By Madeleine Devost

June is Adopt-a-Cat-Month®.  Started by the American Humane Association in 1974, the month marks an opportunity for animal shelters and rescue organizations like the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) to encourage the public to adopt rather than shop for feline companionship.  Here are two recent stories that show how wonderful adopting can be.

Felix is living his best kitty life.

Melissa and Jeff found their new best friend after he was rescued along with 35 other cats from a home eviction in Stephens City (read the full rescue story here). The pair have adopted several cats over the years. They usually adopt older animals that need extra love but made an exception with Felix (originally named Foxy). The couple immediately fell in love with his playful and boisterous personality.  Felix is just over a year old and loves to relax and spend time cuddled up on the couch. He has brought so much joy to this forever family.

Another one of our new parents, Jacqueline, adopted three kittens after the passing of her Weimaraner at the age of 15. Jacqueline stated that she knew it was time to open her home to more rescues, particularly cats. After she and her family reviewed pictures of a new litter with three kittens –Peaches, Archie, and Toby– they felt an instant connection.  Thankfully, not wanting to separate the siblings, Jacqueline and her family adopted all three!

Peaches, Archie, and Toby playing on the stairs.

After two weeks in their new home, the kittens have all developed unique personalities: Archie the “snuggler”, Toby the “couch potato,” and Peaches the “regal queen.” Jacqueline highlighted how much joy the kittens have brought to the household, racing up the stairs and sitting in the windowsills to watch the passerby. She loves that the kittens bring such a unique energy to her home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, HSLC has taken extra measures to ensure that potential adopters feel comfortable meeting our cats. Melissa and Jeff shared that they felt very safe throughout the adoption process and were excited to be able to meet Felix in person before adopting. Likewise, Jacqueline found the process to be safe and seamless, noting “It’s clear that HSLC really cares about the animals they are placing.”

If you are interested in adopting a cat through HSLC, please visit our website to view the available animals and complete an application.

By Alycia Kent

On April 28, a team of volunteers from the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) mobilized to help save a desperate family of five kittens and their mother from underneath a residential deck. Because of the cold weather, it was imperative that the kittens were rescued as quickly as possible. It took no more than a post in the volunteer Facebook group to rally the team needed for the mission.

In a heartwarming act of heroism, the volunteers were able to rescue the family in 24 hours. An experienced foster family took in the kittens and is in the process of helping them recover. The quintet of kittens were aptly named after the Golden Girls and Dorothy’s ex-husband, Stan. No doubt, they will bring just as much joy to the world as the original characters did on the small screen. The feral mother cat was spayed and vaccinated before safely being returned to her outdoor home.

The volunteers weren’t done yet, though. Another friendly cat was also found on the property, badly injured. She was rescued and taken to the vet to treat her wounds. Once recovered, she will be put up for adoption.

Amidst all the uncertainty in the world right now, one thing is clear. These volunteers quickly, selflessly, and heroically helped seven cats, and now six of them have the opportunity to find their forever homes.  According to Donna Drake, HSLC Vice President, “We cannot save these animals without our amazing group of volunteers and rescue partners. They are the reason we can save and help so many animals and give them a better life.”

Thank you to the HSLC volunteers Pam Harvey, Heidi Wallner, Molly Boyne, Aseel Alsabawi, Amy Richards, Dora Lea Spring, and Jennifer Reed. Thank you also to Tina Creller of Mountain Cats TNR and Felicia McDonald of The Cats Voice.

THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED.  WE WILL UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WHEN WE KNOW ARE NOTIFIED OF THE NEW DATE.

FREE EVENT!

Saturday, April 25 Sign-up for Volunteers and Fosters:

Join Claude Moore Park and other local organizations for a celebration of our favorite wild and domestic animals. Discover different animals that are in need of good homes while learning about the wild animals that have one outside!

Since wild animals can’t be pets, staff will help you craft your own “wild” animal to take home.

This event is a place for adoption and wildlife conservation. Currently we are expecting A Forever Home, the Human Society of Loudoun County, BREW (beagle rescue), Pet Connect & Rescue, and the Nirvana Ridge Ferret Rescue will be here. There will be animals here to view and adopt. NO VENDORS will be present.

Recently, the beautiful Midnight had a bit of a scare. She was rushed to the vet because she was lethargic and not eating. It was thought that she might have developed diabetes.

Fortunately, Midnight was cleared of diabetes and is doing much better now. But, to ensure she stays stable, we are hoping to find Midnight her own foster or forever home. Currently, she shares a shed with other cats.  The shed is climate-controlled and specially adapted to ensure it’s a welcoming space for some of our foster cats. But, Midnight just isn’t a fan of other cats. However, she LOVES humans. And, she offers the best of both worlds: she’s a snuggly lap cat one moment and an independent, playful cat the next.

To foster Midnight, please complete an application here.

To adopt her, please complete an application here.

Ten-year old Midnight came to HSLC in August 2018 after her owners surrendered her for going outside the litter box. The leaky bladder was caused by a stone that has since been removed thus solving the problem.

“I used to go outside my litter box. Turns out, my previous owners didn’t know I had a lima bean sized bladder stone which has been removed. Now I’m all better and have perfect litter box manners.”

If fostering or adopting isn’t an option for you right now, please consider making a donation to help with Midnight’s ongoing care. She takes medication—like a boss—for a thyroid condition twice daily and is on a special diet to prevent any more urinary issues. Also, sponsoring or co-sponsoring her $150 adoption fee will increase the odds that she will finally get her happily ever after.

If you have any questions about helping Midnight, please contact us at helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org

Thank you for making a difference!

THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST

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, of course, 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, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.

Partial box office proceeds benefit our community partners at the Humane Society of Loudoun County