Hundreds of shelters across the country are teaming up with NBC Owned Television Stations and Telemundo for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption drive on Saturday, August 18 that helps find loving homes for animals in need.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County is participating in the Clear the Shelters pet adoption event so come to Petsmart and meet cats and dogs available for adoption.

To sign up to volunteer and/or bring your foster, click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window: Sat Aug 18 Sign Up

The volunteer signup for events is for current volunteers who have attended our volunteer orientation and signed a volunteer agreement. Contact helpanimals@humaneloudoun.org for more information.

Article tags: adoption, cats, community, dogs, Event, family, Foster, HSLC, humane society of loudoun county, Leesburg, PetSmart, Volunteer

Penelope’s wonderful adoption story demonstrates how life for a homeless animal can turn from gloomy to bright when people care. This sweet and slightly shy bobtail kitty came to HSLC from an animal shelter around the beginning of 2014. Fosters were scarce at the time so she was placed in a kitty condo at one of our partner pet stores. Our volunteer caring for her at the store started calling her Doodle Bug because of her cute roly-poly shape and it stuck. But we had no idea what a gem we had taken in.

Doodle Bug never really seemed comfortable in the condo. Soon she began “acting out” at our adoption events, growling/hissing at the other cats and not letting people pet her. We were concerned that there was something wrong. When she developed a condition that required medication twice a day, the kitty condo volunteer decided to take her home to foster her until she was well.

Once in a home situation Doodle Bug seemed a little lost. We have no idea how long she was living in a cage before coming to us but it was obvious that she had forgotten how to be a cat. She had to be shown how to play with toys. Sitting on the floor, her foster had to pick her up and set her in her lap the first time to show her it was okay to ask for love. And then the drooling started. Doodle Bug was so happy being out of a cage and getting attention and love that she would start drooling when she purred. Drooling a lot – to the point a towel was needed.

After a couple of weeks in her foster home, Doodle Bug became the friendliest kitty ever at adoption events. She would reach out her paw at people passing by for them to show her some attention. The transformation was amazing. Then one day she caught the eye of Audrey Weinstein. We were using the pet store break room to let prospective adopters spend some time with the cats so Audrey, her friend, and our volunteer sat down at their table and Doodle Bug was set on the table for everyone to see and pet. Doodle Bug immediately walked over the Audrey and climbed into her lap. That sealed the deal.

Audrey and John Weinstein, residents of South Riding, have always named their cats after Greek mythological figures. After the untimely passing of Medusa, Audrey found Doodle Bug. What first drew them to this bobtail cat were her beautiful big eyes and her gentle disposition. She was promptly renamed Penelope, in honor of the beautiful and virtuous wife of Odysseus of Odyssey fame.

Penelope’s first night at home was eventful and set a pattern that continues to this day. As soon as the lights were turned off, Audrey and John heard commotion downstairs: running and loud meowing. Moments later, Penelope had come upstairs and started meowing at the door to the bedroom. Penelope had “killed” a toy mouse from her toy bin and brought this trophy upstairs. Every night, for the last four years, shortly after the lights are turned off, Penelope noisily kills the same toy mouse and carries it upstairs to Audrey and John. She has also “killed” toy birds and even a pair of earmuffs, but the little green and red mouse is her favorite victim. No sooner than she brings her trophy upstairs, she jumps on the bed to be rewarded with admiring words and petting. She loves to settle in to join Audrey and John when reading and sleeping.

Perhaps Penelope’s most endearing quality is her gentleness and love for children. She is often with Audrey and John’s 7 grandchildren, who range from ages 2-11. Penelope loves the additional attention and is always in the middle of the chaos.

Penelope is incredibly photogenic. John, a police lieutenant at Northern Virginia Community College’s police department, started to feature pictures of Penelope with monthly safety tips in the department’s monthly Public Safety Newsletter. Readership has increased by a factor of three. Her title on campus is “Penelope, the NOVA Police Cat” and she has become famous. People are constantly asking police dispatch which campus she’s at because they want to meet and pet her. The standard response, that she’s on patrol, is more engaging than she’s home, sound asleep and waiting for nightfall when she will kill again.

