Welcome to the Humane Society of Fairfax County!

My husband and I adopted a dog from the your organization on May 23, 1995. I worked with Mary Kendall and she came to my office cube one day and said "I've found just the dog for you." Indeed she had - Keesha was a mix of who knows what but she was a wonderful dog. When we retired to the Colorado mountains in 1998, we wondered if she would like living in the West. It didn't take her long to settle in. She loved to hike, wade in streams, tree squirrels and she spent hours just sniffing around the property. She would sit on the top step of the deck and survey her mountain. She didn't take lightly to intruders and the neighborhood knew our house as "Keesha's mountain."

However, the years took a toll on her. She had a rough beginning as a puppy and the effects began to show. Over the past few years, she was on five medications and saw the vet more than we saw our doctors. Early this year the muscles in her head began to atrophy. It became difficult for her to see and as the summer progressed her breathing became labored and difficult. After several visits to the vet and long anguished discussions, it became apparent that she was fading quickly. So on October 8 the vet came to the house and we put down one tremendous friend. She wormed her way into our hearts and we will always remember the wagging white tip of her tail, her warm kisses, her love and her curiousity that easily topped any cat.

Thank you for providing us such a wonderful friend.

Judy & Merlin Ahrens

My husband Brian and I adopted Archer around late April of this year (we changed his name to Oscar). He was the shyest cat I had ever met and would not come out of the room. We kept the door open so our cat, Jinx, could come in and out. We had hoped Oscar would get curious. He did, but not about Jinx. We have a 55 gallon fish tank in the living room and one night Oscar ventured out of the room and sat in front of it. He then tried to reach up to the fish. We knew he was coming out of his shell. He loves his big sister, a four year old tuxedo cat. She treats him like a little brother, chasing him around and being very jealous when he gets more attention. We think both cats are happy deep down, as you can see from the photo. - Mairead Bauer

Hello,
You probably receive several of these types of emails every week, but I just wanted to send a much overdue thank you to your center for my cat, which I adopted from HSFC about 7 1/2 years ago. He was known as "Smoky" when I adopted him in early Janurary of 1997, and I called him Newton. It was estimated that he was about 7 years old at the time. I remember walking into a room (I think on the second floor of your building) where he was all alone. He immediately came up to me and rubbed his head against me, and the center personnel were surprised because he was usually a very shy cat. That was my "signal"--I took him home that day. He spent a couple of days under the bed but we soon became close companions.

He had quite a life--he and I lived in the Washington DC area for several years (with one year on Minnesota) until I married a State Dept. foreign service officer, and last year Newton was able to join us here in Amman, Jordan. He was a good traveler, among other things!

My friends used to tease me that he was almost like a dog, because he would stand waiting patiently by the door until I would get home at the end of the day. He liked nothing better than to sit on my lap and never once was anything but sweet and affectionate.

Last week, he stopped eating and became very lethargic. The vet here, who had been treating him for some arthritis in his back legs, said that it was probably the result of chronic health issues, and on Saturday morning I decided that he was uncomfortable (if not in pain) and we had to put him to sleep. To the end he was loving and uncomplaining. He was truly a gift to me for the last 7 1/2 years and I just thank you so much for the work that you do.

Gratefully,Rhonda (Mohrmann) Carlson

My husband and I adopted Riley (shown in banner at top and below) from the Humane Society in June. Riley, whose name used to be 'Oreo' is a wonderful dog who has stolen our hearts. He has adjusted so well to living with us. He loves playing with the other dogs in the neighborhood and still loves retrieving balls! I just wanted to you know that we are so happy with our decision to rescue a dog. Riley is such an awesome puppy. He loves to learn new tricks, his favorites are 'roll over' and 'shake'. Thank you so much for making it possible for us to adopt Riley. Our lives will never be the same. As requested I have attached some pictures of Riley. The bulldog in the second picture is Riley's dog cousin, Semper Fi, they get along wonderfully. We recently celebrated Riley's first birthday!

Anna Gomez

Here is a picture taken last weekend of Huey (from your organization) with his adopted sister, Amber (from Feline Foundation). They are getting along splendidly. Huey wakes me up in the morning by sniffing my nose. They follow me from room to room, unless they are playing with each other. They sound like a herd of horses when they play and chase each other. I still have not heard Huey make a sound other than purrring though; while Amber chirps like a bird when she's playing, has a little meow when she is looking for one of us, and purrs. They are both very affectionate and happy kittens.

Randy Jones...

