a walk

Clover the two-year-old Mountain Cur mix is super sweet. She was a little shy at first, so I sat in her kennel with her for a minute so she could get used to me before I put the leash on. She walked nicely on the leash as we made our way to the off-leash run and mostly kept to herself as she explored. I did sit on the ground at one point, though, and she came over, put her front paws in my lap, and sniffed my face.

Clover is a sweetie

Clover really perked up when we went around the walking trail. Her breed is an outdoorsy one, and you could tell that she enjoyed being in a forested area like that. Instead of having her head down like she did in the run, she was alert and eager on the trail. Clover is currently sharing her kennel with another dog, so she could go to a home with or without another furry friend. Be sure to say hi to Clover on your next visit to the shelter!

Clover keeping an eye on things

Moo the nine-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix is a special girl looking for a special home. She’s deaf, so her future family will need to learn hand signals themselves and then teach those hand signals to Moo. Training will be very important, but the bond between Moo and her family will be a great one because she will always be looking to them for cues on how to behave. One benefit is that Moo doesn’t bark, though she does make other sounds like whines when she’s excited.

I guess from this angle Moo looks sort of cow-like

Moo acts like any other puppy would. She’s very playful and had a fun time racing the dog on the other side of the fence in the off-leash run. She likes to jump up on people, since she doesn’t realize yet that some might not find that behavior polite, but she just wants attention. She’s very curious and enjoyed following her nose. And, of course, she is super cute! If you’re able to open your home to a special dog like Moo, come in soon to meet her!

Moo is a playful pup

I also saw Blush, Diamond, Ginger, Merlin, O’Shea, TuTu, and Weezie.

Orphans of the Storm® Middle-Aged Dogs

Yesterday was National Puppy Day, but don’t forget that there are dogs of all ages looking to find their “furever” loving home! I met some great middle-aged dogs at Orphans of the Storm® this week who still have plenty to offer their new family.

Chief the nine-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix is an absolute pro at playing fetch. The first thing he did when we got to the off-leash run was find a tennis ball. He carried it around in his mouth for a bit, but then he stopped a few feet away from me, put the ball on the ground, and rolled it towards me with his nose. It was too cute! If you throw the ball high enough, Chief can catch it in midair. But he’s also happy to chase after it if you throw it far rather than high.

Chief shining in the sun

Chief is a very appealing guy. There was a family in the run next to us looking at a different dog, but Chief caught their eye and they were eager to meet him. Unfortunately, they already owned another dog and Chief would do best as the only pet in his new home. But Chief loves people and will give you doggy kisses! He is fun and sweet and doesn’t act like an older dog, so don’t let his age deter you from taking him out and getting to know him. Come in soon to meet Chief!

Chief was never far from his tennis ball

Lucy the eleven-year-old Boxer mix is such a sweetheart. The first thing she did when I took her out of her kennel was to give me a doggy hug and try her best to reach up and give me doggy kisses. The card on her kennel says that she walks on the slower side, but I think she walks at the perfect speed if your main interest is strolling around the neighborhood.

Lucy coming in for a cuddle

Lucy loves to snuggle. Whenever I sat down on the bench in the off-leash run, Lucy was quick to follow suit and happily stayed next to me while I pet her. When I sat down on the ground, she was by my side almost immediately. You can’t ask for a much better companion than that! Lucy attends play groups and alternates between hanging out on her own and romping with the other dogs, but she would still prefer to be the only dog in her future home. If you’re looking for a sweet older dog who just wants to love you and be loved in return, come in soon to meet Lucy.

Lucy with her pretty brindle fur

Merlin the six-year-old Heeler mix is a handsome bundle of energy. He’s one of those breeds that does best when they’re kept active. When I came to let Merlin out, he was literally jumping up and down in excitement–and boy, can he jump! Merlin quickly led the way to the off-leash run, where he had a fun time racing the dog on the other side of the fence.

Merlin is magical!

Merlin‘s card on his kennel says that he prefers men, but he was very friendly with me (though I didn’t see him interact with any men, so maybe he would be even friendlier!). He can be a little overenthusiastic with his affection and accidentally bonk you with his nose when trying to give you a doggy kiss, but that’s okay. If you’re an active guy looking for an active dog, be sure to stop in and meet Merlin!

Merlin loves being outside

Tracy the six-year-old American Foxhound mix seems like a pretty mellow girl. She’s currently sharing her kennel with a little dog (not available for adoption yet) who sometimes jumps all over her when excited, and Tracy doesn’t seem to mind. I didn’t hear her bark once, either in her kennel or when we were outside. She walked pretty well on the leash overall.

Tracy says, “That’s the spot!”

Tracy was a little shy at first, but the longer we were together the more she warmed up. Eventually she was giving doggy kisses! Being a Hound, she mostly followed her nose around the off-leash run, but she would come back to me for a reassuring scratch behind the ears or under her chin every once in a while. She’s a sweet girl who gets along with dogs and people alike. Stop by soon to say hello to Tracy!

