Board of Directors:
Bette Grahame, Pres.
Gretchen Price, VP
Randall Phillips, Treas.
Laura Michael, Sec.
Fonda Bell
Astrid Brock
Molly Crowell
Ellen English
Sarah Landon Hughes
Marybeth Matthews
Sibyl Martino
Steve Schwartz
Krista Waibel
Tedi Wright
Please visit our website at www.nelsonspca.org
Spring 2013
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are happy to report that in 2012, as a result of the Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson
County and the Nelson County Animal Control Department working together, the fewest number of animals were euthanized at the County’s Animal Control Facility EVER! Most of the
animals having to be euthanized were either aggressive dogs considered too risky for adoption, animals the court ordered to be euthanized, feral cats, and animals too ill for treatment.
This is the closest we have come to making Nelson County a No-Kill community, one in which
no healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized.
Achieving this goal and sustaining it is a team effort. I want to express gratitude to all the
team “players”: our very active Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors; our hardworking
staff at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center and the SPCA Thrift Shop; our dedicated volunteers; Nelson County Animal Control Officers; participating veterinarians; Gateway Regional
Rescue Transport and the receiving shelters in New Jersey; the Northeast Animal Shelter in
Salem, Massachusetts; the Fairfax Humane Society; our generous donors who offered
matching funds for the Holiday Gift campaign; organizations that awarded us grants -PetSmart Charities, Inc., the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, the Companion Animal
Fund and the Twentieth Century Merchants Fund of the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, and the Lewis G. Schaeneman, Jr. Foundation, Inc; and, last but not least, YOU, our
supporters, without whose help we could not operate Almost Home Pet Adoption Center.
Sincerely,
Bette J. Grahame
Bette J. Grahame, President
Out
In
HS/SPCA ANIMAL STATISTICS - 2012
DOGS
On Hand at Start of Year
124
Taken In as Strays, Owner Surrenders, Returns, and
236
Born Here
Transferred In from Nelson County Animal Control
271
Transferred In from Other Shelters
14
Adopted or Reclaimed
145
Transferred to Northeast Animal Shelter (NEAS)
130
Transferred to Other Shelters
267
Died or Other
13
On Hand at End of Year
90
Total animals in HS custody during 2012
CATS
TOTAL
148
209
272
445
168
0
303
0
17
29
176
439
14
448
130
284
42
266
1170
NELSON COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL
Nelson County Animal Control Supervisor, Theressa
Brooks, and Nelson County Animal Control Officers,
Kevin Wright and Sandy Solar, work with the
HS/SPCA to save all adoptable animals at the Nelson
County Animal Control Facility. When their facility is
getting full, the ACO’s telephone Fonda Bell, a manager at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, who then
goes to the Animal Control Facility to transfer out the
animals that have been held the longest, saving them
from euthanasia. Their team effort is helping make
Nelson County a No-Kill Community, and is really paying off for the animals. The NCAC team is currently
down to two since Sandy Solar recently moved to upstate New York to care for a family member in need.
She will be missed!
Out
In
NC ANIMAL CONTROL STATISTICS - 2012
On Hand at Start of Year
Strays and Owner Surrenders
Seized and Bite Cases
Transferred In from Other Shelters
Adopted or Reclaimed
Transferred to Almost Home
Died or Euthanized
Escaped
On Hand at End of Year
DOGS
CATS
TOTAL
16
386
13
2
89
272
46
1
9
10
281
3
0
5
178
100
4
7
26
667
16
2
94
450
146
5
16
AT HOME WITH MIRACLE
This beautiful cat that we named Miracle was left outside
the Animal Control Facility with a badly injured leg. An
Animal Control Officer took him to the Lovingston Veterinary Hospital where his leg had to be amputated. He was
then transferred to Almost Home Pet Adoption Center
where he spent several weeks recuperating. Later he
was fostered and officially adopted by Lindsey MacNeil,
who sent us this picture. Lindsey says he is full of energy
and absolutely loves being petted. "He is spoiled and he
knows it! I couldn't have asked for a better kitty." Another
happy ending.
