Orphans of the Storm® Girlie Dogs

Firstly, a reminder that the Orphans of the Storm® Annual Benefit Dinner is coming up quick–Tuesday, April 9!

I unintentionally walked only girl dogs this week, and they are eager to show everyone how sweet they are.

Mia the three-year-old Anatolian Shepherd/Pointer mix is super easy-going. She patiently sits and waits for her leash to be put on without even being asked. Once she was on the leash, she happily stayed by my side and didn’t pull at all. Mia is a great walking companion. She also loves attention. When I sat down on the bench, Mia put her front paws up next to me so I could pet her more. She always has the sweetest look on her face.

Mia likes her walks

Mia was previously sharing her kennel with another dog who has since been adopted. Mia has also participated in at least one play group, and was very calm. She didn’t engage in actual play too much, but happily walked around and sniffed and said hello to the other dogs. So, there is a good chance she would do well in a home with another dog. Be sure to say hello to Mia on your next visit to the shelter!

Mia enjoyed having a big yard to explore

Gracie the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a little skittish, but warms up quickly once she has a couple minutes to get to know you. When I knelt down next to her, she rested her chin on my knee and leaned her whole body against my leg so we could snuggle. She also hopped up and joined me on the bench later. Her tail started wagging the second I started petting her, and she gave me a few doggy kisses.

Gracie just wants to cuddle

Gracie likes to walk at a quick pace, but doesn’t pull on the leash. She already knows the “sit” command and is ready to learn more! Gracie is a little on the skinny side, so she especially enjoys treats in return for her good behavior. Gracie has participated in play groups and plays nicely with other dogs. She is looking for a loving home with people who will help her come out of her shell. Come in soon to meet Gracie!

Gracie with her little tail tucked

Luna the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix ended up at the shelter because her family could no longer care for her. But, that means she already has experience as a family pet and she gets along with children. She also seems to already have some basic training and will sit nicely when you ask her to. Luna has a special note, which is that she is allergic to chicken, so her new family will need to keep an eye on what she eats.

Luna has the cutest forehead wrinkles (sorry it’s blurry)

Luna is very affectionate. Her entire body wriggles when you scratch her hips and sides, and she’ll try to sit in your lap. She also gave me lots of doggy kisses. Luna walks nicely on the leash for the most part, though she occasionally thinks the leash is a tug-of-war toy. Luna has participated in play groups and generally likes the “rough and tumble” kind of play, but settles down when she needs a break. Stop by soon to see if Luna is the one for you!

Luna wasn’t quite sure about the rocks

Maggie Lynn the one-year-old Basenji/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix found herself at the shelter because her owner passed away. She’s still basically a puppy, so she has plenty of energy and playfulness. Maggie Lynn wanted to run rather than walk when we were on the woodland preserve trail, though she did slow down occasionally to sniff and explore.

Maggie Lynn coming over to say hello

Maggie Lynn will listen to the “sit” command, but if there is a lot going on around her then she gets a little distracted and pops back up. She’s always interested in what else is happening and who else is around, whether it be a dog or a squirrel or a person. Maggie Lynn loves going to play group and bounds right into all the action. If you’re looking for a fun, active dog, look no further than Maggie Lynn!

Maggie Lynn has such pretty brindle fur

I also saw Barney, Blue, Peepers, and Wombat.

I’ve also helped with a few play groups over the last two weeks, and here are the participants (not all at the same time!):

Play group 1: Apollo, Brutus, Chevy, Dunkin the Red, Elijah, Hamilton, Hobbs, Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Loki, Lolabell, Lucy, Maya, Mojo, Peepers, Pippa (Gia), Sasha, Shyanne (Cheyenne), Trent, and Whizzer.

John Boy, Jax, Pippa (Gia), Jack, Huckleberry, and maybe Peepers or Maggie Lynn

Play group 2: Brutus, Elijah, Gracie, Hamilton, Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Lolabell, Maya, Peepers, Pippa (Gia), Pony Boy, Quinn, Roxy, Sasha, Shyanne (Cheyenne), Trent, and Whizzer.

