Orphans of the Storm®’s Clear the Shelters 2017 Was a Success!

Last Saturday, 53 dogs and 31 cats found new furever homes! This includes several of the long-timers featured in last week’s post, such as Honey Lamb, Bobo, Roxy, Aleck, O’Shea, and Maggie.

Below are just a few pictures I was able to take before the gates opened, but you can see the whole photo album from the event on Orphans of the Storm®’s Facebook page. There are lots of adorable new family portraits!

There was already a line at the front gate at 10:15am, when we didn’t open until 11!

A welcoming environment with lots of balloons and banners!

The dogs were ready and waiting to greet their potential adopters

All of the dogs got new signs and colorful bandanas

Orphans of the Storm® has already received over two dozen new dogs since last weekend, so if you weren’t able to make it for the event, there are still plenty of pooches eager to meet you! Come in soon to say hello!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Hoping This Is Their Weekend to Clear the Shelter

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 19, Orphans of the Storm® is participating in Clear the Shelters for the third year in a row. While we hope to clear as much of the shelter as we can, below are some long-timers who have been waiting a year or more to find their forever home. It would be extra special if we could clear these pooches from the shelter! These long-timers each have their own fan club consisting of volunteers, who will be happy to talk to you about their favorites when you come in to meet these lovable dogs.

• Honey Lamb the eight-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix is Orphans of the Storm®’s longest long-timer, which is confusing to everyone who knows her. Honey Lamb lives up to her name because she is a sweet girl who loves to be with people and share lots of snuggles and kisses. She isn’t a fan of other dogs, so she is looking for a home where she can be the queen. You can watch her video to see her in action.
• Puggie the thirteen-year-old Chihuahua mix is a cute little guy who gets along with other dogs that are closer to his size. He has had many furry walking companions over the years. Even in his older years, Puggie has the spunk and attitude that’s common in little dogs like him.
• Bobo the eight-year-old Wire-Haired Terrier mix loves belly rubs and going for walks. He went to doggy boot camp at TOPS Kennel a couple years ago, so he knows plenty of commands. Bobo likes to be the boss and doesn’t like to be told “no,” so he is looking for an experienced dog owner and an adult home where he can be the only pet. Watch his video to learn more about Bobo.
• Blush the eight-year-old Labrador Retriever mix absolutely loves going for walks, which is good because she’s a little on the chunky side! That’s because she also loves pig ears and treats. Blush used to share her kennel with other dogs, but has gotten more particular about which dogs she does and doesn’t like as she’s gotten older. Blush is a smarty who is eager to learn more tricks. See Blush on the move in her video.
• Thunder the eight-year-old Boxer mix is easy-going with people. He doesn’t mind being dressed up for different holidays and occasions. Thunder also seems to know some basic commands. He loves getting his hips scratched. Thunder isn’t a fan of other dogs, so he would need to be the only pet in his new home. Watch Thunder’s video to learn more.
• Roxy (or RoxyAnne) the seven-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix came from an owner who could no longer care for her, so she knows how to be a pet in a home. She’s a sweet girl who likes being pet and likes hanging out in the yard. You can see Roxy’s special day out in her video.
• Scotty the eleven-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a mellow senior. He doesn’t move too fast and likes to just amble around the yard, following his nose. Scotty had some work done on his knees a while back, but you wouldn’t even know it now! Watch a short video of Scotty showing off his “sit” skills.
• Courage the five-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound mix is one of the most affectionate dogs. She thinks she’s a lapdog, even though she can only fit a portion of herself into your lap. She also likes to give kisses. She can pull on the leash a bit when she first comes out of her kennel, but then settles into being a nice walking companion. Courage gets along with some dogs but not all, so she would probably do best as the only dog in her new home. Watch a short video of Courage eating carrots.
• Aleck the four-year-old Hound mix is a well-behaved boy–so much so that he often gets to go to the Orphans of the Storm® Highland Park location. Aleck likes going for walks and giving people doggy hugs and kisses. You can watch his video to see him out and about.
• Bella the twelve-year-old Boxer mix is my personal favorite. She is a super easy walking buddy and prefers short walks. She likes getting pet, enjoys getting a quick bath with the hose, and tolerates getting her ears cleaned even though she probably doesn’t like it much. Bella is also gentle with kids. She isn’t a fan of other dogs, though, so she would need to be the only pet in her new home.
• O’Shea the six-year-old Labrador Retriever mix has mellowed out since he first came to the shelter. But he still loves to greet people he knows with a doggy hug and kiss! O’Shea does well with some dogs but doesn’t care much for others, so he would probably do best as the only dog in his new home. Watch his video to see what a sweetie O’Shea is.
• Shyanne the four-year-old Hound mix came to the shelter with a puppy. Her puppy was adopted quickly, but Shyanne is still waiting to find that perfect home. Shyanne is very affectionate and snuggly. She knows she can get her dog-walker to keep her out longer by giving them a doggy hug whenever they try to walk her back to her kennel. Shyanne would prefer to be the only dog in her new home.
• Barney the four-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a bit of a goofball with a mischievous streak. He can be an escape artist if he’s left alone for too long in the yard, because he wants to be with people instead! Barney likes to play and especially likes getting pet. Watch a short video of Barney on ice.
• Vanilla the two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix has calmed down a lot since she first came to the shelter. Vanilla may seem like a lot to handle because of her size, but she is actually a great walking buddy. Vanilla would like to be the only pet in her new home.
• Hobbs the six-year-old Mountain Cur mix is a nice boy hoping for a home and a backyard to call his own. Hobbs like to follow his nose and explore whenever he’s off-leash. He’s a good walking buddy, too. Hobbs will always greet you with a wagging tail.
• Lucy the fifteen-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix does not act her age at all. Her face may have some gray on it, but she runs and plays as well as any youngster. Lucy’s bug-eyed expression has earned her several nicknames, including “Alien,” but they are all given with lots of love. Watch a short video of Lucy playing.
• Wombat the four-year-old Hound mix has plenty of energy and playfulness. He’s always up for going on a walk and is happy to lead the way. Wombat would also make a good running partner, if you’re looking for either motivation or companionship during your runs. Watch his video to learn more about Wombat.
• Maggie the six-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix gets along with people of all ages, including children. Maggie likes to cuddle. She also loves going for walks and she’s a believer in that the longer the walk, the better. She has experience as a family pet, so she just needs to find that new perfect family. Maggie would do best as the only dog in her new home.
• Tyson the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a strong but lovable and loving boy. He has a big, wide face that will make you smile, and he’ll smile right back! Tyson likes to give doggy hugs and kisses, and will happily join you for a snuggle session.
• Roxy the five-year-old Shepherd/Rottweiler mix is a leaner, meaning she’ll lean against you or rest her head on you while you’re petting her. Roxy prefers the company of adults and older children, and is less comfortable around little kids. She’s a great walking companion. Roxy would do best as the only dog in her new home.
• Clarinet the three-year-old Catahoula mix is super lovey-dovey. She will join you on the couch, sit in your lap, give you doggy kisses–everything you would expect from an affectionate dog! Clarinet likes having the opportunity to run and play on a regular basis. Although Clarinet loves people, she doesn’t love other dogs, so she would do best as the only dog in her new home. Watch a short video of Clarinet playing fetch.
• Carlos the three-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound mix is a big, strong boy with a big heart to match. He loves going for walks and particularly seems to like walking in wooded areas, where there are smells both on the ground and in the air for him to follow. And he has those great floppy ears that are so much fun to pet!
• Lucy the nine-year-old Boxer mix is an easy-going sweetie. She walks at the perfect strolling pace and is always happy to take a cuddle break. Lucy likes to give doggy hugs and kisses, too. She was sharing her kennel with another dog when she first arrived at the shelter, but she can be a little picky about which dogs she likes and would probably do best as the only dog in her new home.
• Diamond (who is now known as Riley) the nine-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix was at the shelter for a couple years. She was adopted several months ago but recently returned because she has separation anxiety and needs to be in a home where someone is around the majority of the time. Diamond has always been a volunteer favorite, and we’re hopeful that we can find her a new perfect home! Watch her video to see Diamond out and about.

