Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Blog

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2012-07-04T20:40:00.002-04:00

May Volunteer of the Month

2012-06-09T16:45:00.001-04:00

The Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA Volunteer of the Month is Dana Shifflet!

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA?

My black cat, Hannah, who I adopted from the SPCA in 2004, became sick and died in a matter of a few weeks. I missed her so much and I wanted a cat to fill the void she left in our family. I figured I would volunteer to get to know the wonderful cats at the SPCA and possibly adopt another cat to keep my other two company. I didn't adopt another SPCA cat but I've fallen in love and had to say goodbye to many wonderful cats over the years.

What is your most memorable volunteer experience?

I have two favorites but I think the one I like the most happened a few years ago. A lady came in looking to adopt a cat because her senior cat had died a few days previous and the woman couldn't handle being alone. The information sheet on a cat she was interested in said that the cat did not like to be held and to go slow with her, etc. As soon as the cage door opened, the cat crawled in her lap and started purring. The woman was all smiles and quickly decided to adopted the beautiful orange cat. When the lady was trying to put the cat back in the cage to go fill out adoption paperwork, the cat started hugging the woman and wouldn't let go. Needless to say, the woman filled out the paperwork sitting on the floor holding HER cat. I have told that story quite a few times over the years and I still get a smile on my face everytime I tell it.

Of course you love all of the animals at the SPCA but which have you been become attached to lately?

I think my favorite right now is Demetria. Demi is an orange and white cat that has a chubby face and a big belly. She is a very loving cat that desperately needs a good home. She follows me around until I sit down so she can climb in my lap. You would think for her size that she doesn't like to play but she is so much fun to watch her play with the laser lights and stuffed mice. I had one lady tell me recently that I should adopt her because Demi and I have an attachment to each other but I've reached my limit (actually my husband's limit) at home of three cats. I hate leaving her everytime I volunteer but I know that the right family for her is out there and one day they will come and take her home.

Staff Comments:

"Dana is always positive and is willing to do any and everything that's asked of her."

"Dana is a great help with the cats at Petsmart. She is always friendly and has a positive attitude when I see her. She has helped with a lot of events in the past and we cannot thank her enough for this. She is an avid animal lover and it shows everytime I see her!"

"Dana is awesome! She is always willing to help out in every area, whether it be PetSmart, adoption events, transport or fostering. She has a huge heart and is so very generous with her time. I love her."

"Dana always has an upbeat attitude, she's funny, kind, willing to do any and every thing. She's great with animals. She's my favorite volunteer!"

George Robert

2012-05-12T09:11:00.002-04:00

This is a story of dedication and survival. The only way to tell the story is to share my experience. It was late in the afternoon when I learned about a little pup that would later be named, George Robert. George had a broken jaw. It was probably broken for some time, and infection had set in. Honestly, what I saw made me sick. How had this little pup been surviving? How could he be so happy?

After a full day of spay/neuter surgeries, staff prepared George for emergency surgery. Everyone watched as SPCA Veternarian, Dr. Beichel, carefully cleaned out the infection and temporarily fixed George's jaw (a permanent fix would be required later). All was finished late in the evening so Clinic Manager, Michelle Hamlin, decided to take him home to watch over him, assure he was stable and able to eat. It was then that Michelle, after seeing this pup's will to live, would name him George Robert -- after her dad a survivor and Vietnam War vet. George made it thru the weekend, and it would now be just a few days, before Dr. Taylor, a veterinary dental specialist, would come in to repair George's jaw.

Dr. Taylor worked over an hour repairing George's broken jaw. Although during this time, the surgery room was busy with other spay/neuter surgeries, everyone was concerned about George. I went to surgery to hear Dr. Taylor explain the surgery. He thought all went well, but said recovery would still be a wait and see game. I left the room, but returned moments later as I had forgotten to ask Dr. Beichel a question. When I walked into the room, I saw George back on the surgery table, Dr. Beichel doing CPR. I heard "You are not going to die on us now." Staff moved about as Dr. Beichel directed them to help revive George. Then there was a beautiful sound - beep, beep, beep. Everyone stopped and listened to the heart monitor. Dr. Beichel confirmed George was back. Tears filled my eyes. Not only because I was so happy for George, but because I was so incredibly proud of our Clinic team, working together giving their all to save this one little puppy. Their dedication was moving, their concern genuine, and their skills and team work incredible. It was like watching a TV drama, although it was real; it was our SPCA.

The next day almost near close, I went to the clinic again to see George. Clinic staff were hustling about; George was bright and wiggly. He was doing well. But now it was not only George that needed them. There was an emaciated pitbull that could not even stand, and a puppy found as a stray, only 1 pound, barely alive. There were more animals that needed their help today.

We always talk about the resilience of animals, but for me this story is also about the resilience and dedication of the people that work day after day to make sure the animals have a second chance at a new life. Without them -- there would be no happy endings.

Keep checking for updates about George and the other animals mentioned in this post.

April Volunteers of the Month

2012-04-26T16:47:00.000-04:00

Rich and Beth Van Hook are dedicated volunteers at the SPCA. We are happy to have them on our experienced dog walkers team! Even though they have busy, full time careers, Rich and Beth have logged almost 200 hours of volunteer service since their recent start at the SPCA.

