By Stephanie Oporto

Tonight Mochi – now known as Hubble, went to his furever home. As always, it was a bittersweet “goodbye”. This time was a new experience for me as a foster mom as I am also a stepmom in training.

I admit, I do shed tears for each cat who has been adopted in my care–but this time was different.

When the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) received a generous check with a note indicating that the donation came from selling masks, we were intrigued. So, one of our volunteers reached out to the donor, Cyndi, to learn more.

Cyndi had teamed up with her friend and neighbor, Cathy, to hatch the mask-making enterprise. Cathy custom makes each mask while Cyndi markets them. Masks sell for a very affordable $7 for adults and $6 for kids, with $1 donated to HSLC for each mask purchased. So far, the dynamic duo has sold hundreds of masks and will keep the operation going as long as there’s demand.

The partnership has been very rewarding for Cyndi and Cathy, and win-win for the community. As Cyndi told us, “It’s been a fun endeavor helping people to stay healthy while also helping the animals get the medical care and forever homes they desperately need.”

If you are interested in purchasing masks, be sure to check out the photo gallery below to see the wide variety of available patterns–including cats and dogs! Masks are made from 100% pre-washed cotton. Please email Cyndi to select your pattern at Masksbycathyandcyndi@yahoo.com and Cathy will custom make your mask(s) for you. Limit is 30 masks per person. Payment is via check or Venmo.

Thank you, Cyndi and Cathy for making a difference in the community during these challenging times!

The gallery also includes Cyndi’s dogs, Ace and Frodo, the “loves of our lives, especially now”. Cathy is pictured with one of her five fur babies. Her dogs are Casey, Carley and Cookie and the cats are Cairo and Cooper.

By Madeleine Devost

June is Adopt-a-Cat-Month®.  Started by the American Humane Association in 1974, the month marks an opportunity for animal shelters and rescue organizations like the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) to encourage the public to adopt rather than shop for feline companionship.  Here are two recent stories that show how wonderful adopting can be.

Melissa and Jeff found their new best friend after he was rescued along with 35 other cats from a home eviction in Stephens City (read the full rescue story here). The pair have adopted several cats over the years. They usually adopt older animals that need extra love but made an exception with Felix (originally named Foxy). The couple immediately fell in love with his playful and boisterous personality.  Felix is just over a year old and loves to relax and spend time cuddled up on the couch. He has brought so much joy to this forever family.

Another one of our new parents, Jacqueline, adopted three kittens after the passing of her Weimaraner at the age of 15. Jacqueline stated that she knew it was time to open her home to more rescues, particularly cats. After she and her family reviewed pictures of a new litter with three kittens –Peaches, Archie, and Toby– they felt an instant connection.  Thankfully, not wanting to separate the siblings, Jacqueline and her family adopted all three!

After two weeks in their new home, the kittens have all developed unique personalities: Archie the “snuggler”, Toby the “couch potato,” and Peaches the “regal queen.” Jacqueline highlighted how much joy the kittens have brought to the household, racing up the stairs and sitting in the windowsills to watch the passerby. She loves that the kittens bring such a unique energy to her home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, HSLC has taken extra measures to ensure that potential adopters feel comfortable meeting our cats. Melissa and Jeff shared that they felt very safe throughout the adoption process and were excited to be able to meet Felix in person before adopting. Likewise, Jacqueline found the process to be safe and seamless, noting “It’s clear that HSLC really cares about the animals they are placing.”

If you are interested in adopting a cat through HSLC, please visit our website to view the available animals and complete an application.

 

By Alycia Kent

Dear Pet Pantry Staff,

Thank you so much! I got laid off from my job. You are helping me to take care of my two cats and dog during these challenging times. Thank GOD for your generosity.

Forever Thankful, Michelle

We all love our furry friends to pieces. So, imagine how difficult it would be to surrender the family cat or dog because you suddenly found yourself unemployed. Because of the pandemic, this is exactly what some families in our community are now facing. Thankfully, the Loudoun Pet Pantry (LPP) is giving these pet owners a leg up during these uncertain times.

