Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Looking for a Cuddle Companion

There are lapdogs big and small at Orphans of the Storm® right now! If you’re looking for a particularly snuggly new friend, now is the time to come in and find him or her!

Polar Bear the seven-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is a big lovebug who doesn’t realize just how big he is, because he will try to climb into your lap whenever he gets the chance. Polar Bear is super affectionate and covered my face in doggy kisses multiple times. He joined me on the bench and was happy to sit as close to me as possible. When we passed a couple other volunteers, Polar Bear politely sat by their feet and waited for them to give him pets.

Polar Bear is super smiley

Polar Bear is a very easy walking companion. Since he’s older and larger, he just pleasantly lumbers along at a slow pace and doesn’t pull on the leash at all. We only made it part of the way around the woodland preserve before Polar Bear decided he had walked long enough, so short walks around the neighborhood will probably be enough for him in his new home. Although Polar Bear loves people, he isn’t as much a fan of other dogs and would do best as the only dog in his new home. Come in soon to meet Polar Bear!

Polar Bear enjoying his walk

Kacy and Oliver the five-year-old Rat Terrier mixes are a bonded pair looking for their new home together. They can be a little wary of strangers, but once they feel comfortable with you, you will have two new best friends forever! Because of this wariness of strangers, they’re looking to go to a home that doesn’t get many visitors. These little pooches act as good guard dogs and will alert their new owner whenever someone is coming by the house.

Kacy has giant ears and tiny toes

Oliver warmed up to me first. When we got to the Enrichment Park, Oliver hovered around my feet until I knelt down to pet him. He later joined me on the bench and enjoyed getting more attention. Oliver also let me pick him up and carry him around a bit, but he’s an active boy and prefers doing his own walking. He did some zooming around the park! Oliver also prefers to lead the way on walks and moves at a quick pace.

Oliver flys!

Kacy was also pretty eager to get pet and put her front paws in my lap when I got down to her level. Kacy enjoys taking her time exploring, and mostly watched as Oliver romped around. She was also fine with me picking her up and holding her, and sat in my lap for a bit. Kacy is a good walking companion and likes to stop and sniff often. She doesn’t pull on the leash at all.

Kacy being serious

Kacy and Oliver are smart dogs and quick learners. They participated in the Top Dog Competition back in October and mastered the agility course. They are very treat-motivated! Kacy and Oliver have shared their kennel with a variety of small dogs and also participate in small dog play groups, so they get along with other dogs around their size. If you’re looking for two loyal dogs to bring happiness to your home, be sure to say hello to Kacy and Oliver!

Oliver saying hello

Kona the seven-year-old Chihuahua mix has a big personality in a teeny body. He has a couple favorite volunteers and when he sees them coming, his entire body wriggles in excitement and he starts squealing! It is super cute. Kona can take a little time to warm up to strangers, but once he knows you then he will ask to be picked up and held, and will give you lots and lots of doggy kisses.

Kona is a cutie

Kona gets along with dogs both large and small. He is currently sharing a kennel with Kacy and Oliver (see above) and has participated in both small dog play groups and medium/large dog play groups. You can see a video of Kona holding his own with the big dogs here. In terms of people, Kona prefers the company of adults rather than children (10 years or younger) and might do best in an adult home. Be sure to say hello to Kona on your next visit to the shelter!

Kona investigating the case of missing toy stuffing

I also walked Thunder for the first time in a long time! He had back surgery in December, but is now recovered and ready to find his forever home! You can see updates (with lots of cute photos and videos) of his recovery process here. Thunder was fostered by a couple different volunteers while he was recovering and was a sweet, snuggly, well-behaved house guest. Thunder is housebroken and crate trained, and loves to be with his person. He’s looking for a home where he can be the only pet.

The play group I attended this week included Alec(k), Bo, Brutus, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Clyde, Cocoa, Delilah, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Huckleberry, John Boy, Lucy, Maggie, Quinn, Reggie, Sasha, Spike, Thea, Tom, Whizzer, and YoYo (Yeyo), as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Bandi, Polly, and Pumpkin. We reached a new milestone this week, of over 2,000 dogs in play groups!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Are Hoping to Start Their Summers in a Forever Home

Orphans of the Storm® will be closed Monday for Memorial Day, but open regular hours (11am-5pm) Saturday and Sunday. You still have time to welcome a new furry family member into your home before the holiday!

