By Lauren Puckett
In August 2021, Tracy Mathews was driving along one early morning in Purcellville when she thought she saw cats in the woods on the side of the road. Upon investigating further, the TNR and Animal Care Administrator for the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) found several cats hanging out in the bushes. Thankfully, Donna Drake, a former HSLC volunteer and board member, was able to humanely trap the kitties so they could be properly assessed. (For more backstory, read Destiny Can Win Again.)
Tracy took in three of the cats who were healthy and huddled together. Dubbed the Cats of Purrville, she gave the trio a safe landing in the feral kennel at her farm. There, she quickly determined that the cats were very shy but social, so likely adoptable. However, they did not show well at adoption events because they were so scared.
The Purr-fect Adopter Comes Along
Tracy fostered Morris, Myrna, and Felix, for 16 months before a potential adopter, Robin, came calling. During the meet-and-greet, the cats immediately went into hiding when Robin came into the room. But, she trusted that they would warm up to her. Robin originally came to meet just Morris and Myrna but decided that she couldn’t bear to leave Felix behind – so she adopted all three cats!
“Having a bonded trio of adult cats adopted together is unheard of!” according to Tracy. She goes on to say, “Robin has made such a huge impact in their lives.” Since they have been adopted, the three cats have gained confidence and now rule the house. While they are still not lap cats, they are thriving in a loving home.
“Everything is going well,” Robin says. “Morris always desires attention and pets. Felix is coming along nicely and allows you to pet him. Myrna is emerging as the ring leader and at times it seems she tells the two boys what to do.”
Looking to adopt a pair of cats? Check out the available animals on the HSLC website.
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (see premise below), the sequel to Paw Patrol: The Movie. Come early and stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways for the kids, HSLC merch for the adults and animals for adoption!
For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.
Premise: When a magical meteor crash-lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of prison and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.
August is Clear the Shelters month! Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current clowder!
If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit our website to check out the current clowder!
If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
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.
Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit our website to check out the current clowder!
If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit our website to check out the current clowder!
If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
REMINDER: Through the entire month of August, you can adopt two cats for one adoption fee during the Clear the Shelters BOGO promotion.
By Kailyn Carr
As is the case with people, our furry friends are subjected to a variety of medical conditions as they get older. One of the most common diseases impacting aging and obese pets is diabetes mellitus. Many people are intimidated by the idea of adopting animals with diabetes, thinking that the disease cannot be successfully managed. But, with proper care and treatment, diabetic dogs and cats can live long and healthy lives.
Animals adopted through the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will have a medical record noting any pre-existing diseases, including diabetes. I highly recommend fostering or adopting a pet with diabetes. Consider their condition an opportunity to provide extra love and support to animals that may not have been shown that kindness before coming into your life.
Spotlight on Oreo
Pets with diabetes have a very special place in my heart because I happen to have one of my own. Oreo is an older cat at the sprightly age of 13; he has been a part of my family since he was just a few weeks old. He was diagnosed with diabetes about 2 years ago after we noticed he had been losing large amounts of weight. While we had to adjust to caring for him, there was never any doubt that we would do everything we could to make him as healthy and happy as we could.
Ever since the diagnosis, Oreo has thrived on his medications and adjusted feeding schedule. Moreover, he remains the lovable, cuddly, attention-seeking (for all of the right and wonderful reasons), and vocal cat that we grew up with. We sometimes forget that he’s a senior cat when he shows so much youthful energy while playing with his toys.
Caring for Pets with Diabetes
- Do your research using credible sources like PetMD and AVMA.
- Listen to your vet as they will know your pet’s history. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions about diet, exercise and medication.
- Monitor your pet’s weight and behavior on a weekly basis. If you notice any dramatic shifts, contact your vet immediately.
- Be patient as you and your pet adjust to a new care plan.
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for CatVideoFest – the world’s #1 cat video festival! Come early and stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways, HSLC merch and…fingers and paws crossed…CATS! Also, Alamo will be donating a % of gross ticket sales to the Humane Society of Loudoun County!
Times and tickets: https://drafthouse.com/northern-virginia/show/catvideofest-2023
More about CatVideoFest: CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities to best serve cats in the area.
If you’ve been thinking about adopting, this is the purr-fect month to do so! August 1-31, you can adopt two fur babies from the Humane Society of Loudoun County for just one adoption fee*!
Review our adoptable animals here! Once you’re ready to apply, follow our relatively easy adoption process here!
Not interested in adopting right now? Help homeless animals in our community by making a donation today!
*Both cats must be placed in the same home upon adoption.