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA?

We've always owned dogs and have adopted our last three dogs from the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Friends of ours are volunteers and had talked highly of their experiences, so once we moved into the city, we no longer had an excuse not to volunteer! The joy the dogs have brought us during our time is overwhelming. We really look forward to seeing how happy they are when they play, and we get a lot of love in return. We are also actively involved in the photography team and take a lot of photos of the dogs, and that has really brought our experiences to a different level. Going back and looking through the photos of play sessions and doggie hugs brings a smile to our faces every time, and it especially helps when we've had a rough day!

What is your most memorable volunteer experience?

Some dogs arrive at the shelter with difficult histories, and it’s great to see all of the work that the staff and volunteers do to help socialize them and grow into more confident dogs ready for a home. We love seeing the dogs discover how much fun toys can be, watching the hounds sprint around the wooded park, and snuggling with dogs like Kai, Otis, or Domino in the sunshine. It’s amazing to see animals that have endured so much in their past, yet just need basic care and affection to move past that and be great pets. It really puts things in perspective.

Of course you love all of the dogs but which dogs have you been become attached to lately?

Of those that have been adopted within the last year, our favorites were Murphy, Domino, Otis, Rose, and Suzie & Kew. Of those that are currently up for adoption, we've become attached to Candice, Rodney, Shosanna and the latest is Seabiscuit. Seabiscuit sealed the deal when he dove into a giant pile of sticks and just started pulling out various sizes to play with. Finally, who doesn't love old souls like Oscar, Jethro and Raine?

Staff Comments:

"Rich and Beth are dedicated to dog walking. They love our hounds which is very special!"

"They have great attitude! Very positive people."

"Rich has helped fix SPCA computers. He's a real "jack of all trades."

"The pictures of adoptable animals at the SPCA has improved greatly because of their dedication to the photography team!"

"Rich and Beth are another dynamic duo. Walking dogs together every Saturday for
hours on end and being trained as experienced dog walkers. Rich and Beth then
saw a need for a more organized effort to take good photos of the dogs to
promote adoptions so they jumped right in to help. Beth and Rich always come in
to the SPCA with an upbeat attitude. They take their time to learn about SPCA and
always support the SPCA and the animals. But I am partial, because they also gave
a wonderful home to one of my favorite foster puppies."

March Volunteer of the Month

2012-03-17T13:29:00.000-04:00

Or should we say....Volunteers of the Month! This dynamic duo, Pete and Vi Crawford, began volunteering at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA in 2005 and have served over 600 hours. (and this does not include the amount of time they have committed to fostering kittens/cats!)

The Crawford's Background:

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA?

"We were previously volunteering for another shelter. It was not a no kill organization. We had 16 cages in our basement with as many as 36 cats at one time. Vi and I attended an open house and were asked if we could volunteer. We liked what we saw in the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA and joined the team."

You have fostered many cats and kittens. How many to date?

"We have fostered 120 cats for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA and about 300 for the Madison Greene Humane Society."

What is your most memorable volunteer experience?

"Vi was asked to look at a kitten in cat intake. She opened the cage and the little kitten, both eyes bulging and tail up, came running to her. The staff member said he is blind as a bat. It was love at first sight. We fostered Calium through the removal of both eyes and recovery. Calium was then fostered, to be adopted, by a young lady who had a blind cat of her own and wanted a companion. Unfortunately, she was unable to keep either cats due to her own medical issues. We immediately adopted Caluim and his friend Triston, also our foster."

Of course you love all of the animals but who do you remember most?

"Wally. He was found, by someone, on the side of 64 in Albemarle county. The person took Wally to Harrisonburg because that is where she lived. The vet would not treat the kitten, with two broken legs, but called Cats Cradle in Harrisonburg. A Cats Cradle member then drove Wally to the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA where he belonged. We fostered this beautiful long haired kitten back to health. One day, soon after he was put up for adoption, Vi saw a lady holding Wally. She did not pay much attention until the next day that same lady was holding Wally. She wanted to adopt Wally but was going on a trip and could not board him. Vi said, "he is my foster, you adopt him and we will keep him until you return." The owner still keeps in touch with us and we have seen Wally on several occasions since his adoption."

Staff comments about Pete and Vi:

"They are always happy and make me smile!"

"Pete Crawford saves my bacon every month. I think I would pull my hair out one by one if I had to deal with all the Dept. of Environmental Quality Reports Pete takes care of for me. He also volunteers at the feral cat clinics taking care of all rabies certificates. He assists with reminder calls for spay/neuter. He is awesome!"

"Pete & Vi Crawford are amazing people and our organization is very lucky to have them as volunteers!"

"Pete and Vi rock! In the 4+ years I have been here Pete and Vi have consistently kept their doors and hearts wide open. They have been amazing fosters to some of our more difficult medical patients. Vi works along staff in the surgery suite and wraps pack and cleans instruments like a pro. Pete brings the clinic donated medical supplies which helps us out immensely and has earned him the nickname "Santa Pete." They are role model volunteers."

A HUGE THANK YOU TO PETE AND VI!

Candice

2012-03-10T17:38:00.000-05:00

Too weak and frightened to walk on her own, Candice was carried into the SPCA by the Animal Control Officer who found her huddled in an open field in Scottsville. She weighed only twenty-eight pounds, much too little for her large frame, and was covered in scabs, small wounds, fleas and ticks.