Molly the four-year-old Black and Tan Coonhound mix is the sweetest! All she wants to do is snuggle with the nearest person. Instead of exploring around the Enrichment Park, Molly spent her time giving me lots of doggy hugs and attempting to climb into my lap. When someone walks up to pet her, she wants to be as close as possible and will try to sit on their feet.

Molly has the floppiest ears

Molly walks nicely on the leash and occasionally stops to sniff, but not as much as you might expect from a Hound. She’s currently sharing her kennel with a little Beagle, so she could go to a home with or without another dog. She also goes to play group, but gets a little overwhelmed in large, active groups and prefers just a quick sniff hello before moving on. If you’re looking for a great cuddle companion, be sure to say hello to Molly on your next visit to the shelter!

Molly always has the sweetest look on her face

Spike the ten-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix came from an owner who didn’t have enough time for him, but that means he already has experience living in a home and is ready to find his forever one. Spike is very calm for a puppy! Even though he could throw his weight around if he wanted to, he actually walks great on the leash. He’s more of a meanderer and likes to take his time sniffing.

Spike has a lovable giant square head

Spike has participated in a couple small play groups with well-socialized dogs who have been teaching him proper play group etiquette. Spike is a quick learner but may still be too exuberant for some dogs, and may do best as the only dog in his new home. Spike has quickly become a volunteer favorite because of his happy personality. Come in soon to meet Spike!

Spike is surprisingly floofy for his breed

Reggie the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix has lots of energy! Reggie ran a few laps around the yard before slowing down to sniff and explore. He wasn’t overly interested in playing fetch, but poked some of the toys with his nose. Reggie politely sniffed Clyde when they were on opposite sides of the fence, as well as when we passed Clyde on leash during our walk around the woodland preserve.

Reggie says, “Whee!!”

Reggie likes to take breaks from romping around in order to get pet. He put his front paws in my lap on multiple occasions so I could scratch his neck and ears. Reggie likes to walk at a quick pace, but doesn’t pull on the leash too much. He has a great doggy smile and always looks happy. Stop by the shelter soon and say hello to Reggie!

Reggie being silly

Stevo the two-year-old Chihuahua/Jack Russell Terrier mix is a little shy and nervous right now. He wasn’t so sure about coming out for a walk, so I sat in his kennel with him for a couple minutes to give him time to get comfortable with me. Then we were on our way! Despite his hesitation, Stevo is great at walking on the leash. He was always either right by my side or just a couple steps ahead.

Stevo is too cute for words

Stevo prefers having a chance to sniff a person before you start petting him (which is what you should do for all dogs anyway!) but will stand politely once you do pet him, and won’t start walking again until you stop. Stevo is looking for an understanding home with people who will help him come out of his shell. If that sounds like it could be you, come in soon to meet Stevo!

Stevo on the move

Thea the two-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is super affectionate. She loves to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses, and will try to climb into your lap whenever the opportunity presents itself. Thea was a little shy when she first arrived at the shelter, but she has made a lot of progress and now wags her tail at everyone and wants to say hello.

Thea sometimes rocks the “one ear up, one ear down” look

Thea walks pretty well on the leash, but can be a little reluctant sometimes and needs encouragement to keep going. Once she’s settled and comfortable in her new neighborhood, she’ll probably do just fine! Thea attends play groups and mostly kept to herself at first, but has recently started engaging with other dogs and is showing more of her playful side. Stop by the shelter soon to see if Thea is the pooch for you!

Thea will eventually learn to love walks!

Cocoa the three-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is very energetic and playful. She gets super excited when she realizes it’s her turn to come out for a walk and can pull on the leash a bit, but eventually settles down (though she still prefers to walk at a quick pace). Cocoa loves toys more than anything! Balls, squeakers, ropes–you name it, she’ll play with it! This means she’s also great at playing fetch.

