Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Make Friends Easily

Thanks to play groups, we have a much better understanding of which dogs at Orphans of the Storm® get along with other dogs and which don’t. Right now, there are so many adoptable dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you already have a pet at home and are looking to add another, here are just a few to consider–and there are plenty of others!

Bradshaw the seven-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is super sweet. He just wants to be loved, and has the most contented expression on his face whenever he gets pet. He particularly enjoys getting his sides and hips scratched, but anywhere really works for him! Bradshaw enjoys taking his time to explore around the yard, sniffing here and there before coming back to you to get more snuggles.

Bradshaw keeping an eye on things

Bradshaw is a very easy walking companion. He goes at a slow and steady pace and, since he’s older, he doesn’t need long walks. Bradshaw attends play group almost every day and enjoys the company of calm, mellow dogs like himself. This means he could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’ve been considering adding a sweet senior to your home, be sure to say hello to Bradshaw on your next visit to the shelter!

Bradshaw smiling while getting pet

Murdoch the one-year-old Border Collie mix is very easy-going. He’s a great walking companion who doesn’t pull at all on the leash and just stays one or two steps ahead of you. He occasionally stops to sniff around, but mostly trots along evenly. When Murdoch was in the off-leash yard, he poked a few toys with his nose but wasn’t too interested in chasing after them or playing fetch.

Murdoch showing off his blue eye and floofy tail

Murdoch started off by slowly exploring the yard, then got the zoomies and ran a couple laps with a happy doggy smile on his face. He’s a handsome, fluffy boy with one bright blue eye and he’ll definitely catch your attention as you walk through the kennels. Murdoch attends play group and likes being with other dogs, though other large males don’t always like him back. He could go to a home with or without another dog. If you’re looking for a go-with-the-flow kind of dog, come in soon to meet Murdoch!

Murdoch enjoying the trail

Roger the three-year-old Doberman Pinscher/Shepherd mix is a big, strong boy with a big heart to match. He is an excellent snuggling companion. Every time I sat down on a bench, Roger immediately stopped whatever he was doing and came over to lean against my legs and give me doggy kisses. He especially enjoys scratches on his sides, hips, and neck and will stand by you for as long as you keep petting him. Whenever we passed someone new on our walk, Roger gave them an enthused doggy hug and wanted to snuggle with them too.

Roger being a snuggle-bug

Roger likes to lead the way on walks and would probably do best with a front-clip harness to deter him from pulling. He did slow down the longer we were out on the trail, though. Roger regularly attends play group and gets along with both the calm, gentle dogs and the dogs who like to chase and play tag. He could go to a home with or without another dog. Visit the shelter soon to meet Roger!

Roger is so cute with his one floppy ear

I also spent some time with Eerie, Gazoo, and Oswald, but all three of them are shy little Chihuahuas who just wanted to be carried and cuddled rather than walk on their own, so I wasn’t able to get pictures–my hands were literally full!

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® Sweetie-Pie Dogs

If you are particularly interested in snuggly, cuddly dogs, now is a good time to stop by Orphans of the Storm®! Small dogs aren’t the only ones who can be lapdogs–there are plenty of big dogs who are ready to hop into your lap too!

Hamilton the 10-month-old Great Dane mix gave me a doggy hug as soon as he came out of his kennel, which was more like a human hug because Hamilton is as tall as a person when he’s standing on his back legs. Hamilton can be a bit of a handful when he first comes out and likes to chew on the leash a bit, but he settles down once you start on your walk. Since he’s still a puppy, it’s only understandable that he has plenty of energy.

Hamilton is plenty perky!

Hamilton is a fun boy. He likes to chase toys, though he hasn’t fully grasped the concept of “fetch” yet and just likes carrying the toys around in his mouth. Hamilton is under the impression that he is a lapdog, even though only a small portion of him can fit in a person’s lap. He’s also happy to give doggy kisses while he’s sitting on you. Hamilton would do best in an adult home. If you’re looking for a tall, dark, and handsome guy, come in soon to meet Hamilton!