2013 Adoption Outings
June 22
July 4 & 5
July 20
Aug 31 & Sept 1
UVA Credit Union Community
Day, Nellysford 9am - 1 pm
Wintergreen Craft Fair, 12 - 3pm
James River Park Festival
Wintergreen Craft Fair, 12 - 3pm
Low-cost Rabies Vaccinations!
Bring your pets needing vaccinations to our “drivethrough” rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, July 13,
from 10am to 2pm, in the Nelson Center parking lot
(near the Library in Lov.). Vaccinations will be made by
the Lovingston Veterinary Hospital. Reservations are
not required, but cats must be in carriers, and dogs must
have collars and leashes. Cost: $8 per vaccination.
GOING TO GREAT LENGTHS FOR OUR HOUNDS
On February 12, at 6 A.M., Astrid Brock and Sarah Landon left Almost Home Pet Adoption Center
with 10 hounds inside the SPCA van, their destination being the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wisconsin. We learned about the Dane County Humane Society through Andy and Janet Hess,
former dog walkers at Almost Home, whose family had relocated to Madison. They informed us that this
beautiful, modern and well-equipped shelter had many empty kennels and suggested we contact them to
see if they might be willing to take some of our dogs, especially some hounds, and they were.
Astrid and Sarah and the 10 hounds,
spent the first night on the outskirts of
Indianapolis at Bugle Valley Elk Farm.
The owners, who are Astrid’s cousins
and animal lovers themselves, had an
indoor riding arena, where the hounds
were able to romp, relax and unwind
after the 12 hour ride. The dogs then
slept in the heated barn. Astrid and
Sarah stayed in the house with the family, their cats, and Ripley, an amazing
rescued mutt. They made it to Madison
by noon the next day. The dogs all
passed their temperament tests and in
less than a month were all adopted.
We are grateful to the Hesse's and Dane County Humane Society for helping us to find homes for these
dogs and to Sarah and Astrid for making this 2,000 mile journey, taking them through 7 states in 3 days.
PARTNERING WITH NORTHEAST ANIMAL SHELTER
The Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts has been finding homes for Nelson County’s
puppies since April 1996, when the HS/SPCA first began transporting them, first by plane, and then by
van. In December of 2012, the NEAS informed the HS/SPCA that they had few kittens available for
adoption and asked if we would be interested in transporting kittens with the puppies on the van. In
January, we began sending kittens up to the age of 5 months and later cats up to the age of 5 years. As
a result, more than 70 felines have found homes in Massachusetts and our cat population at Almost
Home Pet Adoption Center has been drastically reduced. A win-win situation for both no-kill shelters.
GATEWAY REGIONAL RESCUE TRANSPORT
The HS/SPCA is grateful to participate in this weekly transport to shelters in New Jersey, which has
saved more than 9,000 dogs since 2006. The dogs on the transport are rescued from Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Halifax, and Nelson Counties.
WON’T SOMEONE ADOPT US? WE NEED FOREVER HOMES!
Macy is a Black & Tan
Coon Hound, transferred
from NCAC in August 2009.
Energetic, affectionate, and
smart, Macy would be a
great fit for someone who
has a fenced yard, no cats
or small children, and enjoys training an intelligent
dog. She is ready for adoption.
Sable has been at Almost
Home since June 2007. She is
the sweetest cat in the place,
but gets passed over again and
again. Surely someone special
will see past her patchy fur and
love her for the great cat she is.
Sable has waited so long.
Someone special, please give
Sable the forever home she
deserves.
SALUTING OUR VOLUNTEERS
When the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center (AHPAC) opened its doors and took in its first animals into
our brand new facility in April, 2004, we were an all-volunteer shelter. Each job, room cleaning, dog
walking, cat care, building maintenance, office work, adoption facilitation was done by volunteers eager
to make our no-kill mission a success. Our plan to slowly bring in “adoptable” animals went quickly by
the wayside, as boxes of kittens were left on the porch and dogs were dropped off in pens, and the
phone rang constantly with another sad story of an animal in need. Though it was a chaotic time for our
fledgling shelter, our volunteers dug in and kept going, often with a smile or laugh, and always a hug for
the animals. Over time, we added part-time employees but nine years later, some of the volunteers who
were with us in those early days are still a consistent resource that we count on to help keep the shelter
running. Here are a few of their stories. We thank them, and all our past and current volunteers!