Unfortunately, Candice can’t tell us her story so we can only guess how she came to be starving in a field. But nearly a month later, after care in the SPCA Clinic, fluids, plenty to eat and lots of love from staff and volunteers, she is fifteen pounds heavier and on her way to making a full recovery. Candice is still learning to trust people and can be a little shy, but she loves other dogs, doesn’t seem to mind cats and needs lots of hugs. Each day, she gets a little better.

The truth is that many pets that end up at the SPCA don’t require expensive surgeries, or face life-threatening medical issues--in fact, most are simply in need of the most basic care: food, shelter, simple wellness care, a lot of love, and a little help finding their way home. But, with approximatly 4,000 pets a year requiring the SPCA’s help, the cost of that care adds up. It is only with your support that we are able to continue saving the thousands of pets, like Candice, that need our help.

Donate | Adopt | Volunteer

Your Voice Matters - SB 359

2012-02-13T21:00:00.012-05:00

Ok everyone, we really need you now, more than ever. SB 359 has moved to the House. It will be heard by the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources (date of meeting TBD). The opposition has already been contacting Committee members. It is VERY IMPORTANT to write your Delegate and ask them to support SB 359, a bill designed to permit more wide-scale trap, neuter, return (TNR) efforts by SPCAs, Humane Societies and Pounds to reduce feral cat populations in communities throughout our Commonwealth.

Please take your time and email your Delegate. Our initial focus is to contact all of those Delegates on the Committee. Please also forward this to everyone you know and request them to take action. Please, please take action!!!!

Dear Delegate (Last Name):

Please Support SB 359. Now is the time for this important piece of legislation.

SB 359 allows SPCAs, Humane Societies and Pounds to design wide-scale trap, neuter and return (TNR) efforts without requiring that all participants be deemed owners under the law simply by virtue of their willingness to assist in getting feral cats fixed.

Feral cats already exist. They do not have owners. They live outdoors in all areas and are unsocialized to humans. Options under Virginia law to help reduce these cat populations are limited. Consequently, these feral cats continue to proliferate, uncontrolled, in our Virginia communities.

SB 359 will enable local governments and organizations to reduce the feral cat and kitten populations in their communities through organized trap, neuter and return efforts. Passage of this bill will result in increased TNR efforts and enable more volunteers, community residents and businesses to become active participants in TNR, resulting in a greater number of cats being fixed and less kittens being born in our Virginia communities.

Many communities already have seen success with limited TNR efforts. SB 359 would greatly further these efforts by permitting wide-scale TNR efforts to greatly reduce our feral cat population. Nonetheless, for those communities not choosing to implement TNR, SB 359 will not require any action of or have any fiscal impact upon any locality or organization.

Now is the time for Virginia to move forward with solutions, not excuses. Please support SB 359 because we can reduce the cat/kitten populations in our Virginia communities.

Thank you for your consideration and support of this important bill.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

DelDBulova@house.virginia.gov City of Fairfax, Part of Fairfax Cnty
DelDEnglin@house.virginia.gov Part of Arlington, Fairfax & Alexandria
DelMJames@house.virginia.gov Part of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk & Portsmouth
DelLLewis@house.virginia.gov Accomack & Northampton, Part of Norfolk and Va Beach
DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov  Part of Fairfax Cnty
DelLTorian@house.virginia.gov Part of Fairfax CntyPart of Prince William Cnty
DelKPlum@house.virginia.gov  Part of Fairfax Cnty
DelBSherwood@house.virginia.gov  Winchester, Part of Frederick & Warren
DelEScott@house.virginia.gov Orange & Madison, Part of Culpeper Cnty
DelJEdmunds@house.virginia.gov  Charlotte, Halifax & Prince Edward
DelMFariss@house.virginia.gov Appomattox & Buckingham
DelBKnight@house.virginia.gov  Part of Chesapeak & Va Beach
DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov Danville; Part of Henry & Pittslvania
DelJMorefield@house.virginia.gov  Bland, Buchanan & Tazewell, Part of Russell
DelBOrrock@house.virginia.gov Part of Caroline & Spotsylvania
DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov Part of James City & York
DelCPoindexter@house.virginia.gov Patrick, Part of Franklin County and Henry
DelMRansome@house.virginia.gov King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond Cnty and Westmoreland, Part of Caroline
DelMWebert@house.virginia.gov Rappahannock, Part of Culpeper, Fauquier & Warren
DeltWilt@house.virginia.gov Harrison, Part of Rockingham
DelTWright@house.virginia.gov Amelia, Cumberland, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Part of Lunenburg

Volunteer of the Month

2012-02-10T17:17:00.004-05:00

Volunteers are crucial to the success of our SPCA. In 2011 alone, volunteers contributed more than 19,000 hours of dog walking, cat socializing, event assistance and more. Each month we will honor one of the many amazing volunteers who help us achieve our No Kill mission.

Congratulations to Faye Brown, February’s Volunteer of the Month! Faye began volunteering with Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA in June of 2003, and has donated more than 1,200 hours assisting with the Tails on Trails dog walking program.