Tracy has such a sweet face

I also saw Barney (who loves to play with toys of any type!), Blush, John Boy, Lucky, Roxy, and TuTu.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs in the Rain

It was a rainy day at Orphans of the Storm®, but the dogs were still happy to come outside (well, some were happier than others). Their pictures are a bit ethereal this week due to all the raindrops on the camera lens, but that just means I’ll have to walk them again and get better pictures when the weather is nicer!

River the one-year-old Shepherd mix was one of the dogs who didn’t mind the rain at all. He was eager to come outside and wasn’t in a hurry to get back to his kennel at the end. River seems like a pretty athletic dog who would like to go for walks or runs, and since he’s still young he would of course like to have plenty of playtime!

River has super cute ears

River was originally sharing his kennel with another dog who has since been adopted, so we know he gets along with his fellow pooches. River is a sweet boy who will happily give you doggy kisses once he gets to know you. He mostly explored the off-leash run on his own, but he would come to me every once in a while for a pat on the back or a scratch under the chin. He’s a bit on the skinny side, so his new family can spoil him with plenty of treats! Stop by soon to meet River.

River shaking off the rain

Wishbone the two-year-old Shepherd mix caught my eye as I was walking through her wing because she is so pretty and fluffy! She was a little hesitant about the rain but once her leash was on, she was ready to go! Wishbone can pull a bit when she first gets out of her kennel, but she settles down into a good walking companion.

Wishbone’s pretty (blurry) face

Wishbone was a little skittish at first and mostly kept to herself for the first few minutes we were in the off-leash run, but eventually she realized that we could get along just fine and so she stood by my side while I pet her. You may or may not agree with the pro-Obama message on her collar, but don’t let that influence your decision 🙂 On your next visit to the shelter, take some time to get to know Wishbone!

Wishbone exploring the bushes

Tyson the ten-month-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix is a big boy, and since he’s still a puppy he might even get a little bit bigger. But along with that big size comes a big heart–Tyson is super sweet and funny. He has a lot of energy and can be a bit of a handful when he first gets out of his kennel, but after he gets the chance to run around a bit he calms down considerably. Don’t get turned off right away with him!

Tyson has a big, lovable face

Tyson has some cute puppy tendencies still. He’s still learning about the world and has plenty of curiosity. He was sniffing a plastic cover that was hanging from the fence and when it moved he jumped away, but then immediately went back and poked it with his nose again. Tyson gives big doggy hugs and is so cute. If you’re looking for a big, lovable companion and you have the time to put into training, come in soon to meet Tyson!

Tyson is up for anything!

Festus the four-year-old Hound mix has been at the shelter for a little while now. He’s always been sharing his kennel with other dogs who get adopted, and now Festus is ready for his turn! We know Festus is a friendly guy, so he could go to a home with or without another pooch.

Festus is an outdoorsman

Festus is well-behaved. He waited patiently while I put his leash on and didn’t try to dash out. He also walked pretty nicely on the way to the off-leash run. Being a Hound, Festus was more interested in following his nose than anything else. He’s a cute boy with nice coloring and markings. Stop by soon to see if Festus is the pooch for you!

Festus has that sweet Hound face

I also saw Blush, John Boy, Lisa, TuTu, and Zoey.

Orphans of the Storm® Younger Dogs

You can find dogs of all ages at Orphans of the Storm®, but this week I spent some time with the younger crowd. And what a fun and friendly crowd it is!

Chase the eight-month-old Labrador Retriever mix is a playful pup. He was jumping up and down with excitement when he saw me coming with the leash, but he actually turned out to be a pretty good walking companion who didn’t pull as much as I had anticipated. When we were in the off-leash run, Chase politely sniffed some dogs on the other side of the fence but was a little bark-y with others.

Chase’s cute (slightly blurry) face

Chase is appropriately named because he loves to chase after tennis balls! He’ll need to be taught the full “fetch” concept that involves bringing the ball back to the person who threw it, but for now he’s happy to chase it once and then run around with the ball in his mouth. Chase is an affectionate boy who will gladly give you plenty of doggy kisses. He also loves to get scratched on his hips and does a cute little dance while you do so. If you’re looking for a fun pup to join your family, come in soon to meet Chase!

Chase playing with his tennis ball

Dottie the one-year-old Pointer/Heeler mix is shy but sweet. When I went to take her out, she was semi-cowering in the back corner of her kennel. But as soon as I stepped into the kennel and knelt on the ground, she came over to me, gave me a doggy kiss, and let me scratch her chin. She was a little unsure of walking on the leash at first but gained more confidence the longer we were out.