Cocoa loved this ball the most

Cocoa is also cuddly and affectionate. She combines her love of people and toys by snuggling on her person’s lap while chewing her toy. Cocoa participates in play groups and has a rambunctious play style. She has also completed Level 1 of obedience training and has graduated to Level 2. If you’re looking for an active, playful dog who will also snuggle with you at the end of the day, be sure to say hello to Cocoa!

Cocoa was hopeful that the camera was also a toy

I also saw Alec(k), Barney, Big Boy, Brutus, Carlos, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Clyde, Dusty, and Gracie.

The play group I attended this week included Alec(k), Bo, Cocoa, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Huckleberry, John Boy, Lucy, Maggie, Mojo, Molly, Sasha, Thea, Tom, and YoYo (Yeyo), as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Bandi, CoCo, Polly, Pumpkin, Scooby, and Tucker.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Love Their Play Groups!

It’s been about three months since Dogs Playing for Life visited Orphans of the Storm® and taught us how to implement play groups. In that time, we have held more than 70 play groups with 170+ unique dogs. When you count dogs who have participated multiple times, that means we have had a grand total of more than 1,500 dogs in play groups! We have learned so much about the dogs in these past few months, so I thought I’d share some highlights (particularly about long-timers).

Jack, John Boy, Huckleberry, and Elijah get things off to a running start!

Jack, Huckleberry, John Boy, and Elijah are four play group regulars. They love to play “rough and rowdy” with each other, all one big blur of fur and sixteen paws. Since they play with each other so often, they know exactly when it’s time to take a breather and do some exploring on their own before going back to playing. This play style can be a little much for some dogs, but other more adventurous ones are happy to join in!

Huckleberry, Elijah, John Boy, Roxy, Clyde, and Sasha

Even though both John Boy and Elijah are labeled as needing to be the only dog in their future home, the two of them in particular are the best of friends. When they’ve tired each other out, they roll over on their backs next to each other and lounge, with happy doggy smiles on their faces. I have unofficially given them the “cutest couple” title.

Pumpkin, Huckleberry, Elijah, John Boy, Jack, Maggie, and Gia

Some of the other play group regulars are Brutus, Gia (Pippa), Maggie, Prince, Sasha, and Whizzer. Gia, in fact, holds the top spot for most play groups attended. She gets along with everybody!

Eastside, Brutus, Huckleberry, Maggie, and John Boy

There are some dogs who we knew had a history of not liking other dogs, but having more freedom in a yard can bring out different behavior than being on a leash. Dogs like Apollo and Barney have found a select number of doggy friends that they enjoy playing with!

Lucky loves the puppy pool

Bo, Cheyenne (Shyanne), and YoYo (Yeyo) also enjoy the company of dogs much better when they’re in play group as opposed to being on leashed walks. Tom still doesn’t particularly like boy dogs, but he now has a long list of girlfriends. He’s been in play groups with five or more girl dogs at one time and has a blast.

Maggie, Donny, Elijah, and Whizzer

Dogs like Alec(k), Delilah, Donny, Lucy, Mojo, and Quinn are developing their socialization skills. Delilah, Lucy, and Quinn like to play with some dogs sometimes. Alec really wants to be part of the Jack/Huckleberry/John Boy/Elijah group and is building up his courage, but mostly watches from the sidelines. Donny and Mojo often keep to themselves but will politely sniff hello if another dog comes by.

Lucy and Bo

Although attending play group is a great sign that a dog gets along with other dogs, it still isn’t a guarantee that a particular dog could go to a home with another dog. Having a 30-minute play session is different than sharing your space, family, toys, and treats with someone 24/7! As always, we ask potential adopters to bring your current dog(s) to the shelter to meet the dog you’re considering adopting.

Delilah, Bo, and YoYo (who still has his Easter Egg spots)

Play groups happen on pretty much a daily basis (weather-dependent) and can have 10 to 30 dogs cycled through in a 1.5-hour period. There can be anywhere from 2 to 12 dogs in the yard at a time. It’s a highlight of many dogs’ (and volunteers’) days!

