The Life of “Pye”: How animals bring a community together

It’s remarkable the way a love of animals can really bring a community together. I’ve always kind of known this but was reminded of it in a big way over the past few weeks.

Looking for scraps

There’s this little shopping center right off John Mosby Highway that I have frequented for a while now.  As far back as about a year ago, I remember occasionally seeing this little white cat with brownish-grey markings dart in and out of the alleys and dumpsters. I took note that he was all alone; I didn’t see any other cats around every time I visited. Of course, it broke my heart to see him patting through the dumpster bags on the ground, presumably looking for scraps. However, I figured since cats are so resilient and it’s not uncommon to see strays, that I should just leave him alone.

A very worrisome limp

A few weeks ago, however, I saw the cat again; but this time I grew worried. I noticed he was limping badly, his front right paw was twisted almost backwards, and he just looked to be uncomfortable. It was very difficult to see him struggling. I scrambled to find a little can in my car and filled it with what was left in my water bottle and placed it on the ground in hopes the cat would find it, and I left.

Calling in the cavalry

That evening, I did the only thing I knew to do – I reached out. After posting about the cat on a local Facebook group, I immediately received responses from both Donna Drake and Jennifer Reed from the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC). They were so kind and responsive, asked me questions about the animal and location, and I sent photos and videos whenever I could. I’m not experienced in capturing animals, so I was advised to notify them right away the next time I saw the cat. Luckily, it didn’t take too long before I was able to signal them to send someone out.  They sent Sharon Nylec, a very experienced trapper, and, like Donna and Jennifer, a long-time HSLC foster mom and volunteer.

Safe and sound

The next morning, I received a photo of the cat in a cage with the good news that he had been captured.  He was taken to the vet later that week for treatment. The vets at Harmony Hill Animal Hospital cleaned him up, gave him food and water and, very importantly, some much needed love. Though his right leg had to be amputated, he is now in recovery and safe from any harm that might have befallen him had he been left out with an injury and no sustenance.

A plea for help

It is all thanks to the generosity and empathy of Donna, Jennifer, Sharon, and the vets involved, that little “Pye” as he has been named, will now have an opportunity to thrive. If you’re interested in helping to cover Pye’s medical expenses, including his operation, or those of the many other animals that HSLC has under its wings, I urge to make a donation today.  HSLC is an all-volunteer organization and the number of animals they rescue is directly proportional to the amount of money they can raise. 

It takes a village

This story has a happy ending because fellow animal lovers banded together and took action. It’s amazing what can be done when we all work as a team. I have never met Donna, Jennifer or Sharon in person, but I feel a small kinship with them in that we shared this experience. This is why volunteers are important. The Humane Society of Loudoun County is important. The entire operation needs our support, so that animals who cannot speak up for themselves have a chance at a happy and healthy life.

-Courtney Siegert