Peyton Coyner became a Nelson County
Humane Society/SPCA Board Member in l983,
when the Humane Society/SPCA was in its
early years. One Sunday a month, Peyton and
another Board member would spend the day at
the former Nelson County Animal Control
Facility in Arrington, opening the shelter for
adoptions and caring for the animals. When
plans started for our own no-kill shelter, Peyton
was actively involved, from examining sites to
making beautiful stained glass pieces he
donated to raise funds. When we broke ground
in 2003, Peyton took on the job of volunteer
project manager. Shortly after we opened, he
stepped down from the Board to spend more
time volunteering. He did routine maintenance
on the building as well as responded to many
Peyton Coyner with Shy Ann & Fergus
emergency calls. These days, he spends many
hours/days each month driving animals on the transports that saves their lives, including to New Jersey
and Salem, Massachusetts. He is also a reliable local transporter, a big need in our rural location.
Peyton and his wife Carol are avid supporters of AHPAC, and very much appreciated!
Judy Meincke and her husband, Hank, moved into
their current home in Nelson County when Hank
retired, in 2003. Judy had heard about our no-kill
shelter through various media sources, and by the winter of 2004, she was ready to volunteer. She started
on Thursday mornings, spending several hours
cleaning and feeding cats. Judy has continued in this
position ever since, and says the job became easier
recently with the transport of over 60 cats and kittens
to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts.
Over time, she has taken on the
additional job of weekly shopping for the shelter. Judy
also helps with spay/neuter clinics, and fosters kittens,
often the ones with special needs. Her love of animals
shines through and she says, “Working at the shelter
allows me to be a ‘crazy cat lady’ without having 100
cats in my home." Doesn’t sound crazy to us!
Barbara Fiske (left), a Nelson County resident, was anxious to participate at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, and after we opened, became a Thursday morning regular. There was no fencing at that
time, so it was a great deal of work with no slowdown until every room was cleaned and every dog was
walked and fed. On that first Thanksgiving, Barbara didn’t let cooking dinner for her whole family, prevent her from showing up. She simply had them all come to the shelter to help walk dogs! Dessert was
served after the job was done. When the need for a dog walker on Monday mornings became known,
Barbara volunteered for a second shift. Even having son, Josh, visiting from Japan, doesn’t keep Barbara from her two days walking dogs. Josh comes and helps, too. Barbara says the fencing has made
things easier for the people and better for the dogs. In addition to her shelter time, you can find her at
many adoption events with a dog in tow! Her faithfulness and devotion is very much appreciated!
Mariclaire Hale (right) is Barbara’s sister-in-law. She was one of the family members brought along
that first Thanksgiving. Thanks to being inspired by Barbara’s dedication, she became Barbara’s walking partner, driving from Batesville Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons to walk and lavish attention on each dog. Mariclaire has learned a great deal about walking and managing the dogs during her
time at the shelter. She sees the care that is given to each animal, and sings our praises whenever she
can. Her brother, Alan, fills in when needed, even sitting on the floor to hug the dogs. Truly, an entire
family of devoted animal caretakers!
Georgie Shufran, who lives with her husband, Ken, in Amherst
County, heard about Almost Home Pet Adoption Center in 2004
through a friend. Having recently retired and knowing she wanted
to do some volunteering, she gave us a try. Early on, Georgie
mostly did morning dog walking and room cleaning. As we hired
part-time staff, Georgie changed her focus to fostering cats. She
has become one of the folks you can count on in kitten season. In
2012, Georgie fostered 59 cats and kittens, often taking the ones
who are ill or have special needs. She also cares for several
“permanently disabled” cats in her home, always with great love
and respect for each animal.