In 2013, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), partnered with Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) and Loudoun Hunger Relief (LHR) to create the Loudoun Pet Pantry. LPP provides families in need with kits of donated pet food. Over the last seven years, HSLC and LCAS have supplied the pantry with over 18,000 cat and dog food kits, allowing pets to remain in their loving homes.

Due to COVID-19, the Loudoun Pet Pantry has adapted its operation to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to meet a 30% increase in demand for its services. We are extremely grateful for the wonderful outpouring of community support that has helped meet this demand.

Following physical distancing guidelines, hard-working volunteers from the Humane Society of Loudoun County continue to collect, sort and transport food to the pantry. The shelter is closed to volunteers right now so only staff members are running the pantry itself. Talia Czapski, the LCAS Community Manager, notes that it has been difficult “Ramping up kit production and figuring how to make things work without our amazing volunteers! We certainly miss their help!”

HSLC President, Juanita Eaton is very proud of the program and its ability to further the organization’s goals. “Pet retention is an important part of our mission as our programs are based on the ‘No Kill Equation’. We don’t want a family to have to surrender their pet to a shelter or rescue simply because they can’t afford pet food.”

This incredible program has helped countless families in Loudoun County over the years. But, it can’t continue to provide and expand its services without ongoing backing from the community. There are many ways to support the Loudoun Pet Pantry:

• Drop off canned and dry cat and dog food in donation boxes located across the county. Find a donation box closest to you.
• Donate food through HSLC’s Amazon Charity List or email an amazon.com gift card to helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org
• Host a pet food drive. Ideas to get you started can be found on our website.
• Lastly, HSLC is looking for a community partner to physically house HSLC’s contribution to the Loudoun Pet Pantry. Please contact us at helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org if you have climate controlled storage space to donate.

Thank you!

The new year was looking up for Calico Charlie.  She came to The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) in January after she was discovered near a hospital in West Virginia.  She quickly received an adoption application along with another HSLC cat because, well, who could resist this multicolored beauty!

Sadly, after a routine pre-adoption blood test (commonly referred to as a “combo test”), Charlie tested positive for the Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) which brought her adoption process to a screeching halt.

FeLV is a viral infection in cats that affects their immune system and bone marrow. The virus is typically spread from cat to cat via saliva. It can also be spread by grooming, shared food bowls, and bite wounds. A mother cat can also transmit the virus to a kitten in utero or during nursing.

Charlie’s initial combo test told us that she was exposed and that the virus was circulating in her blood, but it did not mean that she was permanently infected. It is possible, especially for adult cats, to fight off the infection. To find out if it is a persistent infection the vet will run an IFA test. If this test is positive, the cat is positive for FeLV and always will be.

Cats that are infected as kittens do not have a very long life expectancy—85% do not live past the age of three. Cats infected as adults, like Calico Charlie, can live a relatively normal life indoors with proper vet care and a high-quality diet.

There is an FeLV vaccine that is fairly effective, but not 100%. If positive cats and negative cats live in the same house, it is recommended that they be kept in separate rooms to avoid transmission, even if the negative cats are vaccinated. The virus does not live long outside the body (only a few hours) making human to cat transmission less likely via hands or clothing. Because of her positive IFA test, Charlie went to a foster home to live with Wally Walrus, another FeLV positive cat rescued by HSLC.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for Charlie her to find her purrfect forever “only cat” home with the most amazing family! After learning more about FeLV and how to care for these cats they welcomed her with open arms. Best of luck to Calico Charlie and her new family!

If you are interested in adopting a special needs cat such as Calico Charlie please contact HSLC at helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org.

 

By Alycia Kent

On April 28, a team of volunteers from the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) mobilized to help save a desperate family of five kittens and their mother from underneath a residential deck. Because of the cold weather, it was imperative that the kittens were rescued as quickly as possible. It took no more than a post in the volunteer Facebook group to rally the team needed for the mission.

