By Lauren Puckett

From the boy throwing a stick for his dog, to the girl cuddling up with her cat, there’s simply no bond like that of a child and his or her companion animal. Pets can play many roles in a child’s life, including playmate, cuddling companion, and friend. In honor of National Kids and Pets Day on April 26, let’s explore the many ways fostering or adopting a pet can benefit children.

#1 Pets improve mental health

Pets comfort us. But more than that, studies have shown they can improve our mental health. In fact, a 2015 study demonstrated that having a pet dog in the home was associated with a decreased probability of childhood anxiety. 

#2 Pets teach valuable social skills

Pet ownership requires a child to love, care for, and treat an animal with respect. Playing with a cat or dog allows children to learn about reciprocity and “give and take.” Pets also teach boundaries, tolerance, and acceptance. These are all valuable skills that help a child learn how to interact with other living things.

#3 Pets impart a sense of responsibility

Children can learn responsibility by caring for a pet. For instance, they’ll learn to feed their pet, or in the case of a dog, walk it so it can take care of business. Plus, a pet needs training, which offers the opportunity to teach children about positive reinforcement.

#4 Pets encourage physical activity

Dogs require regular walks and outdoor time, encouraging physical activity for children. Even cats may enjoy a spirited romp about the house with their favorite child.

#5 Pets teach us about loss

As difficult as losing a beloved pet may be, this is a valuable teaching opportunity. It may be a child’s first experience with death, and they can learn useful coping skills for the future. Fostering a pet can also provide this lesson in a gentler way, as children say goodbye to a foster pet when it moves on to its forever home.

To introduce a cat or dog into your family, apply to foster or adopt an animal today.

By Heather Nokes

“Kitten season” refers to the period from early spring to late fall when most kittens are born. This phenomenon is mostly due to warmer weather allowing stray or outdoor cats to venture out and begin procreating. Female cats become sexually mature as young as five months of age. In addition, because the gestation period for cats is only about two months long, they can have several litters in one year!

As kitten season ramps up, local shelters and rescues, like the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), are in dire need of kitten and cat fosters.

Why you should foster

Fostering kittens is a rewarding experience. As a foster, you save lives while enjoying all the adorable antics that make kittens irresistible. One of HSLC’s expert kitten fosters, Andi, has been fostering cats and kittens—over 130 in total—with her husband since 2012! She had this to say about her fostering experience:

“The best part [about fostering] is being able to watch them go from sickly to healthy or from angry/scared, hissy-spitties to lap-loving cuddlebugs.”

What to know before fostering

Andi states that while kitten fostering is fun, it can also be a lot of work. You must watch the little souls closely to ensure they stay safe. If something seems odd, do not be afraid to ask questions (HSLC has an awesome foster coordinator who can help!)  Be sure to love them unconditionally, and be happy to see them go to great homes.

What you need to foster

Kittens should be isolated from other pets in the home until vetted and given a clean bill of health. This is why setting up a “home base” for them is important. If they are young, a large dog crate will work; if older, an entire room would be a better fit.

Your home base should consist of:

• Clean, fresh bedding that is easy to change and wash.
• Soft surfaces that are not too high up, nothing that a kitten could get stuck in (trash can, boxes).
• A shallow litter box with a small amount of non-clumping litter.
• Shallow water and food dishes that are easy to clean.
• A healthy and safe environment for their foster kittens; any cleaning products should be removed from the kitten foster room.
• Small, soft toys that are not easily ingested or torn apart.

Kitten Veterinary care

The Humane Society of Loudoun County will pay for the veterinary care of its kittens. The first couple of vet visits often include deworming and/or flea treatment. If the kittens are healthy enough, vaccines and FeLV/FIV tests may be conducted. HSLC also spays/neuters around 4 months of age. More complicated reasons for a vet visit include diarrhea, dehydration and upper respiratory infections. For these conditions, medications may be sent home with the foster to give the kitten regularly. A healthy kitten is a happy kitten!

Saying goodbye

Saying goodbye may be the hardest part of fostering. It is important to remember that this is why you fostered, for a happy, healthy kitten to find a forever home!

Interested in giving cat or kitten fostering a try? Complete a no-obligation application today!

By Lauren Puckett

Did you know that performing an act of kindness actually ignites a chemical response in your brain? That’s the positive feeling you get when you do something for someone else, and it’s been coined the “helper’s high.” Beyond the momentary euphoria you enjoy, greater health and increased longevity have also been associated with this psychological state.

