By Uchenna C. Okeke

To dress up a companion animal or not is a question that always stirs mixed feelings. While some pet parents may think costumes are adorable, festive, and a way to make their furry friends part of the celebration, others may believe that it is unnatural or stressful, that pets should simply be their beautiful selves. But if your pet could speak, what would they say about this topic? Would they wag and purr in approval or politely beg, “I’ll rock the look, but please let me breathe”?

They would likely tell you to weigh the pros and cons carefully, and to make a choice that lets them look good, feel safe, and breathe easy. Because while looking cute may matter to you, comfort and well-being matter even more to them.

The Two Sides of Pet Costumes

Before you reach for that superhero cape or bumblebee costume, take a moment to consider both sides. Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you make a decision that truly puts your pet’s best interests first.

Pros (The Fun Side)

• Costumes can make pets extra adorable and photogenic.
• Dressing up can help confident pets enjoy social attention and interaction.
• When done safely, costumes make holidays more memorable for both humans and animals.
• Comfortable costumes can help pets stay warm in cold weather.

Cons (The Risks)

• Some outfits can restrict breathing, movement, or vision.
• Certain fabrics or materials may cause itching, overheating, or discomfort.
• Costumes can increase stress and anxiety, especially for shy or sensitive pets.
• Small parts or accessories can be chewed, swallowed, or become choking hazards.
• Outfits that block ears, eyes, or whiskers can confuse pets, especially in noisy or crowded environments.

If You Decide to Use a Costume

Here are a few ways to make sure your pet stays comfortable and happy:

• Start small: Try a festive collar or bandana before a full costume.
• Choose breathable fabrics: Soft, lightweight, and non-restrictive materials are best.
• Ensure proper fit: You should be able to slip two fingers between your pet and the costume.
• Avoid small parts: Choose simple, secure outfits without anything your pet could chew or swallow.
• Limit costume time: Dress them up for short periods, under supervision only.
• Check regularly: Never leave your pet unattended in a costume. Watch how they react, move, and behave throughout.

Signs to Watch for If Your Pet is Uncomfortable

Pay close attention to your pet’s body language. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take the outfit off immediately:

• Refusal to move or frozen posture 
• Pawing or scratching at the costume 
• Hiding or trying to escape 
• Excessive panting or drooling 
• Flattened ears, tucked tail, or widened eyes 
• Whining, growling, or sudden aggression 

Dressing up pets can be a delightful experience, if done with care, love, and consideration. Some pets may tolerate it and even seem to enjoy the attention. Others may prefer to skip the fashion show entirely. The key is knowing your pet, watching their cues, and remembering that their comfort always comes before your camera roll.

Let fashion be fun and never forced!

By Lauren Puckett

Dr. Christine Rainwater drove her 14-year-old Honda Civic for 240,000 miles before deciding it was time to throw in the towel. As a dog owner and lover, Christine made the choice to donate her vehicle through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to benefit the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC).

Now CARS is launching its third annual Cartober campaign. As the name suggests, Cartober is an initiative that promotes vehicle donations for nonprofit organizations throughout the month of October. Donated vehicles are sold through used car markets to provide crucial funding for nonprofits all over the world. All vehicle types are accepted, running or not, and include cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, and farm machinery.

For Christine, donating her vehicle to save animals was an easy decision.

“I would love to adopt more – but the challenge is space (only so much room on the bed). And those pesky family and friends would question my sanity,” she said. “Since I can’t/shouldn’t adopt any more until there is room, I feel strongly about helping through the donation of my vehicle. Could I have sold the car? Yes, because it was in good working order with two new tires. But why go through the hassle when such a great organization with such a great mission could benefit?”

It’s easy to donate through Cartober. Simply fill out an online form, schedule a free and convenient car pick-up (usually within 24-72 hours), and receive a donation receipt. That’s it!

Interested in donating your vehicle to support HSLC? Find more information here.

By Uchenna C. Okeke

What if your pet’s voice could go further? What if, after showering you with love and gratitude for all you do, they look up with gentle eyes and whisper, “Can you help my friends too?”

For every pet curled up on a warm couch, many others are still waiting – not just to be seen or admired, but to be chosen, taken in, supported and loved.

Why Other Pets Need Our Help

At the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), every animal taken in carries a story. Some have known fear, hunger, or loneliness. Some were abandoned. Some simply lost their way. Others were born into circumstances that gave them little chance at a good life.

