Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Will Leap into Your Heart

Leap Day is tomorrow, and the dogs at Orphans of the Storm® would leap for joy if they found their forever homes!

Roxie Marie the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is an excellent snuggler. As soon as I knelt down to her level, she curled right up against me and then put her front paws in my lap so she could cover my face with doggy kisses. When I sat down on the bench later, Roxie Marie hopped right up next to me and particularly enjoyed getting her hips and sides scratched. Her tail is constantly wagging.

Roxie Marie has good camouflage

Roxie Marie walks great on the leash. She likes to explore and sniff, but rarely pulls and mostly just stays a couple steps ahead of her person. Roxie Marie has also participated in a few play groups and has made some doggy friends. She’s more on the calm and gentle side, but still seems to like the company of other dogs. Come in soon to see if sweet Roxie Marie is the one for you!

Roxie Marie literally smiles

Kibble the eight-month-old Labrador Retriever mix was rescued from a hoarding situation, so he’s still figuring out the best way to be a happy puppy. Since he never had anything to call his own before, he can sometimes get extra eager about food. But he’s already learning that people are great for getting lots of pets! Kibble had a fun time romping around the Enrichment Park, playing with a stuffed squeaky toy. He was perfectly content to chew on the toy and toss it around himself, but would also chase it when I threw it for him.

Kibble wondering, “What’s over there?”

Kibble likes to give his people doggy hugs. With his puppy exuberance, Kibble can sometimes pull on the leash, especially if another dog is nearby. But he’s also pretty easy to re-focus. Kibble hasn’t been a big fan of other dogs at the shelter so far, but coming from a hoarding situation, that’s understandable that he wants his own space for once! Kibble does have the potential to go to a home with children, though. Be sure to say hello to Kibble on your next visit to the shelter!

Kibble loved this toy

Sugar the four-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is a total sweetheart. She loves getting attention, but she’s very mellow about it. She’ll just plop down next to you and look at you expectantly until you start petting her, and then she’ll wag her tail and poke your hand with her nose when you scratch the right spots. Sugar jumped up on every single bench we passed during our walk and looked at me like, “Okay, I’m at perfect petting height now! Time to snuggle!” She wouldn’t get off the bench until she had been satisfactorily doted upon.

Sugar modeling her cute sweater

Sugar is also an excellent walking companion. She doesn’t pull at all, and moves at an easy pace. Sugar is looking to be the only dog in her new home. However, when she’s out on walks, she doesn’t give other dogs a second glance. (She even sat directly next to Max Becks on the other side of the fence and let him sniff her through the gate.) Sugar is certainly as sweet as her name implies. Come in soon to meet her!

Sugar on the bench

Hayden the two-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix has been described as “ladylike” and “dainty”–and I agree! She’s much smaller in person than she looks in her photos, and she has a delicate prance when she walks on the leash. In fact, she is an ideal walking companion because she doesn’t pull at all, and she rarely stops to sniff. She just likes keeping up with her person.

Hayden’s ears waving in the wind

Hayden can be a little shy when she first comes out of her kennel, but after she explored the off-leash run for a bit on her own, she came over to me to get some pets. She sniffed a couple of toys but wasn’t interested in playing with them. However, she does have an athletic side! She jumped right onto the roof of the doghouse and then hopped off the other side like it was no big deal. If you’re looking for a pretty little princess, be sure to say hello to Hayden!

Hayden is such a pretty color

Moose the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Australian Cattle Dog mix is a very handsome boy, with his one blue eye and one brown eye. He can pull a bit on the leash when he first comes out of his kennel, but settles down nicely once he’s on the woodland preserve trail. Whenever I knelt down to his level, Moose came over to give me a quick doggy kiss and then leaned against my arm while I pet him. He enjoyed sniffing around the off-leash run but wasn’t too interested in toys during this particular outing.

