Open Door Animal Sanctuary

11/10/2026

Are you ready for the Friends of the Open Door Animal Sanctuary Holiday Bazaar? It's coming up this Saturday! Come find all sorts of treasures, baked goods, and holiday cheer from 9 AM to 3 PM at St. Thomas Holy Spirit Church.

11/10/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEE! What do you think I might get this year? A big cake that says "CARLEY" on it in peanut butter letters? A giant stuffed animal? Or maybe even the thing I want most in the world: a family!
This is the second birthday I've spent in the shelter. I'm gonna be six! I've been here for a whiiiiiiile: 614 days now, in total. It's mostly because I'm big (89 lb) and strong and would probably be best as an only pet.
You might be thinking "aww, that's really sad. Poor Carley!" but can I be real with you? I'm not sad in the slightest. I am a deeply unserious dog whose natural state is "unbridled joy." I'm happy pretty much all the time. I want to be friends with everyone- like REALLY want to be friends. Happy zoomies are pretty much a daily occurrence for me. My wiggly rear end is out of control.
I mean, have you heard about cookies? Have you TRIED them?! They're AMAZING! Who wouldn't be happy in a world with cookies in it? I'll do pretty much anything for a cookie. Or, how about TOYS? If you're ever having a down day, just give me a stuffed animal and watch me enjoy it! You'll end up almost as happy as I am.
I'm well-behaved at home, housebroken, and I do well in a crate when left home alone. At six years old, I've got plenty of get-up-and-go, but I'm definitely capable of settling down and really enjoying a nap.
So everything is pretty good for me, even living in the shelter. I'm just a resilient girl! But that doesn't mean it can't get better. So when I blow out my candles tonight, I'll have one big wish: to spend my next birthday and all the birthdays thereafter in a home, with a family of my own.
My name is Carley, I'm six years old and 89 lb, 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

11/09/2026

Halloween may be over for some people, but not for Dameena! We were all SO hopeful that our spooky queen would find her place in the world by now, but alas... it was not to be. She's still here and still waiting. She's been an office cat since springtime. She's seen several rounds of kittens come and go and celebrated multiple holidays (along with her first birthday) with us.
Dameena is a cat who can't be told what to do. She is outgoing and often very affectionate, but never on demand. She wants to make sure that everyone knows that her love is HER choice, freely given. She loves to hang out on the desks, steal the chairs, and greet visitors. She'll beg for treats, but when you put them in front of her, she just looks at you like "what is this supposed to be?" ... but then, the second you turn your back, the treats magically disappear and you'll find Dameena innocently licking her chops.
She's a character. There's a reason we all love her so much. And yet... it's obvious that the shelter is stressful for her. Her personality really comes out when there aren't lots of other cats and kittens in the office, but unfortunately, we can't keep it that way for her. She gets along with other cats in general, but would do best with one or two mellow, confident ones who are happy to just coexist. She's cautious, but curious about dogs. She doesn't quite trust them yet, but does show signs that she would get used to them with time.
The right person will come along one of these days. The sooner, the better. Dameena deserves to spend the rest of her life with someone who loves and understands her at least as well as we do, and we know that person is out there!
Her name is Dameena, she's one year old, and she's spayed, up to date on shots, and fully vetted. Her adoption fee is SPONSORED, so she's a no-fee adoption after a regular application process. She's available for adoption through
Open Door Animal Sanctuary
House Springs, MO
(636)671-3643

11/07/2026

Weekend Roundup! Flash is SUCH a fun and cool dog. He's huge, he's friendly, he's got just about the perfect amount of energy, and he's still waiting for you.

Dog philosophers have long debated the eternal question: Who's a good boy? Is it you? Are you a good boy? Are you?
And I don't really get it. The answer seems pretty obvious to me. Yes. I am a good boy. I am! It's me! My name is Flash and I'm 102 lb of Very Good Boy.
I know- that's pretty big, right? I'm the kind of dog you could take for a walk around town at night and trust that nobody would mess with you. That is... in theory, anyway. I may look intimidating, but I'm actually really friendly.
In fact, I've had all sorts of friends in my life: I lived with cats and a kid (young school age) and did well with them. Since coming to the shelter, I've gotten the chance to have playdates with other dogs and, while I was a little socially awkward at first, I figured it out quickly and enjoyed having dog friends.
I'm two years old (my birthday was just a couple days ago), so I've got plenty of goofball energy still. I don't mean anyone any harm, but I do sometimes get excited and jump and have been known to bonk people in the head or face. I also still chew sometimes, especially if I'm left alone without a crate. Luckily, I'm used to being crated when needed, so I can be left alone safely as long as I've got my li'l apartment.
I love to play fetch, do a zoomie or two, and then crash and cuddle in your arms. I mean, to me, there's no question: I AM a good boy! And here's the best news: I could be YOUR good boy.
My name is Flash, I'm two years old and 102 lb, 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

11/07/2026

Weekend Roundup! Did you think this beautiful and hilarious girl would be adopted right away? So did we, but she's still waiting! So if you didn't come and see her because you figured she'd be adopted, now's your chance!