In a heartwarming act of heroism, the volunteers were able to rescue the family in 24 hours. An experienced foster family took in the kittens and is in the process of helping them recover. The quintet of kittens were aptly named after the Golden Girls and Dorothy’s ex-husband, Stan. No doubt, they will bring just as much joy to the world as the original characters did on the small screen. The feral mother cat was spayed and vaccinated before safely being returned to her outdoor home.

The volunteers weren’t done yet, though. Another friendly cat was also found on the property, badly injured. She was rescued and taken to the vet to treat her wounds. Once recovered, she will be put up for adoption.

Amidst all the uncertainty in the world right now, one thing is clear. These volunteers quickly, selflessly, and heroically helped seven cats, and now six of them have the opportunity to find their forever homes.  According to Donna Drake, HSLC Vice President, “We cannot save these animals without our amazing group of volunteers and rescue partners. They are the reason we can save and help so many animals and give them a better life.”

Thank you to the HSLC volunteers Pam Harvey, Heidi Wallner, Molly Boyne, Aseel Alsabawi, Amy Richards, Dora Lea Spring, and Jennifer Reed. Thank you also to Tina Creller of Mountain Cats TNR and Felicia McDonald of The Cats Voice.

By Heather Nokes

What day is it? Those of us who have been at home for weeks on end are having trouble keeping track. But you know what we are doing? Spending more time with our pets! This means paying more attention to them, their behaviors, and their health. Luckily, veterinary clinics and hospitals are deemed essential businesses. As a seasoned veterinary assistant, this author (see photo) and her colleagues want pet owners to know a few things in this uncertain time.

Our hospitals are just as busy, if not more so, than usual: With people having more free time on their hands, they are able to bring their pet in for routine visits. This is fantastic! However, some veterinary clinics and hospitals are reducing their business hours to protect their staff from exposure. And those hospitals that are running at a normal capacity are filling appointments quickly. It is also important to keep in mind that most of us are doing telemedicine and curbside service which often take up more time than normal office procedures.

We WANT to see your pet… if they are sick: Because of the above listed adjustments, your veterinary hospital may be prioritizing sick visits. This means routine vaccinations and preventative care exams are being put off for weeks or even months.

We act different when you are not around: When we take your pet from you, we understand that it can be nerve-wracking for both you and your fur baby. We take this into account and tend to baby your pet more than you would expect behind closed doors. Not many jobs allow you to use baby talk and cuddles but your veterinary staff is well versed. We do this because we genuinely care for animals and always treat our patients like our very own pets.

At this point, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19: According to the CDC, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. CDC is working with human and animal health partners to monitor this situation and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Of course, if you have concerns or questions about your pets in this uncertain time, your veterinary hospitals are more than happy to speak with you over the phone. And as always, in an emergency, take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic ASAP!

By Maureen Preville

That little black dress and debonair tux are staples in our closets for those occasions when we want to turn heads. Not so, though, for chic, sleek, black-attired cats relegated to wallflower status, being frequently overlooked by potential suitors without even a glance.  The problem is so common that it  has earned its own name – black cat syndrome. Sadly, black cats (and dogs) fall victim to this phenomenon and are passed over in favor of more colorful pets.

Despite being lauded as calm, affectionate, intuitive, playful and grateful for love, black cats are usually the last to be adopted from shelters and rescue organizations, if indeed they are adopted at all.  Blame it on centuries-old prejudices against black cats, and more recently, the proliferation of ‘selfie’ photos which some feel don’t properly capture a black cat’s lovely features.

