Orphans of the Storm® Has a Wide Variety of Dogs

Orphans of the Storm® has dogs of all sizes, colors, ages, and breeds. Schedule an appointment soon to find your new forever friend!

Blocky the ten-year-old Pekingese/Shih Tzu mix is super sweet and snuggly. The moment I knelt down next to him, he put his front paws in my lap and cuddled up next to me so I could pet him. He happily joined me on the bench later and enjoyed watching the world go by as I pet him some more. His fur is so soft, and his face is too cute!

Blocky standing proud

Blocky may be a senior, but those little legs can go faster than expected! Blocky loves to romp around the yard and lead the way on walks. He gets along with other dogs, so he could go to a home with or without another dog. Blocky is currently in a foster home, so you will need to email fosterdogadopt@orphansofthestorm.org to schedule a meet-and-greet if you’re interested in him.

Blocky will be a regular on his forever family’s couch

Chase the two-year-old Labrador Retriever/Shepherd mix arrived at the shelter very shy and scared, and wasn’t too interested in leaving his kennel. He didn’t mind being picked up and carried to a quieter area, though, and gained more confidence the longer he was out and about. Once he was willing to walk, he actually did well on the leash. Chase is a sweet boy who gave my hand some gentle licks while I scratched under his chin.

Chase doesn’t mind wearing a poofy scarf around his neck on cold days

Chase can (and will!) jump fences, so he needs to go to a home where he will be closely supervised if he’s off-leash in a yard. Chase has the potential to go to a home with other dogs and with children over 10. He’s currently in a foster home where he’s getting used to being a family pet and learning that he doesn’t have to be so nervous. If you’d like to meet Chase, please email fosterdogadopt@orphansofthestorm.org to schedule a meet-and-greet.

Chase doing a little more exploring

Bandit the four-year-old Mountain Cur mix is a sweet boy with some anxiety. He can be a little nervous with new people, but once he feels comfortable with you, he really likes to snuggle. Any time I knelt down to his level, he immediately sat right next to me (sometimes on my foot) so I could pet him. Bandit likes to lead the way on walks, but doesn’t pull on the leash.

Bandit likes to stop and sniff on his walks

Bandit occasionally participates in play group but usually keeps to himself, though he has made a couple doggy friends that he will play with. Bandit prefers the company of quiet, gentle adults, so he would do best in an adult-only home where he can be the only dog. Bandit also requires an intro class before being adopted, so his new family can learn more about how to understand Bandit’s personality. If you have a quiet home that could benefit from a snuggly companion, come in soon to meet Bandit!

Bandit will be your little shadow once he feels comfortable with you

Latin the two-year-old Shepherd mix loves to both give and receive affection. He gave me a doggy hug as soon as he came out of his kennel, and gave me a few more both when we were on our walk and when we were in the Enrichment Park. He also likes to tuck his chin and bury his face in your lap while you scratch his neck and ears. Latin joined me on the bench and covered me with lots of doggy kisses, too.

Latin smiling on the bench

Latin can pull a bit when he first comes out of his kennel, but he settles down into a nice walking companion when he’s on the trail. He sniffed at some toys and watched me throw them, but wasn’t too interested in playing fetch or chewing. Latin doesn’t really enjoy larger play groups, but he still has the potential to go to a home with another dog. Be sure to say hello to Latin on your next visit to the shelter!

Latin coming in for a doggy kiss

Raptor (Hudson) the eight-year-old American Bulldog mix is super playful. He loves all kinds of toys, but especially loves playing tug-of-war with a rope toy. Raptor has it down to an art form: he brings you the toy, pokes you with it until you take the other end, and then tugs! Whenever you let go, he repeats the process. If you happen to ignore him, he drops the toy at your feet and gives a bark or two to get your attention again. Raptor also fetches toys, but still prefers to play tug when he brings it back to you.

Raptor showing off his toy collection

Raptor is also a perfect leash-walking companion. Even though he’s a big boy and could potentially be strong, he doesn’t pull at all and goes at an easy pace. Raptor will gladly stand next to you while you scratch his back and hips. He occasionally attends play group and has made a couple doggy friends. Raptor could go to a home with teenage children. If you’re looking for a fun and lovable playmate, come in soon to meet Raptor!

Raptor is a handsome boy

Sheldon the five-year-old German Shepherd mix is a smart, active boy who likes to have things to do. These activities could include walks, playtime, food puzzles, learning new tricks–Sheldon is up for all of it! Sheldon walks nicely on the leash for the most part, though he can be strong when he wants to go in a certain direction. He does best when walking with a front-clip harness.

