Open Door Animal Sanctuary

03/14/2025

Does your welcome mat say, "Go Away"? Is your ideal weekend one where you don't have to see or speak to anyone? Is your vocabulary mostly made up of sarcasm and swear words?
Then you're my kind of person! I'm Casey. I fiercely love my own close friends and family. People who know me will tell you I'm super smart, hilarious, loyal, and a joy to be around. I know a few tricks and learn new ones quickly and willingly. One of my best shelter friends likes to teach me about cool things like jumping through hoops and running through tunnels and stuff. And I'm a bit of a prodigy at it, if I do say so myself. At almost seven years old (my birthday is March 30), I'm a middle-aged dog, but I'm all about learning new tricks! Housebreaking, by the way, would not be a new trick. I've got that one down pat.
So I'm lovable, trainable, and eager to please. For you. But, if you need one more excuse to not have people over, I'm happy to oblige! See, I'm big on respect. Like, I don't always want to be touched on sensitive parts of my body. And, some may disagree with me, but I think showing up at someone else's house is disrespectful and will let any interlopers know it with a nip to their rear end. I'm crate trained and used to being crated when nobody is home. So, like, if you have a plumber or somebody whose buns you'd like to leave unscathed, I can just chill out in my crate and give them the hairy eyeball.
Dogs are pretty much the same. I've lived with other dogs, so I'm cool with another dog as a part of the family. But I don't really wanna go to doggie social hour or be pals with the neighbors.
So maybe I can come off as a little bit of a misanthrope at times, but I've got a big, soft heart and it's all because I only have eyes for you.
So if you want someone to come home and grouse about the public with, I'm all years. Come and meet me!
I'm Casey, I'm almost seven years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/13/2025

If you need someone to make you happy when skies are gray, don't you worry- I'll be your Sunshine!
That's my name, after all. And it's a pretty good descriptor. Warm and bright and capable of making you happier just by being nearby: that's me!
I'm a quiet soul who will happily soak up all the attention you've got to give me. I love having my ears scratched and my soft little forehead rubbed. Once we've spent some time getting acquainted, I also love being picked up and held and will purr my little heart out when you rock me like a baby.
I'm super sweet, soft, and cute, and I'm good with other cats... mostly. If another cat comes up and interferes with Sunshine/Human Cuddle Time, I'll let them know with one efficient swipe that I'm not gonna tolerate that. We'll be friends again in about five minutes, but... they need to know not to mess with cuddle time. I've only met dogs briefly since coming to the shelter and I was cautious, but curious, so I think I could get used to living with dogs.
I'm adorable. About three years old. Got this prominent chin and permanent eyeliner that gives me all kinds of character. If you just give me a chance, I could be your best girl. Let me be your sunshine!
My name is Sunshine, I'm about three years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/12/2025

The 2nd annual Pins Fur Paws is happening on 3/23 at Shrewsbury Lanes from 12p-4p thanks to Woodard Cleaning & Restoration! Bring a 15 pound of pet food or a case of canned food per person to bowl for free! All donations will help Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Open Door Animal Sanctuary, and St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center! Get all of the info on Pins Fur Paws at kshe95.com.

03/12/2025

I have a question. Are Jefferson County shelter dogs technically American citizens? I just need to know so that I know what national anthem to play when I win the gold medal for Best Puppy Ever.
My name is Zatanna. Sounds pretty impressive, right? Like it should come with some fanfare. THE ONE. THE ONLY.🎺ZATANNA🎺... or something like that.
It's fitting. You will be impressed when you meet me! I'm really smart and super sweet and I love everyone. If you want a dog you can train, I'm your girl. I'm four months old and have spent half that time here in the shelter and I'm STILL blossoming and learning like a little champion. Imagine what I can do once I get into a home and get more individual attention!
I'm everything you'd want in a puppy: I love to play, love to make friends, and am good with other dogs. I haven't met cats, but I'm young enough to get used to almost anything!
I'm a mixed breed, so can't make guarantees about how big I'll get, but "medium-to-large" is a safe bet. It's just one of the many things that remains to be seen about what I hope will be my marvelous and illustrious life!
I can't wait to meet you and get started on my big dreams!
My name is Zatanna, I'm four months old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/11/2025