Her devotion to the animals is
boundless. Georgie also insists on paying a good part of the vet
bills for the cats she fosters, another example of her very generous
and giving nature.
Dian Howe, her husband Paul, two dogs and five cats
moved from Massachusetts to Afton in July 2005. She
arrived with a history of animal welfare work, including
organizing volunteers to run the Animal Control Facility
in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, now a no-kill shelter itself.
In August 2005, Dian volunteered with Voices for
Animals, who asked her to distribute posters in Nelson
County, which is when she heard about Almost Home
Pet Adoption Center. Dian called to volunteer, first for
cat care and then as a dog walker. She continues as
the Friday afternoon dog walker. Dian says that
spending time with the dogs rejuvenates her, and
seeing the dogs open up and get adopted is all the
reward she needs. For several years, Dian also cared
for the cats when the Humane Society/SPCA had them
in Pet Forum, a pet store in Charlottesville. She also
fosters cats and kittens. She is now Vice-President of
Voices for Animals and has joined another group, HOWS, “Houses of Wood and Straw” which provides
assistance to animals in unfortunate circumstances. At home, Dian has 16 cats in her house and another 23 in a barn specially outfitted with fencing for the cats security. Sammy, the dog she adopted
from Almost Home completes the show. Dian says she is very much aware of a feeling of love at the
shelter. Part of that love, is what we feel for her!
Shirley Allen first became acquainted with Bette Grahame when her family moved to Nelson County from
New Mexico in 1992. The house they had rented had a
mother cat with kittens under the deck. Shirley was
referred to Bette, who was quick to respond to Shirley's
request for help. Years later, Shirley attended an Open
House at the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center and
signed up to volunteer, eager to repay for the assistance
she had received. At first, she would show up every
Thursday afternoon, just when energy levels were
lagging, and say with a big smile, "Give me a job, any
job.” No job was too big or too small for Shirley. As our
cat population increased, she became the afternoon
caretaker, feeding, medicating and cleaning litter boxes,
so the cats would be comfy overnight. In addition to the
job, Shirley assists at spay/neuter clinics, traps feral cats
all over the County, and fosters cats and kittens. She
even has a room set up for fosters. AHPAC animals
have a true friend in Shirley.
Shirley Allen
with very adoptable Lorne
Holie Mitchell was 14 years old when she first started helping at
Almost Home Pet Adoption Center. Her mom, Erica Mitchell was
one of our original volunteers and she often brought her three children along to help. When Holie was old enough, she volunteered
on her own, continuing throughout her time at Nelson High School,
and Piedmont Virginia Community College. Now, a working woman,
she still makes time to walk the dogs and get them settled for the
night on Monday afternoons. Her family has also fostered animals.
Mom’s example has inspired the next generation!
Meet Hazel Walker, the savior of senior dogs! There’s always a place in her heart and her home for
another senior pooch in need of some TLC. The age of the animal doesn’t stop the HS/SPCA from rescuing it. Sometimes they are abandoned, sometimes they are brought to Animal Control when a person
dies and no-one wants them, once a little old Chihuahua was witnessed being pitched from a car on Rt.
6 in Faber. Chico, as he was named, spent many happy years
with Hazel. If we are unable to find an adopter for a senior
animal, Hazel willingly provides it permanent foster care. Hazel
says, “They have taught me so very much. Their love to me is
unconditional, and mine for them.” Recently we brought her a
hairless Pomeranian from Animal Control. A flea allergy caused
the dog to lose her hair. After a short time in Hazel’s care, the
little Pom has a full coat of hair and is ready for trimming.
According to Hazel, “She is attached to my foot, and has a
battery operated tail. It never stops.
Hazel Walker – 4 Dog Night
“Yes, it hurts so much when they go over the Rainbow Bridge,
but I also know when I cross over, I am going to be mobbed by a pack of happy tails.” Not only does
she provide senior care, but on more than one occasion, Hazel has fostered dogs recuperating from orthopedic surgery. She currently is caring for Luke who had hip surgery. Hazel provides daily therapy to
strengthen his leg muscles. The HS/SPCA is so grateful to Hazel for providing these dogs with a high
quality of life, even if it turns out to be short term. Hazel, and the HS/SPCA, would love to see more
people follow in Hazel’s footsteps and help provide care for a senior animal. You’ll be so glad you did.
