Selecting Safe Pet Toys For Your Furry Friends
Most animal lovers enjoy spoiling our pets with love and toys. If you’re shopping for your furry friend, you are not alone – pet products continue to grow in popularity in the US and around the world. The good news is there are plenty of options when it comes to entertaining your pet. But while it can be fun to pick the cutest or silliest toy you can find, it is important to consider your pet’s safety when you are buying toys.
Size Matters
When you are buying toys for your pet, be sure to think about the size of your animal. Small toys can be a choking hazard for larger pets, and large toys may be hard for a smaller pet to carry around.
Look Closely
Even appropriately sized pet toys can be hazardous because of the way they are made. Common hazards include “eyes” on soft toys, strings, ribbons, or any part of a toy that can easily be chewed off and ingested.
When in Doubt, Test it Out
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to supervise your pet with new toys. You’ll quickly realize whether your dog has a tendency to tear the stuffing out of soft toys and eat it or your cat often gets string or feathers stuck in his mouth. You may find that you have two categories of toys in your home: ones that can be left for your pet to play with at any time, and others that are put away and only used when under your close supervision to prevent any safety issues.
Choose Your Chews Wisely
Dogs naturally like to chew, but edible chews can be extremely dangerous. As your pup chews off pieces of the treat, it can get lodged in his throat or digestive tract. Carefully choose the size and shape of any edible chew, and only let your pet have it when you can watch them.
If you’re looking for something you can leave with your pets when you are not home, treat-dispensing toys can be a great option. You may also want to consider chew toys made of hard rubber, which are much less likely to become a choking hazard.
By thinking through your pet’s play behaviors and closely looking at the toys you buy, you’ll be able to enjoy playtime and worry less about unexpected trips to the veterinarian.
Happy Tails | Rambler
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, our November Happy Tails highlights an adopter for whom all of us at the Virginia Beach SPCA feel a tremendous amount of gratitude – our very own Derby Brackett. Derby has been serving the VBSPCA since September 2017. She first joined the organization as a board member, then stepped in as Interim CEO 6 months later, and she took on the official CEO position in March 2019. However, it wasn’t until January 2020 that Derby adopted VBSPCA pup Rambler, and together they represent one of over 2,700 happily ever afters from this past year.
Rambler’s Story
Rambler and his 8 littermates arrived at the VBSPCA on December 26, 2019. They were barely 6 weeks old, motherless, and all of them in need of medical care for serious parasitic infections. After the puppies were treated in our clinic, our shelter team placed the puppies in foster homes where they would be able to rest and recover until they were ready for adoption. Placement for all 8 pups was secured in less than 24 hours, and our Director of Philanthropy, Emily Peck, had signed up to take Rambler and one of his brothers home on foster. However, Emily was out of town for the holiday weekend, so Derby stepped in to foster Rambler and his brother until she returned.
This was Derby’s first foster experience, and her weekend with the puppies was both challenging and rewarding – but mostly rewarding. Resident 
pet Rainey Storm warmed to the pups’ presence in the home, and her nerves shifted to curiosity. Everyone was friendly in no time. A few days of fostering turned into a few weeks of fostering, and when it was finally time for Derby to bring the puppies back to the shelter, Rambler was already home.
His First Year with Derby
At the end of this year, Rambler will celebrate his one year anniversary with Derby and her husband Doug, and what a year it has been. Despite the chaos us humans were experiencing throughout 2020, Rambler experienced a year of chasing waves at the beach, digging holes in the backyard, walking in the park, and playing with his big sister, Rainey Storm. He spent much of the year taking up too much space in the bed, being startled by the vacuum, and harmonizing with the sirens. He made a few appearances in Zoom meetings and ruined a few shoes, but overall he brought immense joy and unlimited entertainment to his humans. For Rambler and all of our animal friends, 2020 was a year of being loved by their human companions, and that love is central to everything we do at the VBSPCA.
In Thanks
We offer our thanks to Derby for providing Rambler with a loving, forever home, and we thank her for the compassionate leadership she uses to guide the entire VBSPCA team every single day. Derby leads with compassion and dedication – and, as 2020 has taught us – when nothing goes as planned, compassion and dedication matter most.
