Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Want to Join Your Labor Day BBQ

Orphans of the Storm® will be closed this Monday, September 2, for Labor Day–but open our regular hours on Saturday and Sunday! So you still have time to find a new furry friend before the holiday.

Lobo the one-year-old German Shepherd mix is a happy, well-behaved pup. Even though he’s barely out of puppyhood, Lobo already has several qualities that will make him a great pet. For example, he’s housebroken, walks nicely on the leash, and gets along with kids. Lobo is also affectionate. He put his head in my lap so I could pet him, and also gave me a couple doggy kisses.

Lobo taking a cuddle break

Lobo likes to play and particularly likes tennis balls. He’s happy to both play fetch and just carry the ball around in his mouth. But he knows that playtime is different from walk time, and dropped the tennis ball as soon as I put his leash back on. Lobo participates in play groups. He was a little nervous with the other dogs at first but is getting more comfortable each time and likes to sniff all the other dogs hello. Be sure to say hello to Lobo on your next visit to the shelter!

Lobo happy with his tennis ball

Enzo the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix has the cutest face, but is so camera-shy that I couldn’t get a picture to do him justice! Enzo enjoys rolling on his back in the grass and getting belly rubs at the same time. He already knows the “sit” command and might know a few others–but if he doesn’t for sure, he will be a quick learner!

Enzo leading the way around the trail

Enzo prefers to walk at a quick pace but doesn’t pull too much on the leash as long as you’re keeping up with him. He participates in play groups and enjoys being with other dogs. He particularly likes to play tag and the other fast dogs like playing tag with him! Enzo is quickly becoming a volunteer favorite. Come in soon to see why!

Enzo refusing to look at the camera

I also saw Barney, Delilah, Snow White, Sonny, Sox, and Turbo.

The play group I went to this week included Alec(k), Brutus, Cass, Cocoa, Donny, Dunkin the Red, John Boy, Leia, Lucy, Polly, Quinn, and Roscoe, as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Al, Chance, Joan, Major, Rose, Tennessee, Tex, and Val.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs and Cats Want You to Come Out and Clear the Shelters!

This Saturday, August 17, Orphans of the Storm® is again participating in the national Clear the Shelters initiative, in partnership with NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago. Orphans of the Storm® will be waiving adoption fees for dogs and cats over the age of 6 months. The waived fee includes a spay or neuter, but costs for final shots still apply.

If you’re planning on attending this Saturday, here are a few things to know:

• If you will be considering a new dog and there are other members of your household–human or canine–please bring them to the shelter! Your new pet will need to meet everyone to make sure it is a good fit.
• If you bring your current dog(s) with you to the shelter, please bring someone else to help you with them and don’t leave them in the car.
• If you are renting your home, bring your lease or rental agreement that shows you are allowed to have a pet.
• Please no fingers in the kennels–both for your safety and for the safety of the animals.
• Although the $90 adoption fee will be waived for all adult cats and dogs, the normal adoption process is in place and you will need to pay for the final veterinary care at the vet.

This year, Orphans of the Storm® is featuring 20 special dogs who are volunteer favorites. Their kennels will be specially marked, and you will be able to talk to volunteers who can tell you more about why they’re a favorite and why they should go home with you! In alphabetical order, this year’s featured dogs are:

