#adoptrva

Thank you so much for adopting from Richmond Animal League! We are so excited to launch Paw it Forward—and give everyone a chance to give back a little of the love your RAL pet gives you. For the last several years, RAL has benefited from The Community Foundation’s Amazing Raise. That community-wide fundraising initiative was cancelled this year, and our Paw it Forward campaign is a chance to raise vital funds by inviting YOU to share the love.

I know what it feels like to be a RAL adopter. There’s a certain happiness that comes with rescue. When I go walking with my big fluffy dog, Burg, and people ask what kind of dog he is, I always answer, “A RAL DOG!”

Burg was found in an abandoned house after his family moved away and left him behind. He was taken to Richmond Animal Care and Control and placed on a ten day stray hold. Not surprisingly, no one came to claim him.

At the same time, my best friend, Alyssa, died of cystic fibrosis.

On the day of Alyssa’s funeral, Burg was transferred to RAL.

And so it was that we both found ourselves at Richmond Animal League full of grief.

Burg is the only animal in the history of our shelter to escape time and time again from a locked kennel to come and stand at the door closest to my office.  I really was in no shape to deal with a scraggly, stubborn dog. But I let him lie under my desk, and he did that, needing nothing more from me. He was miserable. I was miserable.

 That was in August of 2013. Despite me telling him over and over again that I was not keeping him, and despite me taking him to Little League games and farmer’s markets trying to find him a home, and despite me not realizing from the very beginning that we belong together, I DID end up adopting him and we started to heal. Together.

Burg had surgeries to fix his physical wounds. Taking care of him helped me feel better about my place in this world without Alyssa. Burg has been a constant companion for me during the last three years. He comes back to RAL every day to help me do my work here. He understands that even though my focus during work hours is cats and dogs in shelter across Central Virginia, he is my one true love, my saving grace, my living, breathing proof of sorrow, of joy, of being lost, and being found.

Burg is Pawing it Forward for all of the animals like him who have work to do in this world. We hope you will join us.

Love,  Amy

Did you know… brushing your cat can help you lower your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and reduce stress?  Adopt 11 year old Salamanda and not only help out this senior cat by providing her with the love she deserves, but improve your health, too.

Would you like to get out and meet your neighbors? Adopt 10 year old Beagle, Tootles! Walking a dog in the neighborhood helps you become more social. You can improve your health by walking and meet your neighbors as you go along. Plus, when you get home, Katie would love to snuggle, too!

Studies have shown that having a pet in a home with a senior can provide many health benefits along with improving overall quality of life. Here are just a few:

Lower cholesterol

Increased Exercise and Movement, helping the cardiovascular system and improving flexibility

Lower Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Reduced stress

Companionship

Sense of purpose and responsibility

There are also benefits to adopting a senior pet vs. a younger pet:

The pet’s personality has been established and may be known

The pet’s activity level may be lower and better suited for a senior owner

Older pets can be more gracious and their human bonding is accelerated

The long term commitment may be less than that of a puppy

If you or someone you know are interested in adding a pet to family, here are some things to consider.

Why do you want a pet?

Are you ready for the commitment?

What kind of pet is best for you?

Can you afford it?

Is your space appropriate?

Adoption Fees for Seniors Supporting Seniors*

*For qualifying Senior Adopters 55 and Older

Dogs:     5-7 Years: $50, 8+ Years: Waived

When most folks think about volunteering at an animal shelter, they most likely think of walking dogs, cleaning litterboxes, and of course the the occasional cuddle session with the kittens. However, there is another important job here at RIchmond Animal League, the role of the Adoption Counselor.

What does an Adoption Counselor do? Make dreams come true by matching prospective adopters with the perfect pet. The role of the Adoption Counselor is essential in helping our pets find the homes most suited for them as well! Adoption counseling is matchmaking for pets and people! 

Adoption counseling isn’t just important work, but is also a rewarding and enjoyable role as well. You don’t have to take my word for it, read what some of our Adoptions Counselors have to say about their experience matching pets with their new families.

“It makes my day. I think I get more out of than RAL does, actually!” Sue Walsh says with a chuckle. “I love cuddling with the kitties, and helping find homes for the pets. And it [RAL] is such a great organization!”

Many of our volunteers where multiple hats. Sharon Hooper isn’t just an Adoption Counselor when she’s at the shelter, but also opens up her her home to entire litters of puppies, and helps find them new homes. “Nothing better in the whole wide world. It’s very hard to give these babies up but seeing a family come together is the makes it all worth it.”

Lisa Gits is another volunteer who wears a couple of different hats as well working on dog crew, and even helps bring in new dogs, and enjoys seeing the process of the dogs coming in and all of their happy endings. “I love seeing the these dogs come in, who were not wanted, get to go to loving homes, and have a bright future.”

If the idea of helping rescue pets find their forever homes, having a great time, Adoption counseling could be the perfect job for you!

Summer Block Pawty 2016 is under way! Exciting news... we will have so many puppies and kittens for adoption. Here is a sneak peak of what to expect. Come out and enjoy free purrs and puppy love! 

Happy Hug a Cat Day everybody! Did you know hugging a kitty isn’t just a great way to brighten your day, but there are also tangible benefits to your health and happiness? Here are a few reasons!

-Having a cat reduces stress and anxiety. Cats are notoriously low maintenance, and a simple petting session is enough to relax owners and kitty alike!

-Having a cat can make you more popular! Everyone will want to come and meet your furry adorable friend.

-Cats are like a vitamin boost! Exposure to pet dander and fur can boost your immune system!

-Speaking to your cat is easier than talking to a human. Most cat owners -already know this.  In one study, researchers observed that pet owners talking to their pets were more relaxed than when speaking with people. The study also showed that it was beneficial for keeping your blood pressure low.

-Petting a kitty can be comforting. Cuddling your favorite pet can release hormones in your brain that make you feel calm, and lovey-dovey.

-Cat’s are HILARIOUS! If you are looking for a good chuckle, a feline might be the entertainment you have been searching for!