This is just a sampling of the many businesses and individuals who have donated items in support of HSLC’s Christmas in July online auction. The auction will take place July 15-24 and all proceeds will directly benefit homeless and at-risk animals in our community.

By Anne Senft

Blaire Ring has been a foster mom with the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) since 2014. When I reached out to her to request an in-kind donation for our upcoming online auction, she didn’t hesitate. Blaire immediately offered what is sure to be a popular item: a photo session and gift through her business, Second Ave Photography.

“I donated because fostering has been such a rewarding experience for my young daughters. They see us take in often dirty, sometimes sick, tiny kittens and bring them back to health. HSLC is near and dear to my heart and I’m so glad to be part of this group.”

Likewise, Richard Busch didn’t miss a chance to help the animals. His Glenfiddich Farm Pottery is located in a converted 175-year-old former dairy barn “where the chickens and roosters have names, so they are not destined for the soup pot.” Glenfiddich (pronounced glen-FIDD-ick) is the Celtic word for “valley of the deer,” which is appropriate since deer and other wildlife are frequently seen here. Pots are stamped with a deer symbol, including the five items Richard graciously donated to the HSLC auction.

Dr. Christy Cowell of Loudoun Dental Smiles adopted Dempsey, their now 10-year old Boxer-hound mix when he was just a pup. “He’s my very first dog and the first love my husband and I shared together. He is such a sweet boy but needed the love from our family to live his best life.”

Dr. Cowell is thankful to HSLC for helping the special animals in our community who need extra love and support. She has generously donated a gift basket with a teeth whitening kit and professional in-office whitening session.

Bobby Quarantillo is the Owner of Q Athletics, a training company that works with athletes and adults in Leesburg and Ashburn. As a lifelong dog lover, his face lights up when talking about his senior dog, Sloan. Bobby donated a handsome gift basket with tech t-shirts and FitVine wine to help animals in need.

HSLC is sincerely grateful for all the individuals and businesses who have donated in-kind products and services to the auction which will help raise much needed funding for the homeless and at-risk animals in our community.

Want to make the world a better place in one easy step? Foster a dog or cat. It’s a crucial part of the animal rescue world. It’s also amazing, for you and for the animals. Pets are much more likely to have successful, life-long placements in new homes when they come from a loving foster home.

What does it mean to “foster” an animal?

A foster home is a home (like yours!) that provides temporary shelter, care, and love for pets while they are awaiting placement in a new “forever” home.  As a foster family, you will take a rescued dog/cat into your home, based on the information you provide to the Humane Society of Loudoun County, your needs as a family, and the needs of the animal. 

What makes a good foster home?

If you have some experience with dogs or cats and have a basic understanding of their needs . . . you are a good foster candidate! Dogs and cats are just looking for a little love, meals, walks (dog), and a safe place.

You will care for a foster dog or cat as you would your own pet — providing food, shelter, companionship, and exercise; arranging for pre-approved veterinary care; and supplying patience and love. There may be times you will be asked to house train or work with a dog using simple training techniques or provide socialization for a kitty. HSLC is always there to help.

Some animals may not get along well with other dogs, cats, and/or children. We will work to identify this prior to placement in your home. At the same time, animals will sometimes behave differently in one environment than they do in another. Your observation of the animal’s character and temperament are invaluable. The more we know about an animal’s habits and behavior (positive and negative), the easier it is to match him or her to a potential adopter or in some cases identify a foster home that may be more conducive to his or her needs.

All veterinary care is covered by HSLC. Fosters are only asked to provide food, toys, crates, and other necessities. HSLC has set up a kitten registry to support feline fur babies.

HSLC’s Fosters are required to complete a foster application and then sign a foster agreement. The fostering period can last anywhere from a few days to a month or more.

If you think you can provide a temporary home and the care described above to an available dog or cat, you should consider fostering.

 Why Foster?