Hamilton will be happy to join his future family on the couch

Tyson the one-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is the most snuggly pup. I first met him three weeks ago, when he was too scared to walk on the leash so he just cuddled in my lap the whole time. This week, he was much more confident and happy to lead the way around the woodland preserve! Tyson walks nicely on the leash and also seems to get along with most other dogs.

Tyson has the cutest face when he’s enjoying a belly rub

Tyson loves belly rubs and sitting in people’s laps. Any time you sit or kneel, Tyson thinks that is an invitation to literally flop onto you. He will very contentedly stay in your lap until you move. He also sometimes stops in the middle of walking and sits on your feet so you can pet him some more. Tyson will need an extra loving home to help him come out of his shell even more. If you’re looking for an extra lovey-dovey dog, be sure to say hello to Tyson!

Tyson will never be far from your side

Artemis the four-year-old Doberman Pinscher mix likes being close to his person. The first thing he did when he came out of his kennel was nuzzle his head against my leg. When we were on our walk around the woodland preserve, Artemis sometimes walked so close to me that his side was touching my leg. A natural heeler! Artemis does a great job on the leash overall and didn’t pull at all.

Artemis exploring the run

Artemis seems like a pretty mellow guy. When we were in the off-leash run, he just meandered around and sniffed. He wasn’t too interested in toys when we were together. Artemis likes getting pet, especially on the side of his neck, and he’ll lean into your hand so you get the right spot. Artemis didn’t seem too fond of other dogs we passed, but it was easy enough to redirect his attention. Come in soon to see if Artemis is the one for you!

Artemis is handsome

Balto the seven-year-old Husky mix is such a handsome boy. I have heard multiple people say “Wow” when they see him. He has bright blue eyes and a particularly majestic look. Balto gave me a doggy hug right away when he came out of his kennel, and gave me a couple more when we were out and about. Balto particularly enjoys getting his hips scratched and will do a little dance for you.

Balto smiles during snuggle time

Balto is a good walking companion. He prefers to go at a faster pace, but doesn’t pull at all. Whenever I stopped walking, he would stop too and sit at my feet so I could pet him. We had a nice time sitting next to each other, just enjoying the outdoors. Balto would do best in an adult home with an experienced dog owner who knows what his breed needs. If that sounds like you, stop by soon to say hello to Balto!

Balto in his element

I also saw Bella, Big Boy and Mojo, Bo, Carlos, Diamond, Goliath, Harley and Reeco, Kaffee, Scotty, and Wombat.

Orphans of the Storm® Black Dogs and Brown Dogs

You can find dogs of every shape, size, and color at Orphans of the Storm®–I just coincidentally happened to walk a number of black ones and brown ones (and black-and-brown ones!) this week.

Chevy the one-year-old Heeler mix is a sweet boy who is just a little bit shy and anxious at the moment. He politely waited for his leash to be put on before heading out of his kennel, and he walked pretty well on the leash as we made our way to the run. Chevy is sharing his kennel with another dog, and he was also interested in all of the dogs we saw while we were out, so he could go to a home with or without a four-legged friend.

Chevy enjoying a scratch on the back

Chevy was a little unsure of being pet at first, but when I sat down on the bench inside the run at one point, he soon came over and hopped up onto the bench next to me so we could enjoy each other’s company. He let me know when he was ready to leave by going to the gate and making little noises. Since Chevy is both still a puppy and a breed known for being active, he would probably prefer to be in an active home where he can come out of his shell and do some serious playing! Stop by soon to see if Chevy is the pup for you.

Chevy might have the cutest pair of ears around

Lady the eight-year-old Rottweiler/Doberman Pinscher mix may look familiar to some of you. I wrote about her back in 2012 and she was adopted shortly thereafter, but she was recently returned because her owners are moving and can’t bring her with them (which, sadly, is the same reason she and her brother were originally brought to the shelter in 2012). Everything I first wrote about her still applies–or actually, she might be even sweeter now than she was then!

