“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”—Martin Luther King Jr.

 The holidays and the start of a new year inspire us to reflect not only on ourselves but also on the question posed by MLK in the above quote—what are we doing for others? As an all-volunteer organization, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) would not exist without volunteers throughout Loudoun who assist with our programs and keep our organization running. They come from all walks of life and are united by their desire to do for others—in our case, to help save animals.

In 2019 HSLC welcomed a new group of volunteers from ECHO, a non-profit based in Leesburg that supports and empowers adults with disabilities. Each day over 200 individuals participate in ECHO’s programs, which include skill building, job placement, day support, and transportation.

These new volunteers have played a key role in supporting the Loudoun Pet Pantry, a collaboration between HSLC, Loudoun County Animal Services, and Loudoun Hunger Relief. The program’s goal is to help keep pets in loving homes by providing supplies to families in need. Donation boxes are located throughout the county.

Every Monday, the ECHO volunteers pick up donations for the Pet Pantry from several locations in Leesburg. The donations, which include pet food, crates, and all types of supplies, are then dropped off at a centralized location. HSLC volunteers repackage the food for distribution at Loudoun Hunger Relief. The other donated items are either used by HSLC’s other programs or passed along to other rescue organizations.

HSLC President Juanita Easton says, “We are very pleased to collaborate with ECHO. The volunteers are consistent and reliable, and they do a great job.”

Recently the ECHO volunteers expanded their participation, assisting at Loudoun Hunger Relief as the packages are unloaded and weighed. They are then shelved and ready for those in need. Often the emergency assistance received through Pet Pantry is a lifeline for families facing the possibility of surrendering a beloved pet due to unexpected financial hardship.

When asked why they decided to assist with this program, one of the ECHO volunteers said, “We pick up the cat food and the dog food, and we drop it off. Then it goes to someone who needs it.”

According to ECHO staff, volunteering has become a favorite activity. The group changes weekly, and participants often ask staff if they can go to Pet Pantry when they arrive on Mondays.

“Volunteering is a great way for our participants to be active members of the community,” states Jacob Brown, Program Coordinator in the Day Program at ECHO. “Adults with disabilities are often regarded as people who need help, but the truth is, they are just as capable, willing, and eager to give back as others. They enjoy it, and they are providing a valuable service, so it’s a win-win.”

 For more information on the Loudoun Pet Pantry, please visit HSLC’s website at www.humaneloudoun.org. For more information about ECHO, visit www.echoworks.org, Facebook (@ECHOworks), Twitter (@ECHOLeesburg), Instagram (@ECHOnonprofit), or LinkedIn.

 

Do you want to get back out in the community after hunkering down at home for so long? Are you looking for a school, church or scout service project? Would you like to spend time with animals but can’t commit to a new pet right now? Volunteer at the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC)! Here are the top ten reasons to volunteer with us.

Save Animal Lives: Each one of our volunteers contributes to saving animal lives.

Boost Your Health: Volunteering has both physical and mental benefits.

Meet New People: Spend time with people who have similar interests as you.

Learn New Skills: Ready for a new challenge? We have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills from animal care to project management to grant writing.

Relieve Stress: Spending time with animals relieves stress and curbs loneliness.

Have Fun: Whether you find fun in volunteering with other people or enjoy the company of animals, you can find your fun with HSLC.

Find Your Purpose: Volunteer with HSLC to see if saving animals is your purpose.

Strengthen Your Resume: Get hands-on experience to boost your resume.

Connect with the Community: Help improve the lives of animals and people in our community.

Truly Make a Difference: We need you!

Learn more at our website including available positions or send an email to our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@humaneloudoun.org.

You know how important companion animals are to our lives. For over 50 years, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) has been able to save countless animals thanks to the ongoing support from the community.

Support from planned gifts can make a huge impact on HSLC. By including a charitable gift in your estate plan, you ensure that essential programs and lifesaving services for homeless and at-risk animals will continue for years to come.

Through your estate plan, you can make provisions for your family and friends as well as animals in need. Both you and your family can benefit from your generosity through proven, tax-wise strategies approved by the Internal Revenue Service. We suggest you consult an attorney or estate planner for help in choosing your best options.

If you have already included the Humane Society of Loudoun County in your plan for the future, we are sincerely grateful. If you are in the process of creating a plan with your attorney or planning professional, we would be happy to work with them to address your wishes. Either way, please take a moment to let us know your intentions. We would love an opportunity to thank you!

There is no better way to honor the people and pets that have made an impact on your life than with a gift that will truly change the lives of so many at-risk animals.

