Earlier this year, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) launched ShelterLuv thanks to the leadership of Animal Care Director, Amy Richards. We sat down with Amy to learn more about this exciting tool and how it will help HSLC keep up with the evolving needs of the community.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the launch of ShelterLuv. What is It, and how will it benefit HSLC?
Shelterluv is a budget-friendly software program developed specifically for animal welfare organizations to help manage everything from the intake of an animal, storage of medical records, to processing adoptions.
That sounds very useful! How will it help our volunteers, fosters and adopters?
Shelterluv will hold all of the information on each animal making it easier for any volunteer to see what medical care an animal has received, when they are due for their next vaccinations, and if they are ready for adoption. Additionally, we can build profiles for each of our foster guardians to include how many animals they are comfortable with, preferred age, if they are comfortable caring for animals with special needs, and more. Each foster guardian is invited to update their profile and can also enter their availability.
There will also be an enormous benefit for our adoptions team and adopters. The team will be able to process adoptions completely online since adopters will be able to sign the adoption agreement and pay the adoption fees right from their mobile devices. Adopters will also get special offers on pet insurance from MetLife, discounts from Chewy, and an Adopterluv account with our digital adoption packet and all of their new companion animal’s medical information.
So it’s win-win-win for the humans! Are there any benefits to the animals?
The benefits to the animals come from the automation of the system. It enables our Animal Care Team to have better visibility into each of the cat or dog’s needs, reminders of vet appointments due, and access to their records. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits to the animals is that Shelterluv makes it easier to request and collect additional donations with the mobile checkout feature.
As the project lead, what did you learn during the on-boarding process that you can use going forward?
In some cases it was like learning an entirely new language. I don’t come from the tech world, so I had a lot of questions. ShelterLuv’s onboarding team is so helpful. They really held my hand and explained things as we went along, answering the questions I had about the software and terminology. This has expanded my knowledge base and will be helpful when training my teammates on the system and when working with other shelters/rescues.
Sounds like this project was out of your comfort zone but you went for it anyway. What advice would you give someone who wants to take on an important initiative even though it may be outside their wheelhouse?
Oh definitely. I would suggest for anyone to make sure they have the time and support needed for a project like this. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the company you are working with on things you don’t understand. Be clear in your communication with your team including responsibilities and due dates. If you are only looking for feedback, make sure to be specific on what type of feedback you are looking for and from whom. And finally, be patient with yourself, and give yourself and others the grace and space to learn.
Now that the dust has settled, how are you feeling about ShelterLuv?
Really happy and proud. The adoption process is so much easier. We have some volunteers who are now more involved and invested. We can see how much it has to offer and we continue to learn exciting new things every day!
By Kathleen Silver
Many of you are likely aware that the world lost a shining star on New Year’s Eve 2021: Ms. Betty White. A well-known actress, comedian, and producer; Ms. White left her mark on the world. She passed away peacefully at the age of 99. A life well-lived, Betty White was a pioneer of early television in the 1950s and continued to act in shows well past her 90th birthday. This month, we would like to honor how she used her fame to help animals.
Improving Zoo Life
Throughout her life, Ms. White owned many dogs and cats. Her love, however, didn’t stop with her own companion animals. She served on the Los Angeles Zoo’s board for over 50 years, advocating and raising funds for state-of-the-art gorilla and orangutan exhibits for all to enjoy. Betty told AARP Magazine: “I got involved with the Los Angeles Zoo because I was kind of shocked that Los Angeles had such a poor zoo inside. I’ve never been one to stand around and criticize. I’d rather get inside and see what’s going on, see how I can help.” In 2012, Betty spent her 90th birthday at the zoo.
Leveraging TV to Help Animals
Her passion for animals crossed with her on-screen work in 1971 when she produced and hosted a show called Pet Set. The show featured both wild animals and her celebrity friends’ pets, including movie star Doris Day and game show host Bob Barker. Throughout the series, Betty White made it a point to discuss home pet care with her costars and invited animal experts to discuss wildlife preservation.
She also wrote several books and hosted more television specials like Hero Dog Awards, Big Cat Week, and Betty Goes Wild. Betty White even starred as a returning character on the popular animated series Pound Puppies as “Agatha McLeish” in 2010.
In 2009, Betty White told TV Guide, “I’m the luckiest person in the world — my life splits in absolute half: half animals, half show business.”
Working with Foundations
From 1971 to 2013, Ms. White worked with the Morris Animal Foundation. This foundation supports research and development of vaccines, surgical techniques and technologies, and other medications to revolutionize the world of animal healthcare. She served as the foundation’s president emeritus while it developed the groundbreaking feline leukemia and Potomac horse vaccines.