Well hello there! Won't you join me for lunch? On the menu, we've got kibble, tap water straight from the tap... but don't miss the real piece de resistance: the cat treats!
What? Cat treats are not your thing? Well, that's okay, I suppose. They're certainly mine!
My name is Beatrix and I just love hosting. I'm an excellent conversationalist! I'll talk your ear off and keep you laughing. I'm curious and interested in everything, especially when you're trying to get something done. You can usually find me on the desk or near the front of my section in the shelter, ready to greet everyone.
At almost nine years old, I've got plenty of stories to tell! The one about how I ended up here is pretty straightforward: my people got divorced. It wasn't my fault. I expect that you and I could make much better stories together.
I haven't met dogs before, but I've lived with kids and other cats. I do well enough with other cats that I've been given several feline roommates in the shelter, but I will set a boundary if they're being rude. That's part of being a good hostess, you know- keeping the rowdy ones in line.
So what do you say? Perhaps the next shindig I host could be my housewarming party at your place.
My name is Beatrix, I'm eight and a half 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

11/06/2026

Some dogs are party guys. Some are (often frustrated) athletes. Some are all heart and no brains. Me? I'm Cassidy. I'm a thinker. I'm the kind of dog who takes it all in and then makes a decision.
I'm only about two years old, but I'm pretty settled. I'd rather read a book with you than run a marathon. Don't get me wrong: I do enjoy (and deserve) the chance to get out for walks and see the world alongside my favorite human. But do I need to through-hike the Appalachian Trail before breakfast each day to be happy? Absolutely not.
I'm a sweet, friendly girl who loves cookies and attention. I came from a home with other dogs and did well living with them and hanging out with them during our time here, but have had a harder time making new dog friends in the shelter. It's a weird and sort of overwhelming environment to live in, so I haven't always been at my best. So if you have another dog and want to know what I'll think of them? I know it's not what people like to hear, but I'm a complex individual and the answer simply is not not a binary "yes, I adore all dogs always in 100% of situations," or "No, I can't be around dogs, ever, period." Really, we'd just have to try it and talk about how to do a slow introduction.
I came to the shelter after being abandoned, so I don't know a lot about my history. I don't know if I've met cats (although I have investigated the shelter cats through the window during my playtime in the yards and seemed just mildly curious, which is promising) or little children. I also don't know a lot of details about my habits in a home (am I housebroken? I wouldn't be surprised if I were, but I currently live in a kennel and can't tell you for sure).
What I do know is that I'm a good, loving girl and I love to cuddle, especially when I'm in a quiet, comfortable environment. Shelter life is really not for me, so I'm really hoping to meet someone who can give me a better one.
So let's hang out. We can chat over tea and donuts. We can hang out and watch movies, then go to bed at like 7 PM. We could be best friends and learn all about each other from scratch.
My name is Cassidy, I'm two years old and 73 lb, 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

11/05/2026

Join us at STL Athletic Center in Fenton to meet some of our adoptable dogs this Saturday, November 7!

🙌🙌🙌We are kicking off our Winter League Powered by Thrivent OPENING WEEKEND with a few special events! 🙌🙌🙌

🐶 ADOPTION EVENT WITH Open Door Animal Sanctuary 📅

📅 November 7
⏰1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 STL Athletic Center Lobby

That's right... adoptable pets ARE COMING TO YOUR FAVORITE SOCCER FACILITY! 🐾❤️

Meet adorable adoptable dogs, learn more about Open Door Animal Sanctuary, and maybe even meet your new best friend while you're here for league games!

🏆 Opening weekend excitement:
⚽ Great soccer. 🐶 Adoptable dogs.

Winter League is more than games. It's a community, and we can't wait to spend another season with all of you! 👧🧒👦👩🧑🐕

See you this weekend! ⚽️

11/05/2026

The most privileged of people all have one thing in common: at some point, the universe has conspired to drop a big orange boy cat in their laps. Well... I've got amazing news for you. Because it's finally happening to you.
Okay, okay, I'm not exactly strolling through your door unannounced. The "dropping in your lap" will have to involve SOME action on your part, but it's really as simple as walking into this here shelter (aka my current residence) during business hours and saying "I'm here to meet Stormtrooper."
Yes, did I mention that? Not only am I a big boy (not fat, just large) and quite orange in both appearance and manner. Not only am I cuddly and friendly and maybe a little bit entitled (get off your desk? Sorry, I think you mean OUR desk). Not only am I, at five years old, pretty much the perfect age for adoption... but I'm also AVAILABLE, BABY!
I'm awesome. I'm cat-friendly, but sometimes need a little extra encouragement to take "no" for an answer. I am neutered, so while most of my amorous impulses went the way of my fuzzy little jingle bells, I have been known to make romantic overtures at other big males. I'm pretty chill around most cats, though.
I came to the shelter as a stray, so I can only tell you about my experience here, not my history. I don't know what I think of dogs, but I do seem to think kids are pretty cool. In fact, I kind of run to greet them when they visit the shelter. Wouldn't that be something? A big, orange, friendly, goofy, fun, confident feline guncle?
So here's your sign: it's not gonna get any clearer. I've fallen as close to your lap as I possibly can. The rest is up to you!
My name is Stormtrooper, I'm five 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

11/04/2026

Are you having a rough week? Feeling a little blue? 5 PM sunsets got you down? Here's what you need to do: Take a deep breath and holler, "OH, FUDGE!"
You know why that will help? Because I'll come running! My name is Fudge, I'm a year old and 35 lb, and I'm guaranteed to brighten your day.
Do you need a friend to cuddle? I'm your guy. I want to make friends with pretty much everyone I meet, especially if there are cookies on offer. That would make you feel better.
You know what always helps me? Getting outside and getting a bit of exercise. I love playing in the yard with my dog friends and going out for walks. I'm a year old and medium energy- not a wild man, but I can definitely keep up with you! And, at 35 lb, I'm very portable.
Maybe meeting new people and trying new things would be good. I came to the shelter as a stray, so I don't know much about my history. So, as far as I'm concerned, everything is new to me! I don't know what I would think of cats or little children, for example, because I don't live with them at the shelter.
The thing that I think would most make my dreary days brighter, though, is just getting to spend time with you. I think we could be really good together!
My name is Fudge, I'm one year old and 35 lb, 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