Faye’s Background:

Why did you decide to volunteer at the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA?

“I was retiring and did not want to be sitting on my butt all day. The SPCA has dogs and cats which was the true bait for me. I get plenty of exercise walking the dogs!”

What is your most memorable volunteer experience?

“I will always remember the shy dogs. It is great to watch a dog’s behavior improve because a volunteer is working with them. Ultimately, they get adopted. Most recently, Sullivan was my favorite!”

Of course you love all of the dogs but which dogs have you been become attached to lately?

“I am a fan of the big dogs. This month I became attached to Sullivan and was so happy when he found his forever home!”

Staff comments about Faye:

“She’s great!” “Faye is dedicated and hard working!” “Her input is valuable.” “She’s fantastic with every dog that she meets!”

A HUGE THANK YOU TO FAYE!

Your Voice Matters - SB 359

2012-02-02T18:44:00.017-05:00

SB 359 is a bill designed to permit more wide-scale trap, neuter, return efforts in our Virginia Communities. This Bill was introduced by the City of Charlottesville and presented to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources by the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. SB 359 was reported out (approved) by a 10 to 5 vote. This bill was discussed for over 40 minutes with opposition that we believe was simply not truthful in their statements. Fortunately the members of the Senate Committee were able to see through this smoke and mirror presentation and voted in favor of the Bill.

Committee Members in Favor:

Hanger (Chairman), Watkins, Puckett, McEachin, Petersen, Northam, Marsden, Stanley, Miller, J.C., Ebbin

Committee Members Opposed:

Ruff, Black, Obenshain, Blevins and Stuart.

First we want to Thank Senator Deeds for bringing forward this important piece of Legislation.

We also want to thank everyone who spoke in favor of this bill: Will Gomaa - Alley Cat Allies, Robin Star -- Richmond SPCA, Virginia Kilmer - Virginia Federation of Humane Societies; and Laura Donahue - Humane Society of the United States.

But this is only Step One. We need EVERYONE to take Action. We need your help, because YOUR VOICE MATTERS! Please do not wait for others to do this -- we need everyone to take action and we need you now. The Vote on this Bill is likely to be close, and we must overcome the untruths of the opposition.

Action to take Now:

1. Please send an email and thank Senator Deeds for Patroning this important piece of legislation.
2. Please thank your Senator (on the Comm) listed above by email if they voted in favor of the Bill and let them know you appreciate their support in the full Senate Vote (likely to be early next week).
3. If your Senator (on the Comm) voted in opposition, please email them and ask them to change their position at next week's full Senate Vote.
4. VERY IMPORTANT -- Please email your Senator and ask them to support SB 359 in next week's full Senate Vote. Please do this as soon as possible as the full Senate will likely vote next week. You can use the simple paragraph in our blog below requesting support.

For the email addresses of the members of the Committee see our post below. To find out who your Senator is (and their contact information) please go to

http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform

Your voice matters -- Oppose SB 610

2012-01-22T09:50:00.032-05:00

SB610 includes the following language:

"Agricultural animal" or "livestock" means any domestic animal raised, herded, or farmed as an agricultural product or associated with agriculture, including equids, cows, calves, yearlings, bulls, oxen, sheep, goats, lambs, kids, hogs, pigs, poultry, gamefowl, fowl, hunting dogs, working dogs, and show dogs.

The Department occupies the entire field of regulation of the care, control, and handling of agricultural animals. No political subdivision, locality, or humane society shall regulate the care and handling of agricultural animals.

So, you ask, what does this mean?

First -- Hunting, working and show dogs would no longer have the protection afforded companion animals under the law. They basically would be treated like herd animals or animals that we eat (and let's face it, we all know the standard of care for those animals is not high).

Second -- This bill seeks to take away all authority from our local Animal Control Officers to investigate complaints regarding the care of these dogs and ALL agriculture animals in general. Right now -- it is our Animal Control Officers that are the ones helping these animals, often saving them from starvation and ensuring that they get adequate veterinary attention. They are the only ones on the front line doing this. What this bill seeks to do is to rip authority away from those officers -- leaving essentially no oversight at all. The "Department" is the "Department of Agriculture" which does not have the resources to enforce these regulations; thereby resulting in NO PROTECTION at all for these animals.

Remember the case just a couple of years ago in Orange County, Virginia -- After receiving complaints, local deputies and animal control officers investigated the care of some horses. What they found: 20 dead horses on the property and others "in dire need of assistance." Read news story here. In King and Queen County, VA, it was again local police and animal control officers that saved the lives of the horses at one property by confiscating 33 of them from a couple charged with 20 counts of animal cruelty -- Read this story.

What can you do?

Send an email today to the members of the Senate Agriculture Committee and tell them that you OPPOSE SB 610. Below is an example of a response:

Dear Members of the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources:

Please Oppose SB 610.

Hunting Dogs, Show Dogs and Working Dogs are NOT agricultural animals. It is not uncommon for some hunting dogs to be treated poorly by irresponsible owners. Legalizing irresponsible dog ownership is not the answer. Local governments (and local tax dollars) are already burdened with the care of these hunting dogs, as Virginia animal shelters are packed with hounds and hunting dogs. Additionally, these hunting dogs often come into the shelters emaciated, injured, neglected and inevitably are not reclaimed placing the cost of care for these dogs on the localities. Lowering the standard of care for these dogs is tantamount to legalizing animal neglect for hunting, show and working dogs which will only make this existing problem worse, place an unreasonable cost on local governments to care for these dogs, and further the high euthanasia rate for these dogs in our local shelters. We expect that as our State legislators, you should be trying to solve these problems not make these problems worse.

