Open Door Animal Sanctuary

09/26/2025

I know I'm a dog. Four legs, floppy tongue, uncontrollable tail... yep, dog! Also, my name is O'Dell, which means I'm either a dog or an Irish pub, and dog makes a lot more sense.
But I can't help but wonder... can one be a dog and ALSO a baby? Because if so, then I think that's what I'd like to be.
I mean, I'm basically toddler-sized: about 30 lb of endless joy and love and wiggles! You can pick me up and carry me around on your hip like a kid and I'll wrap my paws around your shoulders and hang on. Orrrrrrr flip me over and hold me like a baby. I love it!
I'm a follow-you-to-the-bathroom kind of dog. Privacy? What? Why would anyone want that? I love to cuddle and will wriggle my way into your arms whenever I get a chance or flop at your feet and roll over for belly rubs.
I'm about a year old and I came in as a stray, so I don't have the details about what my house manners are like. I do know how to sit and I have a good start on "sit pretty," so I know I'm a smart little guy! Like with any youngster (and any dog, for that matter), though, my person should be prepared to help me learn all the house rules and work on my focus a bit.
One of my favorite distractions? Other dogs! I'm just here to make friends! I love other dogs and can play or coexist, depending on their preference. I'm just a total sweetheart all around, really! I haven't met cats, so I'm not sure what I'd think of them.
So if you want a dog who is a baby who is a best buddy... consider me!
My name is O'Dell, I'm a year 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

09/25/2025

Step right up, ladies, gents, and brave souls! Feast your eyes on a true marvel, never before seen in Jefferson County, Missouri, OR the surrounding areas! It's the magnificent, the bewildering, the one-of-a-kind.....
(brrm brrrmm-brrm BRRRRRMMMM) (ahem... that's the fanfare)
YANKEE AND YONDER, THE AMAZING TWO-HEADED KITTEN!
That's us! One cat, two heads! Oooooh, astonishing! Extraordinary! Don't you wish that you had a two-headed cat of your own? You could be TikTok FAMOUS! ..
Okay, FINE. Apparently, our introductions are supposed to be "honest" and "transparent." So I'll confess: we're not a once-in-a-lifetime miracle of genetics. We ARE inseparable, but... y'know... figuratively. I'm Yankee, the all-stripes fella on top and my brother, Yonder, is the one with the white face. We're six months old now and have been in the shelter since we were tiny little beans. We've been passed over... and over... and over... and... you get the picture. But we've always been able to rely on each other as playmates and cuddle buddies. We're both real outgoing, we love to play with each other and with humans, and we're just super cute. I'm a big fan of the sink and of following people around to see what they're doing. My brother is a little bit more reserved at first, but loves being held and is very sweet and cuddly. We're both just babies, both in age and in vibe!
What's held us back from finding a home? Well, on top of the fact that teenage kittens always struggle when there are smaller kittens available, we're both FIV+. What does that mean? Basically nothing. We're healthy, have no extra needs, are just as likely as an FIV- cat to live a long and healthy life, and can live just fine around other cats. It just sounds intimidating. And it means that, if you adopt us, you can feel like a total hero without having to actually do any extra work and still getting two perfectly normal (apart from occasionally pretending to be conjoined twins) and lovely kittens.
So... come one! Come all! Come and meet us. We may not be a two-headed cat, but we're still amazing! Astounding! Extraordinary!
We're Yankee (tabby) and Yonder (tabby & white), we're six months old, and we're neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. We're available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

09/24/2025

Ew, bugs! And why is there so much... dirt? Everywhere?
Okay, though. If you love it, I'll do my best to enjoy it with you! Isn't that what best friends do? And I do aspire to be your best friend.
My name is Nicole, I'm about five years old, and I'm looking for a soft place to land- preferably, one with air conditioning and a fluffy bed. I'm low-key, loving, and very loyal. I make friends quickly with humans. I've interacted mostly with adults since coming to the shelter, but have enjoyed briefly meeting a few polite young school-age kids as well. Offer me a few treats and I'm yours for life!
Things are a little more complicated with dogs. I think I would do well with a mellow companion and a slow introduction. But I'm finding shelter life pretty stressful, what with dogs barking all the time on every side of me, and I'm a bit on edge to begin with. So I don't always make the best first impression with other dogs. I haven't met cats, so I'm not entirely sure what I'd think of them.
Overall, I'm well-behaved, good on a leash and in the car, and I listen well. I may look rugged- 55 lb with pointy ears and espresso-colored fur- but I'm a lady, through and through.
So come and see me! Take me for a short walk, just so we can say we earned our iced coffee and puppucino. We're bound to be friends for life.
My name is Nicole, 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