Sheldon is also affectionate. He gives the occasional doggy hug so you can scratch his sides, and he also leans against your legs when you sit down so you can pet him some more. Sheldon can bark and pull when he passes by other dogs on the leash, but he attends play group pretty much every day and has the potential to go to a home with another dog. He’s also looking for an adult-only home or home with teenage children, with people experienced with larger working breeds like his. If that sounds like you, be sure to say hello to Sheldon on your next visit to the shelter!

This will be a common view of Sheldon because he loves getting his hips scratched

Pope the three-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix can be a little unsure of new people, especially men, but turns into a total lovebug once he gets comfortable. Pope rested his head in my lap so I could scratch his ears, and would poke my hand with his nose whenever I stopped petting him to let me know I should continue. He leaned into me so much that he eventually flopped over for a belly rub, where he contentedly closed his eyes while I pet him.

Pope enjoying a chin scratch

Pope isn’t only about the cuddles, though–he also loves to play! He particularly likes tennis balls and is great at chasing after them, and can even catch them in the air after a bounce. Pope has started to attend play group and was nervous at first, but has made a couple doggy friends so far and will probably only gain more confidence the more times he attends. Pope is looking for a cat-free home, and could also go to a home with children over 10. Give Pope a chance to show you what a sweet, happy boy he can be!

Pope loves his belly rubs

I also saw Cocoa and Roger (who has since moved to a foster home).

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Are Getting Enriched

Last weekend was the grand opening and dedication of Orphans of the Storm®’s new Jim Farmer Memorial Enrichment Park. Diamond (Riley) helped with the ribbon-cutting, as pictured below, and Elijah, Whizzer, and Brutus showed off their agility skills for the crowd. You can read more about the park’s creation and purpose in the Chicago Tribune. It’s an exciting addition that many dogs will love!

The cutting of the ribbon

Daisy the four-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is a super snuggly and affectionate girl. As soon as I took her out of her kennel, she sat right at my feet so I could pet her. When we were in the off-leash run, Daisy spent most of her time by my side. She put her front paws in my lap and gave me lots of doggy kisses. Daisy might be a little bigger than the usual “lapdog,” but she doesn’t see why size should stop her from enjoying her person’s lap!

Daisy’s tail is constantly wagging

Daisy is currently sharing her kennel with Marnie. So, she gets along with other dogs and could go to a home with or without another dog. She does get a little jealous if you stop petting her and start petting another dog, though, but that’s why we have two hands–to pet two dogs simultaneously! Be sure to say hello to Daisy on your next visit to the shelter!

Daisy is most happy when getting attention

Bailey the seven-year-old Boston Terrier mix and Percy the nine-year-old Shih-Tzu mix are a bonded pair looking for a forever home together. And they are the cutest little duo! Bailey and Percy are super easy walking companions and you can even hold both of their leashes in the same hand without worrying about them pulling in opposite directions.

Percy and Bailey are happy to catch some rays

Bailey is known for his spunk and sass. He can be talkative when he wants to be, but was quiet for the most part during our walk around the woodland preserve. He did turn around at one point and yap at Percy to keep moving. Bailey recently had one eye removed, but he doesn’t even seem to notice that it’s gone and gets around just fine.

Bailey knows when to pose for a photo

Percy has a constant smile on his furry little face. He liked to take the lead on our walk, but he also liked to stop and sniff more often. Percy has a tickle-y spot on his left side and will start kicking his back leg when you scratch there. He’s an easy-going guy who likes staying close to Bailey.

Percy is too precious

Bailey and Percy have been together for five years and are best friends. If you have space in your home and your heart for two little cuties, come in soon to meet Bailey and Percy!

Percy and Bailey on the move

Jack the eight-month-old Labrador Retriever/Brittany mix is a handsome boy. His dark-ringed eyes will surely grab your attention when you walk past his kennel. Jack enjoyed romping around the off-leash run and was very attentive when it came to watching what was happening on the other side of the fence. With all the commotion from the Enrichment Park preparations, Jack was more interested in that than playing with toys.

Jack at attention

Jack walks surprisingly well on the leash, considering he’s just a puppy. He did have one spurt where he wanted to play tug-of-war with the leash, but he dropped it quickly and we continued on. Jack also loves rolling around in the tall grasses, kicking all four legs in the air. If you’re looking for a fun puppy to join your family, come in soon to say hello to Jack!

Jack with his freckled nose

Sullivan the Border Collie mix is always eager to come out for a walk. Sullivan has springs for legs and jumps up and down when he realizes it’s his turn to walk. He can pull on the leash a bit at first due to his eagerness, but he settles down pretty soon after. Sullivan prefers walking at a quicker pace, but didn’t pull once we were on the woodland preserve trail.

Sullivan had his photo shoot before the trees and grass turned green

Sullivan loves to sniff. He often had his nose to the ground during our walk. Sullivan was also intrigued by the camera and came right over to investigate whenever I took mine out. Sullivan isn’t a fan of other dogs, so he would do best as the only dog in his new home. He has been returned to the shelter twice, so an experienced dog-owner who can give Sullivan the mental and physical exercise he needs would be best for him. If that sounds like you, stop in to meet Sullivan!