• Big Boy the five-year-old Boxer mix. Big Boy arrived at the shelter with his mom, Mojo (see below), but they’ve been living in separate kennels for a while now, so Big Boy can either be adopted by himself or with Mojo. Big Boy loves being around people and is super snuggly. He enjoys climbing into laps and cuddling. Big Boy can be choosy when it comes to doggy friends, though he’s been participating in play groups more often and is getting more comfortable socializing. He can get a little bark-y and pull-y when he passes other dogs on leash, but otherwise is a good walking companion.
• Bo the eight-year-old Labrador Retriever mix. Bo is a snuggler. He’ll just plop down right next to you (or if you’re standing, he’ll lean against your legs) and look at you with the sweetest puppy-dog eyes. Bo participates in play groups, but lets us know right away if he doesn’t like a certain dog. He would probably be most comfortable as the only dog in his new home, or with a very mellow furry friend.
• Brutus the three-year-old Hound mix. Brutus is a super-dog! He participated in last year’s Top Dog Competition and mastered the agility course. He also attended obedience courses and knows his basic commands. Brutus is a high-energy dog looking for a playful home. He is currently sharing his kennel with another dog, and he is also a play group regular. Brutus could go to a home with or without another dog.
• Carlos the five-year-old Black-and-Tan Coonhound mix. Carlos is a big, strong boy who loves toys and is also happy to play dress-up! He cooperates very nicely when we put the dogs in costumes for holidays and special occasions. Carlos has a great time playing with certain doggy friends, but in general prefers the company of people to that of other dogs. Carlos would do best in an adult-only home.
• Cass the six-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix. Cass lived with another dog in his previous home, before his owner could no longer afford to take care of him. That means Cass has experience being a pet and could also go to a home with or without another dog. Cass can be a little strong when he first comes out his kennel, but settles into a nice walking buddy. He likes going to play group.
• Chevy the seven-year-old Terrier mix. Chevy is the smallest dog on this list, and he makes for a great lapdog! Chevy likes to cuddle and be held. He’s a little shy and nervous, so he’s looking for someone who can give him extra TLC and make sure he’s loved. Chevy was sharing his kennel with another dog when he first arrived at the shelter, and he has also participated in small-dog play groups. He doesn’t play much, but he doesn’t mind being around other dogs.
• Cheyenne (Shyanne) the six-year-old Hound mix. Cheyenne is a total sweetheart. Whenever I walk by her kennel, she sticks her front paw out so I can hold it. She also loves to give doggy hugs and get lots of pets. Cheyenne used to not be too fond of other dogs, but now she is a play group regular and gets along with just about everybody.
• Cocoa the three-year-old Labrador Retriever/Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Cocoa got the nickname “crazy Cocoa” when she first arrived because she has so much playful energy. Cocoa loves toys (especially jolly balls) and loves playing with other dogs. She has a rambunctious play style, but has learned to tone it down when needed with calmer dogs. Cocoa graduated from Level 1 obedience classes and is part of the way through Level 2!
• Delilah the ten-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Delilah is a sweet, calm girl who enjoys taking it easy. She sometimes wants to nibble on the leash, but once she’s on the trail she prefers spending her time sniffing and enjoying the fresh air. Delilah likes having a toy nearby. She gets along with other dogs in play group but isn’t much of an active player. You can read more about why Delilah is a volunteer favorite here.
• Elijah the five-year-old Labrador Retriever/Mountain Cur mix. Elijah is another athlete who competed in the Top Dog Competition. Besides knowing how to do the agility course, Elijah also knows basic commands like “sit” and “paw” and is eager to learn more. Elijah enjoys playing with other dogs and is best friends with John Boy, who is currently his kennelmate. Elijah loves being with people and will happily snuggle with you. He would probably do best in an adult-only or teenaged children home.
• Huckleberry the two-year-old Hound mix. Huckleberry is our play group rockstar! He has yet to meet a dog he doesn’t like (and only one dog who didn’t like him back). Huckleberry would love to go to a home with another dog so he has a constant friend to play with. Huckleberry attended obedience classes and knows his basic commands. He is also super affectionate and loves to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses. He’s a tall, lanky boy, so getting a hug from him is basically like getting a hug from a human. Huckleberry is the sweetest and most fun!
• Lucy the eleven-year-old Boxer mix. Lucy is a sweet senior who still has plenty of spunk. She jumps up and down in excitement when she realizes it’s her turn to come out. She is a great, easy walking companion. Lucy attends play group, but is more of an observer and only plays on rare occasion. She can get a little grumpy when play gets too rowdy around her. Lucy would prefer to be the only dog in her new home so she can be spoiled for her golden years.
• Maggie the seven-year-old Shepherd/Labrador Retriever mix. Maggie is a short and stocky girl, but she holds her own! She doesn’t mind playing rowdy with the big boys and gets along well with other dogs in play group. Maggie loves toys and always gets to bring one back to her kennel after a walk. But she also loves tearing out the stuffing when given the chance! Maggie is a super easy walking companion.
• Mojo the seven-year-old Boxer mix. Mojo arrived at the shelter with her son, Big Boy (see above), but they’ve been living in separate kennels for a while now, so Mojo could be adopted by herself or with Big Boy. Mojo is gentle and sweet. She’s a nice walking companion, though some days she doesn’t want to go too far and would rather lie next to you and get petted. Mojo attends play group and gets along with other dogs, but mostly sniffs hello and then keeps to herself.
• Polly the three-year-old Mountain Cur mix. Polly loves to play, either with people or with other dogs. She particularly likes fetch (with people) and tag (with dogs). She’s an affectionate girl who likes to give doggy hugs. Polly can pull a bit when she first comes out of her kennel, but settles into a nice yet fast-paced walking buddy. Polly is looking for a lifelong playmate!
• Sox the eight-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Sox is a sweetheart. She loves to give doggy kisses and will happily join you wherever you’re sitting. Sox also loves toys, especially stuffed ones, and will proudly carry one around or toss it in the air and chase after it. Sox attends play group but mostly keeps to herself, so she would probably be most comfortable as the only dog in her new home. Sox has had a few mammary tumors removed and will probably need future monitoring, but that doesn’t slow her down.
• Tiger the five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Tiger is the only featured dog I haven’t profiled yet! He’s such a volunteer favorite that he’s always one of the first ones to go out in the morning, so I haven’t gotten the chance to walk him myself yet. I did hold his leash for a few minutes when someone else had him out, and he treated me like a longtime friend and gave me lots of doggy kisses. Tiger absolutely loves being around people. He would do best as the only dog in his future home.
• Tom the three-year-old Labrador Retriever mix. Tom loves playing with toys and can entertain himself by playing fetch with himself. He’s an active dog looking for an active home. Tom has made some female doggy friends in play group, but he still isn’t too fond of most other males. He would probably do best as the only pet in his new home.
• Whizzer the eight-year-old Hound mix. Whizzer was the winner of the Top Dog Competition! He excels at agility. Whizzer also attended obedience classes and knows his basic commands. He absolutely loves toys and would probably have a toy in his mouth at all times if he could. Whizzer did a sleepover with another volunteer and was a great houseguest. He also got along with this volunteer’s dog. Whizzer attends play group and sometimes plays, sometimes just watches the action happening around him.
• Wombat the six-year-old Hound mix. Wombat would make a great walking or running companion for an active person. He does great on the leash and likes to move at a quick pace. Being a Hound, he also likes to sniff thoroughly. Wombat is a smart, happy boy. He would do best as the only dog in his new home.

