Adopt
The Friends of the Morrow County Dog Shelter encourages anyone looking for a new pet to “Adopt, don’t shop!” The Morrow County Dog Shelter always has wonderful dogs just waiting for adoption into a “furever” home!
You can view dogs currently available at the Morrow County Dog Shelter on the Shelter Facebook page, the Friends Facebook page, and on Petfinder.com. Please keep in mind that shelter social media is managed largely by volunteers, so not all dogs may be listed online. The best way to meet every adoptable dog is to stop by the shelter in person—your new best friend might be waiting for you there!
The fee for adopting a new best friend includes a Morrow County dog license, spay or neuter including pain medication, and vaccinations. All dogs over 6 months of age are also heart-worm tested.
There are also adoptable dogs in the Prison Training Program who are learning their basic obedience and housebreaking skills. They will stay at the Prison Training Program until they are adopted. Please contact the shelter to schedule an appointment to see them.
Happy Tails
Stories from Morrow County Dog Shelter Alumni
Curious about what it’s like to adopt a shelter dog? These heartwarming stories from past and present adopters show just how much love—and transformation—comes from giving a dog a second chance. If you’ve ever wondered how a shelter dog could change your life, read on…
Cyrus
We adopted Cyrus after our first overnight stay, December 9, 2018. It took a lot of work, but it was worth it! He protects his people and his home better than any dog we have ever had. He is the best “bubby” to our little girl. It was a huge risk and our mailman will tell you what kind of protector Cyrus is. Take the risk. If Cyrus allowed another animal in the house, we’d adopt more!
Banjo
This is my BFF, Banjo (his shelter and forever name). He chose me on August 27th, 2021. His name is the same because he had enough things to adjust to without having to change his name, too. I adopted him knowing that he had severe separation anxiety. We tried several things but what worked the best was taking in his little brother, Bean, who was a stray in our area that the finder was unable to keep. My boys are my babies and they will never be homeless again!
Chief
I adopted Chief, formerly known as Howie, in November 2016. I had called the shelter about a female beagle that had already been claimed by her owner, but Sarina sent me a photo of a male beagle that was available. I wasn’t really ready for a new dog (I had just lost my girl of 18 years) but my son convinced me to go and check him out. He got along great with my son’s beagle so we brought him home. Crystal always tells adopters that you need to give dogs time to adjust, so when Chief wasn’t overly friendly or affectionate right away, I gave him space. He was a great dog, easy to care for, never a problem. He just didn’t really seem to bond with me the way I’d hoped. After FOUR LONG years, he suddenly jumped next to me on the sofa, asking to be petted! From then on he was my Velcro dog. He was my office assistant when I worked from home and scrapbooking companion when I was crafting. Although he went deaf in 2020 and had developed cataracts and dementia, he was by my side every day until May 6, 2025 when he crossed the rainbow bridge. Although I miss him greatly, I have the best memories of this fabulous dog.
Riley
Riley (Penny) was adopted on May 6, 2024, from the Shelter’s Prison Training Program. She is approximately 3 years old. I saw her picture on the Shelter’s Facebook page and fell in love instantly. Riley is part Husky & part Chow Chow. I’ve had Chows in the past & loved them dearly. Riley is my reason to get up & get moving every day! She loves to be outside! We don’t have a fenced in yard, so I walk her many times each day. She likes chasing critters and almost caught a snake! She hops in the air when she is being playful and runs in circles because she knows it makes me laugh! She loves going to doggy daycare because she can run & play with her friends. She’s been known to pull a tail or two to get other dogs to chase her! I cannot imagine no having Riley in my life. She is definitely the best girl ever!
Ruby
I adopted Ruby, formerly Ruth, on December 10, 2021. From the start, I suspected she had spent her life as a breeder in a puppy mill, discarded when she was no longer “useful”. Thankfully, she was taken in by the Morrow County Dog Shelter before sh was hit by a car or hurt in any other way.
When Ruby first came home, she was terrified of the indoors. It was clear she’d never experienced the comfort of a home. She would try to escape through mirrors and windows, confused by her own reflection. But little by little, she began to trust. She discovered the joy of soft blankets on the couch, the peace of warm sunbeams, and the safety of gentle hands. Her favorite spot became the backyard swing, where she would rest beside me, soaking in the breeze. She would trot through the doggie door searching for me, and when our eyes met, hers would light up. I had become her person.