But here’s the truth: these at-risk cats and dogs are not less deserving. They are simply waiting for their chance.

And that chance only comes through people like you. Behind every rescue are everyday people who chose to help. Whether by fostering, adopting, volunteering, or donating, each life saved begins with one act of kindness.

You don’t need to adopt a dozen animals to make a difference. Kindness takes many forms and everyone has something to offer. Ways you can help:

ADOPT

If your heart and home have room, adopting a pet is one of the most meaningful ways to change a life. When you adopt, you’re not just giving an animal a home, you’re opening the door to hope. If you’re considering adoption, HSLC is here to walk with you through the process and help you find the perfect match.

FOSTER

If you’re not ready for a long-term commitment, fostering allows you to be the bridge between homelessness and a forever home for an animal in need. Even a few weeks of your time can give an animal a chance to decompress and prepare for their happily ever after. HSLC offers flexible fostering opportunities, from vacation to emergency placements, so you can make a difference in a way that fits your life.

DONATE

Even if your home is already full, your heart can still give. Donations fuel HSLC’s work, covering everything from medical care to food for families in need. Whether it’s $25 for a microchip or a larger gift to cover veterinary costs, your generosity saves lives. You can also donate items from our wish lists, which directly lower operating costs and stretch resources to reach more animals.

VOLUNTEER

HSLC runs entirely on the passion and dedication of volunteers. That means every adoption, every rescue, every success story has people behind it who gave their time and skills. Animal care is one piece, but HSLC also needs help with events, fundraising, technology, and administration. Whether you’re an animal whisperer or a spreadsheet wizard, your contribution matters.

Every adoption, every act of kindness, every moment spent helping sets change in motion. There are animals waiting – waiting for a warm hand, a safe place to rest, a second chance. And the difference between waiting and belonging could be you.

And if your pet could step in here, this is what they’d probably say:

“I remember when I was waiting too, wondering if someone would ever come for me. There are still my friends out there, scared, hungry, or lonely. Please… help my friends.”

By Lauren Puckett

In 2024, Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) volunteers fostered over 200 animals, most of them cats. Though some of these cats were kittens, there were plenty of adult cats who also needed foster families. Kittens are often in demand because they are so cute and cuddly, but adults come with their own benefits. Here are four reasons to foster an adult cat:

Less Demanding of Your Time

Kittens, especially young ones, need regular supervision. They are often underfoot and can cause humans to trip or stumble, potentially injuring all involved. Newborn kittens have stringent feeding requirements and need to be bottle-fed every two to six hours. This can be quite time consuming for the foster family. An adult cat, on the other hand, usually eats kibble on its own schedule.

Little or No Training Needed

While a kitten needs to learn to use its litter box, adult cats are almost always potty-trained and ready to go. This saves valuable time and effort – and messes – for the foster family. Kittens also need curtain climbing and scratch training while adult cats usually do not.

Calmer Temperaments

Kittens can be rambunctious and destructive, while adult cats are generally much more settled. They typically don’t have the same play or exercise requirements as younger cats and are less likely to get themselves into trouble.

Lifesaving Potential

Finally, there’s something very rewarding about giving an older animal a second chance at a happy life. The cat you foster will be grateful to you for opening your heart and home to them. Because HSLC does not have a physical shelter, we can only save cats when we have a foster home to place them in. 

Are you ready to save a life? Learn more about fostering an adult cat on our website and complete a no-obligation application today!

By Uchenna C. Okeke

Picture your pet settling down to write a heartfelt letter to you. It likely wouldn’t be grand or clever. It would be simple, warm, and sincere. Every line would drip with gratitude, not just for the food and shelter, but for your presence, your patience, your love.

If your pet could speak, they could sit you down, and read you a letter–a letter made entirely of memories. Memories of love given, love received, and love that has never once wavered; memories you’ve built together, day after day, line after line.

Before the Letter Begins

The truth is you’ve already lived every line of any letter your pet would write. Companion animals don’t need a pen or paper. Their love language is usually on full display – crafted in tail wags, slow blinks, eager barks, and gentle nudges. It’s written in the way they follow you from room to room, or in the sigh they let out when they finally settle at your feet.

Writing the Letter

Imagine their letter taking shape.