Another valuable team player is Marge Oram, who is currently
fostering a dog who has very recently given birth to 11 puppies
while in her care. Marge is one of the HS/SPCA’s prime foster
care providers. Frequently she fosters shy dogs, works with
them to socialize them and bring them out of their shyness.
When she feels they are ready for adoption, Marge takes a
personal interest in finding the perfect home for them. As soon
as one has been adopted, she is ready for another.
In addition to fostering, Marge willingly transports Almost Home
animals to veterinarians and sometimes even makes the 12 hour
trip to transport puppies and cats to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts, returning
home the next day. But that’s not all. She also spends time at Almost Home weekly, inputting information on adopted animals into the computer. Her smiling face makes her a favorite of people and animals.
At the HS/SPCA Appreciation party held at the
home of Mickey and George McKinney in January,
Flower and Ed Van Kan were recognized for
having personally found homes for 100 dogs from
Almost Home Pet Adoption Center. Since no-one
could have found better homes, we thought it appropriate that they be on a magazine cover, even it
was only a mock one. Flower and Ed spend countless hours socializing foster dogs in their home,
promoting adoptions on line, taking dogs to adoption outings, and helping with repairs at Almost
Home. A million thanks to this great team of
volunteer adoption counselors!
GOLDEN AND THE SILENT MEOW
Melanie Lepper fosters cats and kittens, helping them get healthy until
they are ready for adoption. Currently she is fostering Golden, a beautiful cat
who after months of being sickly at Almost Home, was diagnosed with Laryngeal Paralysis, a condition that severely affects a pet’s breathing. Taking a
deep breath was impossible for Golden and meowing was not an option, thus
the condition is sometimes referred to as “The Silent Meow”. Costly surgery
was done to correct the condition and he was a changed cat immediately following the surgery. He does require some special care, such as raised food
bowls, special exercises to keep him mobile (he has some neuropathy in his
hind legs) and a watchful eye for aspiration pneumonia, a possible risk of the
surgery. Thanks to Almost Home’s not giving up on him, generous donations
towards the surgery, and the tireless tender loving care of Melanie Lepper,
Golden will most likely live a good life. If the perfect home became available,
Melanie might consider giving him up, but it would be hard. We are so grateful to Melanie for all she has done to care for so many kitties, including contributing financial support.
SPCA THRIFT SHOP VOLUNTEER
Marian Whitehead has been volunteering at the SPCA Thrift Shop every Tuesday afternoon since
the Thrift Shop first opened, 7 years ago. In all that time, she only missed about 3 afternoons. She
loves her time she spends there. Bless her huge heart, Marian is 80+ and going strong. We look forward to many more years of her fine service! Thank you Marian for being such a steadfast volunteer!
Volunteers are essential to the success of the Thrift Shop, providing customer service, assisting with special displays and merchandising and
helping to keep the shop tidy and clean. Currently there are 13 volunteers
serving. Working at the SPCA Thrift Shop is a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a chance to meet lots of interesting people. There have been
shoppers from as far away as the North Pole (no red suit), people with
stories to tell, folks looking for a deal and lots of animal lovers like us. The
shop is very pet friendly, so there are often four-legged “shoppers” too!
CAT CARE COORDINATOR AT PET SUPPLIES PLUS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE
A coordinator is nothing without those she coordinates, and I, Melonie P. Morris, Volunteer Coordinator for the cats at Pet Supplies Plus, would be nothing without my PSP team. My team consists of daily
volunteers, substitutes, and PSP staff. While I am ultimately responsible
for the care of the cats at PSP, it is my team that takes care of them daily.