Taking authority from local governments to address issues of animal neglect and cruelty in their own backyard is just another step backwards. It is the local police and animal control officers that are in the best position to investigate and bring charges of cruelty and neglect. The Department does not have local resources to investigate local claims of failure to care for Agricultural animals. You should oppose this subtle attempt to essentially eliminate oversight for the care of Agricultural animals.

As a citizen of Virginia the care of animals in our Commonwealth is important to me, and I ask you to strongly Oppose SB610.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

district24@senate.virginia.gov
district10@senate.virginia.gov
district38@senate.virginia.gov 
district15@senate.virginia.gov
district14@senate.virginia.gov 
district26@senate.virginia.gov
district09@senate.virginia.gov 
district34@senate.virginia.gov 
district06@senate.virginia.gov 
district28@senate.virginia.gov 
district37@senate.virginia.gov
district20@senate.virginia.gov 
district13@senate.virginia.gov
district01@senate.virginia.gov 
district30@senate.virginia.gov

Over 30% of the Dogs at the SPCA are hound dogs.

Some are shut down and scared of people.

Others are in bad condition (examples below) when they enter the SPCA.

Take action today to help these sweet dogs.

2011-12-28T21:17:00.040-05:00

During the month of December we will be sharing twelve stories about animals that needed the SPCA's help this year. These stories exemplify our commitment to maintaining Charlottesville-Albemarle as a No Kill community. All of these stories have a happy ending because of the commitment of our SPCA and the generosity of our community.

The Video below is a summary of the Twelve Saves of Christmas. Hope you enjoy it!!!

2011-12-23T20:28:00.052-05:00

... And the Twelfth Save of Christmas is Mable.

It was a Tuesday evening, when a woman walked in with a small dog wrapped in a blanket. She was helping a friend move into a new residence in Greene County, when they found a dog lying in deplorable conditions inside a shed. She immediately drove the dog (who staff would later name Mable) to the SPCA. Mable was brought directly to the clinic, where Dr. Beichel and clinic staff immediately came to examine her. With Mable's sweet face looking up, they pulled the blanket back to assess her condition. And then every staff member in the room began to cry.

They could not believe their eyes. Mable lie there, her fur matted about 5 inches thick saturated in urine and feces, a rancid smell filled the room. They looked at each other in disbelief. They all thought the same thing -- there was no way they could let her die like this.

So despite the unbearable smell, staff slowly and carefully removed her matted fur. They soon discovered Mable had urine scald over her entire body, her skin reddened and painful. She had several open wounds, one particularly large wound over her right hip. Maggots were present in the wound areas. She was only 14lbs., one-third of her estimated normal weight, with severe muscle wasting, no fat on her entire body. Dr. Beichel said that Mable was one of the most severely neglected and emaciated animals she had ever seen. It was truly a miracle that Mable was alive.

Mable was not stable enough to place under anesthesia, so she was given pain meds, fluids and antibiotics. Her prognosis was guarded, at best, as the long-term effects of starvation on her internal organs was still unknown. Nonetheless, Mable's will to live brought her this far, and at least now she had a fighting chance.

It would take weeks before Mable would eventually stand up, but as she ate and drank more each day, everyone rejoiced. Each day she would try to pull herself up. Finally she regained her strength to walk again -- Oh Happy Day!! After many weeks in the SPCA clinic, everyone had grown quite attached to Mable, but no one as much as Dr. Beichel. Dr. Beichel has a huge heart, especially for the older or special needs animals, her home filled with a clan of geriatrics. So when she decided to foster Mable one day, we all knew -- Mable had found her forever home.

Mable's first steps outside again.

Meeting a new friend.

Back for a visit at the SPCA.

A Happy Family Portrait.

With this last Save of Christmas, I am humbled by and thankful for our dedicated staff and our supportive community. Because without all of you, we could not celebrate the Twelve Saves of Christmas.

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas!!!

Susanne Kogut, Executive Director

2011-12-23T11:05:00.003-05:00

... And the Eleventh Save of Christmas is Snuggle.

When Jennessa first heard the awful sound coming from her dryer she expected a huge repair bill, not the tiny critically injured kitten she found lodged in the dryer vent. Horrified at her discovery, she brought the kitten to the SPCA for help.

Snuggle was just a pound when she arrived at the SPCA with open wounds on her head and ears, and a severely injured leg. No one was sure if she would live. SPCA Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Beichel immediately sedated the kitten, closed her open wounds and started her on pain medication and antibiotics. Over the course of the next two weeks, clinic staff monitored the kitten’s condition, encouraged her to eat and waited to see if her leg could be saved. Soon Snuggle was putting on weight and the wounds onher head and ears had begun to heal, but despite these improvements her leg proved too badly damaged to be saved. Dr. Beichel amputated Snuggle’s leg and she went to recover with Pete Crawford, a long-time SPCA foster. Pete reported that it didn’t take Snuggle any time at all for her to learn to get around onher remaining legs, “she loved running head first into my older cats, and she was faster than them, too!"