Orphans of the Storm® is also featuring a special long-timer who has been at the shelter for 6+ years: Riley (Diamond) the eleven-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. Riley was adopted out for several months a couple years ago, but returned due to her severe separation anxiety. Her new family will hopefully have someone at home the vast majority of the time, and be willing to train Riley to ease some of her anxiety. Riley has started to participate in play group more often, but would still prefer to be the only dog in her new home. She is also looking for an adult home.

Earlier this week, I also saw Barney, Mabel, Thelma and Louise, and Wombat, as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Orlando, Zane, and the bonded father/daughter Shadow and Betsy.

Play group this week started off with Barney, Huckleberry, and Cocoa having a fun romp. Then we had Beatrix, Big Boy, Bo, Bruno, Cass, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Donny, Dunkin the Red, Elijah, Harper, John Boy, Mojo, Maggie, Polly, Quinn, and Roscoe, and not-yet-profiled dogs Al, Cheese, Cindy, Felix, Heath, Henry Hippo, Hunter, Kraken, Major, Onyx, Pixie, Red, Salem, Tex, Tiny, Val, Zane, and Zimma.

There are so many amazing dogs (and cats!) for you to meet this weekend. Please help us make this the most successful Clear the Shelters event yet!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Enjoying the Dog Days of Summer

It’s not the dog days of summer without actual dogs by your side! Come in to Orphans of the Storm® to meet your new best friend.

Jupiter the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is a super playful pup who loves toys. The first thing he did when we got to the off-leash run was pick up a stuffed duck toy and proudly carry it around the run. Jupiter later alternated between carrying the duck and a stuffed octopus. He’s happy to chase after toys if you throw them, but prefers holding them to bringing them back for more fetching.