Lady can be friendly with creatures of all sizes

Lady can still be very strong, especially when she first gets out of her kennel, but I think she just doesn’t know her own strength. She is the biggest cuddle-bug who rested her head in my lap while I sat on the bench. If I stopped petting her at any point, she’d nudge my arm with her nose to get me to start again. When we were in the off-leash run, she stayed by my side pretty much the entire time. She also very politely sniffed the little dog on the other side of the fence. She was raised with her brother, so she could potentially go to a home with another dog. If you’re looking for a gentle giant, come in soon to meet Lady!

Lady loves getting attention

Red the three-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is just the happiest boy. I don’t think his tail stopped wagging the entire time we were out. Red needed to have FHO surgery on one of his back legs when he arrived at the shelter, but he is now fully recovered and ready to join his furever family! Red was bounding around the off-leash run as if he had never had a leg problem.

Red is constantly happy

Once Red knows you, he loves you. He gives excellent doggy hugs and will cover you with plenty of doggy kisses, and will even try to fit himself into your lap (though only about half of him can fit at a time). Red also seems to be pretty friendly with other dogs, at least through a fence. He even tried to get a little Chihuahua mix to race him! This affectionate boy is ready to show you just how “lova-bull” his breed can be. Come in soon to meet Red!

“Yippee!!!” says Red

Brandy the eight-month-old black Labrador Retriever mix was found as a stray but is very well-behaved, especially for a puppy. When the Orphans of the Storm® photographer was taking Brandy’s picture for the website, Brandy quickly sat as soon as she was shown a treat. Even when we passed the photographer on our way back to her kennel at the end of our walk, Brandy sat again without any prompting. She’s obviously a quick learner!

Brandy likes to cuddle

Brandy is a sweet girl who gets along with people and other dogs alike. She was sharing her kennel with a little Bichon Frise who has since been adopted, so she could go to a home with or without another dog, big or small. While we were in the off-leash run, Brandy happily joined me on the bench and put her paw in my lap so we could cuddle some more. On your next visit to the shelter, be sure to say hi to Brandy!

Brandy enjoying the outdoors

Fred the seven-year-old Shepherd mix has been at the shelter for at least a year now, and I’m upset with myself for not having walked him before because I have really been missing out! Fred is one of the select few “backyard dogs” who gets to spend time in one of the yards at the shelter that has a shorter fence, which he won’t jump (which is good for possible future owners to know!).

Fred will stick to his new family like glue

Fred is well-behaved in pretty much every way. He walks great on the leash, he knows basic commands like “sit,” and he loves to cuddle. One of his favorite things is getting his back scratched, right by his hips and base of his tail. He does a little dance that is just too cute. The only thing holding Fred back (in my opinion) is that he doesn’t get along with other dogs. But when we were in the off-leash run and Clarinet was barking at him from the run next to ours, he didn’t react at all. So it really depends on the situation, and it shouldn’t be held against him. Fred is more than ready for his second chance. If you’re a one-dog-at-a-time kind of owner, come in soon to meet Fred!

Fred loves getting his hips scratched

I also saw Blush, Courage, Daka, Honey Lamb, Joy, Roxy, Smoochie, Tulip, Zak, and Zoey.

P.S. Apologies for the extra human limbs you see in the pictures this week. Still getting used to the new camera!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Who Can Handle the Cold

Winter is certainly upon us, but there are plenty of dogs at Orphans of the Storm® who are more than happy to romp around outside, even when it’s cold!

Flappy the five-year-old Bloodhound mix is just precious. I admit that I could not stop squee-ing the entire time I was with her because I love everything about her, and after I left the shelter I would talk about her to anyone who would listen. Flappy has that sweet Bloodhound look with the droopy eyes, floppy face, and flappy (of course) ears. She was a good walking buddy, though if her nose picks up a trail it’s pretty certain that she’ll follow it.