• Foster Pets Learn They’re Loved — Watching an animal that has been in a shelter environment, or hurt, or abused, or all of the above enter your home is a magical, beautiful thing. Though they may not be settled yet they surely seem to know they are safe and loved.
• It’s (Usually) So Fun For Your Other Pets, Too — Foster kittens may  end up snuggled close to a big pack of dogs,  an otherwise lazy dog or cat may suddenly find new vigor playing with a new foster.
• You’re Saving Lives — Not only are you helping get animals adopted, but you are freeing up space at shelters for other animals in need.
• Fostering Will Make You Feel Great — It is truly remarkable watching a foster dog or cat transition from a skittish, scared little animal to trusting, flourishing member of a family.  Fostering makes the animal feel better about their world and makes you feel great about yourself.
• Goodbye Is A Happy Ending — Don’t be put off fostering because you think it’ll be too hard when your sweetie gets adopted.  It’s never easy to say goodbye to these beautiful souls, but seeing their happy ending makes it all worthwhile.  And just when that chapter comes to an end there is another one waiting in the wings for a chance to be saved.
• And If You Really Fall In Love… Your foster is always available for you to adopt.

For more information on fostering, visit our website or contact us at foster@humaneloudoun.org

By J. Marie Cassell

About the Cats

Adoption Process

If you find your cat match on your visit, you can apply for adoption on the HSLC website. Note that you will not be able to take any cat home with you on the spot unless you have already contacted HSLC and gone through the adoption process.

Hours of Operation

In January 2022, Maximina “Max” Bonilla was awarded the HSLC Hero Award for her exceptional volunteer work as a Trap-Neuter-Return trapper, a foster, and a feral colony feeder.

As a trapper and foster, Max helps manage Loudoun’s feral and stray cat population by trapping feral cats in colonies located throughout Loudoun County and bringing them to our veterinary clinic partners. The cats are then spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped. After the cats have recovered from their surgeries in the veterinary clinic or Max’s house, Max returns the cats back to their original territory where she serves as the caretaker and provides regular food and shelter. For young kittens or friendly adults, Max will foster the cats, prepare them for their forever homes, and help with their adoptions.

As a feral colony feeder, Max maintains multiple feral cat colonies in the Sterling and eastern Leesburg areas, which is a long term, year round responsibility and requires consistent dedication. Most feral cats do not subsist on their own, like wildlife, but depend on people like Max to survive. Max always stays on top of any injury or illness to her cats. If any cats are injured, Max crates the cats at her house until they are healthy enough to return to their home. She always makes arrangements with other feeders to feed her colonies when she is on vacation, and in return does the same for them. Her tireless dedication – including feeding her colonies during snowstorms – directly improves animal welfare in Loudoun County.

We sincerely thank Max for her outstanding volunteer contributions.

By Kelsie Lute   

Moving can be stressful under any circumstances. There’s packing, cleaning, unpacking, organizing, redecorating, and so much to think about. But what if you have a furry friend (or two, or three) to move, too? Don’t forget that moving can be a stressful time for them as well.

Over this past year, my husband, our cat, Katniss, and I made the transition from Pennsylvania to Virginia. While the move was still fresh in my mind, I wanted to share with you some tips to ensure the smoothest transition if you are moving with a pet. 

Make a plan

In moving into your new home, take inventory of the layout and think about places where you can set up your pet’s home base. Take into consideration the amount of traffic that area might receive. In our house, we thought a less frequently used bathroom might be best because cleanup would be easiest, and there would be enough space to set up Katniss’ food, water, and litter boxes.

Talk to your pet

It may sound silly but, for some pets, hearing a voice that they are already accustomed can work wonders for calming their nerves. When we brought Katniss to Virginia, I talked to her throughout, especially in the beginning of the trip when she was feeling especially nervous.

Set up a space for your pet

Before introducing your pet to their home base, be sure all the necessary items such as food, water, litter box, and toys are in place.  Even though Katniss wasn’t happy about waiting for us to set up her bathroom for her, the dividends paid out in the end. She was able to learn her new space complete with familiar items to make her feel more comfortable.

Visit your pet

Take time out from unpacking to spend with your pet. Not only will this provide a nice break for you, but it will be a welcome reprieve for your pet. My husband and I chose a few time slots throughout the day during the first week or so to just sit with Katniss. She was always so happy to see us.

Slowly acclimate your pet

Introducing your pet to the rest of the house can take some time, depending on your pet’s comfort level. Try one room at a time and be sure to be close by to support them. After a few days, Katniss was ready to start exploring, though she was quite timid. But eventually we gave her free reign of the house after she’d had a chance to check everything out. Now, she’s quite confident to roam.

Be patient

Moving is a huge transition for all involved. It’s normal for your pet to feel as apprehensive about the new place as you are. Be patient with both yourself and your pet(s) as you all adjust. For us, it was important to take cues from Katniss to make decisions based on her comfort level. It took her some time, but we’re so happy now that she’s comfortable with the new house.