Not long after she joined our family, Ruby was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. It was a heartbreaking blow, though not entirely unexpected for a senior girl. We started her on medication, which gave us a bit more time, time I will always treasure. When her appetite began to fade, I cooked whatever she might eat and hand-fed her during her final three weeks. Every moment was a gift.
After just nine short months, we had to say goodbye. Ruby left us with grace, love and a legacy that will never fade. I believe she sent someone in her place. We recently welcomed another dog, another soul cast aside by a mill. And I know in my heart, Ruby had a paw in bringing us together.
Ruby’s life is a testament to why rescue matters. She mattered. And she always will.
Diesel
We adopted our dog diesel October 2024! We lost our family dog March 2024. When we saw diesel posted on the morrow county dog shelter page we knew he was meant for us!! I believe he was only at the shelter for a week before we got to bring him home!! He is full of love and cuddles and even weighing at least 50 pounds he is 100% a lap dog and we are so lucky to have him!!
Myla
Hi! I’m Myla (formerly “Mila”) Matthes, and I am living a dog’s dream life! I found my furever home (finally–more about that later) on July 13th, 2024. My dog parents came to the shelter in June to meet me because they saw my picture on the shelter Facebook page and they liked my “mug shot.” They thought I was pretty and that I looked intelligent (my dog parents are smart too!) When the shelter workers brought me into the “meet and greet” room, I went right over to Dad and licked his face. I figured I had sealed the deal right then, but they left without me! Turns out they wanted me but they couldn’t take me that day because they had a trip planned to somewhere I couldn’t go and they would be gone all day.
So here’s the “about later” part–Before Mom and Dad came to meet me, I had been adopted from the shelter twice but both times the people left me alone the same day they brought me home. I thought I had been abandoned, and I was so anxious and upset that I tore up some things and they returned me to the shelter. Mom and Dad knew that they would need to be home with me (they are retired so that’s not hard!) and that I would need lots of love and patience to overcome my separation anxiety. So after their day-long trip they came back to the shelter on July 13th and brought me home. Fortunately, they told me there was no way I was going back to the shelter and that I had found my furever home.
I have rewarded them with my total love and devotion, and they say I am the best cuddle pup ever! They might not want me to tell you this, but they let me up on the bed with them every night and morning, and I roll over on my back for belly rubs and kisses on my nose. I have some white hairs on my chin, and Mom says that’s her favorite kiss spot. And Dad gives the best belly rubs ever! When Mom and Dad brought me home there were so many dogs in the shelter hoping for a furever home, and I’m sure there are still many there. Some, like me, have have had a rough start in life. But with love and patience we can be loving and loyal 4 legged friends. After all, “Love is a 4-Legged Word!”
Havoc and Bean
Hi, my name is Havoc. I’m a 65-pound Pit Bull/Australian Cattle Dog mix, and I’m a proud alumni of the Morrow County Dog Shelter. I’m also what they call a “velcro dog”—if you sit down, I’m in your lap.
My dad adopted me when I was about two years old, and we had an awesome first couple of years together. He did something called “work” a lot (I think it was hunting for food?), but we always made time to play and snuggle.
Then, in May 2022, Dad got something he called COVID. I’m not sure what that is, but he was home for two whole weeks. It was amazing. I could tell he didn’t feel great, so I made sure to stay close and help him get better.
But things didn’t really get better. By July, he was home more often and seemed really tired. Then one day, Grandpa showed up and took me to stay with him and Grandma. Nobody told me what was going on, but I found out later that Dad had something called leukemia and had to go to the hospital (kind of like the vet, but for humans).
I stayed at Grandma’s for a while—she’s nice, even if she doesn’t let dogs inside. I had a cozy doghouse, leftovers, and lots of love from Grandpa. But I missed Dad. A lot.
Over the next year, we went through a lot together. Dad would come home for a little while, then have to go back to the hospital. I always waited patiently, and when he came back, I made sure he knew just how happy I was to see him. I even tried to give him my toys to take with him.
We finally moved back home for good in April 2023. Dad retired (I LOVE retired) and now we get to spend every day together. He’s not as fast as he used to be, but that’s okay. He’s home. And I’m home. And that’s what matters most.
To all the other dogs waiting for their family—don’t give up. Sometimes your person just needs time to find you. And to all the humans going through hard things, please remember we’re going through it with you. We feel it, too.
PS – Life is even better now that we brought home a new brother, BEAN!
