Nugget’s New Beginning

Sometimes, the difference between life and death for an at-risk animal isn’t a major rescue operation or a miracle—it’s a single person saying “yes.”

That was the case for Nugget, a sweet, four-year-old cat who arrived at Blue Ridge Veterinary Associates with a life-threatening urinary blockage. His owner, unable to afford the necessary treatment involving catheterization, was out of options. Nugget’s future looked heartbreakingly bleak.

But one person changed everything.

Andrea, a Blue Ridge employee and previous HSLC adopter, couldn’t ignore the appeal that came her way. “When the plea for help with Nugget went out, my heart just sank,” she shared. “Several rescues had already turned him down because they had no funds, fosters, etc.” But Andrea wasn’t going to let Nugget’s story end there. She reached out to Tracy, Director of Animal Care Operations at the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), hoping there might still be a chance.

Tracy’s response was immediate and positive—but there was a catch. “She didn’t have a foster,” Andrea recalled. “I thought, oh no, that’s not going to stop us from getting this guy help.”

So Andrea did what heroes do: she stepped up.

With HSLC’s support, she opened her home to Nugget, giving him the safe landing he desperately needed. “Nugget is doing great! Eating, drinking, using the litterbox. Getting some rest—he likes to lounge,” Andrea said. “He likes to be loved on, head scratches and pets so far. I get the feeling he wasn’t given a lot of affection in his previous life.”

From day one, Nugget was the perfect patient—calm, cooperative, and full of quiet charm. He quickly became a favorite at the clinic, capturing hearts with his gentle spirit.

This isn’t Andrea’s first time fostering, but she says it felt like fate. “It was just meant to be. I just happened to check my Slack feed, Tracy just happened to check her texts, the planets aligned,” she said. “I love animals, my husband loves animals, and he refers to himself as the ‘Pied Piper of cats.’”

Fosters Needed

Andrea believes that fostering is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. “If you have the time, space, and heart for helping animals, take that leap,” she urges. “There is such a need out there, so many animals that need a loving place to land before they find their forever home. Open your heart and your home.”

Nugget is alive today because someone said yes.

You can be that someone.
You can be the hero in an animal’s story.

Apply to become a foster with the Humane Society of Loudoun County today. Because every animal deserves a soft place to land—and maybe, a window seat to call their own.

Want to know more about fostering or start the application process? Visit our website today!