Open Door Animal Sanctuary

11/13/2025

Have you ever started something new and found yourself totally out of your depth? Moved to a new country where you didn't know the language? Started a new job that was so totally and completely different from your old one that you hardly knew which way was up?
For me, it was coming to the shelter after being a stray in Cadet, possibly for a long time. When I got here, they gave me a name: Chickie. They estimated that I was about a year old. I had been running with two other dogs, whom they guess may be my sister and mom.
Thing is, being in a situation like that is daunting. You don't have anything familiar to hang onto. But luckily... I just so happen to be really brave and sweet. What can I say? I'm awesome.
As it turns out, people can be really nice! Hey, have you guys ever had your ears scratched? It's amazing. And sometimes, they put a leash on you (that's a little weird) and then you get to walk around together and sniff stuff. That's amazing. I'm curious about toys, but not exactly sure what to do with them. Oh, and the stuff they give you to eat? Oh MAN. It's the BEST! I do suspect that I've still got a lot to learn about this whole "pet dog life" thing, but hey... I'm more than willing to put in the effort if you are!
In the shelter, I seem interested in making friends with the other dogs in their kennels and, of course, I was friends with the dogs I came in with, but I haven't had an official dog playdate. I'd love to meet any potential dog siblings in any potential new family before making it official!
Overall, I'm gentle and curious, but you can sometimes still see that I'm unsure when something is really new or weird or daunting or moves too fast. And going from being a shelter dog to a beloved part of a family will also be an adjustment! But I'm ready. I can hardly wait.
My name is Chickie, I'm a year old and 37 lb. 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

11/12/2025

IT'S HERE!
We're just a few weeks away from ❤️Giving Tuesday❤️ and, this year, we've got lots of different ways to give! Here's one you've been asking for:
Tees! Tanks! V-necks! Hoodies! Youth sizes! Sweatpants! Every color of the rainbow! Even yard flags and totes! We've got some of our recent designs, some throwbacks, and some for those who want to keep it simple. It's the perfect Christmas gift for the animal lover in your life (or, y'know... yourself). Click on each design to see all the available styles and colors.
Our Bonfire shop will be open for a LIMITED TIME ONLY: from now til Giving Tuesday (December 2). So don't delay!
https://www.bonfire.com/store/open-door-animal-sanctuary-store/

11/12/2025

Hello! Bonjour! Ni Hao! Me llamo Twitty. Or... Je m'appelle Twitty. Or... Ich heisse Twitty.
I don't know which human language it is that you speak, but it doesn't really matter to me. I only speak cat, after all, and as far as I'm concerned, that's a universal language.
So I hope you'll understand when I tell you that I need your help. I've been waiting here in the shelter for months and months. I raised my babies here, sent them out into the world, and they all found homes ages ago. But me? Nada. Zilch. That's where you come in.
Because I want to spread the word: I'm here! I'm available! I'm a very chill cat, about two and a half years old, who just needs a comfortable place and a little love. I'm very soft and affectionate, I love attention, and I'm cool with being held. I like to collect, look after, and gently play with my "babies"- soft puffball and mouse toys. Mostly, though, my favorite activity is napping.
I'd like a home where I can be the only cat. I haven't had much experience with dogs, so I'm not sure what I'd think of them, but I've had more than my fill of cats- enough to give a pretty confident "no thank you." I'd be perfect for someone who just wants a no-problem companion. Someone who is up for love and playtime when you are, but isn't noisy or needy or wild. Of course, as I begin to relax in a new home and the shelter becomes a distant memory, you never know what might happen!
So let everyone know, in whatever language you can: there's a little cat at the shelter who is just about perfect and still needs a home and a family!
My name is Twitty, I'm two 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

11/11/2025

How do you make a Churro? Weeeeeeeeelllll...
Start with one puppy, golden brown and oh-so-delicious.
Add a heaping scoop of fun, a whole lot of sweetness, and a liiiiiiittle dash of chaos (nah, who am I kidding? Put some extra chaos in there. No, more than that.)
Mix it all up and... you're not quite there yet!
This little Churro has the potential to become something truly wonderful, but just like bread needs time to rise and cakes need to cool before they're iced, a 19-week-old puppy needs time to grow before they're really fully formed. Good ingredients give this one a great foundation: an outgoing temperament, an eagerness to please, and enough focus and brains to be trainable.
To get things really going in the right direction and make this Churro truly sing, add a happy home and family. Someone able and willing to spend time training and shaping and turning this sweet little cinnamon-sugar baby into an incredible dog and best friend for life.
Little Churro is 19 weeks old, male, and currently about 16 lb. He's neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. He's available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

