Orphans of the Storm® Has Dogs of All Energy Levels

Whether you’re looking for a companion to keep you cozy on the couch, a running partner, or a fetch guru, Orphans of the Storm® has the dog with the right energy level for you!

Maria the five-year-old Redbone Coonhound mix is one of the most mellow dogs at the shelter right now. She was lounging in a sunny spot in her kennel when I came to take her out, and she wagged her tail when she saw the leash but otherwise wasn’t in a hurry to get up. When I let her off-leash in the yard, she went straight for the doghouse, dug up some fresh, cool dirt, and plopped down to do some more lounging. Maria is happy to get lots of scratches and snuggles while she’s relaxing, too, and will gently nudge your hand with her nose if you stop petting her.

Maria enjoys her chest scratches

Maria is a very easy walking companion. She goes at an easy pace and never pulls. Sometimes she can be a little stubborn if she wants to stop and you want to keep moving, but she starts going again with a little encouragement. Maria has attended an off-site event and was calm the entire time. She already has a big fan following among the volunteers. Maria sometimes participates in play group, but because she prefers things to be low-key like she is, she isn’t too fond of all the activity involved. If you’re looking for a sweet and gentle couch potato, come in soon to meet Maria!

Maria being a good walking buddy

Bonus photo of Maria dozing in the doghouse

Chappie the five-year-old Labrador Retriever/Hound mix is a real cutie. He was excited to come out of his kennel and quickly led the way to the Enrichment Park, where he enjoyed sniffing and exploring. Chappie did several slow loops around the perimeter and especially enjoyed snuffling around the potted plants. A staff member was coming in and out of the park to do some cleaning, and Chappie didn’t pay him any attention or even notice that the gate kept opening and closing. He was just content to do his own thing.

Chappie looking serious

Chappie finally realized that I was there to spend time with him once we were on the walking trail. When I knelt down to his level, he came over to get some neck scratches and gave me a few gentle doggy kisses. Chappie likes to walk at a quick pace but doesn’t pull as long as you’re keeping up with him. In fact, Chappie has the potential to be a great jogging or running partner–his speed perfectly matched my jogging pace, and he even started to run a little when he realized I was running too. Chappie has participated in a few play groups with gentler dogs. Come to the shelter soon to see if Chappie is the one for you!

Chappie smiling

Kobe the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is an active boy who loves toys. He chased after the toys I threw, then picked his favorite and carried it in his mouth while he ran a few laps around the yard. After that, he found a shady spot in the grass and laid down to do some chewing. The good news is that Kobe doesn’t try to destroy his toys when he’s chewing, like some dogs do. He just casually nibbles and keeps the toys intact. Kobe can pull a bit on the leash when using a regular collar, but walks more easily with a front-clip harness.

Kobe loved this squeaky pumpkin

Kobe attends play group every day. He loves wrestling and romping with the other rough-and-rowdy dogs–but annoys the calmer and gentler dogs, so he does best with high-energy dogs like himself. Kobe is learning basic obedience and would be eager to learn more. His previous owners noted that he can be protective of his home and yard, so Kobe is looking for an adult-only home that can work with him on this and teach him that he doesn’t need to be territorial or wary of visitors. If you’re looking for a playful pup, be sure to meet Kobe on your next visit to the shelter!

Kobe says, “Whatcha got there?”

I also saw Chevy.

Orphans of the Storm® Has Big Dogs and Active Dogs

It finally cooled down enough to be able to walk the dogs at Orphans of the Storm® in the afternoon!

Joe the seven-year-old Hound mix is a big boy, but very gentle. He can unintentionally be a little strong when he first comes out of his kennel because he’s happy to be outside, but he is a super easy walking companion once he’s on the trail. Joe preferred walking in the tall grasses (I think because it was cooler there) and took some breaks in the shade. He was happy to get his neck and back scratched during these breaks, and gave me a big doggy smile.

Joe enjoying his yard time

Joe would love to have a yard to call his own. He had a great time meandering around the yard, thoroughly sniffing the perimeter and exploring behind the bushes. His future family will be glad to know that Joe is very calm and patient when getting his long, floppy ears cleaned. Joe has already made a couple doggy friends in play group and is gentle around the dogs he’s met so far. If you love big Hounds, be sure to come in soon to meet Joe!

You’ll have to be okay with a little drool if you bring Joe home

Cooper the one-year-old Hound mix has lots of energy, since he’s basically still a puppy. He jumped up and down in excitement when he first came out of his kennel and wanted to play tug with the leash, but dropped it quickly when we started our walk. Cooper likes to lead the way on walks and wanted to run rather than walk on this particular outing. What Cooper likes the most, though, is water. He hops right into the kiddie pool and has so much fun splashing around. He even plunges his face into the water with his mouth open as if he’s trying to catch fish.

Cooper relaxing in the shade

Cooper enjoyed romping freely around the yard. He did a couple quick laps and then slowed down to do more sniffing, and eventually came back to me to get some pets. Cooper loves playing rough-and-tumble with other high-energy dogs in play group and could go to a home with or without another dog. He also has potential to go to a home with cats or children. If you’re looking for a fun and playful addition to your family, come by the shelter soon to meet Cooper!

Cooper’s face of pure contentment in the pool

Boon the three-year-old Anatolian Shepherd mix is a gentle giant–so giant that you don’t even need to lean over in order to pet him. He’s been a little nervous and shy at the shelter but is starting to come out of his shell more. Boon likes to stay close to his person. When we were in the Enrichment Park, Boon either stood at the gate waiting to leave or stood next to me and enjoyed getting neck scratches.

Boon says, “I’d like to go for my walk now.”

Despite Boon‘s size, he’s very easy to walk on the leash and didn’t stray far from my side. He did a little sniffing here and there, but mostly kept moving at an easy pace and paused occasionally so I could give him more pets. When I knelt down next to him, he gave me lots of gentle doggy kisses. Boon’s breed is known for being loyal, protective, and territorial, so Boon is looking for an adult-only home where he can be the only pet. If that sounds like your situation, stop in soon to say hello to Boon!

Boon in the middle of giving doggy kisses

I also briefly met Sherpta, Boon’s sister, who has quickly become a volunteer favorite because she is so sweet and just wants to snuggle and give kisses.