In response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, she provided the donation that established the Betty White Wildlife Fund and sponsored over 30 animal health studies on behalf of the organization. This fund still exists at the Morris Animal Foundation as the threat to wild species continues.
Leaving a Legacy
Betty White’s recent shining achievement came after her death. Her fans took to social media to ask animal lovers to give back in honor of Betty White’s outstanding dedication to animal activism. Called the “Betty White Challenge,” — the event went viral. Leading up to and culminating on January 17th, what would have been Betty’s 100th birthday, the #BettyWhiteChallenge raised a whopping $12.7 million worldwide! We are so thankful that many folks, including numerous new supporters, decided to honor Betty White’s legacy by donating to the Humane Society of Loudoun County.
This year, the #BettyWhiteChallenge lives on! Please visit our donation page to make a donation in memory of Ms. White to help the at-risk and homeless animals in our community. Thank you!
By Kathleen Silver
Recently, a kitty adopted from HSLC four years ago was returned to us. Unfortunately, Mindy’s family developed allergies and couldn’t keep her. Mindy, a gorgeous Tabby, also has one issue other than needing a new home: Obesity. She can’t effectively clean herself with so many extra pounds. Her coat was matted and dull by the time she came to HSLC. Mindy’s foster parent supposes that her previous home may have free-fed the companion animals in the house; therefore, it’s likely that Mindy snacked — a lot.
A Little On Obesity
Attempting to get a food-driven kitty like Mindy not to overeat may be challenging. After all, it can be difficult to resist the constant meowing and big round eyes. But obesity in cats and dogs is one of the top dangers leading to diabetes, intra-abdominal cancers, heart disease, and hypertension. Furthermore, with disease comes extra veterinary costs for medications and tests and an increased risk of complications from anesthesia if a pet ever needs surgery. Obesity is common in older indoor pets that are not as active as they were in their early years and can lead to osteoarthritis, degeneration of joints, and bladder stones. Overweight pets are more likely to have shorter lives and tend to interact less with their families physically. They can be more lethargic, so it is easier to miss early signs of illness.
When a cat or dog is heading toward severe weight gain, it is time to acknowledge the situation. It is imperative to consult with a veterinarian on the correct approach to helping your companion animal lose or maintain weight so obesity doesn’t creep into their life. Simply cutting the amount of food may not be the ideal approach. It’s possible to cause a cat or dog to become malnourished by cutting food. What’s best is to talk to your veterinarian about the type, frequency, and portion sizes of the new food to facilitate weight loss. Then, it is the pet owner’s job to be consistent with the food and resist the temptation to give treats.
Introducing a pet to a new food takes time. Most pets like their routine, and changing it can cause them to retreat and become moody. Take the first 2-3 weeks to mix their everyday food with the new food. The goal is to wean them off the old food and habituate to the new, healthier diet.
Exercise is another feature to help an obese or overweight animal. However, exercise must begin slowly if the pet usually doesn’t move much. Even if a cat or dog lays on its back batting at a toy — that’s some exercise! Many people might say, “My pet won’t play.” But, with some trial and error, you will find an activity that your pet will enjoy. Once you find it, commit consistently to playing with your cat or dog for 5-10 minutes daily, more if possible. As time passes, your pet will eventually become more interested and may even seek you out for a few more minutes of playtime.
Back to Mindy’s Story
As for Mindy, she now eats a special low-carb diet to give her the best life possible and to reduce her weight. Mindy’s foster parent, Stephanie, reports that in only four weeks, Mindy’s coat has regained most of its former sheen, and she’s back to grooming herself.
Mindy is great with children and other cats; she tolerates dogs. Miss Mindy always finds a way to curl up on a lap. She craves attention and loves cuddling. However, Mindy won’t do well with a home that free feeds. She will need her meals on a schedule. Stephanie also says she doesn’t beg for food between meals, likely due to the high-quality food she’s now eating.
Mindy plays with toys and loves to interact with people and children. She has the most fun chasing plush toys with sounds or bells and hunting ribbons and string. Mindy is very friendly and ready to find her new home.
February 2023 Update: Mindy has been adopted! However, you can click here if you’re interested in adding one of her friends to your family!
By Hannah Feeley
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with three fosters for the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC). They each shared their stories and advice for new foster parents.
Meet Tyler
Tyler and his roommate, Katie, started fostering during the pandemic and have fostered 14 cats thus far with HSLC. They initially started fostering to cope with COVID-19 pandemic isolation and the emotional toll but continue to foster because it’s meaningful and fun.