Here are four ways you can do a good deed (or two!) for the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) and get your own helper’s high in the new year!

DONATE

At HSLC, we are not funded by any county, state, or federal organizations. Our work is only made possible because of donors like you. Your tax-deductible donations make things like this possible:

• $20 provides two pet food kits for families in need, or two community cats enough kibble for a month
• $50 vaccinates an animal for rabies or provides five pet food kits for families in need
• $75 covers a sick exam for a foster animal
• $200 spays, vaccinates and microchips one community (feral) cat or provides 20 pet food kits for families in need
• $1,000 covers the average medical cost for a foster animal (in 2022).

In addition to providing financial support, you can donate an item or two from our various wish lists. In-kind donations from these lists help to lower our operating costs, freeing up funds to save more animals.

VOLUNTEER

As a volunteer-based organization with no paid staff, HSLC relies on volunteers to carry out our life-saving mission. We need many folks focused on animal care, of course, but we also need volunteers to cover the business side of the organization: finance, technology, fundraising, marketing, events and administration. Our immediate needs include Community Cat Caretakers in Ashburn, VA and volunteers to support our expanding dog foster program.

FOSTER

As a foster-based organization, we do not have a physical shelter. We can only save animals when we have a foster home to place them in. Foster families provide a healthy and safe environment for the animal. Fostering increases the animal’s chances of being adopted and helps them overcome the stress of being abandoned in a shelter. When you open your heart and home to an animal in need, you are giving them a second chance at life. Types of fostering include:

• Regular fostering
• Vacation fostering
• Emergency fostering
• Short-term fostering
• Special needs fostering

To become a foster, please complete an online application.

ADOPT

Each year, shelters and rescue groups take in millions of cats and dogs nationwide. “Moving” and “landlord issues” are the top reasons people give up their pets. This means organizations like HSLC have dozens of animals in their care who are anxiously waiting to meet their forever families. We hope that HSLC will be your first choice when choosing a companion animal. All pets adopted through HSLC come with the following benefits:

• Spaying or neutering at the appropriate age (even if it’s after adoption)
• Current on their vaccinations
• Microchipping
• A lifetime of post-adoption support
• Information about the animal’s behavior in a foster home environment

If you are interested in adopting, be sure to check out our available animals!

It’s hard to believe but 2024 is just around the corner. Are you thinking about adopting one or two new animal-friendly habits in the new year? If so, we’re here to help. Below are just a few resolutions to choose from:

1) Keep your pets healthy by giving them regular checkups—at least once a year and keep current with vaccinations.

2) Make dental care a priority through daily brushing and regular professional dental exams and cleanings. As many as 85% of American dogs and cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three.

3) If you haven’t already, spay and neuter your pets. Doing so helps cut down on the number of homeless animals and keeps your pets healthier.

4) Give your pets plenty of attention. Animals left at home alone become bored and lonely. They can become destructive. Provide regular play sessions, walks for dogs, and petting and/or other appropriate interaction for all animals.

5) Go easy on the treats. More than 50% of our nation’s pets are overweight or obese and face a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and cancer.

6) Prepare for disasters—fires, floods, storms, and the like. Have an evacuation plan that includes your animal companions, and prepare a traveling kit to have on hand always.

7) Be a voice for the voiceless and use social media to encourage friends, family and co-workers to save a life by adopting, not shopping.

8) Fostering also saves lives. HSLC provides regular trainings for those who are interested in fostering. Contact us at foster@humaneloudoun.org if you’re interested in fostering or complete a no-obligation application on our website.

By Hannah Feeley

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with three fosters for the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC). They each shared their stories and advice for new foster parents.

Meet Tyler

Tyler and his roommate, Katie, started fostering during the pandemic and have fostered 14 cats thus far with HSLC. They initially started fostering to cope with COVID-19 pandemic isolation and the emotional toll but continue to foster because it’s meaningful and fun. 

Tyler mentioned the potential financial toll of fostering. Although HSLC covers all vet care expenses, it relies on the community to donate food and supplies. Otherwise, the fosters cover these costs which can add up. But Tyler and Katie have felt that the costs are worth it.

Despite both working full-time, Tyler and Katie still find time to play with and socialize the cats to get them ready for their forever homes. Katie, for instance, sets aside arts and crafts time with the cats.

Tyler recommends that new foster parents reach out to their animal rescue for advice. He highlighted that our HSLC family has given him great guidance with each animal.