Moose being a good walking buddy

Moose gets along well with other dogs. He was originally sharing his kennel with a Husky who has since been adopted, and he also likes to participate in play groups. His favorite form of play is to chase and be chased. He’s made a couple good doggy friends so far. Be sure to stop in soon to meet Moose!

Moose’s blue eye always makes him look surprised

Baxter the one-year-old Shepherd mix is the most snuggly pup. Whenever I knelt down next to him, regardless of what else was going on around us, Baxter immediately put his front legs into my lap and rested his chin in the crook of my elbow. He also joined me on the bench a couple times and sat in my lap so I could pet him and so he could give me doggy kisses. Baxter is too sweet!

Baxter is too cute

Baxter is barely out of puppyhood, so he has lots of enthusiasm and can occasionally pull on the leash during walks when he gets excited. For the most part, though, he’s a good walking companion. Baxter is currently sharing his kennel with not-yet-profiled Gracie and also regularly participates in play group. He has a long list of doggy friends already! So Baxter definitely has potential to go to a home with another dog. Come by the shelter soon to say hello to Baxter!

Baxter being a lapdog

Rusty the two-year-old Hound mix likes to follow his nose, as Hounds are known to do. He slowly meandered around the off-leash run, exploring along the fence line and behind the bushes. Rusty also liked keeping an eye on what was happening on the other side of the fence and watching other people and dogs go by. After Rusty finished exploring on his own, he put his front paws up on the bench next to me so I could rub his belly and scratch his ears.

Rusty enjoying a chin scratch

Rusty enjoyed taking the occasional break during our walk around the woodland preserve trail to get more pets. Even if he was moving right along, he would stop as soon as I did and come over to cuddle. Although I didn’t get a doggy kiss on this outing, he seemed to seriously consider it when he put his nose right up to mine. Rusty was originally sharing his kennel with a dog who has since been adopted and also participates in play group, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. Come in soon to meet Rusty!

Rusty in the shade

I also saw Brunhilda.

Play group this week included Baxter, Big Boy, Haruto, Hunky, Jupiter, Moose, Prince, Princess, Rusty, Springer, and Titus, as well as the not-yet-profiled Aspen, Buffer, Chili, Clara, Crema, Daisy Mae, Dee Dee, Gerald, Jack, Lake, Shadow, Skittles, Van, Whisper, and Ziggy.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Looking for a Playmate

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Orphans of the Storm® Foster Program is now live! Give a dog a break from the kennel–a chance to truly shine–or somewhere quiet to recover from a procedure or treatment. All dogs come with medical care, food, and supplies (as available), and a full team of support for all their needs.

Fostering is also great because it helps two dogs at once: Bringing a dog into your home opens up a kennel at the shelter for another dog in need.

If you’re not ready to adopt, but still want to help our dogs, our foster program could be perfect for you! See the current list of foster-able dogs and, when you’re ready, fill out an application.

If you are ready to adopt, then come by the shelter and meet these playful pups!

Spot the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix was originally living in a home with a family, including older children, but due to a housing issue they had to give him up. That means that even though Spot is barely out of puppyhood, he already has experience in a home and is ready to join another family. Spot absolutely loves playing with toys! He particularly likes stuffed squeaky toys–but he also likes tearing the stuffing out of them, so he should be supervised while playing.

Spot has the funniest ears

Spot has plenty of energy. He loves having a big yard where he can run around with his toys. He can pull a bit on the leash, but for the most part he walks pretty well. Spot wanted to jump up on every single bench we passed, so maybe he has agility in his future! Spot occasionally participates in play groups and prefers playing with the other rough-and-tumble dogs. Come in soon to see if Spot is the one for you!

Spot is very appropriately named

Emma the seven-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is super easy-going. She’s already gone to some off-site events and is very well-behaved when meeting new people (including children) and new dogs. At the shelter, Emma likes to spend her time slowly exploring around the off-leash run. When she’s done with that, she likes to come over to get some pets and cuddles. Emma gives very gentle doggy kisses.

