Please use these pages to get acquainted with Orphans of the Storm’s mission and history by using the navigation bar above, and the links on the left.

Orphans of the Storm has spent most of a century caring for stray, abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats from northeast Illinois. Our history is a colorful one, starting with famous dancer and fashion trendsetter Irene Castle, continuing through the dedication and commitment of animal welfare activist Thelma Zwirner, and her son and current president, Richard Zwirner.

We operate one of the country’s oldest and largest animal shelters, offering refuge and rehabilitation, finding warm and loving adoptive homes for thousands of stray and abandoned dogs and cats every year. We hope that once you get to know us, you’ll want to become a supporter by adopting from us, spreading the word about us, or helping in other ways.