Meet Jamie

Jamie and her two daughters recently became short-term fosters for HSLC. She is a homeschool parent, with two senior dogs.

Jamie was volunteering for HSLC as a cat condo caretaker at a local pet store. When the cats in the condos needed a break, her kids encouraged her to take the cats home. Both Jamie and her kids noted the incredible feeling of letting the cats decompress for a few days. Plus, they found the experience to be really fun.

Jamie emphasized that cats do not need a lot of space; whatever room you can provide may actually be more than they’re used to. She appreciates the flexibility of short-term fostering as it allows her to help the animals without making a lengthier commitment.

With the holiday season upon us, HSLC is currently in need of short-term and vacation fosters. So, if you’re considering fostering, this would be the perfect time to give it a try.

Meet Carol

Carol is retired and has fostered cats with HSLC since 2018. Carol was initially introduced to fostering by a friend and hasn’t looked back since.

In explaining to me why she fosters, the joy in Carol’s voice was evident. – she does it because it’s enjoyable. Carol has also made (human) friends by fostering. Each time a foster cat is adopted, she makes a new friend with the adopter who sends updates about the cat’s wellbeing.

As a long-term foster parent who often takes in mistreated animals, Carol’s advice for new fosters is short and sweet: be patient. Spend time with the animals but have the patience to allow them to come out of their shells on their own.

Some people fear they won’t be able to give up the foster animals when the time comes. But Carol’s mindset is different: the more animals she can foster, the more animals she can help find homes. It’s a beautiful process and Carol is enthusiastic about her next foster.

If you’re interested in becoming a short or longer term foster, please contact us at foster@humaneloudoun.org or complete a no-obligation online application.

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 adoptable cats and kittens!  Visit our website for a sneak peek of cats and kittens that are available!

 

To volunteer and/or bring your foster animals, please click on the following link or copy the link into a new browser window:

Sunday, November 7th Sign-up:   CLOSED

The volunteer sign up for events is for current volunteers who have attended our Volunteer Orientation and signed a Volunteer Agreement. Contact HELPANIMALS@HUMANELOUDOUN.ORG for more information

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by Heather Nokes

Have you ever been to a shelter or looked at adoptable pets online, and most of them seem older? Distinguished grey faces. Lovely cloudy eyes. Unfortunately designated retirement homes for these pets are rare, so these animals need a loving home to live out the rest of their golden years. 

What do we mean by “senior?”

Dogs are considered senior between the ages of 7 and 11, depending on size; while cats are considered senior at the age of 10. It is often at this time that they begin showing age-related changes: loss of vision, loss of hearing, weight gain, loss of energy, and/or arthritis and other joint problems. These changes are common reasons for senior pets to be surrendered to rescues and shelters. While these ailments might seem daunting, most of them are easily treated with regular veterinary care and medications. Love and patience also help! 

What you see is what you get! 

When first adopting a pet, it is most likely that you will want to get to know them. With senior pets, they have an established personality and, as AdoptaSeniorPet.org says, what you see is what you get with a senior pet! In comparison to a puppy or kitten, you do not need to wait months for their personality to blossom. It is also more likely that senior pets have experience with people, just as a seasoned pet owner does with animals. They know what they like just as you do. Again, what you see is what you get!

Senior pets also tend to be more loyal. They are grateful to be around people, to have toys, and to be fed. It is not hard to please them. They tend to be more relaxed than a young pet; napping and eating all day is enough for them to be happy. Unlike puppies and kittens, senior pets do not demand constant attention. They don’t need to play as often, and they do not need as much training! 

Save a life! 

Possibly the best reason to adopt a senior pet is the fact that you are saving a life. Many senior pets in rescues and shelters don’t find a home due to the fact that they are not as outgoing and active as younger animals. They just don’t “stand out.” This also means that they tend to be euthanized if health issues arise or if space in the shelter is needed. By adopting a senior pet, you are quite literally saving a life while making your life more fulfilling in return. Be a hero and adopt a senior pet!

That’s right, there’s a whole month dedicated to the love of our furry feline companions. It is widely believed that cats domesticated themselves by recognizing the abundance and ease of catching prey near human agricultural developments. They essentially chose us, and we are better for it. 

