Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Would Be Thankful to Go Home with You

Orphans of the Storm® will be closed on Thanksgiving, but open again at 11am on Friday. It would be a great long weekend to bring home a new family member!

Pony Boy the one-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei mix is a happy boy. His entire body wiggles when he wags his tail, especially when he realizes it’s his turn to come out for a walk. He greeted me and another volunteer with doggy hugs right away. Pony Boy likes staying close to his person so he can get pets often. When we were in the Enrichment Park, Pony Boy was interested in chasing after toys but not as interested in bringing them back to me.

Pony Boy has good woodchip camouflage!

Pony Boy likes to lead the way on walks and can pull a bit on the leash. He’s still a puppy, though, so he probably doesn’t have much leash-walking experience yet. Pony Boy politely sniffed another dog on the other side of the fence when we were out. He’s participated in a couple play groups but is a little nervous about being with a big group of dogs. If you’re looking for a super sweet puppy, come in soon to meet Pony Boy!

Pony Boy says, “Oh boy, a walk!”

Red the two-year-old Chinese Shar-Pei/Labrador Retriever mix is a playful pooch. He can entertain himself with toys and enjoys having a variety of toys to choose from. However, Red sometimes mistakes the leash for a toy too and wants to play tug-of-war when he’s first getting his leash put on. (A couple of his volunteer friends are working with him on this!) Once he’s on the woodland preserve trail, though, he is actually an excellent walking companion and goes at a nice, easy pace.

Red has the cutest wrinkles

Red particularly likes to get his chin and sides of his face scratched and will happily stand by your side as long as you’re petting him. He also likes to give doggy hugs. Red is improving his doggy socialization skills and regularly attends play group, though he tends to prefer the company of female dogs. If you’re looking for an active dog who loves to play, be sure to say hello to Red on your next visit to the shelter!

Red is very attentive

Jackson the three-year-old Labrador Retriever/Collie mix is a big, strong boy–one of the strongest I’ve walked in a while! But he’s very sweet, friendly, and easy-going. Jackson would love to have a big yard to call his own, where he can run a few laps and then play with toys. Jackson is happy to carry a stuffed squeaky toy in his mouth while he romps around, but he also likes to tear out the stuffing when he lies down for a break. I see some sturdy Kong toys in his future!

Jackson happy with his Santa toy (pre-shredded)

Jackson walks at a very quick pace on the leash and sometimes wants to chase after squirrels, but not too often. He looks at you with a doggy smile on his face while you pet him. Jackson also attends play groups. Even though he’s the biggest dog in the yard, the other dogs enjoy playing with him. So, Jackson could go to a home with or without another dog. If you love big dogs, stop by the shelter soon to meet Jackson!

Jackson’s tail is always wagging

Samara the ten-month-old Basset Hound mix is definitely still a puppy. He is super wriggly, super snuggly, and thinks that everything is a toy meant to be played with! This included my camera and occasionally the leash. Overall, though, Samara actually walks very nicely on the leash and is an easy walking companion.

Samara gives the best doggy hugs

Samara loves to give doggy hugs and very exuberant doggy kisses. He jumped into my lap at the first opportunity and was much more interested in cuddling than walking. He also joined me on the bench a couple times and thoroughly licked my ear. Samara gets along with other dogs (particularly other puppies) and attends play group. Come to the shelter soon to say hello to Samara!

My lens got a little blurry after a visit inside Samara’s puppy mouth

Pepper the one-year-old Bluetick Coonhound/Shepherd mix is playful with everybody and everything. She enjoys playing with all kinds of toys and is equally happy to fetch a ball or chew on a stuffed squeaky toy. Pepper is also a “play group rockstar” and gets along great with other dogs. She attends play group almost every single day.

Pepper daintily carrying her Santa toy

Pepper walks nicely on the leash and likes sniffing her way along the woodland preserve trail. She joined me on the bench to get some pets and gave me a quick doggy kiss. Pepper is super cute and will definitely catch your eye as you walk through the shelter. Stop by soon to get to know Pepper!