Pippa is a designated “play group rock star” because she gets along with every dog (and obviously feels comfortable in groups, laying on her back!), seen here with John Boy, Huckleberry, and Elijah

Play group 3: Brutus, Elijah, Gracie, Hamilton, Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Lolabell, Maggie, Maggie Lynn, Maya, Luna, Peepers, Pippa (Gia), Pony Boy, Quinn, Roxy, Sasha, Trent, and Whizzer.

Jax, Sasha, and Jack (who is another “rock star”)–and possibly Maggie and Whiskey in the background

Play group 4: Elijah, Gracie, Hamilton, Huckleberry, Jack, Lolabell, Lucy, Luna, Maggie, Maggie Lynn, Maya, Mia, Peepers, Pippa (Gia), Prince, Quinn, Roxy, Sasha, Trent, Turbo, Whizzer, and Wombat.

Jax, John Boy, Jack, Sasha, and maybe Maggie in the back

Dogs who I haven’t had a chance to profile yet but who have also participated in the above play groups are Jax, Mazie, Penelope, Rose, Rufus, Tiger, Tootsie, and Whiskey.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Hoping Spring Is Just Around the Corner

There’s only a little bit of snow left around the grounds of Orphans of the Storm®, and the dogs and people are hoping it won’t stick around much longer!

Dumplin’ the one-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix is a real sweetheart. She can be a little shy and skittish, particularly when she’s off-leash in the yard and there’s another dog on the other side of the fence, but she loves going for walks. Dumplin’ is actually very playful when she’s on the leash and does little hops and twirls when she’s particularly happy. She is a nice walking companion and doesn’t pull much at all.

Dumplin’ was just a little nervous at first

Dumplin’ is an affectionate pup. She likes to snuggle and will lean against your legs while you pet her. She’s also happy to give gentle doggy kisses. Dumplin’ put her front paws up on the bench next to me so I could pet her more. She has pretty coloring and bright blue eyes, so she’s sure to grab your attention as you walk through the kennels. Come in soon to see if Dumplin’ is the dog for you!

But Dumplin’ loves being close to her person!

Phoenix the two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a happy girl. She wags her tail so hard that her entire body wiggles back and forth. Phoenix loves getting attention and is very affectionate. She gives doggy hugs and doggy kisses. Phoenix joined me on the bench and sat as close to me as she could without actually being in my lap.

Phoenix never strayed too far from me

Phoenix is generally a good walking companion on the leash, but she does have the occasional burst of energy where she would rather run than walk. Phoenix has participated in a number of play groups, so she could probably go to a home with or without another dog. Many volunteers think she’s the absolute cutest. Be sure to say hello to Phoenix on your next visit to the shelter!

Phoenix is ready to be your TV-watching buddy

Diesel (Jesse) the six-year-old Coonhound/Catahoula Leopard Dog mix is an easy-going guy and an ideal walking companion. I got stuck on some ice (I thought the woodland preserve trail thawed out more than it had) and Diesel patiently stood still and waited until I got my bearings again before moving on. He doesn’t pull on the leash at all, and walks at a nice pace with the occasional stop to sniff.

Diesel has the most unique markings

Diesel is a good cuddle buddy. He will gladly stand right next to you as long as you keep petting him, and might nudge you if you stop before he’s ready! Diesel has gone to a couple of play groups and gotten along with dogs of both high and low energy levels. This sweet boy is ready to find his home sweet home. Come in soon to say hello to Diesel!

Diesel is a lovey-dovey

Roscoe the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is friendly with people and dogs alike. He loves going to play group and tried to pull me in the direction of the play group area instead of going for a walk around the woodland preserve. He’s more of the “rough and tumble” type, so he might be a little much for low-key dogs but great for active dogs.

Roscoe is a handsome boy

Roscoe likes getting pet and particularly enjoys a good scratch under his chin. He enjoys sniffing and exploring in the yard. Roscoe can pull on the leash when there’s a particular direction he wants to go, and sometimes would rather run than walk. If you’re looking for an active new friend, be sure to come in and meet Roscoe!

Roscoe says, “Yup, that’s the spot!”