Emma has such a sweet face

Emma is a great leash-walking companion. She stayed right by my side almost the whole way around the woodland preserve trail. She picked up the pace towards the end, but that might be because her paws were getting cold in the snow! And even so, she never went too fast or pulled. If you’re looking for a mellow, loving almost-senior, be sure to say hello to Emma on your next visit to the shelter!

Emma plodding through the snow

Chaco the five-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever mix is very mellow, bordering on timid. He’s a little confused about being at the shelter and has mastered the “sad puppy eyes” look, but we know being in a loving home will cheer him up! Chaco did some exploring in the off-leash run, but always came back to me when I knelt down to his level. He enjoys gentle pets and will stay by your side. He put his nose right up to mine and seriously considered giving a doggy kiss.

I was serious about Chaco’s “sad puppy eyes”

Chaco is perfect on the leash. He walks at a nice, easy pace and never pulls. He rarely even stops to sniff! Chaco’s definitely a go-with-the-flow kind of walker. Chaco regularly attends play group and likes being with the other calmer, gentler dogs. He was also briefly sharing a kennel with another dog when he first arrived. Come in to see if you can turn Chaco’s frown upside down by making him your new family member!

Chaco enjoying the trail

Brisco the one-year-old Labrador Retriever/Pit Bull Terrier mix is literally the best lap dog I have encountered. When I sat down on the bench, Brisco hopped up to join me. He balanced all four paws on my legs and then sat down so we were face-to-face, and proceeded to cover my face in doggy kisses. He eventually took a break from the kisses and just wanted to be hugged. The only reason Brisco got out of my lap is because I stood up–and he still tried to balance on me for as long as physically possible!

I had to lean back to get a break from Brisco’s kisses!

Brisco can pull a bit on the leash when he first comes out of his kennel because he’s excited that it’s his turn, but he settles down nicely once he’s walking on the trail. He stopped to hop up on almost every bench we passed so I would give him more cuddles. He also already seems to know “sit.” Brisco has the potential to go home with older children or other dogs, though in play group he’s been very high-energy and too much for some of the dogs. He just needs to find the right buddy. Be sure to say hello to Brisco on your next visit to the shelter!

Brisco says, “Will you stop taking pictures and pet me instead?”

Springer the three-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix arrived at the shelter a little wary of people, but made instant friends with shy puppy Skye (who is now in a foster home). He’s starting to make more human friends, too, and was very playful when I took him out. Springer found a toy in the off-leash run and started tossing it around and chewing it right away. He did start to tear out some of the fluff, though, so heavy-duty toys might be better for him in his future home.

Springer’s ears may be able to access satellite TV channels

Springer is still learning to trust the person at the other end of his leash, so he can pull a bit when he’s walking on the trail. But if you stop walking and start to pet him, he’ll gladly stand by your side for a bit before continuing on. Springer has the potential to go to a home with children over 5 or with another dog. Stop by the shelter soon to meet Springer!

Springer looking skeptical

Haruto the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier/Pointer mix loves toys. Stuffed squeakies, tennis balls, ropes–you name it, he’ll play with it! He’s about halfway to being good at fetch. Haruto enjoys chasing after toys when you throw them, but then he’ll just plop down and start chewing it instead of bringing it back to chase again. If you have two toys handy, though, he’ll drop the one toy to run after the next. Haruto is another dog who thinks it’s great fun to pull out the stuffing.

Every picture of Haruto was an action shot

Haruto’s entire body wriggles with happiness when you pet him. It starts with his wagging tail and then goes all the way up, so even his head moves back and forth while he gives you a big doggy grin. It is adorable. Haruto also likes to give the occasional doggy hug and get his sides scratched while he’s standing up next to you. Haruto is basically still a puppy, so he could use some extra training when it comes to walking nicely on the leash rather than pulling in excitement. If you’re looking for a happy puppy, come in soon to meet Haruto!

Haruto taking a sharp turn

I also saw Bailey (who loves to cuddle) and Meshai (who is so well-behaved that he sometimes gets to be the front desk dog).