I know you don't remember me, but I adopted a white kitten from you at the Petsmart 9 years ago. His name was Keats. Well, he is now 9 years old and about 20 pounds and is as playful as he always was. I adopted him when my other cat was 11 years old, Murdock. Murdock had kidney disease and was expected to live at the most for 2 years after his 11th birthday. Much to my surprise, he stayed with me until September 12th of this year, which made him 20 years old, and having that little white cat around sure did perk him up and bring him back to life. I am now looking for another cat, just that right one that I have not been able to locate yet. All the places I have contacted either don't get back to me or try to make me take an older cat saying that a younger cat will not be compatible with a 9 year old. It is almost as hard as trying to adopt a child. Well, just wanted to let you know how the adoption 9 years ago has been going, hope you are well.

Alabama Louise

"...Bama is a very good girl too. She hasn't chewed up anything, even the bear. She walks very good on the leash, and knows to go back around an object like a tree, when she gets on the opposite side of you. She's perfectly potty trained, and her and Emma are getting along without problem. "

"I can assuredly say we are in love with Bama, and would love to have her stay. She seems happy, although I can tell she misses you."


Home Katrina Efforts- Part I Katrina Efforts- Part II Other Success Stories Find a Companion! Dogs Cats Rabbits Horses Birds and Other Critters
	You probably don't remember, but back on a cold, windy day in December of 1994, my wife and I came out (way out it seemed) to your daughter's barn to look at bunnies available to foster. You had 2 adults and four juveniles from a litter a month earlier. The female had just had a litter of about 13 the day before and the male (a little Netherland Dwarf) was available so he couldn't cause any more problems. We decided the next day to take the male, and I picked him up at your house a day or so after that. We 'fostered' him for about 3 days and decided to keep him, naming him Sparky. I estimated at the time that Sparky had been bred for the Easter trade in 1994 and was about 10 months old when we met him in December. Our vet thought he was 2 years old or less. I didn't think he was that old, as he still had (what I call) baby fur, i.e., it seemed to me he hadn't gone through his first shed yet, since his fur was still so soft. Well, we recently celebrated Sparky's 13th birthday! He's been a terrific little guy, has provided us with endless entertainment, and is doing very well with the exception of molar trims that he needs about every 6 weeks. The tooth issue started when he reached about 8 years. Thought you'd like to hear, and I've enclosed a recent photo of him, looking into the kitchen for treats. He doesn't like walking on hardwood floors because he can't get any traction, but has gotten a lot braver as he's gotten older. His nose fur used to be black and is still black for a month or so after he sheds; but as you can see it's turned gray with age. Ron Wallos

	SHOT AND STARVED WITH LITTLE CHANCE TO SURVIVE! But survive he did! Two days before Thanksgiving a rural shelter near Richmond received a call from a concerned citizen reporting a dead dog on the side of the road. When Animal Control arrived they discovered the dog was alive. He was emaciated, had been shot in one hind leg and it appeared the other hind leg was dislocated. To add even more to his misery he had a choker chain collar on, which was caught in his mouth and prevented him from being able to eat or drink. When he was picked up and placed in the animal control van, he continually licked the officer’s face. She knew immediately this was a very special dog and instead of transferring him to the shelter to be euthanized he was taken to an area vet. The Humane Society of Fairfax County was contacted and assistance was requested. We responded instantly. If ever there was an animal who needed our help this wonderful dog surely did. The next day we transported “Simba” to our facility and scheduled surgery for the next day. The veterinary specialist remarked the bullet wound and break appeared to be almost 3 weeks old. “Simba” did well with his surgery and is presently receiving lots of tender loving care. We know after his recovery he will be anxious to return the love he has to give to some very lucky family. He appears to a Mastiff, Boxer or possibly American Staffordshire Terrier mix. We estimate his age at 3. He is one of the most loving dogs we have ever received into our care. He gets along well with other dogs, cats and with his sweet disposition he would be great with children. He is housebroken and a perfect gentlemen in every way. Please contact us for more information on how you can be the one to give “Simba” his forever home.

	From: Cecile Conroy Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:39 PM To: PETS@HSFC.org Subject: 2 "HSFC" brothers I adopted Snowbell (Treasure) from HSFC in March, 2003 to be a companion to my beloved BoBo, who I lost in late 2004. Snowbell had never been alone and is an extremely social cat so I knew I had to get him a friend sooner rather than later. In December, 2004, I brought Pumpkin (Raleigh) home from HSFC. Within 3 days they bonded and are like "brothers" now. Only 2 years apart in age, they get along better than I could have ever hoped. Pumpkin needed a lot of socialization and Snowbell is officially known among my family and friends as "the sweetest cat they have ever met." Pumpkin has come a long way in 2 years because of Snowbell's exceptional personality. While Pumpkin has grown since, I am attaching a photo of them from about a year or so ago. The vet is very pleased with both of them and they are terrific companions. Thank you HSFC, for my lovely boys.