Pepper is looking for a permanent walking buddy

I also saw Barney and briefly met the not-yet-profiled dogs Charming (who is a cuddle-bug) and Raider.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Will Keep You Cozy

There are lots of extra-snuggly dogs waiting to meet you at Orphans of the Storm® right now! Below are just a few.

And although these dogs are all young, remember that Adopt a Senior Pet Month is still going strong, and Orphans of the Storm® is still waiving the adoption fee for senior dogs (and cats!). See the current list of available senior dogs here.

Jason the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is super sweet and snuggly. He gave me a doggy hug right away and attempted to climb into my lap whenever I knelt down to his level. Jason is also a big fan of covering your face in doggy kisses. A very cute thing that he does is sit right in front of you and wait expectantly until you start petting him. With a face that cute, though, he never has to wait long!

Jason says, “Hello, I’d like pets now, please.”

Jason sometimes likes to play fetch and sometimes just sniffs at toys before continuing on with his exploring around the yard. Jason likes to walk at a quick pace when he’s on the leash, but doesn’t pull as long as you’re keeping up with him. He can get a little grumbly when he’s on the leash and passes another dog, but he does attend play groups and does fine with other dogs off-leash. So, he has the potential to go to a home with another dog. He also could go to a home with children. If you’re looking for a loving and lovable puppy, come in soon to meet Jason!

Jason romping around the yard

Rocko the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Rottweiler mix is a big, happy boy. He loves to give doggy hugs, but is gentle enough that he doesn’t unintentionally knock you off-balance. In fact, Rocko is a gentle giant overall. He walks great on the leash and doesn’t pull at all. When I sat down on a bench, Rocko put his front paws up next to me and rested his chin on my shoulder while I pet him.

Rocko in the snow

Rocko loves to play with toys. He can easily play fetch with himself, tossing a toy high in the air and then catching it. Rocko can jump up high, though, so make sure your nose is out of the way so you don’t accidentally get booped! Rocko temporarily lived in a home with cats, a Chihuahua, and teenagers, and got along with all of them. So, he has the potential to live with other dogs, cats, and older children. If you love big dogs, be sure to say hello to Rocko on your next visit to the shelter!

This picture shows off Rocko’s pretty coloring the best

Willow the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix has quickly become a volunteer favorite because she is so sweet. She loves to give doggy kisses and will put her front paws in your lap so she can get nice and close. Willow can be a little unsure of her surroundings and starts out with her tail tucked between her legs, but it loosens up the longer she’s out. She also has a little bit of an adventurous side and went through the agility tunnel all on her own.

Willow coming in for a doggy kiss

Willow is very easy to walk on the leash. She attends play group and gets along with the other dogs, so she could go to a home with or without another dog. She also gets along with children. However, Willow has separation anxiety and is looking for a patient and understanding home with people who will work with her on dealing with and hopefully overcoming this issue. Willow is still a puppy, so she has so much love to offer her new family. Come in soon to see if Willow is the one for you!

Willow investigating a squeaky toy

I also saw Barney, Chevy, Cocoa, Delilah, Oreo, and Turbo (whose barking should not deter you–he’s anxious around the kennels, but is the calmest, quietest, snuggliest once he’s on the woodland preserve trail).

Play group this week included Barney, Brutus, Cocoa, Kado, Prince, and Willow, as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Ace, Badger, Banjo, Bull, Burger, Cardi B, Carlos, Charming, Darcie, Dolly, Emily, Ginger, Mardi Gras, Millie, Pepper, Poochie, Raider, Red, Rooster, Samara, Sara, Sophie, and Tahini.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Enjoy the Bright Autumn Sun

Orphans of the Storm® just welcomed in dozens of new dogs this week, so be sure to stop in over the weekend to meet them! But below are some dogs who have already been at the shelter for a few weeks and are hoping they won’t be overlooked.