Orphans of the Storm® Has Singles Looking for a Valentine

This weekend, February 15-16, Orphans of the Storm® is hosting a “Singles for Singles” Valentine’s Day Promo! Several dogs and cats are designated as needing to go to a “single-pet” home where they can be the only one to get all of your love and attention. For the specific dogs and cats listed below, their adoption fee will be waived (final vet fees still apply). So if you’re a one-pet kind of person, be sure to stop in this weekend to find your perfect match!

Eligible Dogs:

• Jupiter
• Mardi Gras (who I haven’t profiled yet because she’s such a volunteer favorite, someone else always walks her before I can get to her!)
• Princess
• Brice
• Cocoa

Eligible Cats:

• Miss Spartacus
• Angel
• Morning Star
• Ginger
• Pepper
• Poppy (who has some special needs and therefore needs a special person to bring him home!)

This is also a big week because we celebrated our one-year anniversary of implementing play groups! More than 8,000 times in just this one year, a dog has entered the play group yard to join the fun. Play groups make the dogs happy, make the staff and volunteers happy, and make potential adopters happy because we can tell them even more about a dog’s personality from the way they behave in play group. It’s a win-win-win!

And here are some more sweet dogs also looking for a Valentine!

Lenny the eight-month-old Labrador Retriever mix was rescued from a hoarding situation, but his unfortunate beginning hasn’t dampened his spirits! He is a happy, playful puppy with plenty of energy. Lenny loves racing around the Enrichment Park. He did a few laps on his own and then slowed down long enough to sniff each corner of the yard. Lenny also enjoyed chasing after and playing with a bouncy ball.

This was possibly Lenny’s first time experiencing snowfall, but he seemed to like it

Lenny likes to give doggy hugs and likes getting pet, when he does eventually slow down! Despite all of his energy when he’s off-leash, he is actually a pretty easy walking companion on-leash and rarely pulls. Lenny occasionally participates in play group, but is still learning some doggy manners and can pester the other dogs when he wants to play but they don’t. If you’re looking for a playful pup, be sure to say hello to Lenny on your next visit to the shelter!

Lenny on the move!

Duke the three-year-old Feist/Australian Cattle Dog mix is super sweet. He gave me a doggy hug as soon as he came out of his kennel and continued wanting to cuddle when we were in the off-leash run. He climbed right into my lap (or as much of him as would fit) and covered my face in doggy kisses. Any time I knelt down to his level, he came right over for more pets, snuggles, and kisses.

Duke being a cutie

Duke likes meandering around the yard, casually sniffing and exploring. He is one of the easiest leash-walkers I’ve walked in a while. Duke doesn’t pull at all and stays by your side or just a couple small steps ahead. Duke participates in play groups and actively plays with the other dogs. Come in soon to see if Duke is the one for you!

Duke is a champion snuggler

Douglas the one-year-old Pit Bull Terrier is a little shy when he first comes out of his kennel, but perks up the longer he’s out. It was almost impossible to get a picture of his adorable face because every time I knelt down to his level, he tucked his head into my lap and leaned into me. It was so sweet! Douglas loves getting his sides and hips rubbed when he does this. He’ll happily stay in this position until you stand up again.

I wasn’t lying about Douglas getting too close to get a good face photo!

Douglas got more playful as we spent more time together. He had a lot of fun chasing after toys and chewing on stuffed squeakers. Douglas walks nicely on the leash and rarely pulls. He’s been in one play group so far and did pretty well, though he was getting a little anxious being with several other large males. We’ll find the right friends for him! If you’re looking for a super snuggler, come in soon to meet Douglas!

Douglas in the snow

Achilles the four-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is a gentle giant. If you love ginormous, wrinkly faces, then you will absolutely love Achilles! But he’s more than just good looks. Achilles is an easy-going guy. He particularly likes getting his hips scratched and will turn his head around to look at you as if to say, “Oh good, you found the right spot.” Achilles wasn’t too interested in toys, and was mostly just making his way through the snow to explore the yard.