Flappy is too cute (even with a little drool…)

Flappy is one of the few hounds I’ve met who loves to play fetch, and is very good at it! She was sniffing around the off-leash run and emerged from the bushes with a tennis ball in her mouth, which she promptly dropped at my feet. She loved running after the ball and always brought it right back to me. When we were done playing fetch, I knelt down next to her and she put her front paws in my lap and gave my nose a doggy kiss. What a fun, sweet, good-natured dog! Stop by the shelter soon to meet Flappy.

Flappy following her nose

Mack the one-year-old Weimaranar/Doberman Pinscher mix (not to be confused with the other Mack) is still very much a puppy, although he is a big puppy. He is full of energy and thinks that everything is a game, which should make training him lots of fun! It seems that nobody has tried to teach Mack his doggy manners yet, so he does like to play tug-of-war with the leash and was nibbling on my gloves and jacket sleeves a bit–but who can blame him?

Mack seems to know he’s a good-looking dog

Mack seemed to do pretty well with Sonny, who was on the other side of the fence, though his exuberance might be a bit much for some dogs. He understood the concept of chasing after a tennis ball, but hasn’t quite grasped that he has to bring it back in order for it to be thrown again. Mack did settle down eventually, where he very nicely sat next to me while I pet him, and gave me a few doggy kisses. Mack would be so happy to have a home of his own where he can go on daily walks and have daily playtime. If you’re looking for a big puppy to bring laughter to your life, come in soon to meet Mack!

Mack saying hi to his new buddy, Sonny

Frosty the eight-year-old Husky mix is probably the dog best suited for this type of weather. Not only does she have a warm, fluffy coat, but she’ll even blend in with the snow! Her eyes are such a pale blue that even they look white. Frosty was snoozing in her kennel when I came by, but she perked up and went outside as soon as she realized she was going for a walk. She did a great job on the leash as we made our way to the run.

Frosty is a pretty girl

Frosty is, overall, a very sweet and gentle dog. Since she’s on the older side, she doesn’t seem like she needs as much exercise and activity as younger Husky mixes. She meandered around the run, sniffing here and there, stopping for a pat on the back when she’d pass me. As she got more used to me, she gave me a couple doggy kisses and enjoyed being scratched on the neck. Frosty isn’t asking for much–just a nice home for the holidays. Could that home be with you?

Frosty wondering where the snow is

On this frigid day, I also spent time with Molly (who greeted me with a big doggy hug), the other Molly (who covered my face in doggy kisses as I tried to put on her leash), Trixie (who loves tennis balls just as much as before), Akiva (who wants a yard of her own so she can romp in the snow to her heart’s content), Topaz (who happily joined me on the bench and kept a paw in my lap), and Lily (who didn’t show any signs of her initial shyness now that she knows me).

The Holiday Pet Showcase is still going strong at Northbrook Court, all the way until Christmas Eve! Be sure to stop in and say hi to the adoptable dogs and cats while you finish up your holiday shopping.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Lookin’ for Love

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s day? How about visiting Orphans of the Storm® to find your newest dog friend who will love you furever and ever? There are lovable dogs of all shapes, ages, and sizes waiting for the perfect family to discover them and take them home!

Sage the one-year-old Labrador Retriever/Border Collie mix is full of energy! Being a younger dog, and a mix of two very active breeds, you can’t expect anything less. He was so happy to go romping through the snow, and kept wanting to play with his kennelmate (see below). Sage will most likely be very easy to train and an eager learner.

Sage romping in the snow

Sage would definitely do best in an active home with a walking or running buddy, and plenty of toys to keep him stimulated. He’s a big sweetie, though, so once you tucker him out with all of his activity, he will be more than happy to snuggle up to you. Is Sage the pooch for you?

Sage ice skating

Piper the two-year-old Hound mix is currently Sage’s kennelmate, and she is super cute. She seemed to be much calmer than Sage, and was more interested in walking and sniffing through the snow, rather than racing through it. That’s to be expected from a Hound dog with a Hound nose!