Marley the one-year-old Shepherd mix still has plenty of puppy spunk. She absolutely loves having the freedom to run in a big yard and was flying around the Enrichment Park. When she’s on the leash, though, she’s actually quite calm and makes for a nice walking buddy. Her tail was up and wagging during our entire walk.

Marley is such a pretty girl

Marley is a snuggler. She likes to give doggy kisses and tried her best to climb into my lap. She likes to lean against you while you pet her side. Marley had a short playdate with Jack but was playing a little rough, so she might do best as the only dog in her new home or with a dog who can keep her in check. Stop by the shelter soon to meet Marley!

Marley says, “Oh, hello there!”

I also saw Barney, Big Boy and Mojo (who are no longer sharing a kennel but enjoy spending time in the yard together), Blue, and Cheyenne (Shyanne).

And I was part of two play groups this week, which included the participants Gia (Pippa), Hobbs, Loki, Lolabell, Lucy, Maya, Quinn, Ruth, Tyson, and Whizzer one day and Brutus, Elijah, Gracie, Huckleberry, John Boy, Luna, Peepers, Sadie, Sasha, and Wombat the second day.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Are Happy to Give You Lots of Kisses

Firstly, the Orphans of the Storm® Annual Benefit Dinner is just a month away! Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. Get the details here and then call the shelter directly at 847-945-0235 to RSVP!

Secondly, it was my lucky day because all of the new dogs I met were particularly affectionate and so much fun to be with!

Luna the one-year-old Beagle/Spaniel mix spent some time in a foster home before coming to the shelter, so that means she already has experience living in a home. Her foster mom says that Luna gets along with other dogs and did well with visitors. She also says that Luna enjoys cuddling on the couch, which I could have easily guessed because Luna kept climbing into my lap and giving me doggy kisses!

Luna being playful

Luna does a pretty good job walking on the leash, but every once in a while she gets a puppy spurt of energy and wants to run rather than walk. She politely sniffed Jack on the other side of the fence and enjoyed exploring the off-leash run. Luna is hoping for a home that will spoil her with lots of toys and a nice yard to play in. Come in soon to see if Luna is the puppy for you!

Luna says, “Yes, hello, have you met my friend Jack?”

Gracie the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier (or maybe some Weimaraner, based on her coloring) mix is a lot of fun. We spent some time in the Enrichment Park, where Gracie had a great time chasing after toys and proudly carrying around a tennis ball. Gracie is also super snuggly. She put her front paws in my lap whenever she got the opportunity and covered my face in doggy kisses.

Gracie positively glows!

Gracie gets along with other dogs and has participated in a play group, which involved lots of bouncing around and play-bowing, even with dogs who are much bigger than she is. Gracie walks nicely on the leash and will be a good walking companion around the neighborhood. Be sure to say hello to Gracie on your next visit to the shelter!

Gracie loves tennis balls

Sadie the three-year-old Mountain Cur mix is a sweet, happy girl. She genuinely knows how to smile and her tail is almost constantly wagging. Sadie gives people a friendly greeting whether she knows them well or not. She is very cuddly and will happily lean against you while you pet her, or attempt to climb into your lap. Sadie gives very enthusiastic doggy kisses too.

Sadie smiling in the sunshine

Sadie has a little bit of a limp (she appears to be missing a toe on one of her front paws), but it doesn’t slow her down at all. She walks nicely on the leash and is happy to lead the way just a couple steps ahead of her person. Sadie is looking for an adults-only home where she can be the only dog. If that sounds like your situation, be sure to come in and meet Sadie!

Sadie is happy-go-lucky

Irwin the two-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix is a very handsome boy. Literally every volunteer and customer we passed had to stop and tell him how pretty he is. Irwin is a great walking companion and rarely pulls on the leash. He was mostly interested in sniffing and exploring along the woodland preserve trail.

Irwin wanted a better look at the dogs on the other side of the fence

Irwin is currently sharing his kennel with another dog and politely sniffed the dogs on the other side of the fence with his tail wagging, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. Irwin likes getting pet, particularly on the side of his neck, and will stay by your side while you pet him. Stop in soon to say hello to Irwin!

