Good Friends and a Cool Ball.

It is often the simple things in life that matter most.

The joy of being "Someone"

It goes like this -- you think, "oh that little one really needs to be in foster, I am sure "someone" will come to get him."

But sometimes the simple fact is that "someone" is you. I learned this recently as I passed by little Dustin (formerly known as Cletus) in his kennel. Dustin is a young, mixed breed dog. When I walked by him, he was curled up looking as sad as could be all pink, covered in scabs with missing fur. He could hardly open his eyes. He just sort of lifted his head and gave me a low growly/groaning "hello." When I called him in a welcoming voice, he wagged his tail and slowly got up to greet me.

I brought Dustin in my office and immediately posted a plea on Facebook that he really needed a foster home, because he would heal faster in a less stressful environment. I knew there was no way I could take him home because I had too many dogs already, and my home was not very calm. Not to worry I thought because certainly someone would come get him. But the day went quickly and by 6:00 pm someone had not arrived. At that moment, I finally came to the realization, that I was "someone."

And truth be told, little Dustin is really not much trouble at all. But the joy he brings me, well it is priceless. To watch this sad little guy come out of his shell and play and run with my dogs. He is absolutely happy as can be. And in the end, there actually are some calm moments ....

Animal Lovers -- WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

YES, the SPCA is committed to maintaining a No Kill Community. But NO, we cannot do it without YOU.

To all animal lovers, we could really use your help. The first day of Summer may be a month away, but Summer has come early to the SPCA. In the last few days we have taken in over 60 animals. In the past, we have been able to save animals because our foster care program has been one of the most successful in the nation. You are the reason Charlottesville-Albemarle is a No Kill community.

Please come to the SPCA and foster a litter of kittens, a couple of puppies, a special need animal or a senior dog or cat. Encourage your family and friends to do so. Just take a look at these faces -- than ask yourself, CAN I SAVE A LIFE TODAY AND FOSTER AN ANIMAL AT THE SPCA?

If you are a new foster, fill out an application today.

A Look Inside...

Before we start -- let's just say it -- this should not be happening in our Community. Below are the faces of some dogs that recently came to our SPCA. These medical issues did not happen overnight but resulted from a lack of care for a long period of time. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!

All of these dogs came in as strays -- so the owners are unknown and consequently may not be held accountable. The first dog (with demodectic mange) is currently in a foster home (with me!) and is on his way to a recovery. The second two dogs are contagious with sarcoptic mange and are being cared for by the dedicated STAFF at the SPCA.

As Executive Director of the SPCA -- I am so thankful TO THE SPCA STAFF. It will be a long recovery process for all of these dogs, but they will be loved that entire time.