My name is Debra Cadabra and I'm going to put a spell on you!
It will be a luck spell. A love spell. A friendship and fortune spell. And, while it will, of course, be magical, there's nothing supernatural involved!
Nah, it's all plain ol' organic love. The best kind! Maybe it will be love at first sight, when you see how cute and compact I am. I mean, you'll have to see me in person to see it, but I've got the cutest tail ever. Maybe, it will take just a moment. The thing is, I sometimes like to play a little "hard to get" at first. When you run up to me with open arms and go, "Hello, new love of my life!!!! You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and I want to spend every minute of the rest of my life with you!!!" I'll kind of turn my head and pretend I don't notice you. Buuuuuut... if you walk around and start looking at the other cats or just go about your business, I'll be right there at your heels the whole time. You know. Just casually.
I'm always running around the cat section, of course, because I'm fantastic with other cats. I haven't met dogs officially, but I like to watch the dogs playing outside through the window. All-in-all, I'm a great cat.
Once I decide it's my idea to be best pals, I'm affectionate as can be. I love to have my ears and back scratched. I love giving headbutts. Being in the shelter does have me sort of on guard, so I will sometimes flinch if someone makes a sudden move and I don't really feel secure enough to enjoy being picked up. That may change in a home or it may just be a part of who I am!
Either way, I just know there's someone whose life will, like magic, be better with me around! I can't wait to meet you!
My name is Debra Cadabra, I'm about four years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/10/2025

I'm Lucy and people tell me all the time that I'm a "typical pittie!" Isn't that great?
I'm not sure what it actually means, but the humans always seem happy when they say it. They say it with a laugh when I meet someone and wag my entire body so hard that, one of these days, I may lift off like a helicopter and take flight! I can't help it- I'm just so happy to see everyone!
They say it with a proud smile when I'm in the midst of a group of excited little kids and I'm totally in my element, giving kisses and rolling over so that a dozen little hands can give me belly rubs (oh by the way- I have a little white heart on my chest!)
When they see me playing with another dog, they say, "So full of joy!" and when they see how well I listen and how nicely I follow instructions, it's "Always eager to please!" and, "So intelligent!" And when they spend even a few minutes with me, they say, "Man, what a FANTASTIC dog!"
My friends here call me so many nice things, but I haven't met anyone yet who will call me the one thing I want to be called: "Adopted!"
My name is Lucy, I'm about three years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/08/2025

Weekend Roundup! Sweet little Della is still waiting! Her sister has been adopted, so now it's her turn! Della often takes a moment to assess new people before deciding to become best friends, but once she decides you're cool (i.e. the second you give her a treat), she's all in. She's an adorable, loving, trainable puppy who is ready to be someone's baby!

My name is Della and nothing can stop me!
Okay, yeah, so I might have to have my moment of panic right at first. But give me, like, a second and a half and I'll get over it and explode into joyful wiggles. I'm only six months old, so I'm still finding my place in the world.
Pretty much anything worth doing- anything that's big and wonderful, like falling in love with a human or a dog- is scary at first and hard at times, right?
I happen to think I'm easy to love, though: super sweet and affectionate, exceedingly cute, and very trainable. I'm good with other dogs (although I prefer a slow introduction), I love cookies, and I've got plenty of energy! If you're looking for a puppy, I am a puppy, through and through.
I'm in the 35-40 lb range right now and, obviously, still growing. I'm not exactly sure what breed mix I am (heinz 57! Best kind!) or how big I'll be when I finish growing. That's something you and I can discover together!
So if you want a wiggle worm, cuddle bug, cutie pie, and total sweetheart, come and check me out!
My name is Della, I'm six months old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/08/2025

Weekend Roundup! In spite of being super sweet and cuter than they have any right to be, Rocky and Snuggles are still waiting for their home! They are both Persian cats, both 13 years old, both front declawed, and both lovely, affectionate, and adorable!