Piper was a little camera shy

Piper enjoys getting attention from people and will happily sit or stand at your side while you scratch her ears and back. She too would appreciate a walking buddy who will take her out to explore all of the fun scents in the neighborhood. This Piper shouldn’t be confused with the other Piper, the male Shepherd mix, but they would both make wonderful pets!

Piper exploring the smells under the tree

Uba the three-year-old Shepherd mix has one of the cutest faces currently at the shelter. Her face is a little darker than the rest of her, and her ears perk up when she’s excited. She’s a very manageable size, much smaller than the average Shepherd, and is a very happy girl.

Uba’s adorable face

Uba is ready to share the love with her new family. When I knelt down to her level, she sat right next to me and started covering my nose in doggy kisses. She’s playful, lovable, and can’t wait to find a family to call her own. Come in soon to meet Uba!

Uba with her perky ears

Mervin the two-year-old Bluetick Coonhound mix is such a handsome guy. Although he’s a big boy, he is very gentle and walks well on the leash. He can get distracted by a good scent, but that’s what he was bred to do! You would expect Mervin to have a big howl, but he was patiently quiet inside his kennel even when the dogs around him were barking.

Mervin with just a tiny bit of doggy slobber

You can easily get Mervin off the scent trail by scratching his chin. He will happily stand next to you while you do so, and look at you lovingly with those sweet Hound eyes. His floppy ears would probably appreciate getting scratched every once in a while, too. Mervin is a gentle soul waiting for an affectionate family to come find him.

Mervin putting that coonhound nose to use

Chopper the two-year-old Catahoula mix is a lot of fun. He also enjoyed bounding through the snow, and liked to climb up to the top of the snow piles to see what all was going on. He is a handsome, happy dog whose tail is always wagging and whose tongue is always hanging out the side of his mouth in a doggy grin.

Chopper’s doggy grin

Chopper would make a great Valentine. He loves to give doggy hugs and doggy kisses, and will gladly receive hugs and kisses in return. With his energy level, he would enjoy long walks on the beach–or anywhere! Chopper is ready to give all of his heart to his new family. Is there space in your heart and your home for Chopper?

Chopper ready to run and play

Coco the ten-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever mix is just a sweetheart. She is so gentle and so friendly. She is smaller than the average Lab, but has more than enough wonderful personality to make up for her size. Coco is extremely easy to walk on a leash and enjoys all of the attention she can get.

Sweet Coco in the snow

Coco is sure to bond quickly to whoever is lucky enough to bring her home. When we were finished with our walk, I passed her over to the Orphans of the Storm® photographer for her photoshoot. It appeared that Coco had already bonded with me, because her head kept following me wherever I walked. I ended up having to stand behind the photographer so she could get a good picture of Coco! Please don’t pass this sweet dog over just because of her age. She has so much more love to give.

Coco being photogenic

Kiedis the one-and-a-half-year-old Doberman Pinscher mix is an absolutely stunning dog. He’s a brown Doberman (rather than the usual black) with an attentive, inquisitive face. Kiedis came from a family with children, who unfortunately had to move and couldn’t take their handsome dog with them. Because we know he came from a family, though, he’s definitely housebroken and does well with kids.

Handsome Kiedis, photographed by the official Orphans of the Storm® photographer

Kiedis, being a Doberman, is quite strong. When you first take him out, he might be the one walking you because he’s eager to stretch his legs. After he gets some exercise, though, he walks much better on the leash. He takes treats extremely gently from your hands and knows some basic commands like “Sit.” A dog like Kiedis will not be at the shelter for very long, so come in soon to meet him!

I also took Molly the Pit Bull Terrier mix out for a quick walk, and let her run around the yard for a bit. She had such a great time in the snow, rolling over onto her back with her legs kicking in the air. Even though Molly doesn’t like other dogs, she absolutely loves people and would make a wonderful friend in a one-dog-only home!