As a team, we communicate how the cats are doing at PSP and observe
their daily habits to be sure they are eating, drinking and toileting appropriately. A daily journal is maintained at PSP so that we are all on the
same page and where any concerns about the cats are noted, i.e., if they
are sick and need medication, if they need to see a vet, or if they need to
return to the shelter. Our ultimate goal, of course, is to get them adopted,
but while they wait for their human to arrive, they are entrusted into our
care – the daily volunteers, PSP staff and me. It is our privilege to be a
part of the lives of each and every cat that comes to PSP, as brief as our
interaction may be.
Our thanks to Melonie and the Pet Supplies Plus Volunteer Team!
YOUTH GROUPS AT ALMOST HOME
With over 30 active dogs and 60 playful cats at
the shelter, it can be a challenge to provide
every animal with the personal attention they
need to feel special…unless, of course, it is
one of the days that the animals get a visit
from an area youth group! On those days, all
of the animals get a chance to shine as they
are paired up with school children who manage
to match their youthful exuberance. After a
flurry of activity, the animals are left in a state
of blissful exhaustion. Two student groups that
visit our shelter are the St. Anne’s-Belfield
School’s Care for Critters Club and the youth
group from Nelson United Methodist Church.
We appreciate all the time they spend and love
they bestow on our animals!
STAB’s Care for Critters Club
Nelson United Methodist Church Youth Group
ALMOST HOME PET ADOPTION CENTER STAFF
The Humane Society/SPCA is blessed with a very hard-working, caring staff at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center. Fonda Bell, Sigrid Mirabella, and Bonnie Stevens manage the office and handle
adoptions, as well as many other tasks. Jerline (Gerri) Simpson is our primary cat care person. On
her days off, KC Carlson and Scotty Campbell, Jr. do the cat care. Renee and Scott Campbell, a
husband and wife team do an excellent job of caring for the dogs. On their days off, Jordan Howell
and Scotty Campbell, Jr. care for the dogs. All part-timers, they all care deeply for the animals in their
charge. They are assisted by a team of devoted volunteers who share their love of the animals.
SPCA THRIFT SHOP STAFF
How fortunate we are to have such a great team of people working at the SPCA Thrift Shop. Kathy
Miller, the founder and manager has two family members working part-time at the Thrift Shop, her
daughter-in-law Christy Ginter and granddaughter Kelly. Her husband, Jack is a star volunteer,
helping in many capacities.
Cathy Edwards and Erin Ezzyk make up the rest of the team of paid
staff. They welcome help from an assortment of dedicated volunteers. The financial success of the Thrift
Shop supports the operation of the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center.
PETSMART CHARITIES GRANT OBJECTIVES ON TARGET FOR YEAR ONE
When PetSmart Charities awarded the SPCA a grant to support its spay-neuter program in June 2012, it
came with a challenging goal attached: sterilize 222 cats and 184 dogs by May 15, 2013. Successful
completion of Year One of the project would earn us the other half of the $46,000.00 grant so that we
could continue the program for another year.
So, what does a Siamese mix named Molly have in common with Dero, the ten pound Chihuahua?
Well, I guess you could say that they brought us across the finish line, and in both cases, ahead of the
May 15 deadline! Molly, cat number 222, was spayed at Lovingston Veterinary Hospital on March 27th
by Dr. Jessica Ligon. And, Dr. Anthony Pearson, of the South Central Spay/Neuter Clinic in Evington,
neutered Dero, dog number 184, on April 23rd.
Frances Toliver & Molly
Sheila Morris & Dero
Meeting our numbers didn’t happen without surmounting some obstacles. Early on, it became clear that
we needed more surgeries each week to reach our goal on time -- and offset the no-shows and bad
weather that might force us to cancel a clinic. We knocked on some doors, made some phone calls,
and quickly did what we had to do to create a more aggressive program. By the fall of 2012 we had increased transports to South Central to four trips per month, enlisted the help of the CharlottesvilleAlbemarle SPCA clinic to reduce the backlog of female dogs needing surgery, and partnered with Lovingston Veterinary Hospital where every Wednesday is “SPCA spay/neuter day”. In addition, our cat
numbers got a huge boost when Peak Veterinary Services launched their cats-only Spaymobile early
this year.