Are you an aspiring Bond villain in search of a cat to stroke while you execute your evil plans? We've got one for you AND one for your suggestively-named sidekick or favorite henchperson.
Snuggles (yes, really) and Rocky are looking for a volcanic lair, a private island, or a sinister high-rise to call home. They may not actually be very well-suited, temperamentally, for villainous activities (they're actually really sweet and affectionate), but they're not going to ask about what you get up to in your free time. As long as some of your favorite activities include "petting the cats," "brushing the cats," and "feeding the cats exactly on time or early," they're not here to tell you what planets you should or should not attempt to dominate.
If there are no available goldmine or space station homes available, they would also fit nicely in a cozy cottage with lots of crocheted blankets, a collection of decorative teacups lovingly displayed, and a human who calls everyone, "dear." If you're tired of people calling your porcelain doll collection "creepy" (they're CUTE!), these might be the perfect cats for you.
Or, if you're just a regular nice person who would love to give a loving home to a sweet bonded pair of seniors (both boys are 13 years old), Rocky and Snuggles would fit right in. Both take a little time to warm up when meeting new people, but are very loving once they decide to come say hi. They get along well with other cats, enjoy the occasional bit of play, and mostly just need a comfortable and happy home!
Snuggles and Rocky are 13 years old, neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. Both cats are front declawed. They're available for adoption (together only!) through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/07/2025

I'm Monica and I've noticed something.
Some of the coolest people I know were the last ones picked for every sports team in grade school. Picked last might feel like a rejection in the moment, but it doesn't mean you're not awesome! Maybe it just means that, instead of playing dodgeball for a living, you're destined to, just for example... write cat bios.
Anyway, here's the thing: I currently live in a little condo with 4 other cats. And- get this- all four of them have been chosen and are going home this weekend, but I'm not. Not yet, anyway. The cheese stands alone.
It's not for a lack of trying. When someone comes to our place, I'm often the first to greet them. I'll run up to give a headbutt and then rub my face all over them. I love attention!
At one year old, I'm young. And I'm real petite- just a little sprite of a cat. I'm cute as a button, lots of fun, and I get along with everyone! I love to play with toys and hang out with other cats. I haven't met dogs, but think I would do fine with them after a slow introduction.
When it comes to being held, it depends on my mood. Sometimes, being picked up kind of scares me, especially if it's by someone I don't know, so I hope I'll find someone who can respect that.
So maybe I'm the only one left because people are just saving the best for last! Or maybe it's because I'm waiting for you.
My name is Monica, I'm a year old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/06/2025

Are you in a rut? Lonely? Life starting to feel a little tedious? Well, my name is Grande and I've got an offer you'd be a fool to pass up! Maybe your bed is a little too spacious. Maybe you think your mailman seems suspicious (frankly, I agree) and you need someone to keep him at bay. Maybe your walks in the park are too efficient and you wish you had someone to remind you to stop and sniff the roses.
Fear not, noble human, because I'm here to tell you the secret to happiness: Introducing THE DOG ®! The Dog's patented design features a wagging tail, slobbery tongue for maximum kissing power, and a lot of soft fur for comfort. And now, for a limited time only, you can get the ultra-premium Caramel-Colored Gangly Teen Edition! By which, of course, I mean... Me. Grande. Featuring long legs, a handful of pre-loaded commands, and the fastest zoomies in the lower 48, the Gangly Teen edition is highly customizable and can be trained to do many marvelous things! It cuddles! It snacks! It showers you with love!
This offer is so astounding that I GUARANTEE if you go with the Grande option, you'll be so satisfied that you won't need any other pets! (well... maybe a very socially-savvy dog. I like other dogs, but can sometimes be too enthusiastic and disrespectful of boundaries when playing)
Now, for one easy payment of $149.99 plusshippingandhandling, YOU could have a best friend, protector, alarm clock, personal trainer, and bed warmer!
My name is Grande, I'm a year old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/05/2025

❗️Help wanted❗️
Are you looking for a challenging, engaging, and rewarding job? Are you tired of working in places with zero puppies or kittens? Come work for us! We're looking for a new office assistant.
This is a full-time position, 8 AM to 4 PM Friday through Tuesday (every Wednesday and Thursday off). We're here every day of the year, so weekends and every other holiday are required.
The ideal candidate would be organized and reliable, have good computer and customer service skills, and be able to work in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding environment. Some experience in an animal care or front desk setting would be a plus. Must be over 18.
To apply, please e-mail a resume to [email protected], or come to the office in person to fill out an application.