Here’s to another successful Clear the Shelters! Orphans of the Storm® will be opened extended hours during the event, from 11am-7pm. The adoption fee is waived for dogs and cats older than 5 months. The waived fee includes spay/neuter, but additional fees for final shots may apply. We hope to see lots of you there!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Looking to Spend the Dog Days of Summer in a New Home

What better time to bring a dog into your home than the dog days of summer? It’s meant to be! Stop by Orphans of the Storm® soon to meet your new best friend.

Balley the one-year-old Boxer/Mountain Cur mix is a total cuddlebug. She’ll sit right in front of you and tuck her head into your lap so you can pet her. When you stop, she sticks her paw out and taps your arm to get your attention again. Balley also likes to roll around on her back and get a belly rub simultaneously.

Balley says, “Maybe put down the camera and pet me instead?”

Balley walks really nicely on the leash, and if you stop walking then she will come back to you and sit at your feet until you start moving again. Balley likes people so much that she has some separation anxiety, so she would do best in a home where someone is around the majority of the time. Since she’s so sweet and gentle, she could go to a home with kids. Stop in soon to say hello to Balley!

Balley coming in for a doggy kiss

Brutus the three-year-old Hound mix is very excited and energetic when he first comes out of his kennel. Brutus loves to greet people with doggy hugs, and that’s what he did with me and two other volunteers who we passed on our walk. Brutus is also a water dog. He would love to have a puppy pool (or, even better, a full-size pool!) to splash around in during the summer. He’s also one of those dogs who tries to “eat” the spray from a hose.

Brutus loves to go exploring

Brutus is a happy boy. He’ll join you on the bench for snuggles before heading off on a walk. Brutus prefers to walk at a quick pace but doesn’t pull too much once he gets his initial burst of energy out of the way. Brutus likes other dogs, but isn’t as fond of kids, so he would do best in an adult home with or without another dog. If that description fits you, come in soon to meet Brutus! UPDATED 2019: Brutus has attended obedience classes and mastered our agility course. He regularly attends play group, though he prefers smaller groups. He has shared his kennel with another dog and loves to play!