	Sent: Saturday, October 28, 2006 11:40 PM To: pets@hsfc.org Subject: puppy update I am writing to give you an overdue update on Beau, now called Jake. He is doing so good. He has gained a healthy amount of weight. He fits in the family like a gem. Our two year old loves to go on walks with him and will not take no for answer. She loves to take the leash and go on her own. She gives him "puppy candy". Thank you for the opportunity to give Jake a home of his own. Picture of Jake inserted, another attached.

	From: Kathryn.Coulter Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2006 11:39 AM To: pets@hsfc.org Subject: Update on Kallie! Hello Humane Society Team! Almost a year ago we adopted Kylie, now Kallie, from your loving care. She is now our best friend and love of our life, going everywhere we go and never letting a minute go by without a snuggle or a big wet kiss to say how much she loves us. My entire family has fallen for her. We met Kallie at one of your foster homes along with her sister Shelby, who I immediately talked my close friends Vicky and Joe into adopting. Now Kallie and Shelby remain close sisters and the best entertainment they, and we, could ask for. They have the exact same mannerisms, make the same noises, and love to curl up together after a day of playing. On behalf of everyone they have touched, thank you so much for bringing Kallie, and Shelby, into all of our lives!

	From: Kay Stadeli Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 8:58 AM To: pets@hsfc.org Subject: Tommy I just thought I would send an overdue picture of Tommy. It's been almost 3 months since we adopted him from the shelter. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family and am so glad we got him. I can not believe he was at the shelter for over 2 years before we were lucky enough to adopt him. Tommy is one of the most loveable cats I have been around and certainly has quite the personality. I have never seen a cat that purrs so much and so loud! On occasion, we will wake up in the middle of the night with Tommy in our face just purring away! He just loves to be around people, be brushed, and oh yes, his morning breakfast which includes canned food. He knows that he gets it about 7am every morning and on the weekends if we sleep in, he will let us know he is overdue. The picture I have attched is Tommy which he loves. If he isn't around us, Tommy can always be found in that bed or his other bed by the window. Anyway, I just wanted to give you an update and to say thank you. We are enjoying him so much.

	Hello Humane Society Team... I just wanted to write you to tell you about Asta (Sheba). We adopted her about a year ago and we had quite a hard start. She did not like my cats... I have2 cats and they are like my children (so is my other dog Shiloh). Asta and Shiloh got along wonderful and we where so happy to have a playmate for Shiloh but Asta would case and nip my cats (she wanted to herd them). We called a trainer into the house and with consistent training, positive reinforcement and a training collar we got them all to get along. Asta is so smart, she will pick up on things so quick. Ohh and today they lay next to each other on the floor and slept. I am really writing you to let all those people out there know that there is (almost) always a way to make things work. If you have a problem with your dog or cat try a trainer and see if it can be fixed and then decide if you still want to surrender your dog. Asta is a good example that if we want to make it work it will work. She is such a happy bouncy dog and we enjoy her so much. She also used to need a crate whenever we went out (and with the previous owner as well)-She now is crate free due to a lot of excercise and very happy about it. She used to shred things and have accidents but all that can be fixed with consistent training and lots of attention and love. We could not have gotten a better dog for our whole family. Thank you to all of you and all your work you do for the animals. I know they need you.... Alexandra, Eric and furries ======