Rocky the six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix found himself at the shelter after his owner passed away. This means he has a lifetime of experience living in a home and is already housebroken. Since Rocky is a middle-aged gentleman, he is very mellow and well-behaved. He’s already gone to off-site events and enjoys getting attention from the new people he meets there.

Rocky has a very expressive face

Rocky is an excellent leash-walking companion. He walks at an easy pace and doesn’t pull at all. He happily came over to me to get some snuggles when I sat down on the bench. Rocky occasionally attends play group but can get overwhelmed with larger, boisterous groups, so he prefers the company of calmer dogs like himself. If you’re looking for an easy-going buddy, be sure to meet Rocky on your next visit to the shelter!

Rocky is a cute little guy

Maisie the nine-month-old Shepherd/Border Collie mix is definitely still a puppy. She has that playful, happy puppy energy that immediately puts a smile on your face. Maisie is super snuggly and loves to give doggy kisses. When we were in the off-leash run, she spent most of her time by my side so she could get lots of pets. Maisie also enjoys playing with toys, including both chasing and chewing.

Maisie is ready to cuddle

Maisie is athletic. She could potentially be a great running partner, because she led the entire way around the woodland preserve and only slowed to a walk when I couldn’t keep up anymore. Maisie is a play group regular and has a long list of doggy friends, so she could go to a home with or without another dog. She could also probably go home to a family with children. If you’re looking for a happy, playful pup, come in soon to meet Maisie!

Maisie taking a break from our run

Freyr the two-year-old Terrier mix is a total sweetheart. He loves to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses. When I knelt down to his level, he burrowed himself in my lap and rolled halfway over so I could give him a belly rub. As we were walking around the woodland preserve trail, he stopped and sat right in front of me so we could cuddle more. Freyr is great at walking on the leash.

Freyr is hoping for lots of toys in his new home

Freyr is a playful pooch. He loves toys and particularly enjoyed chewing on a tennis ball, though he also likes to rip his toys apart. As soon as I said it was time to go for a walk, Freyr dropped his tennis ball and came straight to me to get his leash put on. He’s a smart boy! Freyr attends play group and enjoys being with the other dogs, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. Come in soon to meet Freyr!

Freyr has one beautiful blue eye

I also saw Anya, Barney, Jupiter, Kira, Oreo, and Reno.

Play group this week included Anya, Barney, Cocoa, Dunkin, Freyr, Kira, Maisie, Nutella, Polly, Reno, and Wombat, as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Edith, Fannie, Phat, Red, Sasha, Sophie, and Tahini.

Orphans of the Storm® Celebrates Adopt a Senior Pet Month

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and Orphans of the Storm® is celebrating by waiving the adoption fees for dogs and cats 7 years and older! (Additional vaccination/vet fees will still apply.) The Orphans of the Storm® website now has a feature to let you sort by age, so you can see a full list of available senior dogs.

But if you’re thinking of a younger dog, there are plenty for you to meet too!

French Fry the five-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is shy but super sweet. He’s already come out of his shell a lot in the few weeks that he’s been here, but we know there’s more fun personality in there! French Fry loves to cuddle and get attention. He put his head in my lap when I sat down next to him and rolled over to get a belly rub. French Fry also enjoyed getting pet by a young girl while her parents were looking at another dog.

French Fry would rather cuddle than walk

French Fry didn’t want to walk too far when we were out, but when he does walk, he is an easy walking companion. He occasionally sniffs, but mostly just watches what’s happening around him and then comes back to his person for some extra encouragement. French Fry is looking for a home that will give him all the love he deserve. If you’re looking for a sweet, snuggly boy, come in soon to meet French Fry!