Walks are one of Sullivan’s favorite things!

I also saw Bella, Nash, and Quinn.

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Enjoying Autumn

It was a beautiful fall day at Orphans of the Storm®, and the pooches were all happy to be out and about! (Apologies for pictures not being the best this week–I was having camera issues.)

Arnold the one-year-old Rat Terrier mix is a happy guy who is always eager to say hello to anyone who stops by his kennel. Since he’s practically still a puppy, he has plenty of energy and playfulness. Arnold quickly led the way to the off-leash run and enjoyed being free to romp and roam on his own once we got there.

Arnold’s cute nose

Arnold loves to follow his nose. He would disappear behind the bushes and I could hear him rummaging and snuffling around. Then he would reappear and stop by to say a quick hello before following his nose again on a new scent trail. Arnold could probably benefit from getting more practice with walking on the leash. When I had him out, he was so excited and wanted to see everything at once that he was pulling in different directions. But who can blame him? If you think this little cutie might be the one for you, come in soon to say hi to Arnold!

Arnold following that cute nose

Lucky the three-year-old Pointer mix (not to be confused with the other Lucky) is a handsome boy who likes to be with people. When I sat down on the bench in the off-leash run, Lucky was quick to hop up and join me. He was so enthusiastic about snuggling, in fact, that he tried (unsuccessfully) to fit in my lap. When that didn’t work, he settled for giving me lots of doggy kisses.

Lucky wondering about this camera contraption

Lucky was very interested in chasing after tennis balls, but hadn’t quite mastered bringing the ball back so I could throw it again. Although Lucky loves people, he isn’t a fan of other dogs and would prefer to be the only pooch in his new home. If you’re looking for a new companion who equally enjoys snuggling on the couch and playing outside, be sure to meet Lucky on your next visit to the shelter!

Lucky knows how to smile

Rambo the one-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix is such an affectionate guy. As soon as I took his leash from another volunteer, Rambo wanted to give me doggy kisses. Rambo is pretty much all muscle, but he actually wasn’t too difficult to walk on the leash. He’s a young pooch with plenty of love to offer his new family.

Rambo enjoying a good scratch on the back

Rambo had a fun time in the off-leash run. He said a polite hello to the dog on the other side of the fence, explored behind the bushes, and paused for a nice drink of water. When I sat on the bench and tapped the open space next to me, Rambo put his front paws up there so he could give me some more doggy kisses. What a lovebug! Stop in soon to say hello to Rambo.

Rambo loves being with people

Pepper the six-year-old Shih-Tzu/Poodle mix is a little cutie who will look even more adorable after he gets a nice bath and haircut. When I went to Pepper’s kennel, he was sitting in the back corner, looking a little unsure. But as soon as I knelt down, he came right over and rubbed his side against my leg (like a kitty!). The info card on Pepper’s kennel says he isn’t too into snuggling, but if you give him a little time to warm up to you, he certainly enjoys attention. Pepper is currently sharing his kennel with Charlie (see below), so we know he gets along with other dogs.

Pepper was ready for his closeup

Pepper wasn’t too fond of walking on the leash at first and seemed a little nervous about being out in this new environment, but once we got to the off-leash run he seemed more comfortable and happily walked around. Any time I sat on the ground, Pepper was by my side almost instantly. Pepper would prefer to be in an adult-only home with people who will give him the opportunity to come out his shell and be the happy, affectionate pup he knows he can be. If that sounds like a good fit for you, come in soon to meet Pepper!

Pepper is one big fluffball at the moment

Charlie the four-year-old Beagle mix is pretty nervous at the shelter, but he warms up quickly once you spend some one-on-one time with him. Unlike his kennelmate Pepper (see above), he was more than ready to head out for a walk on the leash–luckily he was there to help convince Pepper! Since Charlie is on the nervous side, he’s actually a very easy walking buddy because he moves pretty slowly.

Charlie is looking for some TLC

Charlie wasn’t too interested in exploring the off-leash run. Instead, he spent his time either standing in my lap or getting pet by a customer (who was trying to convince her husband to get a small dog instead of a big dog). Charlie ended up at the shelter because his former family couldn’t take care of him anymore, which is why he seems so sad. Charlie is just hoping to find his loving forever home, which isn’t too much to ask. If you think that home might be yours, stop by soon to say hello to Charlie!

Help Charlie turn that frown upside down!

I also saw Bear, Blush, Cooper, John Boy, Kanne and Osito (Osito was being extra snuggly this week and sitting in my lap), Lisa, Scotty, and Zoey.