	My husband and I adopted a dog from the your organization on May 23, 1995. I worked with Mary Kendall and she came to my office cube one day and said "I've found just the dog for you." Indeed she had - Keesha was a mix of who knows what but she was a wonderful dog. When we retired to the Colorado mountains in 1998, we wondered if she would like living in the West. It didn't take her long to settle in. She loved to hike, wade in streams, tree squirrels and she spent hours just sniffing around the property. She would sit on the top step of the deck and survey her mountain. She didn't take lightly to intruders and the neighborhood knew our house as "Keesha's mountain." However, the years took a toll on her. She had a rough beginning as a puppy and the effects began to show. Over the past few years, she was on five medications and saw the vet more than we saw our doctors. Early this year the muscles in her head began to atrophy. It became difficult for her to see and as the summer progressed her breathing became labored and difficult. After several visits to the vet and long anguished discussions, it became apparent that she was fading quickly. So on October 8 the vet came to the house and we put down one tremendous friend. She wormed her way into our hearts and we will always remember the wagging white tip of her tail, her warm kisses, her love and her curiousity that easily topped any cat. Thank you for providing us such a wonderful friend. Judy & Merlin Ahrens My husband Brian and I adopted Archer around late April of this year (we changed his name to Oscar). He was the shyest cat I had ever met and would not come out of the room. We kept the door open so our cat, Jinx, could come in and out. We had hoped Oscar would get curious. He did, but not about Jinx. We have a 55 gallon fish tank in the living room and one night Oscar ventured out of the room and sat in front of it. He then tried to reach up to the fish. We knew he was coming out of his shell. He loves his big sister, a four year old tuxedo cat. She treats him like a little brother, chasing him around and being very jealous when he gets more attention. We think both cats are happy deep down, as you can see from the photo. - Mairead Bauer Hello, You probably receive several of these types of emails every week, but I just wanted to send a much overdue thank you to your center for my cat, which I adopted from HSFC about 7 1/2 years ago. He was known as "Smoky" when I adopted him in early Janurary of 1997, and I called him Newton. It was estimated that he was about 7 years old at the time. I remember walking into a room (I think on the second floor of your building) where he was all alone. He immediately came up to me and rubbed his head against me, and the center personnel were surprised because he was usually a very shy cat. That was my "signal"--I took him home that day. He spent a couple of days under the bed but we soon became close companions. He had quite a life--he and I lived in the Washington DC area for several years (with one year on Minnesota) until I married a State Dept. foreign service officer, and last year Newton was able to join us here in Amman, Jordan. He was a good traveler, among other things! My friends used to tease me that he was almost like a dog, because he would stand waiting patiently by the door until I would get home at the end of the day. He liked nothing better than to sit on my lap and never once was anything but sweet and affectionate. Last week, he stopped eating and became very lethargic. The vet here, who had been treating him for some arthritis in his back legs, said that it was probably the result of chronic health issues, and on Saturday morning I decided that he was uncomfortable (if not in pain) and we had to put him to sleep. To the end he was loving and uncomplaining. He was truly a gift to me for the last 7 1/2 years and I just thank you so much for the work that you do. Gratefully,Rhonda (Mohrmann) Carlson My husband and I adopted Riley (shown in banner at top and below) from the Humane Society in June. Riley, whose name used to be 'Oreo' is a wonderful dog who has stolen our hearts. He has adjusted so well to living with us. He loves playing with the other dogs in the neighborhood and still loves retrieving balls! I just wanted to you know that we are so happy with our decision to rescue a dog. Riley is such an awesome puppy. He loves to learn new tricks, his favorites are 'roll over' and 'shake'. Thank you so much for making it possible for us to adopt Riley. Our lives will never be the same. As requested I have attached some pictures of Riley. The bulldog in the second picture is Riley's dog cousin, Semper Fi, they get along wonderfully. We recently celebrated Riley's first birthday! Anna Gomez Here is a picture taken last weekend of Huey (from your organization) with his adopted sister, Amber (from Feline Foundation). They are getting along splendidly. Huey wakes me up in the morning by sniffing my nose. They follow me from room to room, unless they are playing with each other. They sound like a herd of horses when they play and chase each other. I still have not heard Huey make a sound other than purrring though; while Amber chirps like a bird when she's playing, has a little meow when she is looking for one of us, and purrs. They are both very affectionate and happy kittens. Randy Jones... I know you don't remember me, but I adopted a white kitten from you at the Petsmart 9 years ago. His name was Keats. Well, he is now 9 years old and about 20 pounds and is as playful as he always was. I adopted him when my other cat was 11 years old, Murdock. Murdock had kidney disease and was expected to live at the most for 2 years after his 11th birthday. Much to my surprise, he stayed with me until September 12th of this year, which made him 20 years old, and having that little white cat around sure did perk him up and bring him back to life. I am now looking for another cat, just that right one that I have not been able to locate yet. All the places I have contacted either don't get back to me or try to make me take an older cat saying that a younger cat will not be compatible with a 9 year old. It is almost as hard as trying to adopt a child. Well, just wanted to let you know how the adoption 9 years ago has been going, hope you are well. Alabama Louise "...Bama is a very good girl too. She hasn't chewed up anything, even the bear. She walks very good on the leash, and knows to go back around an object like a tree, when she gets on the opposite side of you. She's perfectly potty trained, and her and Emma are getting along without problem. " "I can assuredly say we are in love with Bama, and would love to have her stay. She seems happy, although I can tell she misses you."