Giving Thanks: Loudoun Businesses Support At-Risk Animals
By Liz Bresnahan
Many thanks to our community!
Wicket Door Pub
Kristi and Mark Hanlon are co-owners of Wicket Door Pub, a family friendly establishment located in Ashburn. Due to their incredible generosity, the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) was featured in a full-page Giving Tuesday ad in the Loudoun Times which brought awareness about HSLC’s mission to the community. Kristi has fond memories of her family’s first dog when she was a child and attributes this special bond in helping shape the person she is today. In fact, Kristi has lived with rescued animals her entire life. Similarly, Mark grew up with Shelties and has been able to experience first-hand the love that animals can bring to a family.
Kristi and Mark currently enjoy the company of their two dogs, Millie and Shay. The husband and wife team supports the efforts of HSLC, sharing that they “appreciate the hard work and time it takes to help lost and abandoned animals.” Next time you are in the area, check out this dog-friendly pub and ask about their menu just for dogs! HSLC is grateful for Wicket Door Pub’s gift certificate donation to this year’s auction.
Monica and Brian Spangler
Another couple who is devoted to helping animals, Monica and Brian Spangler have supported HSLC in a significant way. Monica, who works at Loudoun Cat Care and her husband Brian, a USA Today bestselling author, dedicated their time to supporting rescue organizations, including HSLC, by having a book-signing to help raise money during Robeks grand opening in Leesburg. Described as being a “huge fan” of HSLC’s mission, Monica and Brian have four cats, with Brian affectionately referring to them as his “co writers.”
The Spangler’s family of cats consists of two calicos, who often sit with Brian as he is writing, and two senior Bengals that are both 18 years old, and despite their senior status, are extremely playful. Take the time to visit Brian’s website, B.R. Spangler. HSLC thanks him for donating four personally signed books to the auction which are paired with an Amazon gift card.
October One Vineyard
Loree Rupy is a dedicated cat colony caretaker for HSLC and she and her husband, Bob, are owners of October One Vineyard, known as O1V. Their wine tasting shop is located in Downtown Leesburg and they graciously host Yappy Hours in collaboration with HSLC on the last Friday of each month. Their love for animals is evident when you hear the care and detail in which Loree describes their rescued animals: two cats named Pepsi and Rosalita, and their dog, Becca. If you have visited O1V’s website, you likely have seen pictures of Becca as the vineyard’s mascot. While all three of their pets passed away this year within 90 days of one another, Loree and Bob feel comforted in the fact that they were able to live life to the fullest in their care, with each of their pets living to advanced ages. HSLC appreciates O1V’s wine tasting for two in-kind donation to the auction. O1V has been highlighted as a dog friendly business by Leesburg so stop by to say hello and bring your dog with you!
HSLC sincerely thanks all of 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.