Although black cats were unjustly trashed in the superstitious Middle Ages as witches’ companions,  the good far outweighs the bad in folklore.  In Scottish and Celtic lore, a black cat signifies good luck and prosperity, and a woman with a black cat is promised to have many suitors.  In ancient Egypt, no animal was held in as high esteem as the black cat.  The Egyptian goddess Bastet, who was commonly depicted as a black cat, personified the playfulness, grace, affection and cunning of a cat and the power of a lioness. During the height of her popularity, killing a black cat was punishable by death.  Lastly, what other pet has been more commanding in world history than black cats?  A good example is Felix the cat, who was among the first large balloons in the 1920s Thanksgiving Day Macy’s Parades.

Now in modern days, the US Centers for Disease Control asserts that cats of all colors and varieties provide emotional support, improve moods and contribute to the overall morale of their owners. Owning one may decrease blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as eliminate loneliness.

As the owner of three wonderful black cats within my life, I can personally testify that they are sweethearts. We encourage you to find out for yourself.  Check out the dynamite kitties that can do wonders for you:  https://humaneloudoun.org/adopt/available-cats/

By Madeleine Devost

Hops and Malt are two special needs cats with a rough past. Before they were rescued by the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), they experienced a horror story—living in a windowless cement office building for three years with up to thirteen other cats. When they came to us, Hops and Malt were terrified of people and it became very clear that they would need a loving home with a patient owner.

Lucky for them, Hops and Malt found Jennifer, a wonderful HSLC volunteer and foster.

Although they began to slowly come out of their shell for Jennifer, Hops and Malt were uncomfortable around other people. This made adoption events very difficult for them. Like many cats, they did not show well at these events which reduced their chances of being adopted. Their severe dust allergies posed another challenge. Jennifer had to take extra special care of the pair as they endured ongoing allergy shots.

Despite their issues, Jennifer fell in love with Hops and Malt and all of their unique quirks. Throughout the foster experience, she realized that Hops and Malt would have a hard time finding a home that they would feel comfortable in as much as they did in hers.  So after roughly 18 months, she decided to adopt them.  When a foster parent decides to keep their foster, it is called a “foster fail.”  Jennifer has foster failed three times, all with black cats for which she has a very soft spot.

Cynthia O’Connell decided to sponsor Hops and Malt’s adoption fees through our Guardian Angel program after finding them on our website. Hops and Malt are the second and third cats that Cynthia has helped out through this program. Her living arrangement won’t allow for more pets so she finds the program to be an incredibly rewarding way to make sure that HSLC’s amazing animals find great homes. She’s looking forward to doing it again soon.

The HSLC is overjoyed that Hops and Malt have found such a loving home and two new ‘siblings,’ Janxi and Charlie. Special thanks to Jennifer and Cynthia for giving these special cats their happy ending.

By Ella Simpson

Hello!  My name is Ella and recently I have become a volunteer for the Humane Society.   Now, I get to share my story with others, so they may learn from my experience.

 

My mom and I absolutely adore animals.  About two years ago we adopted a tortoiseshell cat that we later named Gypsy.  We then learned after several tries, while pet sitting family members animals, that she did not like other cats or dogs coming into what she thought to be “her territory”.  This was going to be a problem for us because, being such animal lovers, we wanted to have the ability to have other animals in our house, or potentially adopt another companion.  Then this cat came along and so we knew that could never happen.  So, we decided to volunteer so we could still be with other animals.  We looked everywhere but nowhere was right until we found the Humane Society.  The Humane Society is letting us help make a difference despite my age (I’m 12) and I’m so happy I decided to volunteer and I hope you decide the same.

 

We found the Humane Society through the internet while searching for places where we could help make a difference and help animals.  Next, we set up an interview, and decided we wanted to help out by checking on cats that are in pet stores, once a week. It doesn’t take much time to help. We also decided to help make food bags for the animals whose owners can’t afford to feed them properly. You can find these bags at Loudoun Hunger Relief. Even if you are a very busy person, you can still help out by donating food, money or new toys, everything helps. You can even help by spreading awareness in your workplace or school. Even just talking to others that you think would like to volunteer. I love helping out because I know I am helping an animal in need so hopefully they can all live the amazing life they deserve.