Tyler mentioned the potential financial toll of fostering. Although HSLC covers all vet care expenses, it relies on the community to donate food and supplies. Otherwise, the fosters cover these costs which can add up. But Tyler and Katie have felt that the costs are worth it.
Despite both working full-time, Tyler and Katie still find time to play with and socialize the cats to get them ready for their forever homes. Katie, for instance, sets aside arts and crafts time with the cats.
Tyler recommends that new foster parents reach out to their animal rescue for advice. He highlighted that our HSLC family has given him great guidance with each animal.
Meet Jamie
Jamie and her two daughters recently became short-term fosters for HSLC. She is a homeschool parent, with two senior dogs.
Jamie was volunteering for HSLC as a cat condo caretaker at a local pet store. When the cats in the condos needed a break, her kids encouraged her to take the cats home. Both Jamie and her kids noted the incredible feeling of letting the cats decompress for a few days. Plus, they found the experience to be really fun.
Jamie emphasized that cats do not need a lot of space; whatever room you can provide may actually be more than they’re used to. She appreciates the flexibility of short-term fostering as it allows her to help the animals without making a lengthier commitment.
With the holiday season upon us, HSLC is currently in need of short-term and vacation fosters. So, if you’re considering fostering, this would be the perfect time to give it a try.
Meet Carol
Carol is retired and has fostered cats with HSLC since 2018. Carol was initially introduced to fostering by a friend and hasn’t looked back since.
In explaining to me why she fosters, the joy in Carol’s voice was evident. – she does it because it’s enjoyable. Carol has also made (human) friends by fostering. Each time a foster cat is adopted, she makes a new friend with the adopter who sends updates about the cat’s wellbeing.
As a long-term foster parent who often takes in mistreated animals, Carol’s advice for new fosters is short and sweet: be patient. Spend time with the animals but have the patience to allow them to come out of their shells on their own.
Some people fear they won’t be able to give up the foster animals when the time comes. But Carol’s mindset is different: the more animals she can foster, the more animals she can help find homes. It’s a beautiful process and Carol is enthusiastic about her next foster.
If you’re interested in becoming a short or longer term foster, please contact us at foster@humaneloudoun.org or complete a no-obligation online application.
Stuart’s love of animals started when he was about nine years old with his first dog, Rusty. She was a mixed Wirehaired Fox Terrier and put Stuart on a quest to save as many dogs as possible. Fast forward to 2016 when he became a dog foster for the Humane Society of Loudoun County after attending an orientation. For his very first foster he was given Poe, a Plott Hound who could only walk in circles. Undeterred, Stuart kept signing up to foster, and at last count, he had fostered 20 dogs including his current foster, Willow. Undoubtedly, Stuart believes strongly in the mission to “adopt don’t shop”; he encourages others to foster and become the bridge between an animal’s past life and their forever life.
By Kathleen Silver
Destiny, as defined by dictionary.com, is “something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune. The predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events.” No single word can better describe the story of three tabby cats found on the side of a road in Purcellville. If you ask their foster parent, Tracy — she knows she is part of their destiny, and perhaps it is you, dear reader, destined to give them their forever home.
Right Place, Right Time
This story of destiny began nearly a year ago. Tracy, a Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) foster parent, briefly saw a figure in the dark of early morning as she was driving home. She wasn’t sure if it was a raccoon or other animal, but she needed to keep to her schedule.
Then, just a couple of days later, a friend called Tracy to let her know that only mere steps away from her house, there were several abandoned cats. So, Tracy walked over and found five cats. Two cats seemed more feral than the others, but Tracy knew what to do. First, she thought how funny it was that these kitties showed up steps from the home of someone who could help them immediately.
What was even more intriguing was that three of the cats huddled together. At the time, they were healthy kittens, and from Tracy’s experience, she surmised someone had dumped them. And Tracy knows that someone (whether they knew it or not) put them in the right place to ready them for their next adventure.
With the valuable assistance of trapper extraordinaire and fellow HSLC foster parent, Donna, Tracy scooped them up, and soon, they were named: Morris, Myrna, and Felix. Let us tell you about these lovable, adoptable adolescents who are more than ready to meet their next destiny of a forever home:
Myrna
Myrna is a precious kitty cat who does all the everyday things like winding around legs to give affection. She’s vocal about her love for her owner and her brothers. Myrna easily entertains herself with her toys in a lazy yet interested way. She’s a full-figured girl who loves her treats and is bonded with Morris. Shhhh…she’s Tracy’s favorite!