Molly, Pumpkin, Lucy, and Bo

The first play group I attended this week included Brutus, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Clyde the Heeler, Donny, Eastside, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Lucy, Maggie, Romeo, Sasha, Whizzer, and YoYo (Yeyo), as well as the not-yet-profiled dogs Lucky, Pumpkin, and Roxy.

John Boy, Sasha, and Roxy

The second play group had Alec(k), Bo, Brutus, Delilah, Donny, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Huckleberry, John Boy, Lucy, Maggie, Sasha, Whizzer, and YoYo (Yeyo), as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Birdie, Chief, Molly, Paulie, Polly, Pumpkin, Roxy, the other Roxy, Rufus, Spike, and Zandrea.

Huckleberry, Elijah, Maggie, Chief, Birdie, Polly, Paulie, Rufus, and John Boy

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Looking for a New Mom This Mother’s Day Weekend

If you’re looking to add a new fur-baby to the family this weekend as you celebrate Mother’s Day, there are plenty of dogs at Orphans of the Storm® who are eager to meet you!

Sage the nine-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is currently recovering from an ACL injury, but he’s ready to go to his new home to finish recuperating and then will be back to his active lifestyle! Even though Sage is still a puppy, he already has good leash manners and is a nice walking companion. He enjoyed sniffing his way around the woodland preserve.

Sage is super cute

Sage, like most puppies, loves getting attention and hopped up on the bench next to me so we could snuggle. He never strayed too far from me, even when he was off-leash in the Enrichment Park. Sage liked stretching out in the sun and chewing on a squeaky toy. Sage had a couple playdates with another puppy before his injury, so he seems to get along with other dogs. Come in soon to see if Sage is the pup for you!

Sage is looking forward to having his own yard someday soon!

Clyde the three-year-old Heeler mix (not to be confused with the other Clyde) was previously adopted but returned because he wasn’t getting along with the other dog in the house. But this means that Clyde is ready to settle into his new home because he already knows some obedience training, is housebroken, and walks great on the leash (except occasionally when other dogs are nearby, when he can pull and bark a little).

Clyde looking very proper

Clyde is extremely affectionate and will be very attached to his new person. He loves to give doggy hugs and lean against you while you pet him. He’s perfect for doing agility and other active pursuits. Although Clyde doesn’t want to share his home with another dog, he does pretty well in play groups when he’s with calmer dogs. If you know and love Heelers, come see if Clyde is the right match for you!

Clyde comes when called

Aiden the eight-year-old Mountain Feist mix looks a little sad and elderly inside his kennel, but don’t be fooled–he still has plenty of pep in his step! As soon as I let him off his leash in the Enrichment Park, he ran clear across it and then circled back around. He also likes to lead the way on walks, and I had to hurry to keep up with those little legs.

Aiden romping in the woodchips

Aiden is a little shy and doesn’t initiate much petting, but if you start petting him then he will happily stand right by your side for as long as you continue. Aiden has participated in play groups with smaller and/or calmer dogs but mostly keeps to himself, with the occasional sniff hello. If you’re looking for a sweet senior, be sure to say hello to Aiden on your next visit to the shelter!

Aiden would rather go for walks than pose for photos

I also saw Barney, Gracie, Cheyenne (Shyanne), and Quinn.

Romeo, Jack, John Boy, and Huckleberry

My first play group this week included Alec(k), Brutus, Clyde the Heeler, Eastside, Elijah, Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Lucy, Maggie, Gia (Pippa), Romeo, Sasha, and Tom, as well as the not-yet-profiled dogs Pumpkin and Zorro.

Huckleberry, Gia (Pippa), John Boy, and Elijah, and Clyde

My second play group included Aiden, Alec(k), Brutus, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Clyde the Heeler, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Maggie, Mojo, Quinn, Sasha, and Yoyo (YeYo), as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Finn, Pumpkin, and Roxy.