11/10/2025

Hi! Whatcha doin'? Where ya goin'? Actually, doesn't matter. I'm gonna go ahead and tag along regardless! I'm just happy to be wherever you are.
I'm Toby, by the way! I'm two years old, I'm a boy, I like to play, I'm black and white, I love having windows to look out, I'm super duper loop-de-looper friendly and lots and lots of fun, I'm good with other cats, annnnnnnddddd... what else? Oh, I'm FeLeuk+!
What does that mean? I'm pretty sure it means I get a good report card. Everyone I meet seems to think I'm pretty great in general, so I wouldn't be surprised. A+ in shenanigans, A+ in fearlessness and adaptability, A+ in lovableness, FeLeuk+ in... okay, I'm still not clear on that.
They tell me it's a virus, but that doesn't make sense to me because... I'm not sick! I don't need any medication or special care. I'm not in pain and don't feel poorly. I'm as happy and energetic as any cat you'll ever meet. In fact, to me, my FeLeuk status is a bonus because it means that my adoption fee is only $1 and vet care for anything FeLeuk-related that might come up in the future is covered at no cost to you.
That is a consideration: cats with FeLeuk are happy and healthy, but what might be a minor illness in another cat can hit us harder and potentially shorten our lifespan. There are plenty of FeLeuk cats who grow to an old age and never have an issue. And there are some who don't. I plan to be the first kind, but I suppose none of us get to make that choice! The other thing is, while I love other cats, I should go home as an only cat or with other FeLV+ cats. I'm generous with my purrs and my headbutts and my little meows, but this is one thing I don't want to share.
So if you want an over-the-top friendly and adorable boy who will be totally obsessed with you... pick me! I'll be right here, waiting for you.
My name is Toby, 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

11/08/2025

Weekend Roundup! Little Sheila is still looking for her perfect match! She got to have a sleepover last night to get a taste of home life and she loved every minute of it. Her host said she slept in the bed and really enjoyed cuddling. She is wary of new people when she first meets them and will bark, but she's food-motivated and, after just one night and plenty of treats, she was ready to make friends with everyone in the house! Sheila was abandoned in our parking lot, so we don't have any history on her, but her overnight host reports that she seemed unfamiliar with normal house things like the TV, so it's possible that she's never in her life known the safety and comfort of living in a home. We'd love to change that!
Sheila needs someone with some patience and compassion, who understands that she's scared at first and may take some time to warm up. The right person is out there somewhere!

Sometimes, I feel like I'm two Sheilas.
No, not like Jekyll and Hyde. Neither Sheila is a dangerous criminal. We're both sweet 1-year-old medium-sized dogs with soft hearts who just want love. We're both known for our charming habit of "smiling" when we're in unfamiliar situations. And we're both in need of a family
But there's a hidden Sheila. A VIP-level Sheila. A wiggly, bouncy, happy, super-snuggly girl who loves sunshine and kisses and sparkles. That Sheila gets really animated around puppies, loves toys, and just wants to be in your lap. That's the Sheila my friends know and love.
It's not always the same Sheila that new people get to meet. That's the Sheila who has been abandoned and betrayed by humans and knows that not every random stranger can be trusted. I'm a brave girl with a lot of love to give, but I need time and patience.
The thing is, yes, you're a stranger when you walk in. And I might not come to you or want you to pet me. And you might say "she doesn't seem like she likes me" or "she doesn't seem very friendly" and never actually take the time to get to know me. But I know that, one day, I'll meet someone who is willing to give me the time I need. And we might spend a few days as strangers, slowly learning to trust each other, but a few days is nothing compared to the lifetime we'll spend as family.
So come and give me a chance! I'm definitely worth it.
My name is Sheila, 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

11/08/2025

Weekend Roundup! Yasmine is shocked- SHOCKED, I tell you!- that she hasn't been chosen yet. And, frankly, so am I. She certainly tries her best to get people's attention: follows people around, plays with any toys someone might be holding, begs to be petted, and so on... but so far, no luck. Let's change that!

WHAT?! You mean I still haven't gotten ONE application? No, that can't be right. Check again. It would be under "Yasmine" with a "Y". Nothing? Can you look in the "chocolate chip noses" file? The "Mamas who did an excellent job, but are done raising kids and are now ready to live their own spoiled princess lives" file? STILL no? Dang. ... Well, how are we going to change that?
I mean, have you tried showing the world how cute I am? Do people know how outgoing I am and that I'm always ready to make friends with basically any human who comes my way? How I arch my back up when you pet me to lean into your touch? Have you mentioned that I'm cool with being held?
Do they know how my eyes light up when I see a toy I like and I'll do flips to catch it? Do they know that I'm around four years old, so past the wild kitten stage, but still a young lass? Have you told them that I'm friendly with other cats? I mean, I do have my boundaries, but that's just part of being a strong woman who knows her worth.
I just feel like if people knew who I am, they'd be lining up to meet me, right? So there must be some glitch in the system. It's the only logical explanation.
Maybe they're put off by the fact that I'm FIV positive. Don't they know that FIV is no big deal? I'm not sick, I don't have special medical needs, and I can live with other cats without transmitting it (except by deep bite wounds, like the type that would require a vet visit by itself). Or maybe it's that I can get a little opinionated when I'm really wound up. What can I say? I'm not a stuffed animal. It's called having a personality.
So let's put our heads together and solve this problem. How can we get me out of here and into the home I deserve? I guess we just need to make sure everyone knows:
My name is Yasmine, I'm 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