If you would like to make a lasting gift, or if you have any questions on how your generosity can help, please contact Anne Senft at anne@humaneloudoun.org or (703) 507-2812 for more information. A few minutes of thoughtful time now will save the lives of countless animals in the future.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County’s Tax ID # is 54-6073310

For the second time in less than six months, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) has been selected to benefit from the Giant Community Bag Program. During the entire month of January, when you purchase a $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Catoctin Circle Giant in Leesburg, $1 will be donated to HSLC.

“We are delighted and thankful that the Catoctin Circle Giant in Leesburg has selected us again as the featured non-profit for their Community Bag Program. Community involvement is essential to our mission to increase public awareness about our life-saving programs and the donations from the sale of the reusable bags will help us provide care for our at-risk and homeless animals,” shared HSLC’s President, Juanita Easton.

If you weren’t able to participate during September’s campaign, you now have a second chance in January.  The Community Bags are purple (see photos) and are located at the front of the store. Cute animals are not included (but we can hook you up if you need one!)

 

Cat Photo: Kaitlynn Stone

Why Amazon Smile?

Like many of us, I am an Amazon shopper. It’s easy, convenient, and I can find everything I need in one place…even my favorite charity! When I shop I use the Amazon Smile app so the proceeds from my purchases directly benefit the Humane Society of Loudoun County. Without even thinking about it, I can help the animals in my community simply by doing what I always do – shop! It’s a no brainer really – I understand that not everyone can personally donate every time so I’m thankful that Amazon has created this site for busy shoppers like myself where they donate for you! It doesn’t cost you anything to be kind.

Why HSLC?

I chose the Humane Society of Loudoun County for the animals, of course! Not only are these animals in my own backyard but it’s very personal for me as I also know the amazing group of men and women who work selflessly every day to save the animals and educate our community. We have the same goal and I encourage my friends and family to join me. We’re shopping anyway so why not make it count! One click and you can save HSLC as your charity every time you shop!

You can follow Stephanie’s lead and start shopping at Amazon Smile today! And, if you have a little bit of space left in your shopping cart, please consider adding a high priority item from HSLC’s new Charity List on AmazonSmile. Thank you and happy shopping!

HSLC is very grateful to Spanky’s Shenanigans in Leesburg for choosing us as the non-profit to benefit from this year’s Yappy Hour Wednesdays.  A very special thank-you to Joni Smith and all of the staff. For the entire spring and summer, Spanky’s has been donating a percentage of their Wednesday Yappy Hour food sales to HSLC.  In addition, Titos Vodka donated $1 from every drink ordered using their product at the Yappy Hours.

The Spanky’s Yappy Hour Wednesdays are a local legend in the area. They open their back deck to allow customers to bring their furry friends while providing great food and drink. What could be better than sharing the evening with your pet and friends?

 

The Wednesday Yappy Hours start up every year in April and culminate the first part of October at Spanky’s Spooky Yappy Hour and annual Halloween dog costume contest. During the hotter  months Spanky’s provides kids wading pools full of water for the dogs to use to keep cool.  And yummy steak treats are always handed out to the dogs that visit.

Our community partners are an essential part of what we do and Spanky’s definitely went above and beyond to help us help animals.

 

What better time to chill out at home with a cuddly cat than November? The air’s getting colder, and the approach of Thanksgiving reminds us to contemplate all the reasons to be grateful. It would be difficult to find a more grateful being than an older cat adopted from a foster home or shelter and welcomed into a comfortable forever home. Often passed over for cute and spunky kittens, adult cats bring many advantages frequently overlooked by adopters. 

For one thing, although kittens can be adorable, the energy and attention they require as they grow can be a lot to manage. Adult cats, while still playful and affectionate, have outgrown this stage and are usually happy just being with their family. They’ve had time to develop their personalities, making it easier for fosters to ensure a good match with a potential adopter. Also, as they’ve often lived in homes for many years, adult cats are usually accustomed to using the litter box.

Cats in their twilight years take a lot of the guesswork—and the actual work—out of adoption. In recognition of November as National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, HSLC would like to introduce some of our adult cats waiting to find homes.

 

Mittens is a handsome guy with a mysterious past which probably included some adventures. Now ready to retire, he was found in the parking lot of a local brewery, and although initial reports indicated he was a kitten, he is actually around ten years old. He is charming and affectionate, running to greet you when you get home. He may follow you around waiting for you to sit so he can hang out beside you.

 

Erin is a beautiful, snuggly girl who is looking for that special someone to be her companion. She is very mellow and is perfectly content sitting with her people while they watch television or read.

 

 

Midnight is described by her foster mom as, “A perfect lady. She loves to lounge and is the best cuddle bug!” Smart and sweet, she is approximately 9 years old and loves being held.