Jupiter very proud of his toy duck

Jupiter can pull a bit on the leash when he first comes out of his kennel, but as soon as we got to the woodland preserve trail, he settled down into a nice walking companion. He likes to sniff and explore, but didn’t stray too far from my side. He was also happy to take the occasional break for pets and snuggles. Jupiter is ready to join a fun-loving home who will have fun loving him. Stop by the shelter soon to see if Jupiter is the one for you!

Jupiter loving the octopus

Thelma and Louise the six-year-old Pug/Beagle (Puggle) mixes are a bonded pair looking for a forever home with space for two. And when I say bonded, I really mean it–they do everything together! They walk with their sides touching a lot of the time, they sniff the same spots, and they even pooped at the same time and place 😀

Imagine waking up to Thelma’s precious face every morning

Thelma and Louise spent the first few minutes doing some exploring of the off-leash run on their own. But after that, they both came over to me and wanted to snuggle up in my lap. Thelma and Louise both love having their hips scratched and do a cute little dance with happy snorts.

Louise leading the way

Louise ended up joining me on the bench and gave me a few doggy kisses. Thelma attempted to hop on the bench but it was a little too tall for her, so I scooted down to the ground to cuddle with her instead. Thelma and Louise used to live with children, so they could go to a home with or without kids.

Thelma is a cutie-patootie

Thelma and Louise walk surprisingly quickly for their size and shape! They led the way around the woodland preserve trail. Their Beagle side came out when a chipmunk ran in front of us and they were both ready to chase after it. But their sweet, friendly, affectionate Pug side is what will steal your heart. Be sure to say hello to Thelma and Louise on your next visit to the shelter!

Louise following her nose

Bruno the two-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix has been adopted but returned a couple times, so he’s looking for owners who have experience with his breed or other active working breeds. Bruno is a dog who likes to be kept busy! He would be good for someone who likes long walks or jogs, because he walks at a quick pace but doesn’t pull on the leash at all.

Bruno is ready for his close-up

Bruno loves toys. He both plays fetch and just enjoys plopping down and chewing on a favorite toy. He seems partial to tennis balls, but also liked a soft ring-shaped toy for chewing. Bruno gets along with other dogs and is a play group regular who likes to play tag and either chase or be chased. If you know and love his breed and are looking for an active companion, come in soon to meet Bruno!

Bruno is such a handsome boy

Charles the three-year-old Doberman Pinscher mix is super sweet and affectionate. All he wants to do is be cuddled. He’s a little too large to fit in laps, but he rested his head on my lap multiple times and looked at me with the sweetest puppy-dog eyes. It was hard to get a full-body photo of him because every time I knelt down to his level, he was right there to snuggle with me.

Charles says, “Please love me!”

Charles is a good leash-walking buddy. I’ve walked him around the woodland preserve trail on two different days. The first day, he was always right by my side or a couple steps ahead and didn’t pull at all. He was a little more active the second time and wanted to go at a quicker pace, but would still stop and come cuddle when I knelt down to his level. Charles would do best as the only dog in his new home. Stop by the shelter soon to say hello to Charles!

Charles loves getting attention

Duke the one-year-old Mountain Cur mix can be a little strong when he first comes out of his kennel, but was much calmer as we made our way around the woodland preserve trail. He liked leading the way and sniffing, but was happy to pause for some pets and put his front paws next to me on the bench. He also rested his head in my lap.

Duke being lovey-dovey

Duke also liked exploring around the Enrichment Park, snuffling around the trees and flower pots. He took a dip in the puppy pool and had fun splashing around with his front paws. Duke gets along with other dogs and attends play group often, where he romps and plays with the others. If you’re looking for a big puppy, come in soon to meet Duke!

Duke has the prettiest chocolate fur

I also saw Apollo, Barney (who loves mud puddles and splashing in the puppy pool), Mabel, Mojo, and Sonny.

Play group this week included Alec(k), Beatrix, Bo, Cass, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Donny, Duke, Dunkin the Red, Leia, Lucy, Maggie, Max, Polly, Reeco, and Roscoe, as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Al, Baby Girl, Cindy, Felix, Henry, Henry Hippo, Hunter, Kraken, the other Max, Pixie, Posie, Simba, Stella, Val, Wile-E, and Zimma.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Say, “Sun’s Out, Tongues Out!”