• The Salutation: Your pet’s letter would likely begin with “Dear You” or something more tender, like “To the One Who Changed My Life,” or perhaps, “To My Favorite Human.”
• The Introduction: In their opening lines, they would recall the warmth of belonging. For a cat, it might be the day she chose you as “hers.” For a dog, it could be the thrill of bounding into your arms after adoption. The introduction would set the stage with gratitude and might sound like: “I don’t have the words you use, but I feel everything. This is my attempt to tell you what’s in my heart.”
• The Body: They would continue the letter noting meaningful actions and gestures:
  • Morning greetings: When they leap onto your bed or tap your hand with a paw, that’s their way of saying, “I’m glad you’re here.” 
  • During walks and playtime. The excitement in a game of fetch, the joy of sniffing every tree, would be them telling you, “Life is so much richer with you by my side.” 
  • Quiet evenings: When they rest their head on your lap or settle nearby in silence, would be them whispering: “I feel safe with you. You are my comfort. My world.”
• The Deeper Verses: The letter continues in subtle, powerful verses.” In the cat who curls up beside you when you’re unwell, whispering, “You’re not alone.” In the dog who waits patiently by the door, no matter how long you’re gone saying, “I’ll be here when your return.” In the eyes that search your face, not asking for food or toys, just checking in, asking, “Are you okay? I’m here.”
• The Conclusion: The letter would not end with a big proclamation. Just a steady, quiet expression: “Thank you for everything. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

The beauty of your pet’s letter is that it’s never finished, never sealed in an envelope. It is rewritten daily, in fresh ink made of glances, paws, wags, and stretches beside you. It is in the wag of a tail when you say their name, in the forgiveness they offer without hesitation, and in the joy that bursts forth when you return.

And if, for a moment, we were to put their heart into human words, their love letter might read like this:

To My Favorite Human

I don’t have the words you use,

but I feel everything.

This is my attempt

to tell you what’s in my heart.

I’m glad you’re here.

Life has so much meaning with you.

I feel safe with you

you are my comfort, my world.

You’re never alone.

I’ll always be here.

I’ll be here even when you are not okay.

Thank you for everything.

I love you more than you’ll ever know.

With love from,

Did you miss Part 1 -3 of this series? No worries! They’re still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 1: I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me; here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 2: I’m FeLV+ but please don’t count me out, and here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 3: Keep me safe, but please don’t make it boring.

Move over, Hollywood — there’s a new star in town, and she’s stealing hearts coast to coast.

One of the Humane Society of Loudoun County’s very own cats, Abby, has officially become a cele-purr-ty! She was chosen by People magazine to represent the entire DMV region in this year’s Clear The Shelters campaign, and you can spot her in the issue on newsstands now (August 1, 2025)!

We’re beyond proud of this fabulous feline who’s graced our foster homes with her regal presence — and now she’s shining on a national stage.

But here’s the real kicker: Abby is still looking for her forever home. That’s right. This glamorous 9-year-old supermodel is available for adoption. During the month of August, her adoption fee — along with those of all adult and teenage cats — is fully sponsored thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Get to Know Abby

Abby is the definition of a low-maintenance queen. She’s independent, self-assured, and totally content lounging in a cozy hidey-hole, preferably a chic cat cave. She enjoys belly rubs, avoids drama (a.k.a. other cats and dogs), and believes a litter box should be as grand as she is.

She doesn’t chase toys — how undignified! — and she politely requests a seafood-based diet, especially if it includes the occasional tuna treat. “All fish, all the time,” as she likes to say.

Abby may be reserved, but once she trusts you, she’ll let her soft side show. And trust us, her personality is even more beautiful than her silvery gray coat.

Want a Little Star Power in Your Life?

Abby is ready for her next big role: beloved companion. If you’re looking for a chill and charming cat to elevate your home life, look no further. She’s a cover girl with a heart of gold.

📝 Apply to adopt Abby today!

And don’t forget — adoption fees are waived for all adult and teenage cats during August. Because everyone deserves a little celeb love in their lives. ✨

Every pet deserves a loving home—and this August, you can help make that dream a reality during the 11th annual Clear The Shelters campaign!

Clear The Shelters / Desocupar Los Albergues is a nationwide pet adoption initiative led by NBCUniversal Local. Since its launch in 2015, the campaign has helped nearly 1.2 million companion animals find forever homes and raised more than $5 million for shelters and rescues across the country.

The 2025 campaign runs from August 1 through August 31, and the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) is proud to once again participate in this lifesaving effort. We’re kicking things off at Leesburg’s First Friday on August 1, the first of multiple adoption events throughout the month.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re excited to offer special month-long adoption incentives to help more animals find loving homes:

🐾 Adoption fees for adult and teenage cats will be completely waived! Check out our cats
🐾 BOGO on kittens! Adopt two kittens into the same household for one adoption fee! Check out our kittens

These incentives are designed to help more pets find the purr-fect families—especially bonded kittens who thrive when adopted together.