Achilles looking very gentlemanly

Achilles likes to move at a quick pace on his walks. Even though he’s big and could be strong, though, he doesn’t pull as long as you’re keeping up with him. Achilles is already a play group regular and likes being with the calmer, gentler dogs. He politely sniffs each one in greeting but isn’t too interested in actively playing. You’re more likely to find him sitting at the feet of one of the people in the yard. Be sure to say hello to Achilles on your next visit to the shelter!

Achilles enjoying his back scratches

I also saw Bailey, Meshai, and Polly.

Play group this week included Achilles, Bailey, Cocoa, Douglas, Jupiter, Meshai, Prince, Rudgie, and Spooky, as well as the not-yet-profiled Barrett, Buffer, Chaco, Chili, Crema, Flower, Ink, Nina, Pumpkin Spice, Rambo, Roxie Marie, and Zeb.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Looking for a New BFF

The dogs at Orphans of the Storm® are looking for their new BFF–which in this case stands for “best forever family!”

Sadie Lou the three-year-old Hound mix is very calm and easy-going. She gave me a doggy hug as soon as she came out of her kennel and wanted to spend most of her off-leash time just snuggling with me. She especially likes to get her chin scratched, and happily stayed right by my side for as long as I was petting her. She eventually did some exploring around the Enrichment Park and enjoyed sniffing the different scents. Sadie Lou watched me throw a few toys, but wasn’t interested in playing fetch on this particular day.

Sadie Lou will never be too far from your side

Sadie Lou is a very easy walking companion. She doesn’t pull on the leash at all and stayed just a couple steps ahead of me. She would occasionally stop to sniff, but mostly just liked to keep moving along. Sadie Lou gets along with other dogs and attends play group pretty regularly. She prefers the company of calmer, gentler dogs like herself. Come in soon to meet sweet Sadie Lou!

Sadie Lou watching the goings-on

Max Becks the five-year-old Hound/Bull Terrier mix is a volunteer favorite because he is happy all the time. Max Becks is also super affectionate. He loves to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses, and will gladly climb into the laps of people he just met for a snuggle session. Max Becks particularly enjoys getting his hips scratched and does a happy dance. He is a great leash-walking companion and already knows some basic commands like “sit.”

Max Becks liked this monkey toy

Max Becks loves toys. He prefers squeaky stuffed toys (rather than rubber or tennis balls) and will romp around the yard with one in his mouth, toss it in the air, and lie down to chew. Sometimes he likes to chew on his own, and sometimes he’ll bring the toy to you and plop down next to you so he can get some loving at the same time. Max Becks also likes to play with the other dogs in play group. His favorite form of play is to chase or be chased. Stop by the shelter soon to see for yourself how lovable Max Becks is!

Max Becks showing off his “sit” (and giving me a Look for not having a treat to reward him)

Hunky the three-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is actually smaller in stature than he appears in pictures. He’s the perfect size for cuddling, which is good news because Hunky loves to cuddle! He covered my entire face (ears included) in doggy kisses and only stopped when I stood up. Hunky also joined me on the bench and liked being able to sit either right by my side or with his front paws in my lap.

Hunky has the cutest squishy face

Hunky is a good leash-walking companion and rarely pulls. He’s usually pretty mellow when he’s off-leash in the yard, but gets a very occasional case of the zoomies. Hunky watched as I threw a couple toys and walked over to sniff them, but wasn’t interested in fetching. Hunky is a play group rockstar and has so far gotten along with every dog he’s met, so he could probably go home with another dog. Be sure to say hello to Hunky on your next visit to the shelter!

Hunky being a good walking companion

I also saw Bailey, Meshai, and the not-yet-profiled Skye (who is scared of most things and would rather be carried than walk on her own, but takes treats very gently and loves being pet–and she’s already starting to come out of her shell more after just a few days of extra TLC!).