With our various clinics in place, and PetSmart’s continued financial backing, we are ready to begin Year
Two of the project. In the end, what really motivates us is the difference we make through this program,
in the health and happiness of pets like Molly and Dero.
VETERINARIAN PARTICIPATION
The HS/SPCA is so grateful to the veterinarians who help us care for the animals at Almost Home Pet
Adoption and provide us substantial discounts. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the following veterinary hospitals, in alphabetical order: Amherst Veterinary Hospital, Crozet Veterinary
Care, Lovingston Veterinary Hospital, Old Dominion Animal Hospital, Peak Veterinary Services, Inc., Peaks View Animal Hospital, South Central Spay/Neuter Clinic; and, Wintergreen
Animal Hospital.
We also want to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Jessica Ligon who has opened her practice at the Lovingston Veterinary Hospital, where her father, the late Dr. Steuart Ligon practiced. Jessica is following in
her father’s footsteps, when it comes to helping the HS/SPCA and we are very appreciative.
We hope you have enjoyed hearing about some of our volunteers, staff, and associates and what they
do for our animals. Volunteering is a great way to meet wonderful people, spend quality time with
family, or enjoy meditative time walking a dog, all while experiencing the joy of a homeless animal’s
unconditional love. Saving animals’ lives is a big job, but it’s also an unlimited opportunity. If you have
some time to spare, please join us.
JOIN THE TEAM! Hurry -- Unlimited number of jobs still available!
To volunteer, return this ticket to Almost Home, or contact Astrid Brock at 804-761-1386 or by email at
[email protected]. We can use your help on a one-time basis, when needs arise, or on a
schedule that works for you – no long-term commitment required. Please volunteer today!


Animal Transport
Dog Walking
Dog Care at Almost Home
Dog Socializing/Training
Dog Grooming
Dog/Puppy Foster Care
Kitten Foster Care
Pet Supplies Plus Adoption
Cat Foster Care
Cat Socializing/Grooming
Cat Care at Almost Home
Community Events
Adoption Events
SPCA Thrift Shop
Spay-Neuter Program
Trap-Neuter-Release Program
Maintenance/Handyman
Phones/Clerical/Newsletter
Name: ______________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
E-Mail: ______________________________________
Best Time to Call: ___________________
LUCKY
We close our newsletter with a farewell to our beloved Lucky, a Chow/Corgi mix resident at Almost
Home Pet Adoption Center for 3 years. On February 22, 2013, Lucky crossed over the Rainbow Bridge,
but not before his shelter friends gave him a party at the Lovingston Veterinary Hospital, providing him
with lots of yummy treats. Lucky’s best buddy, volunteer dog walker, Al Williamson adopted Lucky
that day and held him closely as he moved on. Later Lucky was buried at a beautiful site on Al’s farm.
We love Al for all he did for our Lucky. Lucky will remain in our hearts, especially his friend Al’s.
Please see our website for lists of Memorials, Honoraria, and General Donations.
The Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County is approved by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under Chapter 501(c)3. Donations are generally tax-deductible, depending on the donor’s
personal tax circumstances.
Our 2012 Holiday Fund Gift Matching Campaign raised over
$65,000! Thanks to our incredible, generous donors and matchers
for making this possible. Holiday Campaign and Summer Newsletter
donations are a major source of funding for our operations. Thanks,
team members, for playing a big part in helping us to provide for the
animals in our care at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center. We are
most grateful!
Please visit our website at www.nelsonspca.org or www.almost-home-pets.petfinder.org
to see our many adoptable pets. Here are just a few awaiting forever homes:
Almost Home Pet Adoption Center is located at the corner of US-29 and State Route 624 (Stagebridge Rd.), about 2.5 miles north of Lovingston, VA. Please visit us from 1-4 P.M. throughout the week.
We have beautiful pets awaiting adoption, and many volunteer opportunities! Call us at 434-263-7722
Almost Home Pet Adoption Center
Humane Society/SPCA of Nelson County
29 Stagebridge Road
Lovingston, VA 22949