In 2024, HSLC successfully placed 22 animals into loving homes during Clear The Shelters. Each of those adoptions was made possible by a caring community that believes every life matters. Let’s build on that success together in 2025!

Can’t adopt? You can still make an impact! From August 1–31, donations to HSLC for Clear The Shelters will help us continue providing care, medical treatment, and hope to animals in need. You can even sponsor the adoption fee of an animal or two ($150/cat) to improve their chances of finding a loving forever home.

Together, we can change lives—one adoption, one donation, one act of kindness at a time.

PART 3 – Keep Me Safe, But Please Don’t Make it Boring

By Uchenna C. Okeke

While many animals wait for homes at the Humane Society of Loudoun County, others already in loving homes are still waiting—for more than food and safety. They’re waiting to be engaged.

They’re grateful for the warm bed, full food bowl, and your love. But some days, they stare out the window, paw at the curtains, and track shadows like they’re hunting for adventure.

What they might be saying is: “Thank you for keeping me safe… but please, don’t make it boring.”

The Dangers of Boredom

Like people, pets suffer when every day feels the same. Boredom can lead to behavior issues, depression, obesity, and even health problems. That barking, scratching, or chewing may not be mischief—it could be a plea for variety, connection, and purpose.

We saw this with Mindy, a sweet cat whose weight gain was masking a deeper need for stimulation and change. Loving your pet means more than safety—it means helping them live.

Easy Ways to Keep Life Interesting

Get Outside (When Safe): Walks, hikes, and backyard play boost both body and mind.

Mix It Up: Change walking routes, introduce new toys, or use puzzle feeders.

Play Together: Games like fetch or trick training build bonds and sharpen minds.

Rotate Toys: Hide them, switch them out weekly, or create DIY puzzles.

Teach New Tricks: Even older pets love learning—and it builds confidence.

Indoor Fun for Cats

• Cat Trees & Perches: Encourage climbing and window-watching.
• Hunting Games: Wand and laser toys plus small balls mimic prey.
• Puzzle Feeders: Make treat time a challenge.
• Clicker Training: Try sit, high-five, or target-touch.

Indoor Fun for Dogs

• Scent Games: Hide treats and let them sniff them out.
• DIY Agility: Use pillows and boxes for obstacle fun.
• Interactive Toys: Squeaky, bouncy, or treat-dispensing toys are great.
• Classic Games: Tug, fetch, and hide-and-seek never get old.
• Trick Training: Try “roll over,” “spin,” or “go find it!”

When you enrich your pet’s world, you enrich your own. Walks get you moving. Play brings joy. Training sparks curiosity. A happy pet makes for a happier home. So today, add something new—a game, a view, a new street to explore. And listen closely—your pet might have even more to say.

Did you miss Part 1 and 2 of this series? No worries! They’re still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 1 I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me; and here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 2: I’m FeLV+ but please don’t count me out.

Part 2 – I am FeLV+. But, please don’t count me out!

By Uchenna C. Okeke

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a condition that often sparks fear or confusion. Too often, the diagnosis alone is enough to send potential adopters walking away. They picture a sickly cat with little time left. But beneath the label is a fur-baby that yearns to live, love, and be accepted.

If Sonny could speak, this orange creamsicle of a cat might tell you: “Yes, I am FeLV+, and I plan to live a long, healthy, love-filled life. Please don’t count me out.”

What is FeLV?

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a viral infection that compromises a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to illness. Fortunately, FeLV is preventable through vaccination (85% effective), and regular testing can help detect infection early and prevent its spread. FeLV spreads mainly through close contact with infected cats via saliva, urine, or milk, often during activities like grooming, sharing food or water bowls, or bites. It can also be passed from mother to kitten during pregnancy or nursing. It is more common in outdoor or unneutered cats, and it cannot spread to humans or other animals like dogs.

Signs of infection may include weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy, pale gums, recurrent infections, or skin problems, although many show no symptoms for a long time.

What Hurts More Than the Diagnosis? – REJECTION!