Brutus, Jack, Gia (Pippa), and Sasha’s fluffy tail

 

Orphans of the Storm® Is Hoping to “Empty the Shelter” on May 4

This Saturday, May 4, Orphans of the Storm® is participating in the national “Empty the Shelters” event, sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation. All dogs and cats age 6 months and older will have their adoption fee lowered to $25 (additional veterinary fees may still apply). There are more than 70 dogs waiting to meet you! Here are just a few.

Clyde the four-year-old Hound/Mountain Cur mix is a sweet, happy boy. He’s very patient about getting his leash put on and does a nice job walking on the leash. He usually just stayed a couple steps ahead of me and rarely pulled. Clyde, being a Hound mix, enjoys occasionally pausing to smell the flowers and other interesting scents when he’s on a walk.

Clyde giving a little smile for the camera

Clyde loves getting pet and will lean against your legs while you scratch his hips and back. He also gave me a few doggy kisses. Clyde attends play groups regularly and gets along well with other dogs. He doesn’t engage in too much active play-wrestling, but he politely sniffs everybody hello and his short tail is always wagging. Be sure to say hello to Clyde on your next visit to the shelter!

Clyde has a cute ridge of fur right down his nose

Eastside the two-year-old Heeler mix absolutely loves going to play group. In fact, he barely wanted to walk around the woodland preserve with me because he was so eager to join all of his doggy friends in the yard instead. Eastside’s play style can get a little intense sometimes (Heelers are known for being very focused!), but overall he gets along with pretty much everybody.

Eastside has fox-like ears and tail

Eastside can pull a bit on the leash when he first comes out of his kennel, because he’s so excited to be out and about. Once we got about a third of the way around the trail, though, he settled into being a pretty good walking companion. Eastside is looking for an active home (maybe with teenagers–he was found as a stray hanging out at a high school and the students there loved him) where he can be your new best playmate. Come in soon to meet Eastside!

Eastside says, “Play group, please!”

Cooper the two-year-old Mountain Cur mix arrived at the shelter very shy, but he is starting to come out of his shell and showing what a sweetheart he can be. He’s a little skittish with loud or strange noises (like when his leash rubbed against a tree trunk), but does better as he gets more comfortable being out. Cooper is a great walking companion and was walking so close to me that his side was touching my leg.

Cooper is the cutest with his little tongue poking out

Cooper likes to snuggle once he gets to know you. He even gave me a few doggy kisses eventually. Cooper has participated in play groups and can be a little overwhelmed at first when there’s a large group, but has found some doggy friends that he likes to play with. He also likes to go on his walks with another dog. If you want to help Cooper come out of his shell even more, be sure to say hello on your next visit to the shelter!

Cooper keeping an eye on things

Yellow the one-year-old Mountain Cur mix is still very much a puppy. He has lots of happy exuberance that he wants to share with people. Yellow is super friendly and loves to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses. He enjoys standing on his hind legs and resting his front paws on your arms while you pet him. He even smiles!

Yellow leading the way on our walk

Yellow is a playful pooch. He sometimes went into a play bow while we were on our walk and did a quick spin or two. Yellow politely sniffed a couple dogs on the other side of the fence, but doesn’t normally do play groups. He’s one of those extra-pretty dogs with one brown eye and one blue eye. If you’re looking for a fun-loving puppy to join your home, come in soon to meet Yellow!

Yellow showing off his bright blue eye (cameo by Gracie)

I also saw Apollo, Barney, Dusty, Gracie, and Princess.

The first play group I attended this week included Brutus, Clyde, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Lucy, Romeo, Sasha, and YoYo (Yeyo). There were also not-yet-profiled dogs Harry, Pumpkin, and Zaxby.

The second play group included Alec(k), Brutus, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Clyde, Cooper, Donny, Eastside, Elijah, Gia (Pippa), Gracie, Huckleberry, Jack, John Boy, Maggie, Pony Boy, Romeo, Sasha, Whizzer, and YoYo (Yeyo). There were also not-yet-profiled dogs Clyde (we currently have two Clydes!), Harry, Henry, Mamba, Pumpkin, Thea, Zaxby, and Zorro.