HSLC is pleased to present the HSLC Hero award to Dr. Krista Wiechmann of Loudoun Cat Care for her exceptional commitment and partnership with HSLC. She has saved countless rescued animals and helped countless others live more full lives. Dr. Wiechmann is the first veterinarian selected for this award.

As shared by HSLC’s Foster Coordinator: “It is obvious that she promotes a workplace culture that is positive, supportive, and healthy. You feel the dedication of her staff the minute you walk in the door. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and caring. They go above and beyond to help fit appointments in the schedule.”

Many HSLC fosters shared their appreciation for Dr. Wiechmann’s abundance of knowledge and willingness to share her knowledge so fosters can understand what is happening with their foster/pet. When she isn’t sure about something, she is not afraid to admit it and refer you to another specialist. If there is a problem or concern, she is willing to have difficult conversations to improve animal care, while remaining incredibly compassionate, comforting, and empathetic.

The last 18 months have been so difficult on everyone, and veterinarians in particular. However, Dr. Wiechmann and her team have remained steadfast in their commitment to HSLC and other rescues and never made HSLC feel like our animals didn’t matter because we are “just a rescue.”

When the history of HSLC is written, there will be little pieces of her legacy touching nearly every page. Thank you, Dr. Wiechmann.

The new year brings 365 days of renewed hope, new goals, and new opportunities to focus on our furry friends. The custom of making New Year’s resolutions has been around for thousands of years. Today, most resolutions revolve around self promises and improvements. But why not make some resolutions around your pets? 

This year, consider your pets when making New Year’s resolutions. Just like us, they could benefit from improvements to their wellness routines. It’s easy. Think about the resolutions that you want for yourself. What makes you happy? What new activity do you want to try? What are the healthy lifestyle changes you want to make? Now, see if you can incorporate your pet into these ideas. 

Here are some New Year’s resolution ideas we think will help promote a happier, healthier year for you and your four-legged friends:.

1. Exercise/Play Regularly

Exercising and playing with your pet is a satisfying experience that can relieve pet stress and lead to relaxation. Playtime can also be a great way for you to get a little exercise at the same time as your pet. An increase in activity (like playing with toys or going on walks) is necessary in order for your pet to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have a hectic schedule, aim to get in at least 15 minutes of pet playtime/exercise every day. 

2. Brush Daily

One of the best things you can do for your pet is to establish an at-home dental care routine. Both dogs and cats benefit from teeth brushing. At an early age, pets can develop dental disease which causes them pain. The build-up of plaque, tartar, and gingivitis can worsen their problems. You can start by brushing your pet’s teeth a few nights a week and working up to daily brushings. Try keeping your pets toothpaste and toothbrush in a spot that you see daily as a friendly reminder. 

3. Groom Often

While you’re making a resolution to brush your pet’s teeth daily, why not include regular grooming? Grooming your pet can remove excess fur from the coat and reduce the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. It can also help to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Plus, a majority of pets love to be groomed. 

4. Eating Better

This is the perfect time to evaluate what, when and how much your pet is eating. Resolve to ensure that your pet is eating the proper diet for their age and nutritional requirements. Don’t just eyeball the amount of food you are giving them, use proper measuring cups. Also, stay mindful of the food your pet is eating: both meals and treats. No more table scraps. Try healthier snack options like homemade pet treats.

5. Keep Up to Date

Entering a new year, it is a good time to make sure your pet has an updated tag and microchip information. Maybe you’ve recently moved to a new house, changed your phone number or maybe your pet has lost their ID tag? Making sure their information is up to date is the best way to ensure a lost pet can make their way safely home. 

In addition to their info, establishing regular check-ins with a vet makes sure their health is up to date. Common chronic issues (like diabetes and arthritis) can be managed better when diagnosed early. Regular vet visits mean earlier detection, which will lengthen your pet’s healthy years. Making sure your pets get their yearly checkups and shots is even more crucial if they have entered their senior years. 

6. Volunteer

Still in need of another New Year’s resolution? Why not make one of your resolutions about helping your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Whether it is by fostering a rescue pet, making a monetary or food donation, or volunteering your time, giving back is one of the best resolutions you can make for the upcoming year! 

Follow this link to learn more about volunteering through the Humane Society of Loudoun County.

Follow this link to learn more about fostering through the Humane Society of Loudoun County.