Shortly after Snuggle returned to the SPCA, the Robinson Family adopted her and another kitten named Elena (who is blind in one eye). The Robinsons report that “Elena and Snuggle are the perfect playmates. Snuggle is doing great--she climbs up legs and can jump onto your shoulder. They are both very playful and love to snuggle…we love them both very much...we couldn’t be happier.”

2011-12-22T07:50:00.006-05:00

... And the Tenth Save of Christmas is Anna Livia.

Our Tenth Save of Christmas is a tribute to Moms. Momma dogs, momma cats, they are amazing. Anna Livia was brought to the SPCA after a citizen reported a dog had given birth in his shed. Upon arriving, the animal control officer found Anna Livia, with six pups, their eyes still closed, only about a week old. Two other dogs were also with her. The man had seen the dogs hanging around and set up his shed with some nice bedding so the dogs

had a warm place at night. Anna Livia, her pups, and the other two dogs were brought to the SPCA. After clinic staff assessed them and took care of some basic care, they immediately focused their efforts on finding them a foster home. The Bridges family stepped forward, even building a welping box, and brought Anna Livia and her pups home.

Anna Livia was such a sweet, gentle soul but first and foremost, she was a good mom. She cared for her pups and provided them daily nourishment and attention. She cleaned them and taught them proper puppy manners. So in all the cuteness of the puppies and kittens, this is a reminder to us all -- we should never forget the moms that raised these little ones.

Momma cats and momma dogs --

remember them, applaud them, adopt them.

Anna Livia is now a permanent member of the Diamond Family!

Thank you to the entire Bridges Family, an incredibly dedicated foster family, for helping Anna Livia raise a great group of pups.

2011-12-21T12:41:00.008-05:00

... And the Ninth Save of Christmas is Dudley.

Lost, scared and hurt on the side of 250 in Keswick certainly was not the way for a kitten to spend the day after Thanksgiving. And yet, that’s the exact predicament little two-pound Dudley was in when he was found by a Good Samaritan. Dudley was in obvious distress so the Good Samaritan rushed him to VETSS. The veterinarians at VETSS suspected Dudley’sleft leg had been fractured. He received pain management and was kept stable overnight until he could be transferred to the SPCA.

X-rays done at the SPCA confirmed that Dudley’s leg was indeed fractured. X-rays also showed that Dudley’s tail had been fractured as well. Neither of these fractures could be surgically repaired so Director of Veterinarian Services, Dr. Beichel, made the decision to amputate Dudley’s leg and part of his tail.

After spending a few days being monitored in the SPCA’s vet clinic Dudley was placed in a loving foster home to recover from his surgery. While in foster care Dudley will learn how to maneuver on three legs and soon this little tiger will be ready to pounce into a new home.

2011-12-18T23:14:00.022-05:00

... And the Eighth Save of Christmas is Pickle.

Pickle's story is told in the video below. Please click on the picture to see why Pickle is our Eighth Save of Christmas.

2011-12-18T01:28:00.005-05:00

... And the Seventh Save of Christmas is Romeo.

Romeo, like many cats at the SPCA, was a stray who was never claimed by his owner. To make matters worse, he had the misfortune of an FIV-Positive diagnosis. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a lentivirus or “slow virus” that can affect a cat’s immune system over a period of years. FIV is similar to HIV, but is not transmissible to species other than felines.

Cats with FIV have it tough. An FIV-Positive diagnosis often translates to a death sentence for shelter cats, but it's not the virus that kills them. If fact, most FIV-Positive cats can live long, healthy lives. However, because FIV is often misunderstood, adoption rates for FIV-Positive cats across the country are dismal.

Romeo is the ambassador cat for a program we hope can help begin to change this sad fact. This past spring the SPCA launched a program in partnership with the AIDS/HIV Services Group of Charlottesville (ASG) called Pawsitive Partnership. This partnership aims to match cats living with FIV to people living with or affected by HIV or AIDS.

As the Pawsitive Partnership ambassadors, Romeo and FIV-Positive pal Matty, went to live in the ASG office. It turns out that this program has not only been wonderful for Romeo and Matty, who love greeting ASG clients, lounging on office couches, and attending board meetings, but having them in the office has had some other, maybe not so unexpected benefits.

Any cat owner can attest to the relaxing benefits of petting a cat--it can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and provide comfort in stressful times. After a few weeks, ASG staff discovered that Romeo isn’t just any ordinary orange tabby cat--he has a special gift. Romeo seems to understand his role as a comforter in the ASG office. ASG Operations Manager Penny Goldman calls Romeo their "office superstar.” “If anyone is having a particularly bad or stressful day, Romeo always seems to know when and where he's needed and will spend a few extra moments lifting spirits,” Penny explains, “it’s hard not to have a smile on your face when he's around.”

Clients often ask for Romeo when they come in for counseling or groups. Penny recalls a client who arrived in a very anxious, depressed state,“When our caseworker found out the client was an animal lover, she was asked if she would like to meet Romeo. Romeo was brought into the room and almost immediately the client's demeanor changed. They ended up having one of her best sessions and she left in a more peaceful state. Now she always asks have Romeo join her in session whenever she visits.”