09/23/2025

All I can ask is that you take the time to see me. No, really see me.
My name is Horsepower. I'm three years old. And I need a hero.
I'm used to people passing me by. Most people don't even know I'm there, much less take the time to stop in and get to know me. I'm very overwhelmed in the shelter and, during the day, I stay safely tucked away in my cat tree.
You would assume that means I don't want to be touched or be around people, but the opposite is true! I love people. I love one-on-one attention. When you reach into my cat tree, I will sometimes give a halfhearted hiss at first, but I quickly catch on and realize you're not a threat and switch to enthusiastic headbutts and cheek rubs. Those are really my happiest moments: when someone comes to sit with me and give me love.
No, I don't want to come out of my cat tree yet. Not even when I have a visitor, although I'm getting closer and closer. I'm a homebody, you know? And the shelter is like a Walmart on Black Friday: noisy, chaotic, and just... a lot. It's safe and quiet in here.
That's why I need your help to get out of here. I want to keep that sense of quiet and safety, but be able to see the world outside my cat tree, and that means finding a home! I know I don't show very well here and there are things that are hard to know about me. Like, since I don't come out while the people are around, they don't know what I think of other cats or of dogs. I did have a home for most of my life (no other pets there) and they said I was a happy boy who loves sunbathing and playing with q-tips. I would hide when there was company or lots of activity, but enjoyed being in my person's lap in quiet moments.
My ideal situation would, of course, be a permanent home, where I could stay for the rest of my life. But, if that's not in the cards for me right now, I would benefit from a "vacation foster" home. That means I would come and stay with you for a while and take a break from the shelter. Your job would be to let me decompress, learn about my habits, and help me find a home. The shelter will provide all the supplies, food, and vet care. Then, I can come back to the shelter with more information (and maybe some really nice photos and videos), stay with you until I get adopted, or you can decide to keep me!
I'd love to get to know you! If you'd like to meet me and see if we could be friends, please come to the shelter during open hours (10-4, seven days a week). And if you'd like more information about fostering, please e-mail Amanda at [email protected]
My name is Horsepower, I'm three years old, and I'm neutered, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm available for adoption or foster through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

09/22/2025

I'm thinking of embarking on a new career. What do you think? "Sammy: Shelter Cat" is okay, but I think I'd rather be "Sammy: Film Critic."
I know I'm qualified! First of all, I have plenty of opinions. Second of all, as you can see, I have OUTSTANDING thumbs! I don't know how one gets into that field, so I'll just give you a few sample reviews:
1. Homeward Bound: Two thumbs up! Okay, I haven't actually seen the whole thing, but I know it's about cats and dogs and I know they're looking for their home. And, from what I understand, despite their many trials and tribulations, there's a happy ending! That's all any of us can really ask for, right? To get home in the end?
2. CATS: Two thumbs up! Again, I haven't actually seen it, but I do like other cats in general, so I assume it's a cinematic masterpiece and not at all creepy or cursed.
3. The Cat in the Hat: Have I seen this one? No. But a cat? In a hat? That's just too absurd. Look, I love people, I love attention, I'm outgoing, and I love to be petted, but I have to have some choice in the matter. I'm not the kind of guy who wants to be wrestled into a tiny deerstalker or sombrero. Two thumbs down!
4. Hocus Pocus: Two thumbs up, based purely on the fact that there's a black cat in this movie who can talk! I'm a pretty chatty guy, myself. I can carry on quite the conversation.
I suppose, now that I really think about it, the animal shelter isn't the best place from which to launch my stunning career, given the appalling lack of movie-watching opportunities they have here. I'll either have to file a petition to hold regular Pampurred Palace movie nights or... y'know... just find a home! I hear every movie is better when you're watching it with your family.
Anyway, if you wanna help me achieve my dreams, here's my info:
I'm Sammy, about 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

09/20/2025

Weekend Roundup! Brad is still here! This dog is unbelievably cute and super sweet. He loves toys and doing zoomies, he's very friendly, and he's just a good boy! He is, however, not a dog who thrives in a kennel setting, with barking dogs all around, so the sooner we can find him a home, the better!

