October 22, 2025 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for the last Yappy Hour of the year at Spanky’s Shenanigans!
📍 Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
✔️ Answer questions about our work
✔️ Sell fun HSLC merchandise
✔️ Offer chances to win big in our 50/50 raffle—all proceeds help animals in need!
🍴 Come hungry—Spanky’s is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
🐶 Don’t forget to bring your pup (in costume!) for Spanky’s dog costume contest. Just make sure your furry friend is safe and comfortable while showing off their festive look.
🎟️ We’ll be drawing the 50/50 raffle winner during the event, so grab your tickets now for a chance to win while supporting a great cause.
Let’s make this final Yappy Hour of the year one to remember—for us and for the animals! ❤️
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PART 4: The Love Letter They’d Write to You
By Uchenna C. Okeke
Picture your pet settling down to write a heartfelt letter to you. It likely wouldn’t be grand or clever. It would be simple, warm, and sincere. Every line would drip with gratitude, not just for the food and shelter, but for your presence, your patience, your love.
If your pet could speak, they could sit you down, and read you a letter–a letter made entirely of memories. Memories of love given, love received, and love that has never once wavered; memories you’ve built together, day after day, line after line.
Before the Letter Begins
The truth is you’ve already lived every line of any letter your pet would write. Companion animals don’t need a pen or paper. Their love language is usually on full display – crafted in tail wags, slow blinks, eager barks, and gentle nudges. It’s written in the way they follow you from room to room, or in the sigh they let out when they finally settle at your feet.
Writing the Letter
Imagine their letter taking shape.
- The Salutation: Your pet’s letter would likely begin with “Dear You” or something more tender, like “To the One Who Changed My Life,” or perhaps, “To My Favorite Human.”
- The Introduction: In their opening lines, they would recall the warmth of belonging. For a cat, it might be the day she chose you as “hers.” For a dog, it could be the thrill of bounding into your arms after adoption. The introduction would set the stage with gratitude and might sound like: “I don’t have the words you use, but I feel everything. This is my attempt to tell you what’s in my heart.”
- The Body: They would continue the letter noting meaningful actions and gestures:
- Morning greetings: When they leap onto your bed or tap your hand with a paw, that’s their way of saying, “I’m glad you’re here.”
- During walks and playtime. The excitement in a game of fetch, the joy of sniffing every tree, would be them telling you, “Life is so much richer with you by my side.”
- Quiet evenings: When they rest their head on your lap or settle nearby in silence, would be them whispering: “I feel safe with you. You are my comfort. My world.”
- The Deeper Verses: The letter continues in subtle, powerful verses.” In the cat who curls up beside you when you’re unwell, whispering, “You’re not alone.” In the dog who waits patiently by the door, no matter how long you’re gone saying, “I’ll be here when your return.” In the eyes that search your face, not asking for food or toys, just checking in, asking, “Are you okay? I’m here.”
- The Conclusion: The letter would not end with a big proclamation. Just a steady, quiet expression: “Thank you for everything. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”
The beauty of your pet’s letter is that it’s never finished, never sealed in an envelope. It is rewritten daily, in fresh ink made of glances, paws, wags, and stretches beside you. It is in the wag of a tail when you say their name, in the forgiveness they offer without hesitation, and in the joy that bursts forth when you return.
And if, for a moment, we were to put their heart into human words, their love letter might read like this:
To My Favorite Human
I don’t have the words you use,
but I feel everything.
This is my attempt
to tell you what’s in my heart.
I’m glad you’re here.
Life has so much meaning with you.
I feel safe with you
you are my comfort, my world.
You’re never alone.
I’ll always be here.
I’ll be here even when you are not okay.
Thank you for everything.
I love you more than you’ll ever know.
With love from,
Did you miss Part 1 -3 of this series? No worries! They’re still available here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 1: I want to fit in, but please don’t rush me; here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 2: I’m FeLV+ but please don’t count me out, and here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 3: Keep me safe, but please don’t make it boring.
September 7, 2025 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
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August 1, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County will be bringing adoptable cats to Leesburg First Friday on August 1. Be sure to come inside and see the kitties up close and in purr-son at Coldwell Banker Realty!
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September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
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July 13, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Looking for your next furry family member? We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever homes! Come meet them at the PetSmart in Dulles Landing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on July 13. 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.
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By Heather Nokes
Did you know that dogs and cats do not sweat like humans? Their main sweat glands are located on their paw pads and are not very effective at cooling them off. With summer now upon us, it is important to understand how hot weather affects our pets and how we can help them stay cool.
First, keep your pets out of the heat. This may be difficult for dogs. Most love the outdoors so much, they may not ask to come inside, even when in distress. If unable to keep them in an air conditioned environment, be sure to provide cool shade or shelter for your pets. Clean, cool water should always be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors during summer months. Note that, effective July 1, 2020, a new Virginia law went into effect preventing tethering outside during extreme weather.
Take your dog on walks at dusk or dawn, when it is light enough to be seen by others, but still cool enough for a walk. Check the pavement you are walking on with the back of your hand. If your hand burns after a few seconds of contact, so will your dog’s foot. If it is too hot for you, it is much too hot for your pet.