Brutus could only be happier if he was in his new forever home

Arnold the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a good boy. When I came to his kennel, he sat nicely without me even asking while I put his leash on. We first went to the off-leash run, where Arnold did some sniffing on his own but then spent most of the time with me so he could get pet. He joined me on the bench and gave me a couple doggy kisses.

Arnold with his puppy pool

Arnold can pull a bit on the leash, but for the most part he does a nice job being a walking companion. When we were making our way around the woodland preserve, Arnold liked exploring in the tall grass. He also enjoyed a dip in the puppy pool after our walk. Arnold has one of those lovable wide faces and always seems to be smiling. Say hello to Arnold on your next visit to the shelter!

Arnold has a heart-warming smile

I also saw Bella, Belle, Big Boy (who is so snuggly and sweet!) and Mojo, Bud, Buddy and Shadow, Delilah, Diamond (now known as Riley), and Lucy.

And don’t forget–Saturday, August 19 is Clear the Shelters!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Are on a Roll

I don’t know if it was the weather or what, but all of the Orphans of the Storm® dogs I walked this week wanted to take a break by rolling around on their backs in the grass. Sometimes multiple times! It certainly put a smile on my face to see them wiggling around.

Remember to mark your calendars for Saturday, August 19 because Orphans of the Storm® is again participating in Clear the Shelters! You can read about the 2015 event and 2016 event.

Brownie the one-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix found herself at the shelter because she didn’t get along with the other dog in her original home. So, she would probably do best as the only dog in her new home. Brownie absolutely loves people and also gets along with kids, though, so she could be a great family dog. She has dark brown fur with some black spots, so she looks like a chocolate chip brownie!

Brownie says, “A toy? For me?”

Brownie spent the first few minutes in the off-leash run exploring on her own, but she soon came over to get some cuddles and joined me on the bench. Brownie did a pretty good job at walking on the leash as we made our way around the woodland preserve. She was happy to stop and give some doggy kisses every once in a while. Come in soon to see if Brownie is the one for you!

Brownie popping out of the bushes

Daisy the three-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound mix is finishing up her heartworm treatment, but she is now ready to go to her new home and the shelter will cover the remaining costs of her treatment. This big girl is a total sweetheart. She loves to give doggy hugs and kisses and enjoys a good snuggle session. Daisy also gets along with cats, so she could go to a home with other furry friends.

Daisy leaping onto bench #2

Daisy is an active girl, so once she’s done with her treatment she will be ready to go on adventures. Daisy made sure that she jumped up on every single bench along the woodland preserve (there are at least six), and then she would sit there and wait for me to pet her. She also loved rolling in the tall grass and was happy to get her belly rubbed at the same time. Be sure to say hello to Daisy on your next visit to the shelter!

Daisy getting pet on bench #4

Tino the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix had everyone we passed commenting on how cute he is, because he has that unique white face and dark body. Tino is a strong boy, so he can pull a bit on the leash when he first comes out of his kennel, but don’t let that deter you. Tino prefers to walk at a quick pace but didn’t pull too much once we were on the woodland preserve trail.

Tino was all smiles on our walk

Tino is a happy boy. He greeted me with a doggy hug, and jumped up on the bench next to me multiple times so he could cuddle and give me some doggy kisses. It was a warm day when we were out, so about halfway through our walk Tino plopped down in the shade and rolled over so I could give him a belly rub. He can get excited when he sees other dogs, so he might need a little training to learn how to stay calm. Come in soon to meet Tino!

Tino certainly isn’t shy

Buddy and Shadow the six-year-old Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever mixes are a handsome pair who would like to be adopted together. I’m not entirely sure if I’m matching the right name to the right dog (though they aren’t 100% identical–I’m just bad at matching their faces to their official portraits on the shelter website), so apologies if their descriptions are flipped!

Buddy (I think!) sniffing a toy

Shadow was more interested in sniffing around on his own and exploring behind and underneath the bushes, but he did come over to get pet after a few minutes. He also would check in with Buddy every so often and they would sniff the same things.

Shadow (I think!) following his nose

Buddy was more of a cuddler. He would come over to me and tuck his head into my lap so I could scratch his ears and back. He also was interested in chasing tennis balls, but needs a little refresher on the part where he brings it back!

Buddy (I think!) coming to say hello

Buddy and Shadow were very eager to come out for a walk. They can jump around a bit when they’re getting their leashes put on, but they were both very mellow once we got to the off-leash run. If you think you have the space in your heart and home for these two lovable boys, come in soon to meet Shadow and Buddy!

Buddy and Shadow are a winning combination

I also saw Bella, Blush, Carlos, Clarinet, Lucretia, Mojo and Big Boy (who need to be adopted together rather than individually), Quincy (who greeted me like we are best friends even though I had only walked him once before, which shows how quickly he can warm up once he knows you!), Roxy, and Sadie.