📰Breaking News: Brad Pitt Named Dog People Magazine's 2025 Goodest Boy Alive!📰
The wait is over: the Very Best Boy has been identified!
At just two years old, Brad Pitt is already turning heads in the rescue scene with his dashing good looks, magnetic charm, and a personality that practically begs for paparazzi. But this isn’t just a pretty face- Brad is the total package. Outgoing, affectionate, and incredibly smart, he’s proving to be a superstar and a fast learner in his current foster home, where he's finally been given the chance to shine.
When asked how his new title might affect his chances for adoption, Brad responded, "wuff." Truly a quote for the ages.
Sources close to Brad report that he is housebroken, leash-savvy, and polite in the house. A true gentleman on set and off, Brad is known for graciously sharing the spotlight with calm canine co-stars around his size. Word on the street is that he's been brushing up on his impulse control skills and manners in preparation for his next big role in the much anticipated "Home: An Epic Story"
A star as bright as Brad Pitt has earned the right to be choosy about the roles he accepts. Brad's mantra is "never work with small children or small animals." It's not just charisma he has in spades- he's got plenty of prey drive! Brad's ideal role would be with a director who treats him with respect and supports his ongoing training journey.
What's next for Brad? Will we be seeing him in a comfortable home, going for plenty of hikes, and living his best life? We've got our fingers crossed!
Here are the stats for this year's Goodest Boy:
Brad Pitt. Age: 1. Neutered (it's cuter!), up to date on shots, and fully vetted. Available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

09/20/2025

Weekend Roundup! If you're willing to open your heart and home to a cat with feline leukemia, now is the time to come to the shelter! We've got quite a few to choose from, including the adorable, super-sweet Mr. Mr.! This guy is a treasure and anyone would be lucky to have him.
FeLeuk positive cats can't live with FeLeuk negative cats, but all of our FeLeuk+ cats do get along well with other cats and would be happy to live with other FeLeuk+ cats. So you don't have to commit to being a one-cat household, even if you adopt a FeLeuk+ cat!

My name is Mr. Mr. and I have a question:
Imagine you were offered an all-expenses-paid trip of your dreams. You get to fly first class, stay in a luxury resort, enjoy the best local cuisine, and go on once-in-a-lifetime excursions. Champagne on yachts. Hot air balloon rides. Dinner with the Mona Lisa. A personal massage by (some famously sexy man idk I think most of them are named Chris or Ryan or something) The works. Two weeks' worth of the kind of adventures, luxury, natural beauty, or pampering you can normally only dream of.
Would you turn it down because it's not long enough? Would you say "No thanks, I just couldn't deal with it ending" and not even take the chance?
Sure, you might cry on your way back. It might be tough to go back to a life of commutes and chores and zero butlers. But, in my opinion, it's still 100% worth it to have the experience!
You might wonder... Mr. Mr., what the heck are you going on about? Aren't you a cat and not some kind of travel agent? Bear with me. This is relevant.
Because I AM a cat. A marvelous, cuddly, young, super-handsome, outgoing, curious, love-of-your-life kind of cat who is great with other cats, doesn't mind dogs, and loves to play. I'm the kind of guy who sits at the front of my cage and reaches my paws through the bars to try to get your attention. The cat of your dreams. So why has nobody taken me yet? It's because I have feline leukemia, also known as FeLV.
What does that mean? Day-to-day, it's just a little detail. I don't need special treatment or medication. I should be kept indoors (but so should every other cat in this shelter) and can't live with other cats who are FeLV negative. I do love other cats, though, and would do great with an FeLV+ companion.
The thing is, my immune system doesn't work well, so illnesses that would be minor in most cats can be dangerous for me. That means that I may very well live a long, healthy life and grow to be an old cat (I'm only a year old now, so that's a long way away!), but it's also possible that I won't. Right now, I'm healthy, happy, and active and have no immediate health concerns.
I do get that it can be daunting taking on a cat who may have extra vet bills, but hey- good news. I'm an Open Door cat. That means that any vet care related to my FeLV status can be provided at the shelter at no cost to the adopter! You can learn more at https://tinyurl.com/FeLvODAS
So why let a little thing like my FeLeuk status come between you and the opportunity to know and love such a phenomenal cat? Don't deprive yourself of love! Embrace it! I'll be here waiting.
My name is Mr. Mr., I'm a year 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