Penelope, the NOVA Police Cat, also has her own Instagram account, #penelopenovapolicecat, where she provides daily safety tips. Check her out.

Of course, Audrey and John consider Penelope to be unique, but in fact, she is just like so many other loving animals at the Humane Society of Loudoun County, just waiting to love and be loved.

Article tags: adoption, humane society of loudoun county

A special kittie was adopted this week. Enos lived for years as an outside cat in a colony near Leesburg. But as we were relocating most of the cats to new homes due to threats, we realized that Enos had some vision problems due to an old wound or injury. He could still see but his vision is limited, which means he couldn’t be moved to a new outside home.

Enos showed signs of being social and friendly, so we took a chance and put him in one of our foster homes. Fortunately, Enos decided that he was ready for the comfortable life of an indoor kitty.

Enos took to indoor life like a fish to water. Turns out Enos is all about getting snuggles and ear rubs and back scratches.

And just like that, the perfect family found and adopted this 9 year old, vision impaired love bug. So now he’s getting to know his new cat brother and if all goes well, they will have many happy years of playtime together.

Article tags: Adoptdontshop, adoption, GiveChoose, humane society of loudoun county

At the end of 2017, we received a kind note and donation from Mr. Howard Luck in honor of his cats Daisy and Violet:

“In March 1997, I was fortunate to adopt 2 kittens (age 4 months) from your society — Daisy and Violet. Violet passed away at age 14 years; Miss Daisy is still with me, at age 20+ years! Having Daisy and Violet in my life has been one of my best experiences. I’m so blessed to have connected with these wonderful beings. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for rescuing these kittens, and giving us the opportunity to be in each others’ lives. My gratitude is endless.“

We contacted Howard to learn more about his reasons for adoption, his experiences with Daisy and Violet, and his advice for those considering providing an animal with their “forever home.”

Why did you decide to adopt your two cats?

I had recently separated from my partner of five years; we’d had two cats together, and I made the very hard choice to leave them behind with my former partner so the cats wouldn’t be separated from each other and from the home they knew. After living in my new home in Springfield, Virginia for several months, I’d started seriously considering adopting a cat. The home just didn’t feel complete without feline companionship.

A good friend took me on a day trip to Loudoun County, and wanted to show me Old Town Leesburg. We happened upon a delightful boutique that specialized in cat-themed gift items. In the far back of the shop was a room where large, interconnected cages had been set up. And inside were two adorable tabby kittens, obviously a bit frightened of their surroundings. My friend and I immediately were drawn to these two! She encouraged me to adopt them right then and there; however, I was hesitant to make such a life-changing decision on the spot. This was not part of the day’s plan! Then the shop owner informed us that one of the Humane Society of Loudoun County volunteers had rescued them — someone had left them to drown in a stream or creek! I hesitated no more; I filled out the adoption papers immediately. And I’ve never had a single regret.

Was there a reason you decided to adopt from the Humane Society of Loudoun County?

As mentioned, it was completely by accident! However, I remember that the volunteers who assisted with the adoption were all dedicated, compassionate, and helpful. Also, there were checks in place to help ensure the kitties would be going to a good home where they would be well cared for.

Tell me a little about Daisy and Violet.

First, some background about their names: When we initially saw the kitties in the shop, we couldn’t tell them apart. They looked like twins. During the next week while I was waiting for the final adoption approval, I churned over what to name them. I wanted two names that would reflect the kitties’ seemingly twin characteristics. I recalled that a new Broadway show had opened, “Sideshow”, about conjoined twin sisters in the 1930s. I researched the twins’ names: Daisy and Violet Hilton. So, the kittens were christened Daisy and Violet.