It was a steamy day at Orphans of the Storm®, so the dogs were on their most mellow setting and just wanted to relax and stay cool. There will be some long tongues in the photos ahead!

Also, the Orphans of the Storm® website is under construction, so please bear with me as I work on updating all of the dogs’ links on the Dog Profiles page! Apologies in advance if you end up on a “page not found” page.

Luanne the three-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix is super snuggly. As soon as I knelt down to her level, she put her front paws in my lap and covered my face in doggy kisses. She was happy to stay in my lap for as long as I was petting her. Luanne is a pretty good walking companion in that she mostly walks nicely by your side and doesn’t pull much, but she does like to nibble on the leash a bit. She seems to understand the “drop” command, though, so she just needs a little more practice.

Luanne with her pretty speckled fur

Luanne loves being with other dogs. She goes to play group every day and sometimes stays in for an hour or more–she gets along with everybody! Luanne can also hold her own when play gets a little rowdy. Luanne is a fun girl looking for a fun home. If you think that might be with you, be sure to say hello to Luanne on your next visit to the shelter!

Luanne has bright eyes and a pink tongue!

Ansley the four-year-old Plott mix greets every person with a wagging tail. She was eager to go for a walk and led the way to the off-leash run, where she had a fun time exploring behind the bushes and keeping cool in the shade. She came over for a pet when I knelt down to her level, and put her front paws in my lap.

Ansley on alert

Ansley is currently sharing her kennel with Puddin (see below) and gets along with other dogs. She and Tiny sniffed each other through the fence and even both put their front feet up to hold paws before deciding to race each other. Ansley walked pretty nicely on the leash, though she’ll occasionally pull if there’s a particular scent she wants to follow. Come in soon to see if Ansley is the pooch for you!

Ansley enjoying a romp

Puddin the seven-year-old Beagle mix is very shy right now and needs some extra encouragement to come out of her kennel. She doesn’t mind being picked up and seems to prefer being carried past the kennels of the other dogs before she feels more comfortable walking on her own. Puddin’s tail was tucked between her legs at first, but loosened up the longer we were out.

Puddin feeling perkier

Puddin can’t hide the fact that she’s part Beagle! She loved walking through the tall grasses along the woodland preserve trail and stopped often for thorough sniffing. Puddin gets along with other dogs her size and is currently sharing her kennel with Ansley (see above). She just needs some extra TLC right now to help her come out of her shell. If you’re looking for a little sweetie, come in soon to meet Puddin!

Puddin wanted to stay in the grass for as long as she could

Mabel the four-year-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix is the cutest little thing. As soon as she found a cool spot in the grass, she flopped over and rolled around on her back. When I started giving her a belly rub, Mabel closed her eyes and almost fell asleep! Everyone who saw her couldn’t help but smile, she looked so content.

Mabel says, “Excuse me, I have a belly that requires rubbing!”

Mabel is also a good lapdog. She likes being carried and held. Mabel gets along with other dogs her size. She is currently sharing her kennel with a Beagle not up for adoption yet, and had a brief play group session with four other little dogs. It was too hot to actively play for her, but she politely sniffed everyone and didn’t mind them sniffing her too. Be sure to say hello to Mabel the next time you come to the shelter!

Mabel in play group with new friends

I also spent some time with a few not-yet-profiled dogs but didn’t get their pictures yet: Khavi, Malachi, Nidget, and Carmella (who are all currently sharing a kennel and are all super snuggly lapdogs); Orlando (who is one of the most affectionate dogs at the shelter right now); and Thelma and Louise (a bonded pair of Puggles!).

Play group this week included Alec(k), Beatrix, Brutus, Cass, Cheyenne (Shyanne), Donny, Dunkin the Red, Elijah, Huckleberry, John Boy, Leia, Luanne, Lucy, Maggie, Max, Mojo, Polly, Quinn, Roscoe, Sasha, and Turbo, as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Al, Bruno, Chance, Dennis, Heath, the other Max, PB&J, Pixie, Posie, Ruben, Simone, Snickers, Val, and Wile-E.dd