09/19/2025

Dear you,
I don't know who you are yet, but I know you're going to change my life. Consider this my message in a bottle. My note to my someone. Right now, we're strangers, but one day, you'll be my world.
I'll spend years getting to know you, but for now, I can only tell you about myself. My name is June, I'm about two years old, and I'm looking for a home. The name, really, is perfect for me: I'm warm and sunny, full of flowers, plenty youthful, but gentle and demure.
I'm a total and absolute sweetheart. I was found as a stray, so I have limited information on what my life was like before I found a kind stranger to bring me here to the shelter. But I learned how to sit when greeting people and I'm friendly with everyone I've encountered. I'm still pretty new here, so I haven't met dogs or cats yet, but if you have other dogs, I'd be happy to meet them before making it official!
I was found hanging out in a cemetery. I guess I figured that if there was someone there in need of some comfort, I could be of service. I'm great at making people smile!
So, wherever you are and whoever you might be, I hope this reaches you. Do you know where to come and find me? If not, I'll tell you:
My name is June, 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

09/18/2025

UPDATE - she was returned to her owner.
This sweet young thing was found hanging out at a nursing home in Arnold (unfortunately do not now which one ☹️). She is chipped but none of the info is current. Somebody loved her - if you know who that might be, please contact us at Open Door. Our number is 636-671-3643. Or even better, if this is your dog (Marley by name) please bring proof of ownership to claim.

09/18/2025

I'm just saying, hypothetically, if I were looking for a cat, a little torti named Tootsie- one exactly like me- would be pretty high on my list!
Not to toot my own horn, of course. I'm actually not too much of a tooter. I let my record speak for itself most of the time: you can plainly see when you meet me, for example, that I'm mellow, gorgeous, and outgoing. You don't really need my friends or me to tell you that I'm sweet and cuddly and love being held. Or that my fur is so soft and luxurious that I hear Cruella de Vil herself has been questioning her devotion to black & white spots.
That said... there are situations that call for a bit of personal tootitude, of course. And I'd say trying to get the attention of the person who will ultimately become your lifelong best friend and family counts as one of those! So... look at me! I'm Tootsie! I'm wonderful! I keep to myself most of the time in the shelter, so you might not even notice me, but- NOTICE ME! I'm about three years old. I don't seek other cats out, but I'm happy to peacefully coexist with them. I haven't met dogs, but I LOVE people. I'm a star!
So if you've been looking for a cat, look no further. I'm here, ready and waiting!
My name is Tootsie, 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

09/17/2025

Ears: Big
Tail: Little
Heart: Huge!
Brains: Developing?
Stripey factor: Maximum
Cuteness: Off the charts!
My name is Winn-Dixie, I'm thirteen weeks old, and it's my dream to be part of a family!
What do you think it will be like? I've never had my own humans before! Just lots of siblings, all of whom look just like me! Somehow, though, I just know I'm going to be really good at it once the time comes. I'm super sweet and wiggly and have an awesome, outgoing temperament. I'm interested in making friends with other dogs and, out of my siblings, I'm probably the most focused and the best learner.
I do have a lot to learn, of course! I'm still new to the world and experiencing all kinds of firsts. I hope that, when I find my family, they're kind and patient and ready to teach me all about manners and rules and being a very good dog. I can't wait to be someone's adventure buddy, playmate, and best friend forever!
So, what's my next step? How can I become what I've always been meant to be: a member of a family just like yours? Let's make this happen!
My name is Winn-Dixie, I'm three months old, and I'm spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. I'm currently around 12 lb and there is no way of knowing or guaranteeing my adult size or weight. 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