French Fry being a lapdog

Henry Hippo the three-year-old Hound mix absolutely loves going to play group and being with the other dogs. He wants to interact with everybody, and encourages the other dogs to play with him by rolling on the ground with all four legs straight in the air (you can see a video of this here). Henry Hippo is currently sharing his kennel with Pups (see below), so he can definitely go to a home with another dog.

Henry Hippo has the best Hound face

Henry Hippo is a good leash-walking companion and enjoys sniffing and exploring, as Hounds do. His nose is most often right on the ground to track all the scents. Henry Hippo can be talkative in play group but quiet when it’s just him. He particularly likes getting scratches on his chin and ears. Henry Hippo is a happy, fun boy who will bring smiles to his new home. Be sure to say hello to Henry Hippo on your next visit to the shelter!

This may not be Henry Hippo’s most flattering angle

Pups the ten-year-old Rottweiler mix was adopted from Orphans of the Storm® years ago, but his owner recently passed away so Pups is back and looking for a new home again. Now Pups has many years of experience living in a home and being a companion. He is super sweet, mellow, and easy-going. He’d be happy to spend most of his time relaxing around the house with his new family.

Pups always has a smile on his face

Pups does enjoy the occasional spurt of romping around the yard too, though, and since he’s a bit chunky, more walks and exercise would be good for him! Pups walks nicely on the leash. He especially enjoys getting his hips scratched and will wriggle around happily when you scratch the right spot. Pups is currently sharing his kennel with Henry Hippo (see above) and sometimes attends play groups, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’ve been considering adding a senior to your home, consider Pups!

Pups like having a yard to explore

Oreo the five-year-old Border Collie mix would be a good companion for someone who likes taking brisk walks, because Oreo walks with a purpose (but doesn’t pull at all). He led the way around the woodland preserve trail and only stopped when I stopped. Oreo was happy to join me on the bench for some pets. He loves getting his hips scratched and will keep leaning and leaning against your hand until he plops over.

Oreo is such a handsome boy

Oreo did some sniffing and exploring around the off-leash yard but was mostly interested in staying close to me and getting more pets. He occasionally attends play group and doesn’t mind being around the other dogs, but generally doesn’t actively play with them. Oreo is looking for an adult home or a home with older, teenaged children (Border Collies are known to herd kids). Come in soon to see if Oreo is the pooch for you!

Oreo wanting a closeup

Willie the one-year-old Shepherd mix is super affectionate. He quickly became a volunteer favorite because of how snuggly he is. Willie loves to give doggy hugs, climb into laps, and cover faces in doggy kisses. He excitedly joined me on the bench and would have stayed right next to me all afternoon if he could. He gets along with other dogs and has done nicely with kids that he’s met at the shelter.

Willie sitting on the bench

Willie walks nicely on the leash overall, though he gets the occasional burst of energy where he jumps and spins around a few times before continuing on his walk. Being barely out of puppyhood, Willie loves to play with toys and seems to understand the concept of “fetch.” Willie arrived at the shelter with some health issues, but he’s ready now to settle in to his forever home. Come in soon to meet Willie!

Willie enjoyed this squeaky bone

Rita the one-year-old Labrador Retriever/Australian Cattle Dog mix is super snuggly. As soon as she came out of her kennel, she gave a doggy hug to me and then another one to a visitor, who of course started cooing about how cute Rita is. When I let Rita off-leash in the yard, she just wanted to climb into my lap and cuddle some more. She’s a little timid at the shelter, but super sweet.

Rita on a walk

Rita was originally sharing her kennel with another puppy who has since been adopted. She also attends play group and comes out of her shell more after playing with the other dogs. So, she could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’re looking for a cuddly and playful puppy, be sure to say hello to Rita!

Rita wasn’t quite sure what to make of this big yard

I also saw Barney, Brutus, and Kira.

Play group included Brutus, Dunkin, Kado, Kira, Reno, and Riley (Diamond), as well as not-yet-profiled dogs Addie, Corrina, Freyr, and Maisie.