It is our hope that programs like the Pawsitive Partnership will help educate the public about FIV and give more FIV-Positive cats like Romeo the chance to find a forever home. Romeo and other FIV-Positive cats are available for adoption and foster to ASG clients and community members. For more information on FIV and the Pawsitive Partnership, please email llane@caspca.org.

2011-12-15T16:05:00.041-05:00

... And the Sixth Save of Christmas is Stella.

Stella was abandoned right before the Thanksgiving holiday in 2010, when her owner moved and decided to leave her behind.

Stella had two strikes against her that made the chance of a quick adoption unlikely – 1. being a pitbull and 2. being an older dog. Christmas came and went, then New Year’s, and Stella was still waiting for a new home. During her stay, however, staff and volunteers came to realize that Stella was very talented. She possessed a willingness to learn and an incredible determination to please. So in early 2011, for the SPCA's Pit Stop promotion, Stella was renamed Montreal and was featured in a Pit Stop video, a video that would change Stella’s life forever.

Hany, who would soon become Stella’s new owner, said “it was the video that caused me to jump out of my seat, make a phone call and drive 2 hours (from Roanoke) to meet Stella. Because I have been around dogs all my life, I knew from the video I was looking at a very worthy dog. More than worthy! I knew she was a dog that would match up well with my family’s lifestyle.”

Hany admits “I had a very neutral opinion of pit bulls, or to be more accurate, I think I can say that I basically didn’t trust them. But my family and I evaluated Stella as a dog, not as a pit bull. Kinda the way we should evaluate people. She won us over. We loved her and when we were asked whether or not we wanted to see other dogs, we said no way. We didn’t want a dog. We wanted "this" dog! We loved her on first sight."

Hany and his family exercise Stella regularly. She goes on hikes, plays fetch, enjoys play time, and accompanies the family on errands and all vacations. She is an essential part of the fabric of their household. Stella has even been featured in the Roanoke Library’s local ad campaign.

Stella is now a great bully representative, with impeccable manners everywhere she goes. Hany takes pride in a comment from someone who met Stella saying she was “the “most educated” dog he had ever seen!”

Stella's adoption will benefit other pit bulls. Because of Stella, Hany explained “I felt a need to help pit bulls in my area. I’ve been volunteering at my local SPCA as well as the animal control facility in my city. I walk dogs, always focusing on the pit bulls, and I do dog photography as well.” Now Hany, his family and Stella work together to support bully breeds and help other pit bulls find great homes, like Stella’s.

2011-12-13T18:49:00.005-05:00

.... and the Fifth Save of Christmas is Tigger

"It smells like a good idea!" That's what Tigger, a handsome orange tiger cat from a local feral colony, may have said to himself just before he jumped onto a hot barbeque grill to check out the sizzling meat. His subsequent “meow” emphasized the “OW,” since he had badly burned his front paw pads. A woman who knew Tigger noticed he was losing weight and that his paws were becoming infected. Things were looking grim for the curious little guy.

Fortunately, she contacted a cat-loving volunteer from Voices for Animals, a local feral cat non-profit, and they immediately brought him into the SPCA for treatment. SPCA veterinarian, Dr. Beichel found Tigger's pads to be severely swollen and the underlying skin tissue gone. She knew this must be extremely painful for poor Tigger. So Tigger underwent surgery to repair his paws (and she also neutered Tigger). Tigger would then stay at the SPCA for further treatment of antibiotics and pain medication. An SPCA vet tech took Tigger home every night for some extra TLC, as he also had a nasty upper respiratory infection.

In 2011, more than 1,500 feral cats
have been fixed in the SPCA Clinic.

Tigger would spend weeks recovering at the SPCA. During this time, SPCA staff worked with residents and cat caretakers in Tigger’s neighborhood to trap, spay or neuter, and return another seven cats living in the colony. Once recovered, a Voice's volunteer reunited Tigger with his colony where his caretaker is ensuring he regains any lost weight by providing his favorite treat of cheese omelets.

So, thanks to the efforts of the SPCA, Voices for Animals, and a concerned caretaker, Tigger has recovered and is back to prowling and pouncing around the neighborhood. Hopefully, he’ll avoid hot grills and burning coals from now on!

Click to read all Twelve Saves of Christmas

2011-12-11T10:49:00.035-05:00

And the Fourth Save of Christmas is Herman
A rat abandoned on the side of a busy road right off of Route 29, left alone in his cage to fend for himself with just some dirty food and water. SPCA staff named him, Herman.

It was immediately evident, Herman was an incredibly sweet, affectionate rat. SPCA staff were determined to find him someone special. That someone turned out to be Bethany. With no absences all semester long, Bethany decided she was long overdue for a day out -- so she grabbed a friend and set off to spend the day petting kittens and puppies at the SPCA. But Herman caught her eye immediately. He struck her as the friendliest, most well behaved creature she'd ever met. Although adoption was really not what she came for that day, on her way out she asked for more information about Herman. Cute and even free (two things Bethany genuinely appreciates in life), Herman had found his someone.