03/05/2025

Caspian is still looking for an adoptive or permanent foster home! He has a degenerative joint condition, so living in a shelter with concrete floors is causing irreversible damage to his fragile joints. We do the best we can to make him comfortable, but he needs to be in a home! Caspian is a sweet, happy, d***y boy who loves everyone he meets. It's impossible to know him and not fall in love!

Let me lay it out for you: I'm a giant breed special needs dog who may or may not live to an old age. I need a really special kind of big-hearted person to be mine. I know they're not always easy to find, but one chance in a million is still a chance.
My name is Caspian and I know that's a lot to ask. But trust me: once you meet me, you'll see how sweet I am and you'll know I'm worth it.
I'm nearly 90 lb of happy, gregarious, gentle, and funny. I love giving kisses, playing with toys, and eating treats! I'm friendly with other dogs and cats. I'm a total and complete sweetheart.
Now, about the tough stuff: I have a degenerative joint condition. I'm only a year old, but the vet says I have the body of a ten-year-old. When you watch me walk, you can see that my legs are wonky. In terms of needs, it's the same as you might expect from a senior dog with arthritis: I take joint supplements and anti-inflammatories. I'm not up for long walks or lots of roughhousing. I can handle some stairs, but probably not loads of them on a daily basis. Really, I suppose there are some people in the world who will hear "I don't want to exercise a lot" and go "ooh, dealbreaker," but I'm sure there are plenty who are thinking, "Same, bro."
Right now, while I might not be super active, I'm a happy, lively guy! I'm the kind of fellow who gives you the impression that it's just never occurred to me to dislike anyone or anything. And the good news is, as long as it's managed, dogs can live for many happy years with DJD.
So, anyway... like I said. I know not everyone will be up for the challenge, but is there a possibility that you would? Or that someone you know might? Whether my life is a few years long or many years long, I don't want to spend too much of it living in a kennel. I need a family!
My name is Caspian, I'm a year old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. My adoption fee has been sponsored, so I'm a no-fee adoption. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/05/2025

LLLLLLLLLADIES and GENTLEMEN (and those who don't fit neatly in either one of those categories)... START YOUR ENGINES!
My name is Jimi and my motor is pretty much always running. You can feel the low rumble of it when you hold me. You might say I'm a Grand Prrrrix champ.
I'm a total showstopper of a cat: 13 lb of long and tall with the kind of soft, luxurious hair that makes people jealous (what's my secret? Cat spit.) and a white-tipped tail. I ooze charisma from every pore. I've got magnetism running through my veins.
You know what else I've got running through my veins? F-E-L-V, baby! Feline leukemia. Am I sure? I'm positive! Yeah, okay, okay... it's not really a joking matter. But it's just a fact of life for me. I'm a happy, healthy guy and don't need any special care. I can live with other FeLV+ cats or be an only cat, but shouldn't go home with cats who are negative. You can go to https://tinyurl.com/FeLvODAS to learn more.
Oh, by the way... the upside to this whole FeLeuk thing is that my adoption fee is just $1 and any vet care related to the whole FeLeuk thing is covered at no cost. I mean, are you kidding me? Have you ever heard of such a deal? A fabulous lap cat and excellent companion such as me, for less than a bag of chips? Holy guacamole!
So come on out. Get lost in my purr. You know you want to.
My name is Jimi, I'm two years old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/04/2025

Cookie is ready for the Slumber Pawty! We still have a few spots left on our team, so don't miss your chance! Build a blanket fort in Kitty City! Cuddle a whole litter of puppies at once! Play spin-the-bottle with a dog! Curl up with a good book and 30 cats!
The Pawty is April 5-6 (overnight, of course). Each participant will set up an online fundraiser, spread the word to family and friends, and try to get sponsors/donations for the shelter. Let's make this the best Pawty yet!
To join the team, send me an e-mail at [email protected].