Dottie is such a pretty girl

Dottie may be shy, but her Pointer instincts kick in regardless. When we were walking around the woodland trail, a bird flew across the path in front of us. Dottie immediately perked up, struck a Pointer pose, and then quickly led the way towards the bird (who was gone by then, but that’s not the point!). In the off-leash run, Dottie was happy to join me on the bench for a bit in between exploring the bushes. This sweet girl just needs a stable and loving home in order to come out of her shell. If you think that might be with you, come in soon to say hi to Dottie!

Dottie following her nose

TuTu the two-year-old Australian Shepherd mix is a perfect example of why you can’t judge a dog from inside its kennel. I’ll admit that I was a little nervous to take TuTu out because she’s very bark-y inside her kennel. (I’m guessing this is because TuTu is a smart and athletic dog who gets a little crazy if she’s cooped up all day.) But as soon as I put her leash on, she was amazing.

TuTu enjoying the outdoors

TuTu is super smart and well-behaved. She either sits or lies down when she’s getting her leash put on; she knows ‘sit’ and ‘paw’ and did them for me even though I didn’t have any treats; she is excellent at walking on the leash; and she likes to give doggy kisses. I don’t know the last time I’ve walked such a well-trained dog (and that’s including my own at home!). TuTu would excel in an active home who will keep her busy with obedience, agility, or other activities that use both her brain and her body. So don’t dismiss TuTu just because she barks at you from her kennel–come to the shelter to meet her and take her out, and you won’t be disappointed!

TuTu making her happy face, complete with tongue sticking out!

I also saw Angel, Blush, Bootsy, Canelo, Ginger, the other Ginger, Hobbs, Scotty, and Weezie.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Are Good Walking Buddies

(Most) dogs love going for walks, and there are plenty of dogs at Orphans of the Storm® who make excellent walking companions! This week, I met a few more.

Gemini Rose the seven-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever mix is a happy girl who just loves being with people. She is always eager to come out for a walk, and her tail wags constantly. Gemini Rose is super snuggly; she tried her best to fit into my lap while I was sitting on the ground and when I moved to the bench, she quickly hopped up and sat right next to me. And she happily gives doggy kisses to anyone within range! I spent my entire time with Gemini Rose either smiling or laughing because she is such a sweetheart.

Gemini Rose has a very expressive face

Gemini Rose loved walking around the woodland trail. She walks at a quick pace, but doesn’t pull as long as you’re a brisk walker also. With warm weather (hopefully) coming in the near future, now is the perfect time to add a new dog to your family to enjoy the outdoors together! Gemini Rose has experience as a family dog, but was unfortunately given up by her original owners because they had too many pets. As I said about Nala (who has since been adopted) last week, Gemini Rose is another perfect example of why Labs are so popular. Come in soon to see for yourself and find out if Gemini Rose is the pooch for you!

Gemini Rose loves being active

Snuffles the eight-year-old Heeler mix is a well-behaved girl. When I went to take her out, she patiently waited inside her kennel until her leash was on, and then she came out (unlike some dogs who will make a dash for the exit before they’re hooked up!). She walked nicely as we made our way to the off-leash run, and once we were there she spent the first few minutes exploring on her own and snuffling (pun intended) around.

Snuffles coming over to cuddle

Snuffles eventually realized that I was there to give her attention. When I knelt down to be on her level, she came over, put her front paws in my lap, and gave me doggy kisses. Then she calmly stayed by my side while I pet her. Snuffles has a very cute and unique look–I’m not sure if she’s mixed with a bulkier breed or just needs to shed a few pounds, but either way she’s sort of pig-shaped and it’s adorable! Be sure to say hi to Snuffles on your next visit to the shelter.

Snuffles following her nose

Canelo the two-year-old and Golden Boy the one-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mixes are brothers who ended up at the shelter together after they were abandoned by their original owners. After being in such a sad situation, they’re a little sad themselves–but they definitely perk up when they get to come out for a walk and get treated well, which they certainly deserve!

Canelo (left) and Golden Boy (right) walking with volunteer Craig

Canelo and Golden Boy don’t have to be adopted together, but they would appreciate it if they were! I didn’t get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked, but from the time I did get to spend with them, they both seem like sweet boys who are more than ready for their second chance at a loving home.

Canelo, being the older brother, seems to be the calmer of the two. He was looking a little unsure when he was inside his kennel, but once we were in the off-leash run his tail started to wag a bit and he enjoyed getting pet. I particularly love the wrinkles on his forehead!

Canelo’s cute face

Golden Boy can be a little bark-y when he’s inside his kennel, but that’s because he’s nervous. He didn’t bark once the entire time he was out with me, even though there were other dogs and people around. Golden Boy is a cuddler who is happy to give out doggy kisses.

Golden Boy is an adorable boy!

If you have the room in your home and your heart for a dog or two, come in soon to meet Canelo and Golden Boy!

I also saw Angel, Bear, Blush, Bootsy, Clarinet, Hobbs, Mazda, and Weezie.