Once Daisy and Violet moved into their new home, it became obvious that — despite their near-identical appearance — they had very distinct personalities. Daisy was the talker, and the more adventurous of the two. Violet was always more wary of strangers, or of new experiences. Also, Violet was initially ill with conjunctivitis and an upper respiratory infection. Daisy was very protective of her sister, and always stayed close to her. Over the years, this bond never diminished.

Both kitties were always affectionate (definitely lap-cats!), curious, extraordinarily well-behaved, and playful. Also, both seemed to have a sixth sense in regard to my mood: when I’d be sad or upset, each would come find me and offer extra affection and consoling. To this day, Daisy continues to be the best therapist!

What’s the best part about having cats in your life?

The companionship. The unconditional love. The opportunity to care for such beautiful and soulful creatures. The joy of knowing that I was able to save the lives of two amazing kitties, who have given me many years of happiness.

If Daisy could speak human, what would you want to know from her?

I believe that I was led to Daisy and Violet not only so I could save them, but so they could save me. Deep down I’ve always felt that these two kitties are my guardian angels, in my life to comfort and watch over me. If Daisy had the power of human speech, I’d ask her if that is indeed true. (However, as one of my guardian angels she’d probably have to be very coy with her answer!)

Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about adopting a cat or dog?

I sense that rescue animals have a deep appreciation for the humans who save them. If you are able to give one (or more!) of these creatures a safe and nurturing home, committed to their care, and willing to always treat them with kindness, love, and dignity, the rewards will be immeasurable.

Thank you, Howard, for taking the time to chat with us!

Article tags: adoption, cats, humane society of loudoun county

HSLC continues to grow, helping more animals and pet owners because of our generous donors and marvelous volunteers. Three of our major programs reached new records in 2017: Adoptions, Low Cost Spay/Neuter, and the Loudoun Pet Pantry.

The number of animals helped by HSLC has continued to grow over the years with the help of our many volunteers. In 2017 we were able to find homes for a record number of 184 animals! This amounts to countless trips to our partner veterinarians to provide vaccinations, wellness care, spay/neuter, and microchips. Our foster families provided many hours of socializing, training, and lots of love. Dozens of adoption events helped to showcase the animals. And our administrative volunteers handled mounds of paperwork including medical records, foster tracking, and adoption applications/agreements. Click Here to see our animals currently available for adoption.

Our Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program provides discounts for Loudoun County residents through our Loudoun County veterinary partners. A record 1,056 discount certificates were downloaded in 2017! Any Loudoun County pet family can download a certificate from our website to receive a discount for the anesthesia and surgery portion of the spay/neuter process. There will be other costs involved because each participating veterinary practice has their own pre and post surgery requirements. Users of this program are encouraged to “shop around” to determine which participating veterinary practice best meets their needs. We have 11 Loudoun participating veterinary practices scattered around the county: Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Purcellville, Lovettsville, and South Riding.

The Loudoun Pet Pantry has become a valuable resource for the Leesburg food pantry, Loudoun Hunger Relief, allowing them to include the family pets while feeding needy Loudoun families. This program helps keep pets in their loving homes when families fall on hard times instead of being forced to surrender them to a rescue simply because they cannot afford to feed them. The Loudoun Pet Pantry is a partnership between the Humane Society of Loudoun County, Loudoun County Animal Services, and Loudoun Hunger Relief. Donated dog and cat food is delivered to Loudoun Hunger Relief weekly.
Pet food donation bins are located around the county. We need small bags of dog and cat food (3 to 8 lbs) and cans of any size. Monetary donations help purchase food for the program when needed. Donate Online Here – be sure to dedicate your donation to the Pet Pantry.
At least 40% of families visiting Loudoun Hunger Relief for food assistance also request pet food. Currently we are only able to provide enough food for about half of these requests but we are working on ways to improve. Space is a major problem with all three organizations.

Article tags: #spay/neuter, adoption, humane society of loudoun county, Loudoun Pet Pantry

Come meet cats and dogs available for adoption! Visit our website for a sneak peek of available Kittens and Cats as well as our available Dogs!

To volunteer and/or bring your foster animals, please click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window: Sat, Dec 1 Sign Up.