By Oliver Bittenbender
Caring for any foster animal can be a very rewarding experience. We recently published a blog about the reasons to foster an adult cat (vs. kittens). But we wanted to follow up with a foster story to bring these benefits to life.
Jill’s Story
During the pandemic, Jill Belsky adopted two fully grown cats. In her words, “I loved that we could adopt cats that had a rough past and provide them with a fresh beginning.” Jill loved the cats so much that she wanted to welcome more into her home. But, with a human family to care for, she couldn’t take in and keep as many cats as she wanted.
So, Jill found a clever compromise, “I thought fostering could be a great way to enjoy being with more cats, while also providing a beneficial service for animals in need.” So, she signed up to be a foster caregiver with the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC). And, given that she already had a great experience with adult cats in her home, she was very open to fostering a mature cat like Briar Rose.
A Lot to Love
Briar Rose has made for a fantastic first-time foster experience. Having matured and mellowed out, she requires far less attention from her caretakers than kittens. As a standard best practice, Briar Rose was initially placed in a safe space–in this case, a spare room. This provided her with a chance to adjust to her new surroundings prior to being given free rein to explore the house. Before long, Briar Rose was snuggling right up to her new humans, showing how comfortable she was around them. She has also taken well to the other two cats, Robin and Edie.
Jill finds that each cat “offers such unique interests, personality traits and ways of sharing their love.” From stroking her soft fur to watching her pounce at string toys and scratching posts, the Belsky family has found a lot to love about Briar Rose. Bonding with the new cat has been a rewarding experience for the whole family.
Words of Encouragement
Jill encourages those on the fence about fostering to think about the long-term difference they could make in a cat’s life for a relatively short-term responsibility. Homeless cats depend on kind people to be the bridge from their past to a happy and healthy life in a forever home. And though it may seem daunting at first, caring for a cat can quickly become second nature. “Before you know it,” Jill says, “you’ll likely fall in love with the foster cat, and any concerns you originally had become negligible.” Plus, with the care and support of the many amazing volunteers at HSLC, a foster caregiver is never alone in their journey.
Learn more about fostering with HSLC and complete a no-obligation application today!
Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, February 18th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
For most folks who celebrate Christmas, the tree has been taken down and the decorations stored away for another year. But, we had one more story bursting with holiday joy that we couldn’t keep to ourselves!
Supportive Fostering Experience
Ladybelle had been rescued by the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) in the fall of 2022. Despite her beauty, Ladybelle had trouble finding her forever home due to some sassiness. Fortunately, she landed with a patient and loving foster family, the Burbages, who helped her mature into a sweet young ladycat.
And, in turn, the Burbage family had the support of HSLC’s Animal Care Team (ACT). Mom Nicole had this to say about ACT Director, Amy Richards, “You have been an angel throughout this whole experience! Whether we had questions about behavior, medical issues or general cat questions, you’ve always been there for us as we navigated through the fostering experiences. As far as the Burbage family is concerned, YOU ROCK!!!”
Extra Special Adoption
Now, the best “mews”. As a wonderful Christmas morning present, Nicole decided to surprise her children by officially adopting Ladybelle! Amy even created a special certificate to make the adoption extra official! After 15 months of fostering, Nicole feels that they finally have their happy ending. “We just love her to bits and pieces!”
Fostering to Adopt
Not all rescues allow fostering-to-adopt, but HSLC does. So, if you are thinking about adopting an animal, consider fostering first to see if they are a good fit for your household. Likewise, if you want to give fostering a try, don’t worry that you won’t be able to keep your foster cat or dog. Foster caregivers have the right of first refusal if they decide to add the foster animal to their family.
If you are new to fostering, you may find the following blogs helpful:
- Interview with a First-time Foster Mom
- How Do You Foster without Getting Attached? You Don’t.
- Pawsome Foster Stories
Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, January 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Come meet the animals hoping to find a home for the holidays! Please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current crew!
If a particular fur-baby catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for The Marvels.
Any Marvel fan knows that Goose the “cat” steals every scene she’s in! So, we’ll be bringing some of our own scene-stealing kitties for you to meet. We’ll also be offering HSLC merch in support of our life-saving mission!
For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.
Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-purr-son! 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.
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.
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.