11/07/2025

My name is Penny and I've got a secret.
Well... maybe it's not so secret. Actually, I bet most people who meet me can figure it out. It's this: I have a magical power. I have the ability to make any human who comes close to me instantly happier!
I'm not really sure how it works, but I'm not one to question a good thing! I just wag my whole body and give kisses and, suddenly, everyone around me is smiling.
I ADORE humans (including kids- I lived with a toddler in my previous home and did well), but they can be confusing. Like, they're always saying I'm a " little doll," when I'm obviously a medium-sized dog. Or, they'll ask me, "Who's a good girl?" and I don't know the answer to that. I think we're ALL good girls and boys! I got along with the other dog in my previous home and they said I was good with other dogs in general. Well... most of the time. I prefer not to share my toys or food with other dogs, so should have meals and special treats in a crate or separate room if I have canine roommates in my new home. I've never met a cat, so I don't know yet what I'd think of them!
I do LOVE toys. You should see me with a squeaky tennis ball! Pure, unadulterated dog joy. I could fetch all day long. Fetch and cuddle and hang out with humans. That would be the best. I have to confess, I'm kind of a people pleaser. I was housebroken in my previous home and generally well-behaved. I know how to sit, shake, and lie down. I'm the best!
So come and see if my superpowers work on you. I bet you anything, you'll leave smiling, and... you never know. Maybe I will, too!
My name is Penny, I'm 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

11/06/2025

What's your favorite thing about a kitten? The cuteness? The curiosity? The capers? The cuddliness?
Marvin (cafe-au-lait-colored tabby) and Elmer (tabby and white with the little triangle nose) have got all that and more!
Marvin is totally fearless and outgoing. Elmer is a little more reserved at first, but comes out of his shell quickly. Both boys are endlessly entertaining and love to wrestle and cuddle with each other. At four months old, they're not "they would simply pass away from grief if we separated them" bonded, but they are thick as thieves and we'd love to find them a home together if possible.
They've both been exposed to dogs and neither was too fussed about it. On his first day in the office, Marvin had little kids toting him around like a stuffed animal and he just took it in stride, as he does with most things. These are two seriously excellent kittens and we have no good explanation for why they're still here. They tick all the boxes. They're outgoing, adorable, well-behaved, and they love attention. They're just waiting to be someone's first choice!
Marvin and Elmer are four months old, neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. They're available for adoption (technically, together or separately, but we'd really like them to go together) through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

11/05/2025

There are two types of dogs in the world: those who will eye you with suspicion until you earn their love and trust and those whose entire goal in life is to physically meld with with you and walk around the world as some kind of conjoined dog/human hybrid creature... even if they just met you thirty seconds ago.
Bet you can guess which one I am! My name is Hank and you're my BESTEST BEST BUDDY!
I don't care who you are- male, female, something else entirely? Makes no difference to me! I don't care if you're fat or thin, quiet or chatty, old or young... I love you a LOT! Possibly too much at times. I'm a powerful, energetic guy who, if I'm being honest and up-front, is sometimes more heart and enthusiasm than manners and restraint. I'm working on it, but it's a tough thing to learn in a shelter setting!
Hey, have you ever lived in a shelter like this? It's pretty cool in a lot of ways. I've made TONS of people friends and even some dog friends! I get to go for walks and play in the yard and all sorts of cool stuff. But also... since there are 80 dogs here to take care of, I spend a lot more time alone than I'd like to. So it's REALLY exciting when I get to see people and I can come on pretty strong at first. I don't mean to, but I sometimes can't help it! I'm just so happy!
So if you're the type of person who wants a best friend who is practically a part of you, come and check me out! We might be perfect for each other!
My name is Hank, I'm three 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

11/04/2025

"Fast" and "Speedy" mean the same thing. So do "Gorgeous" and "Beautiful." And, of course, "Cat" and "Goddess."
My name is Rain and I'm a furry little deity looking for a queendom over which to preside.
You can see how magnificent I am in a photo. It doesn't hold a candle to what I'm like in real life. I'm about 13 pounds of luxurious golden-brown eiderdown feline fabulousness.
Don't worry. I'm a benevolent goddess. I'm chatty and outgoing and interested in making friends with people. I love having my cheeks scratched and being stroked and admired.
I've lived with other cats several times and done well with them, so I don't think I would mind becoming part of a feline pantheon. I don't have much experience with dogs, so I'm not sure what I'd think of them.
I love attention, especially when I'm treated with respect. I'm not big on being picked up and held, for example. I want to be near you, but I'd rather it be my choice. And I prefer my grooming routine to be of the gentle kind. It can be tough with all this hair, but not impossible!
So if you know how to properly worship a cat and would like to have the most glorious little house deity in town, come and check me out. I'd love to be yours.
My name is Rain, 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