Kennelmates Bandit and Lilly also got the chance to stretch their legs and play in the run. Orphans of the Storm® now has an agility bridge in one of the runs, and Bandit mastered it right away. He was so proud of himself when he got to the top! Lilly was a little skeptical of the bridge, but she was happy to sit and watch Bandit while I sat next to her and scratched her ears. Two more loving dogs ready for their new home!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Give Doggy Kisses

More dogs are arriving every week at Orphans of the Storm®, and they’re all looking for their new perfect family. I also met with a couple long-timers–including the first dog I took out on my very first afternoon at Orphans of the Storm! (Anyone remember/want to guess who that is? 🙂 No real prize for correct answers, but many thanks for being a loyal reader!)

Opie the two-year-old Hound mix is a big sweetheart. He was looking a little sad when I first walked by his kennel, but as soon as he realized he was going for a walk, that tail was up and wagging. He’s excited to find a new walking buddy (of the two-legged or four-legged variety–he was sharing his kennel with another dog who has already been adopted) to go on adventures with.

Opie’s sweet face

Opie also loves attention. He’ll trot right over to you and appreciate all the petting you can give him. Those floppy Hound ears are especially irresistible. Opie has that wonderful sweet expression that you see on Beagles and other Hound dogs. It’s hard not to fall in love with that face immediately. Stop by and say hi to Opie!

Opie putting his Hound nose to work

Ella the four-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix is one long-timer who sometimes gets to go to off-site adoption events. I’ve heard other volunteers talk about her several times, and they love her. She is energetic and strong, two traits commonly found in her breed, but she settles down once she’s gotten the chance to stretch her legs and play.

Ella knows how to “sit” on command!

Ella is dog-friendly and enjoys being with people. She will make a game out of anything–including her leash (so she could probably use some leash training). She likes to keep an eye on everything going on around her, and will often just take a seat and observe. Ella currently resides in the first kennel in the big wing, and she loves being able to look through the window in the door and see what’s happening out in the hallway. I always wave when I see her looking. If you’re looking for a playful new friend, check out Ella!

Ella looking at the camera

Rita the three-year-old Parson Russell Terrier mix just wants to love and be loved in return. This little girl will eagerly climb into your lap and kiss your nose whenever she’s given the opportunity. She was far more interested in snuggling than taking a walk when I was out with her.

Rita about to jump into my lap

Rita does well with other dogs, whether it’s her smaller kennelmate (see below) or a big Pit Bull like Domino (who we said hello to on our walk). That little face of hers is just too cute! You’ll want to scoop her right up and bring her home with you–I know I wanted to. Rita is ready for her new cuddle buddy. Could it be you?

Rita is such a cutie!

Mister the one-year-old Beagle mix is currently Rita’s kennelmate, and he is also super cute. He’s a bit bigger than the usual Beagle, but still has that lovable Beagle face and the friendly Beagle disposition. He enjoyed following his nose wherever it took him while we were out on our walk.

Mister is a handsome boy

Mister also enjoyed all of the attention he could get. When I leaned over to pet him, he looked up at me with his tail wagging and thanked me with a doggy kiss. When I knelt down to his level, he ran right over to say hello and get his ears scratched. Don’t miss out on Mister!

Mister is the perfect size for cuddling

Now for the answer to our trivia question… Shamrock the six-year-old Australian Cattle Dog/American Staffordshire Terrier mix is the very first dog I took out! You can read that first post here. Shamrock is one of the better-behaved dogs when she’s inside her kennel. She doesn’t bark or jump up; she sits quietly and will move right up against the door of her kennel so you can pet her when you stop by and say hello. Shamrock isn’t too fond of other dogs, but loves people and would make a great walking companion–and a great companion in general. Shamrock has been waiting for her new home since 2006. If you think you’re a one-dog family, please consider Shamrock!

An updated photo of Shamrock

Come by Orphans of the Storm® soon to meet your new furry friend!