Herman now lives frolicking freely and inquisitively in a room filled with Rat toys (although his favorite toy is Bethany's earrings). He loves his RatCat Play Dates with friend Amaretto. He also has an important job, being a Study Buddy, a job he performs incredibly well. Bethany says that Herman is "fantastically entertaining and almost intimidatingly clean. The other day I came home to find that'd he'd folded my laundry and vacuumed!" More importantly, Herman is no longer alone on a busy street with no one to feed him and care for him. He has a new loving owner. He is even going home with Bethany over the upcoming winter break. Bethany and Herman now have each other and a companionship that helps both of them get through each day.

Click to read all Twelve Saves of Christmas

2011-12-07T22:02:00.006-05:00

...And The Third Save of Christmas is Maxine

Approximately 1,200 kittens make their way to the SPCA yearly--they are the lucky ones. Maxine was just 4oz. when Joan's dog found her abandoned in a pile of leaves. The kitten's body was cold and Joan couldn't just leave her to die, but she had no idea how to save a kitten who was in such obvious distress. It was late in the day, so she tucked the kitten in her shirt and rushed her to the SPCA, hoping we could help. A clinic staff person immediately began warming the kitten with hot water bottles and rubbed Karo's syrup on her gums to help revive her. Not sure Maxine would survive overnight, the clinic staff member took her home to look after her. Maxine began to show signs of improvement and was placed with a surrogate mom in a foster home. While Maxine was thriving with her new family in foster care, Joan had not forgotten about her. She regularly called to check on Maxine and vowed to adopt her when she was old enough. It took a dog, quick thinking staff members, a surrogate mom cat, and a caring foster family to save her.

Joan will tell you it was well worth all the effort. She couldn't be happier with her new companion.

Click to read all Twelve Saves of Christmas

...And The Second Save of Christmas is Harry

2011-12-07T16:22:00.016-05:00

Kathi Brown calls Harry, her new little terrier, a “miracle dog.” She first spotted Harry on the SPCA’s Facebook page early in the fall. The little guy had been hit by a car on 29 North and brought into the SPCA with a fractured pelvis and many other injuries. Kathi followed the saga of Harry (then called Melvin) on Facebook. And when he had healed enough to go into foster care, Kathi offered to take him. She didn’t intend to adopt the scruffy, silent, and gimpy Harry; she already had Sam, a border collie/spaniel mix. But take him home she did, and Harry soon became a permanent member of the family. Kathi reports that he has healed from his surgery, become quite the lively little fellow, charmed big sister Sam, and embraced his new mama. Why the name Harry? Kathi says in part it’s for Harry Houdini, since her new little family member appeared “magically” in her and Sam’s lives.

Click to read all Twelve Saves of Christmas

The Twelve Saves of Christmas: First Save is a dog named "Blue"

2011-12-01T22:46:00.026-05:00

During the month of December we will be sharing twelve stories about animals that needed the SPCA's help this year -- titled "The Twelve Saves of Christmas." These stories exemplify our commitment to maintaining Charlottesville-Albemarle as a No Kill community. Some stories may be about injured or neglected animals in need of life-saving medical attention, others may just be about an animal that simply needs our dedication to find him or her a home. Each story is unique in its own way. All of these stories have a happy ending because of the commitment of our SPCA and our community. And we believe each will make you smile this Holiday Season.

Starting us off today is The First Save of Christmas -- "Blue."

Blue was brought to the SPCA as a stray after spending the evening at Greenbriar Emergency Clinic. Blue was injured and was not using his back leg. Xrays showed a fractured femur. During Blue's surgery to repair the fracture, our Director of Veterinarian Services, Dr. Beichel, found Blue had an infection in his bone which could impact his ability to fully recover. Nonetheless, due to Blue's size (especially the size of his head and his stocky stature) Dr. Beichel wanted to try and save Blue's leg. So she pinned his leg, and then began a wait and see game to determine if Blue would use his leg again. Today although Blue is not fully recovered, you will notice from the video below he has begun to put weight on his leg. We are hopeful Blue will continue using his leg. Blue is available for adoption, but we expect after people view his video, Blue will be Home for the Holidays very soon.

Watch Blue's Video. Blue will definitely make you smile!!!

Click to read all Twelve Saves of Christmas

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-23T18:54:00.016-05:00

Do you know what it takes to make a No Kill community? YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of You!!!
This video shows why the animals at the SPCA are thankful!!!
Please watch it to the end if you have a few moments.

More than a Calendar Contest ...

2011-11-16T21:31:00.009-05:00

At the SPCA, we currently have our Real HousePets of CVILLE 2012 Pet Photo Calendar Contest going on. When we began this contest, I knew it would be fun to see the pet photos. But I have to admit, I had absolutely no idea just how good it would make me feel to read all of the different stories about how the animals in our community are loved. One of our volunteers Carole McLaughlin Springer posted on Facebook that "Reading about them is great -makes my day!" And Carole is right on.

Sometime working at the SPCA can be difficult, and if I am totally honest, some days it can be heartbreaking. But reading all of the stories about how all of your pets are so loved, well it matters so much. The animals everywhere deserve love, each and every day, and you all are making sure that happens.

So I thank you -- each and everyone of you -- who posted photos and shared your pet's stories. And I hope everyone will continue to do so. Because I am right there with Carole -- your stories make my day.