03/04/2025

When my person picked me out, he made a promise to me. "Forever." We were going to be a family for the rest of our lives. I was chosen and loved. He named me "Cookie."
Sometimes, no matter how much you're loved, things don't turn out the way you expected. For a while, they told me, "Don't worry, Cookie, he'll come back for you soon." And then, they told me, "I'm sorry, Cookie. He isn't going to get better this time. We have to find you another home."
Another home? What will that be like? Will it be warm and comfortable and full of love? Will it be with someone who will give me some time to get to know them? "Family" is a big commitment to make, you know.
I'm a very sweet girl. At about five years old, I'm a sensible, mature adult. I'm calm, well-mannered, and housebroken. I'm also really smart and lots of fun! I love to play with squeaky toys. I'm a tug-of-war champ and a fetch expert. I'm always ready to show off my dainty handshake and I'll do pretty much anything you ask of me in exchange for a treat.
I think I'd prefer to be an only pet, although I may do well with other dogs after a slow introduction.
I'll always love my old person, but I'm not done loving yet. I know I still have a lot to give and maybe there's another soul out there as lonely as I am, searching for a friend just like me.
My name is Cookie, I'm five years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, Mo
(636)671-3643

03/03/2025

Why am I wearing a chicken on my head? It's because I'm just a little TOO magnificent! I wouldn't want you to be intimidated, you know? And also, I don't want you to look at this noble countenance and think, "Check out all that pomp and circumstance. I bet that guy's too respectable to be any fun."
You guys, I'm nothing BUT fun! My name is Splat, by the way. See? Hardly any gravitas at all. With this chicken on my head, you might even say I'm... eggcentric.
Anywho, now that I've put you at ease, let me get into the specifics. Number one, I'm a total lap enthusiast. Any lap is a good lap, but my favorite kinds are the ones attached to people who will also scratch my cheeks and tell me I'm pretty. #1 Lap Fan 4 LYFE! Throw away your couch blankets because you're about to have the world's best fuzzy lap warmer.
I haven't met dogs, but I'm cool with other cats. I mean, okay- if you're petting another cat, sometimes, I'll sneak in between you and them and flop down and show you my belly. And, full disclosure: that is but a clever ruse. No matter how tempting it is, touch the belly at your own risk. But that's less about the other cats and more about you. The other cats don't mind. I asked them.
Apart from my belly, I love being touched and petted! The head, the back, and even the tail are fair game! My favorite is when you play the drums on my side. A lot of the time, I love being picked up. Sometimes, I don't. I'm a cat. We're whimsical like that. But I always love to be in your lap.
So don't be chicken. Come and see me!
My name is Splat, I'm two years old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

03/01/2025

Weekend Roundup! Brilliant, passionate Chelsea is like a saltwater fish. She's like a tropical flower. She's like a... I don't know. I'm out of similies. What I'm trying to say is, in the right conditions, Chelsea is a really remarkable dog. But, while fresh water vs salt water may seem like a small difference to you, to the Blue Tang, it's everything. For Chelsea, being in the shelter is like being in the wrong kind of water. It's like being a plumeria in a Missouri winter. What I'm saying is, she's a phenomenal dog... and she's so stressed out here. She's not showing her true colors. She needs to get out and into a home so that she can thrive!

Man-oh-man, I really cannot catch a break! My name is Chelsea. Yep, that Chelsea! If you remember me, you probably know I spent two years waiting for a home the last time I was here. I was adopted, but my person had some life changes, so... here I am again!
Ah, well... maybe my road has been bumpier than I would prefer, but sometimes, rough roads lead to the most beautiful places. And I have a feeling that home- for REAL, this time- is just around the corner!
After all, I'm a phenomenal dog. I'm the very picture of smart and trainable. You won't find another dog as loyal as I am. I like children and play well with other dogs and other cats, I'm sweet and goofy, and I love to go for walks carrying my favorite toy. I'm housebroken and enjoy going to public places, like parks and farmers markets.
I've said a lot of goodbyes in my seven years of life, so it won't surprise you to know that I struggle with separation anxiety. I take fluoxetine (prozac) for it and that helps a lot. Still, I would do best with someone who is home a lot or can take me to doggie daycare so that I don't have to spend too much time alone. I'd be a great work-from-home companion. Also, if you ever need an excuse to leave a social engagement early, I will totally be your excuse!
It's long past time for my luck to change. Will you be the one to make it happen? Come out to see me or spread the word by sharing my story with your friends!
My name is Chelsea, I'm seven years old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643