Irwin enjoys his walks

I also saw Apollo, Barney, Big Boy, Carlos, Carson, Claire (Clarinet), Huckleberry, Lolabell, Mojo, Pony Boy, Tom, and Vanilla.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Have Slip-n-Slidin’ Fun

A good portion of Orphans of the Storm®’s woodland preserve trail was transformed into an ice rink, which was a little challenging to walk across on two human legs but also slowed down the dogs! So we mostly stuck to the dry areas and had a better time, though some of the dogs were eager to give their ice skating skills a test.

Cookie the five-year-old Hound mix came from a family who could no longer care for her. That means she has experience living in a home and is ready to get resettled! Cookie greets people with a wagging tail. She’s a friendly girl who enjoys getting pet but who didn’t mind going off and doing her own exploring in the off-leash run.

Cookie has such a sweet face

Cookie gets along with other dogs and has participated in a few play groups. She can be more actively playful or sit back and be calmer, depending on the dogs she’s with. However, Cookie isn’t a fan of cats. Cookie walks nicely on the leash and is a good walking companion. If you’re looking for a sweet girl to join your family, be sure to say hello to Cookie!

Cookie investigating with her nose

Peaches the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is as sweet as his name. He loves getting attention and will gladly stand by your side as long as you’re petting him. Peaches can pull on a leash a little bit, but for the most part does a good job with walking on the leash and likes to pause every once in a while to do some sniffing.

Peaches using his very pink nose

Peaches likes other dogs and enjoys being part of play groups. He’s more of a “rough and tumble” guy, which can be too much for some playmates but perfect for others. He likes to say hello to people and dogs alike, and wants to know what everyone else is up to. Come in soon to see if Peaches is the one for you!

Peaches says, “I know there’s a dog behind here! I know it!”

Loki the nine-year-old Beagle mix still has plenty of energy and spunk. He’s talkative, as Beagles are known to be, and will bark hello when you come to take him out of his kennel. He’s also a little stubborn when it comes to deciding which way to go on walks. Loki eventually follows his person, but will give a little “Fine! I don’t agree but I’ll still do it!” bark first. Overall, though, he walks at a nice pace and enjoys sniffing the ground at a quick pace too.

Loki balancing on the ice

Loki loves the snow and that’s where his puppy-like personality really comes out. He rolls on his back in it, eats it, crawls across it with his (cutely chubby) belly, and doesn’t want to leave it! Loki also enjoys belly rubs and getting his ears scratched. He made me smile the entire time we were together. Be sure to say hello to Loki on your next visit to the shelter!

Loki loving the snow

Anna the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a big, strong girl. She can pull on the leash a bit when she first comes out of her kennel, but don’t let that deter you. She does well on the leash once she gets settled in her walking pace, as long as you can keep up with her. Anna enjoyed snuffling her way around the woodland preserve trail and often kept her nose to the ground.

Anna leading the way on our walk

Anna loves people and will greet you with a doggy hug once she knows you. She’ll also try to give you some enthusiastic doggy kisses. She doesn’t seem too fond of other dogs at this point, though, so she may do best as the only pet in her new home. If you like big dogs, come in soon to meet Anna!

Anna stepping gingerly on the ice

Sherman the one-year-old Plott mix can be just a tiny bit skittish, but very sweet. He’s an affectionate puppy who likes to snuggle and give doggy kisses. He put his front paws in my lap whenever I was down at his level or sitting on the bench, and also hopped up on the bench next to me a couple times. Sherman is very gentle and seems to prefer meandering around the yard rather than romping.

Sherman wasn’t a fan of the 40mph wind gusts

Sherman is a nice walking companion and didn’t pull on the leash at all. He was mostly interested in staying close to my side, but his ears would always perk up if he heard something. Sherman is just a lovey-dovey eager to find a home as sweet as he is. Stop by the shelter soon to say hello to Sherman!

But Sherman was a fan of cuddling!

I also saw Barney, Big Boy (who is so snuggly and convinced he’s a lapdog), Blue (who loves to play with toys), Brutus, Carlos, Dunkin (who gave me a doggy hug), Evelyn, Hazel, Hobbs, Huckleberry (who is so affectionate), Lolabell (who walked much nicer on the leash this week), Maya, Mojo, and Tyson.