Morris
Morris can be shy but not afraid of things like the vacuum. He often wants to help with chores while crossing under Tracy’s legs. Morris gives long, wet nose-kisses and loves his owner to pet him. He loves to be babied and picked up, unlike Myrna and Felix. He’s shy around strangers but only needs time to get to know his parents and a warm, loving home, and he will soon be purring away. He absolutely loves being close to Myrna.
Felix
Felix is the most independent and likes to spend time alone. He’s not keen on strangers, but as a young adolescent, he only needs encouragement to find his kitty mojo. He is especially happy in his kitty condo during the day and likes to visit his cat friends at night. Tracy believes the right home might include a “cat-savvy” dog. In addition, Felix may benefit from having a confident and friendly cat in the household to show him the ropes.
A New Destiny Awaits
All three cats have given off vibes as “shy”; however, Tracy sees them as retreaters, not aggressors. That means that at this young age, they have learned to protect one another. But when asked to come out of their shell, they adapt and thrive. They have not once been aggressive as a side effect of their shyness. Instead, they are food motivated, comfortable with humans who are familiar to them and love to play when encouraged. They need patient adopters who will let them come out of their shells at their speed. If you do that, the reward will be sweet, loving cats.
So, who would like to make Felix, or Morris and Myrna a new destiny? Complete a no-obligation adoption application or contact us at adoptions@humaneloudoun.org for more information.
By Kathleen Silver
According to the SPCA, senior dogs are the hardest to get adopted. They spend four times longer in a shelter waiting for adoption versus younger dogs. For cats, kittens are adopted 82% of the time, but once a cat reaches 18 months old, it only has a 60% chance of being adopted.
Each animal, regardless of their age, should know what it feels like to be loved. Senior animals are wise, laid back, lovable, and appreciative of their caretakers. You may think you need a certain disposition to take on a senior pet, but people from all walks of life can be great candidates to foster or adopt an older companion animal. As November is National Adopt a Senior Pet month, we’ve reached out to a few folks to learn what it takes to care for a senior pet.
Fostering a Senior Pet
When Carol and Matt wanted to add a cat to their household, they were introduced to Erin. After the Herndon couple got to know her, they recognized Erin’s personality as easy-going, and boy, was she sweet! Erin remained a foster with Carol and Matt until her last days.
Erin didn’t hear very well, suffered from asthma–which required daily medications–and numerous other health issues. Carol said that administering the medications was their main challenge. But, once they had a routine for the medicines, it became a normal part of running their household.
As with any foster parents with the Humane Society of Loudoun County, Carol and Matt had a support system around them. The volunteers on HSLC’s Animal Care team were always responsive when they needed help. In addition, their vet at Loudoun Cat Care was available on short notice to lend an ear or to get Erin in for a check-up. Carol and Matt are grateful to everyone, including those who donate in support of HSLC’s foster program, for helping them give Erin the care she deserved.
Carol and Matt feel they are the same as any pet owner. They wanted their own senior kitty, Little Guy, to have a companion. Although she had some challenges, Carol and Matt relished the love Erin gave to them and did not view the support she needed as an inconvenience. Matt remembers fondly the times when Erin would make a cozy, warm nest in his lap.
Adopting Into a Big Family
Scarlett Phillips adopted Margo the cat from HSLC in early 2020 after she saw a post for her on the NovaCats Facebook page. At 14 years old, Margo was surrendered to a Maryland shelter due to the previous owner’s cat allergies. She was blind, had high blood pressure and arthritis. Scarlett looked at Margo’s photo, thought of her busy household with foster children, dogs, and cats, and said to herself: Margo will love it here, and we’ll all love Margo!
In certain ways, Margo reminded Scarlett of her dear grandmother. She loved food, had a hard time seeing, was tiny and walked stiffly. Plus, she had this funny meow that melted everyone’s hearts. Scarlett knew she needed to give Margo a chance to be settled and to live out her golden years surrounded by love, no matter how much time she had left. Scarlett and her husband believe that taking in senior pets is one of the “best things anyone can do.”
Who Should Adopt a Senior?
What is the best personality type to care for a senior pet? The answer is there isn’t one. Rather, it’s about an individual’s commitment to care for the animal. Senior pets come into a home with different challenges and rewards. But, those who take in older animals have come away with a feeling of warmth and reward like no other. As Scarlett Phillips says, “Open your heart, take a chance, and life can be good.”
Visit the HSLC website to learn about adopting or fostering a senior companion animal.
As a foster-based, all-volunteer organization, the Humane Society of Loudoun County relies on the community to provide homeless animals the second chances they deserve. Here are five “paw-some” ways to help our furry friends this holiday season.