Studies have shown that cat owners may experience better mental health than individuals without pets. Cats are great stress reducers. Just 15 to 30 minutes of quality time with a cat can calm your nerves and boost your mood. When you spend time with a cat, your production of serotonin (a chemical that boosts feelings of well-being) goes up, and your cortisol levels (a buildup from stress) go down. Adults and children alike report feeling happier and having more positive feelings if a cat is part of their family. How could you not feel better with a purring ball of fur curled up beside you? And, if you adopt from an animal rescue or shelter, you will feel extra warm and fuzzy that you just saved a precious little life. 

If the prospect of warm fuzzies isn’t enough, the Humane Society of Loudoun County has laid out five more reasons cats make great pets. 

5. They’re Fairly Self Sufficient

Remember, they chose us. Cats have remained fairly unchanged genetically, meaning they are still capable of living in the wild (but we do discourage allowing domestic cats to roam outside). Cats are still incredibly low maintenance, and very independent, and self-sufficient. Cats also groom themselves, so they don’t need frequent baths. We do, however, recommend they have their teeth and ears cleaned regularly. 

4. Small Space, No Problem

Cats are also perfect for apartments or city living. They don’t need a huge backyard or tons of space to play and explore. They are content with nosing their way through the nooks and crannies of your home. As long as you give them plenty to do and have toys available to keep them entertained, cats are happy. A living space and a basic feather toy might be all you need to make playtime a breeze.

Cats can often adapt easily to smaller living environments if you give them a lot of vertical space to move around in, such as cat trees and cat “shelves” that are mounted on the wall.

3. Housebreaking Made Easy

Cats are really good at learning potty training on their own. They like to have their own space and privacy so provide one litter box per cat, plus an additional box, and kitty litter, and they will be happy.

2. Shhhh

Worried that bringing a pet into your home might disrupt things? No worries! Cats are relatively quiet animals; they are almost always in stealth mode. Yes, they’ll meow every now and then, but you don’t have to worry about them barking or even making much noise when they walk. 

1. They Bring the Love

The main reason people become pet owners is because of an innate love or affinity for animals. Cats bring tons of love and joy into a household. They are wonderful pets and companions. 

If you want to take part in National Cat Lovers Month, please consider adopting through the Humane Society of Loudoun County. There are plenty of cats available for adoption so make sure you take the time to read through all the available information on our website in order to make a fully informed decision. Your future cat companion may be just a click away! 

Bonus Way to Celebrate National Cat Lovers Month:

FOSTER

While fostering is still a commitment, it is a more temporary way to help out an animal in need. Your individual attention will give a cat a boost of confidence until it finds its forever home. And if you are interested in fostering, consider fostering a senior cat, a special needs kitty, or an orphan kitten. Follow this link to learn more about fostering through the Humane Society of Loudoun County.

By Madeleine Devost

“He’s as happy as a clam!”

These were Diane Rice’s words after deciding to adopt Rebel (“Reb”) – a senior dog she had been fostering for two months through the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC).

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Diane, one of HSLC’s board members and foster parents. Over the past few years, Diane has fostered seven dogs 8 years old and up, two of them with HSLC. She offered some insight on how rewarding it is to foster and adopt senior dogs.

Diane and her husband, Mike, began to take in older dogs as they grew older themselves.  Although senior animals sometimes come with health problems, HSLC covers all necessary medical expenses when fostering, including spaying and neutering. They found joy in giving these dogs the best lives they could for as long as possible.

Rebel was rescued from an abusive household in which he was neglected and threatened by his owners. The Rices offered a safe and caring home where he could heal both emotionally and physically.  They didn’t change his name which is important when taking in older dogs as it helps them to adjust more readily to their new environment.

After just a few weeks, they decided that Reb belonged with them for whatever time he had left.  We can only imagine how thankful he was for their care.

One of Diane’s fondest memories of Rebel was when he would burrow under the blankets and towels in the house. Taking this cue to heart, she bought him a cave bed. Late one night, Rebel was sleeping peacefully in his new bed and it looked like he was wrapped up in a taco shell!

Recently, Reb passed away with Diane and Mike by his side. Diane shared the sad news on Facebook:

This dear little old man left us tonight for the Rainbow Bridge. Rebel was 14 and the sweetest Beagle ever. Although he had only been with us for a little over a year, we enjoyed every day of our time together. He was a real Momma’s boy and LOVED belly rubs and food food food! We will miss him so very much!

You can’t change a senior dog’s past.  But, you can give them the care they deserve in their golden years. In return, they will reward you with boundless affection, devotion and love.