 

 

Margo is a friendly, affectionate cat who has overcome many obstacles. Approximately 12 years old, she is mostly blind due to high blood pressure (well-managed with a low-cost prescription), so she needs someone who is going to be patient with her while she learns to trust them. Once that bond is formed, she becomes a chatty, snuggly cat who loves to give head bonks. She does not let her limited vision hold her back either! She finds her way to her food, water, litter box, onto the sofa, and even up and down the stairs without incident. She may be blind, but she will find her way into your heart. Margo’s adoption fee is sponsored so there will be no cost to her adopter, plus she has been offered free laser therapy for life from a local vet.

Adopters of adult cats often find it the most rewarding adoption experience, both for the companionship of a furry friend, as well as the sense that cats’ love seems to multiply exponentially when they know they’ve been rescued from living out their lives alone in a shelter. In exchange for a quiet, warm place to live and sleep, they will provide companionship and gratitude in abundance. Please consider welcoming an older animal into your home and family. The adoption fees for these senior cats are discounted during the month of November thanks to a generous sponsor.

All HSLC cats are vaccinated and microchipped.  Please see our website (www.humaneloudoun.org) for information on Erin, Midnight, Margo, Mittens, and other cats available for adoption. Interested adopters can arrange a meet and greet. Please contact us at helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org.

“Working” cats are domestic cats that live mostly outdoors, as feral or semi-feral, on rural, agricultural or commercial properties. They are free to roam the property while providing free and organic pest control in exchange for food, water and shelter.

Our Loudoun Working Cat program places healthy, sterilized cats onto suitable properties. An appropriate location could be a barn, greenhouse, brewery, warehouse, store, office, winery, vineyard, shed or other similar building. Relocation is always a last resort for cats/colonies, but sometimes they are facing dangerous situations—like eviction from their homes or euthanasia at a shelter—and relocation is their only option.

All cats adopted out as working cats are fully vetted. HSLC also provides guidance to help the relocated cats successfully transition to their new homes. There is no adoption fee for Loudoun Working Cats. Please save a life by applying for one of these at-risk cats today.

 

As a foster-based, all-volunteer organization, HSLC relies on the community to provide homeless animals the second chances they deserve. Here are five great ways to help our furry friends this holiday season.

Become a Guardian Angel – Maybe you’ve fallen in love with one of our animals but can’t adopt. Or perhaps you see a cat that has been on our site for a while that isn’t being adopted.  Sponsoring an animal in full or part will help us help them and will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Host a Pet Food Drive – The Loudoun Pet Pantry is in constant need of cat and dog food.  Hosting a pet food drive is a great family, school or community project for the holidays and we have many ideas to get you started.  Be sure to tell us about your efforts so we can give you the recognition you deserve and inspire others by your example.

Set Up a Facebook Fundraiser – Involve your friends and family in our life-saving work by setting up a Facebook Fundraiser for Giving “Mewsday” (12/3) or your birthday. Please type “The Humane Society of Loudoun County” when selecting your charity.

Give through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) – More and more supporters are using DAFs to manage their charitable giving.  They combine the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support your favorite causes, like HSLC. Visit our website to learn more.  HSLC also accepts stock gifts and charitable IRA rollover distributions.

Donate Your Vehicle – Got a vehicle you want to unload before the new year? Consider donating it to HSLC. We offer free pick-up for donated vehicles of all types—cars, trucks, boats, and even ATVs.  Start the process here.

Thank you for making a life-changing difference for at-risk animals across the area.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a simple way to manage your charitable giving.  It combines the most favorable tax benefits with the flexibility to support your favorite life-saving causes, including The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC). DAFDirect, a widget available on our website, enables you to recommend grants to HSLC directly from your DAF as long as your DAF’s sponsoring organization is participating.

Now–before the tax year ends–is the perfect time to set up a Donor Advised Fund. DAFs can be established at many financial institutions or community foundations. HSLC does not directly manage Donor Advised Funds and does not give individual tax advice, so please always consult your professional tax advisor on how a Donor Advised Fund might impact you specifically.

Generally speaking, contributions and/or grants from a donor’s DAF can be made to one or more charitable organizations, and a donor may receive benefits including:

• An immediate federal tax deduction generally available in the year that contributions to the DAF are made in accordance with applicable law
• The flexibility of having one source to coordinate charitable giving, without many of the costs and administrative obligations of a private foundation

If you already have a DAF established and would like it to benefit HSLC, click here to access DAFDirect on our website. Simply type in the name of your fund, list The Humane Society of Loudoun County as the designated charity and indicate the amount you’d like to give. Then click “Next” to complete your recommendation. It’s that easy!

Thank you for your continued support.