And I forgot to include this in last week’s video with Blush, but here’s a picture of the entrance to the new woodland preserve/walking trail!

Autumn is the perfect time to come walk dogs through the forest!

Orphans of the Storm® Dogs Ready to Go Home with You

If you’ve been thinking about adopting a dog (or cat) but have been “waiting for the right time,” the right time just may be August 15! NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago are hosting Clear the Shelters, along with 25 shelters in the Chicago area. One of those shelters is Orphans of the Storm®! If you adopt your dog or cat that day, the adoption fee will be waived (additional fees for shots may apply). There are plenty of deserving pooches ready to go home with you!

Chico the three-year-old Labrador Retriever mix is a fun and outgoing boy. He loves to romp around, whether it’s going for a walk on-leash or exploring a yard off-leash. He’s attentive and likes to be kept in the loop–whenever somebody walked by on the other side of the fence, Chico would hurry over to see what was going on. Chico is also very handsome, with his black-and-white markings.

Chico happily joining me on the bench

Chico gets along with both people and other dogs. He’s currently sharing his kennel with a Husky mix, so he could go to a home with or without another pooch. He also seemed politely interested in a little Spaniel mix who was in the run next to ours. If affection is what you’re looking for, Chico is here! When I sat down on the bench, he basically catapulted himself into my lap (as best he could, since he’s a big boy) and then happily stood next to me with his tail wagging. Stop by soon to meet Chico!

Chico likes to keep an eye on things

Razor the one-year-old Labrador Retriever/Mountain Cur mix was a little nervous when he first came out of his kennel. He kept his distance in the beginning (though not that much distance, since the leash was only a few feet long) and quietly sniffed and explored. But the more time we spent together, the more snuggly Razor became.

Razor is a cute boy

Razor, after getting used to his surroundings, came over and leaned against my leg a little. When I started petting him, he flopped over for a belly rub and kicked his cute little puppy paws in the air. After that, we were good buddies and he stayed close to me. He was a little unsure of the bigger dog in the run next to us, but it was easy enough to distract him and have him follow me to the other side. Razor is looking for a new best friend. If you are too, come in soon to say hello!

Razor did a good job walking on leash

Rocky the eight-year-old Shih Tzu mix is super cute. He’s definitely one of those dogs who will elicit a lot of “Aww”s when he’s out and about. He has a buzz cut for the summer, which makes him extra soft to pet. Rocky is currently sharing his kennel with another dog closer to his size, so he could go to a home with or without another dog (though he does seem to have a bit of Little Dog Syndrome, trying to act tough when bigger dogs get close).

Rocky enjoying his walk

Rocky is a dog who walks with a purpose. He trots around with his head held high as if he’s saying, “Look at me!” After we walked around for a bit, I sat down in the shade and Rocky plopped down next to me. Although I personally didn’t try picking him up, another volunteer did when putting Rocky back in his kennel and Rocky was fine with it. If you’re looking for an adorable little companion, stop by soon to meet Rocky!

Rocky relaxing

Chica the three-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix is a big girl with plenty of energy when she first gets out of her kennel, but don’t let that deter you. Once she gets the chance to stretch her legs for a few minutes, she’ll be ready to sit down and shower you with doggy kisses. Chica would be a great buddy for someone who likes to take long walks.

Chica is not shy about saying hello

Chica is very fond of people, but not so fond of other dogs. She’d do best as the only dog in her new home, but when you have a dog as affectionate as Chica, you won’t be missing out! Half the pictures I took of Chica are a close-up of her nose because she always wanted to be right next to me. When I sat down on the bench, she quickly trotted over and stood by my side so I could pet her. Don’t let Black Dog Syndrome keep Chica at the shelter for too long! On your next visit, be sure to say hi to this sweet girl.

Chica won’t stray far from your side

Alfred the one-year-old American Bulldog mix is a perfect example of why you can’t judge a dog from inside their kennel. Since he’s new to the shelter and probably overwhelmed, he’s very nervous when he’s inside his kennel and didn’t want to sniff my hand when I first walked by. But as soon as he was outside and walking on the leash, all he wanted to do was cuddle!

Alfred has such a sweet face

Alfred has a super cute face with just a couple brown spots, while the rest of him is white. His tail starts wagging as soon as you start petting him, and he also wagged his tail in a friendly way when he greeted a dog on the other side of the fence. He loves getting scratched on his back by his hips and will do a cute little dance while you do that. Alfred just needs to learn that the world isn’t a scary place, and being adopted into a loving home is sure to teach him that. Come in soon to meet Alfred!

Alfred exploring the outdoors

I also saw Bear, Blush, Cooper, Courage, Diamond, Jasmine, Jessica, John Boy, Lady, Lexi, Skippy, Tiger, Zoey, and Zola (also known as Chola).