To cool down, dogs will often pant to rid themselves of excess body heat. Panting is normal for most dogs but be aware of the signs of abnormal panting. Cats tolerate hot weather a little better than dogs but can suffer from heat stroke. They often choose lying in cooler areas, drinking cool water, and adjusting their body positions.
If you notice your pet is overheating, gradually reduce their body temperature. Use ice packs, cold towels, or apply cool (not cold) water to the head, neck and chest, let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and move the pet into shade or air-conditioning. NEVER try to quickly cool a pet by dunking them in cold water. This can drop their body temperature too quickly and send them into shock.
Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Vomiting
- Fever (the normal range in dogs is 101-102 degrees, cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees)
- Unsteadiness or a staggering gait
- A deep red or purple tongue
Lastly, never leave pets in a parked car. Even on cool days, such as 70 degrees, a car’s internal temperature will jump to 90 degrees in 10 minutes and over 110 degrees within an hour. At 85 degrees, the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, continuing higher with more time. On 90 degree days, the car will quickly escalate to over 110 degrees. Cracking windows does not prevent a car from getting dangerously hot, even in cool temperatures.
For additional information on keeping your pets safe and comfortable during warm weather, please click on the following link: AMVA Warm weather pet safety
September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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! Be sure to stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways and HSLC merch! Adoptable cats will make an ap-purr-eance from 1:00-3:00. Alamo will be donating a % of gross ticket sales to the Humane Society of Loudoun County!
For showtimes, visit the Alamo website.
More about CatVideoStFest: 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, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.
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At the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC), every animal we help is a life changed—sometimes even saved. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re inviting you to take one simple step that can make a world of difference: become a Pet Partner through monthly giving.
More Care for Them—All Year Long
As a Pet Partner, your monthly gift provides lifesaving funds to dogs and cats in need—every single day, all year long. Whether it’s covering emergency vet care, food, or spay/neuter surgeries, your consistent support means we can always be ready to help.
- Small gifts add up. Even $10 a month can provide vaccinations for a pet entering foster care. Imagine what $25 or $50 can do!
- Reliable support. Monthly donations help HSLC plan ahead, knowing how many animals we can take in and care for, thanks to your dependable generosity.
More Convenience for You
We’ve made giving easier than ever—so you can focus on the love you’re giving without the hassle.
- Your gift is automatically deducted each month.
- No checks to write, no stamps to find.
- Manageable contributions that fit your budget.
- Tax deductible and easy to track at the end of the year.
- You’ll be recognized as one of the animals’ most loving and reliable friends!
Get Started Today
Monthly giving is one of the most effective ways you can support HSLC. It’s convenient for you—and absolutely life-changing for the animals we serve. Your ongoing support ensures we never have to say no when an animal needs us.
Become a Pet Partner today. Once you click through, simply select your recurring donation amount and set the donation frequency to “monthly”. Your donation will be automatically charged to the credit card of your choice each month until you cancel, and you’ll be part of a compassionate community committed to helping more animals. Thank you for your kind and lifesaving support!
By Uchenna C. Ukeke
Volunteering is not just a simple act of kindness that benefits the community. It can also benefit you personally and professionally. And the best part? It doesn’t require wealth, fame, or perfection—just willingness. Discover how volunteering can unlock purpose and fuel growth in your life, while also enhancing the lives you touch.
Personal Growth
- Developing Emotional Intelligence: Volunteering exposes you to different perspectives and challenges, helping you develop empathy and resiliency. This increased emotional awareness improves your relationships and boosts your ability to connect and communicate with others in your life.
- Boosting Confidence: Volunteering is a powerful confidence booster. By dedicating your time and efforts to helping others, you gain a deep sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Seeing the direct impact of your work reinforces the value of your contributions, and this recognition enhances your belief in your abilities. Volunteering also helps you build new skills which can also boost your self-esteem.
- Finding Purpose and Fulfilment: By supporting causes that matter to you, like animal rescue, you become part of something greater than yourself. Volunteering provides meaning and fulfilment knowing that your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of others.
- Making Friends: Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends. As a volunteer, you’ll interact with people from diverse backgrounds and yet share a common interest. Some volunteers remain friends for life.
Professional Benefits
- Enhancing Your Resume/CV: Volunteering offers valuable hands-on experience that boosts your career. Whether you are managing a project or running an event, volunteering provides opportunities to refine existing skills and develop new ones, including leadership, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. This practical experience can help fill gaps in your resume, especially if you’re changing careers, entering the workforce, or looking to climb the corporate ladder.
- Expanding Your Network: Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet people from various professional backgrounds, whether it’s with fellow volunteers, community leaders, or like-minded professionals. These connections help expand your network and are valuable for both personal and career growth.
- Building Career Credibility: Volunteering demonstrates your commitment, passion, and reliability. It shows that you’re proactive, socially responsible, and willing to contribute beyond your job. These qualities not only benefit the causes you care about but also help your professional growth.
Volunteering with HSLC
Volunteering with the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) offers you the chance to make a real difference—for animals, for the community, and for yourself. HSLC provides opportunities for meaningful engagement that supports both personal development and community impact.
Ready to find your purpose and grow through giving back? Click here for HSLC’s most pressing needs. If you don’t see something of interest, please complete an application and we will work to find a role that’s right for you!