Let’s be honest. Viruses scare people and such fear leads to rejection. But for FeLV+ cats, the hardest part of their diagnosis isn’t the virus itself, but the rejection that follows. Potential adopters often overlook them in favor of healthier cats. They see the “FeLV+” label and move on, without giving these loving cats a chance. Yet the truth is, with proper care, many FeLV+ cats live comfortably and happily for years.

How to Care for FeLV+ Cats

Caring for a FeLV+ cat isn’t hard, it just takes compassion, awareness, and a little routine.  Here’s how to help your feline friend stay happy and healthy:

• Keep Them Indoors: This keeps them safe from infections, stress, and danger. A cozy indoor space filled with toys, soft beds, and window views gives plenty of fun and comfort they need.
• Feed a High-Quality Diet: Feed a high-protein, low-filler diet. Some vets may recommend immune-boosting supplements or special formulations. Always consult your vet before switching foods.
• Schedule Regular Vet Visits: Regular check-ups can detect issues early, even if your cat appears healthy.
• Create a Calm Environment: Stress weakens the immune system, so keep the home calm. Minimize loud noises, sudden changes, and overcrowding. Provide hiding spots and safe zones where your cat can relax.
• Keep Solo or Provide Safe Companions: FeLV spreads through close contact, so it’s safest to keep FeLV+ cats either alone or with another FeLV+ cat. With vet advice and proper vaccination, living with a FeLV-negative cat may be possible, but needs very close supervision.
• Give lots of Love: FeLV+ cats form deep bonds with their humans. They know what it means to be passed over, and when you choose them, they don’t take it lightly. So cuddle often, play daily, and remind them, through every moment, that they belong.

Sonny is Waiting for You

Every day, cats like Sonny watch as others around them are adopted. Their profiles get fewer clicks. Their foster homes get fewer visits. Not because they’re unkind or unfriendly, but because of a virus they didn’t choose. Sonny doesn’t know what FeLV means. He doesn’t understand why he doesn’t get a second look. He just curls up on his blanket and waits. But he’s not waiting for miracles. He’s waiting for you.

FeLV+ cats are not broken or fragile. They are simply special. And they need someone willing to look beyond a diagnosis and see the sweet soul looking for a caring human. If that might be you, learn more about Sonny and his dream of finding a home of his very own.

And, be sure to stay tuned for next month’s article because your pet has more to tell you….

Did you miss Part 1 of this series? No worries! It’s still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me.

By Heather Nokes

Did you know that dogs and cats do not sweat like humans? Their main sweat glands are located on their paw pads and are not very effective at cooling them off.  With summer now upon us, it is important to understand how hot weather affects our pets and how we can help them stay cool.

First, keep your pets out of the heat. This may be difficult for dogs. Most love the outdoors so much, they may not ask to come inside, even when in distress.  If unable to keep them in an air conditioned environment, be sure to provide cool shade or shelter for your pets. Clean, cool water should always be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors during summer months. Note that, effective July 1, 2020, a new Virginia law went into effect preventing tethering outside during extreme weather.

Take your dog on walks at dusk or dawn, when it is light enough to be seen by others, but still cool enough for a walk. Check the pavement you are walking on with the back of your hand. If your hand burns after a few seconds of contact, so will your dog’s foot. If it is too hot for you, it is much too hot for your pet.

To cool down, dogs will often pant to rid themselves of excess body heat. Panting is normal for most dogs but be aware of the signs of abnormal panting. Cats tolerate hot weather a little better than dogs but can suffer from heat stroke.  They often choose lying in cooler areas, drinking cool water, and adjusting their body positions.

If you notice your pet is overheating, gradually reduce their body temperature. Use ice packs, cold towels, or apply cool (not cold) water to the head, neck and chest, let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and move the pet into shade or air-conditioning. NEVER try to quickly cool a pet by dunking them in cold water. This can drop their body temperature too quickly and send them into shock.

Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:

• Heavy panting
• Glazed eyes
• Rapid pulse
• Vomiting
• Fever (the normal range in dogs is 101-102 degrees, cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees)
• Unsteadiness or a staggering gait
• A deep red or purple tongue

Lastly, never leave pets in a parked car. Even on cool days, such as 70 degrees, a car’s internal temperature will jump to 90 degrees in 10 minutes and over 110 degrees within an hour. At 85 degrees, the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, continuing higher with more time. On 90 degree days, the car will quickly escalate to over 110 degrees. Cracking windows does not prevent a car from getting dangerously hot, even in cool temperatures.

For additional information on keeping your pets safe and comfortable during warm weather, please click on the following link: AMVA Warm weather pet safety