By Kelsie Lute   

Moving can be stressful under any circumstances. There’s packing, cleaning, unpacking, organizing, redecorating, and so much to think about. But what if you have a furry friend (or two, or three) to move, too? Don’t forget that moving can be a stressful time for them as well.

Over this past year, my husband, our cat, Katniss, and I made the transition from Pennsylvania to Virginia. While the move was still fresh in my mind, I wanted to share with you some tips to ensure the smoothest transition if you are moving with a pet. 

Make a plan

In moving into your new home, take inventory of the layout and think about places where you can set up your pet’s home base. Take into consideration the amount of traffic that area might receive. In our house, we thought a less frequently used bathroom might be best because cleanup would be easiest, and there would be enough space to set up Katniss’ food, water, and litter boxes.

Talk to your pet

It may sound silly but, for some pets, hearing a voice that they are already accustomed can work wonders for calming their nerves. When we brought Katniss to Virginia, I talked to her throughout, especially in the beginning of the trip when she was feeling especially nervous.

Set up a space for your pet

Before introducing your pet to their home base, be sure all the necessary items such as food, water, litter box, and toys are in place.  Even though Katniss wasn’t happy about waiting for us to set up her bathroom for her, the dividends paid out in the end. She was able to learn her new space complete with familiar items to make her feel more comfortable.

Visit your pet

Take time out from unpacking to spend with your pet. Not only will this provide a nice break for you, but it will be a welcome reprieve for your pet. My husband and I chose a few time slots throughout the day during the first week or so to just sit with Katniss. She was always so happy to see us.

Slowly acclimate your pet

Introducing your pet to the rest of the house can take some time, depending on your pet’s comfort level. Try one room at a time and be sure to be close by to support them. After a few days, Katniss was ready to start exploring, though she was quite timid. But eventually we gave her free reign of the house after she’d had a chance to check everything out. Now, she’s quite confident to roam.

Be patient

Moving is a huge transition for all involved. It’s normal for your pet to feel as apprehensive about the new place as you are. Be patient with both yourself and your pet(s) as you all adjust. For us, it was important to take cues from Katniss to make decisions based on her comfort level. It took her some time, but we’re so happy now that she’s comfortable with the new house.

by Amy Richards

One of the best things to come out of the previous years is the story of how #MargoTheComebackCat came to the Humane Society of Loudoun County and made all of our hearts grow. It all starts in May of 2019 when we were picking up a senior cat from a shelter in Maryland. While we were on our way, we received a plea asking if we could take another senior cat while we were there. Upon learning more about this sad, surrendered soul, there was no way we could turn our backs on her.

Margo was an owner-surrender due to allergies and was just one day from being euthanized when we rescued her from the overcrowded shelter. Stressed and nearly blind due to high blood pressure, Margo was shutting down in the shelter environment. She was in dire need of a second chance. After spending a few days between a foster and one of our trusted veterinarians, it was even more clear that she desperately needed a single, soft place to land and rediscover herself. Thankfully a former adopter offered up their extra bedroom to see what a little TLC could do for this old gal.

It was a slow and scary start. Margo was so severely depressed that she wouldn’t eat and had trouble walking from arthritis. Her blood pressure was so high that her vision was a serious issue. After days of force-feeding, Margo started to show some signs of life. A few weeks of gaining her trust by being present for her and providing more treats, she continued to open up. Soon, she was happy to receive affection. She enjoyed brushings. And she even started to take treats by hand. Margo then made fast friends with the furry foster family members and became eager to spend time with the entire family. She would meow as soon as she heard everyone up for the day and even learned to manage the stairs! The family created a game called “Margo Polo” to make sure she could follow their voices to find them wherever they were in the home. 

Margo had regular vet appointments to monitor her blood pressure which got under control with medication and lower stress living. She also began laser therapy to help soothe her arthritic joints. She was eventually able to turn around without falling over! With the improved blood pressure, also came slightly improved vision. Our former lost soul truly blossomed into #MargoTheComebackCat.

There were still some bumps in the road and some potential homes that fell through, but no one gave up hope. Everyone knew that the purrfect home was out there somewhere, and Margo’s time would come. And sure enough, she was seen on a courtesy post through the Facebook page NoVa Cats. Her future momma was looking for a lounging lap cat, and Margo fit the bill to purrfection!

Welcomed into her furever home on March 01, 2020, Margo has been loved and pampered by her family.

Her mom Scarlett reports:

Margo is a cuddly bug. She just wants a nice place to lay even though she lays crazy. She is veryyyy stubborn and will let you know when she is done with your buffoonery. She is a little old lady making her laps in the mall everyday. She walks around the kitchen table and living room table maybe 5 or 6 times each and is very vocal when you are blocking her path. She likes to scratch the doorframe but [my husband] says it’s okay because she is funny. She eats with lots of head bobbing that’s hilarious to watch. She KNOWS when I’m up in the morning and she is awaiting her food, but she will stay knocked out when the dogs bark/vacuum/any loud noise. And even though [my husband] wasn’t sure about getting another animal when we did (with moving into a new house and all) I catch him cuddled up with her all the time. She LOVES laying on our bed. If she could easily get up and down, we would leave her up there all night. She gets around really well for her vision being what it is.

We couldn’t share success stories like Margo’s without the support of our amazing community and team of volunteers. Thank you for your contributions and continued support of the Humane Society of Loudoun County.

To learn more about Fostering and Adoption through the Humane Society of Loudoun County please follow this link: Humane Society of Loudoun County.

To learn more about the joys of adopting a senior pet please read the following: Why Adopt a Senior Pet.

Join HSLC and Dog Day Afternoon for Yappy Hour at Loudoun Brewing Company!

Bring your furry friends for a Pet Costume Contest that starts at 6:15pm! Prizes awarded to the top 3 pets! HSLC also invites those who participate to walk in the Leesburg Halloween Parade on the 31st!

For a donation of $10, Ellen Zangla Photography will take your pets picture in front of a Halloween backdrop! Pictures will be taken from 4:30pm to 6:00pm! You will be able to get your picture from her FaceBook page.

We are also collecting pet food donations for the Loudoun Pet Pantry.

When you donate, you’ll get a door prize entry ticket and a ticket for $1 off your first beer!

We hope to see you and your pets for Yappy Hour!!