1. Go Shopping
When you do your holiday shopping at Amazon Smile, please designate The Humane Society of Loudoun County as your charity. While on Amazon, be sure to check out our kitten registry and charity wish list. We also have a wish list on Chewy.com.
2. Support Giving Tuesday
This international day of giving on November 29 is the perfect time to “paws” and make a life-saving donation to HSLC. The more funding we have, the more animals we can help!
3. 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 or dog that has been on our website for a while but hasn’t been adopted. Sponsoring an animal’s adoption fee, in part or full, will increase the odds that they will find a loving “fur-ever” home in the near future.
4. Donate Your Vehicle or Property
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. We also launched a real estate donation program this year to support our life-saving mission.
5. 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.
Thank you for helping animals in need this holiday season and throughout the year.
By Roman Freeman
You can see them all the time, if you’re looking – in the grocery store, at the mall, and in restaurants. We know that Service Animals get special privileges; but what are the rules? Who can have them? And when is an animal a Service Animal?
Americans with Disabilities Act
To understand the rules of Service Animals in the United States, we need to take a look at a set of federal laws known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You may have heard of this before. For one thing, this is the legal precedent under which businesses are prevented from firing employees because of mental or physical disability. One of the many other things this set of laws covers is Service Animals.
It is important to note that the Americans with Disabilities Act is the one and only federal legal authority on what is and is not a Service Animal in the United States. Currently, there is no rule within the ADA that requires Service Animals to be registered or to have paperwork proving their Service status. This also means that there are no legal registries or certifications in this country on a federal level. Anyone can print off a card or a paper packet that says their animal has been “certified” as a Service Animal. But legally, this means essentially nothing.
Service Animal Defined
Then, how is it decided what is legally considered a Service Animal? The ADA states the following qualifications:
- A “Service Animal” is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
You can see a list of some examples of work and tasks a Service Animal might perform (in addition to guiding the deaf or blind, or alerting to episodes of health conditions such as diabetes or seizures) here. You may also view a legal definition of disability and some conditions that may be recognized as a disability here.
- The work or tasks the dog is trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs who function solely as comfort or emotional support do not qualify as Service Animals under the ADA.
Emotional Support Animals are, however, considered Assistance Animals and therefore legally receive housing rights. While Service Animals receive both the rights to live in any facility their handler occupies as a residence regardless of rules about pets on premises, and the rights to accompany their handler anywhere the general public is allowed to go; Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s) do not legally receive public access rights to be present in places like grocery stores or offices which do not otherwise allow pets on premises. When it does not directly conflict with a person’s housing rights regarding the Animal, an individual site can decide whether an ESA is allowed on premises.
- A Service Animal must be under control of its handler at all times. Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless this interferes with the person’s disability or the associated work the dog does. If they are not in some form tethered to their handler, the handler must keep control of the dog at all times with voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Summary
In short, a Service Animal is legally any dog trained to actively perform work or tasks to mitigate a disability, without presenting a danger to the public in any way and kept under control by its handler at all times. There are no rules at a federal level about breeds, certifications, registries, or training methods. You can view more about these laws and others at the ADA website.
Why do I say “our” feral cats? Because these cats live in our community just like we do. And, since we care about and take care of our community, we also need to take care of these kitties.
Feral colonies are made up of cats that have had little or no contact with humans. Most people may not even know they are there. Often, they are unseen, unheard, and sadly, unsung.
How I Got Involved
While walking my dog near our home, I noticed a lady feeding cats in a car lot. She explained that the cats were supported by the Humane Society of Loudoun County’s Community Cats Program, which uses Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the least costly and most humane way of stabilizing cat populations.
I offered to help right on the spot and that was the start of a beautiful and unexpected journey. As I was unable to take needy animals into my own home, this was a path where I could greatly improve the lives of an entire colony of cats.
How It Works
With the help of a handful of volunteers, we each take turns feeding once or twice a week and covering for one another during vacations, etc.. Some of the food is provided by donations.
At first, we approach the cats tentatively and, over time, confidently. We survey them for illness or injury, although many have received vet care thanks to HSLC’s donors and vet partners. One cat was completely blind. But, with proper support, we were able to find him a loving home where he became comfortable enough to be petted.
The sweet little critters look forward to our regular visits. We are welcomed with a chorus of meows of varying tones. Each cat has a different degree of wildness and openness to pets and scratches. I have a name for each member of the colony based on their behavior or appearance.
In truth, I look forward to my visits as much as they look forward to mine. I hope that more people will consider assisting these at-risk animals by becoming cat colony caretakers. The gratification is immeasurable!
Loree Rupy, Feral feeder and rescue driven