Brad Kuether | In Service to the Animals Since 2013
Brad Kuether has been serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors since 2013. His initial involvement with the organization began through our volunteer program, through which he donated his time and energy to both our kennel and foster programs. Eventually he was approached by leadership to join the board as a representative of our shelter volunteers, and he has been in board service ever since.
Brad’s professional life has been a mixture of military service in the US Navy and working in private industry. He spent 24 years as an Officer in the Navy, starting out flying A-6E Intruder aircraft, later serving as an Instructor at the Naval Aviation Schools Command, and completing tours at a Tactical Air Control Squadron, CINCLANTFLT, MIDLANT, and finally at Second Fleet. Brad also worked as the Training Development Manager for Coastal Training Technologies and as a contractor on several training development projects including developing the first computer based SCUBA knowledge training. For the past 13 years, he has worked for General Dynamics Information Technology as a Project Manager. He has managed projects for various customers including the US Navy, NATO, FAA, and currently to develop F/A-18 Pilot training for the Finnish Air Force. Brad’s board service has allowed him to remain involved with animal care, and he continues to foster kittens on a regular basis. He has served as co-chair on our Mutt Masquerade planning committee and has been a committed running participant in the event for years. Brad encourages members of our community to join the VBSPCA mission through volunteerism, event attendance, and donations.
Brad Kuether’s voice on the board is important as he represents the many members of our community who share in his experiences, interests, and passion for animal welfare. Thank you, Brad, for your dedication to the Virginia Beach SPCA.
If you are interested in serving on the VBSPCA board, please email Derby.Brackett@vbspca.com for more information.
Caring for Senior Pets – Wellness in the Golden Years
Sooner or later, age catches up with all of us…. even our furry family members. While senior pets tend to be more mellow and easier to manage, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you are providing the best care for your four-legged friend. Read our following tips below, and download our infograph to share with senior pet parents in your community.
Stay active
- Physical exercise is critical at any age, as both mobility and cardiovascular fitness are keys to longevity. Continue to take walks for exercise, but make sure to adapt your route based on your pet’s ability. If your pet is experiencing joint or muscle stiffness, you can blend gentle massages with short walks around the house to keep the joints mobile.
- Brain health is as important as physical fitness, so make sure to provide mental enrichment to aging pets. Take new routes on your walks to expose your pet to different sights and smells. If walks become challenging, try wandering the yard instead. You can also hide treats around the yard or house and encourage your pet to locate them. This provides the opportunity for discovery, which is good for the brain at any age.
Be proactive with health and nutrition
- Senior pets often have special diet and nutrition needs, and these needs can vary depending on your pet’s overall health. Whether you’re dealing with obesity or a more complex systemic imbalance, consult your veterinarian to ensure that you’re feeding your pet the right food.
- Regular vet checkups become increasingly more important as pets age, and it is recommended that senior pets see a veterinarian every 6 months. These regular checkups are key to early detection of common senior illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and liver disease.
Know the Signs
- If you notice any of the following signs, your pet may be in need of additional care: excessive itching or hair loss, changes in appetite or vomiting, incontinence or frequent urination, mouth soreness or tenderness, movement issues, or changes in activity levels. If any of these signs present themselves, see your veterinarian.
Being present for the golden years can provide some of the most rewarding moments of pet companionship. Yes, the medical costs can increase and more tender care may be required, but the bond that exists is extremely special. The end will always be inevitable, but as compassionate, attentive pet parents, we can provide a final chapter that is rich in the moments that make living worthwhile. We are their whole world.
If you are looking to welcome a senior pet into your home, visit our adoptable animals page here.
Why Senior Pets Make Great Companions
Senior pets make great pets! A dog or cat is considered a senior if they are seven years or older. If you are considering adopting a furry family member, here are some reasons to consider welcoming an older pet into your home:
Senior pets are often long term shelter residents. Seniors often struggle to catch the eye of an adopter, as puppies and kittens are more appealing to many. Adopting a senior is an extra gesture of kindness.
Age is just a number. Dogs and cats live for 10-15 years on average, and many live even longer than that. A “senior” pet has lots of love left to give, and many special memories are yet to be made.
Train less, enjoy more. Most adult dogs are already house-trained so you won’t have to go through the difficult stages of teaching house manners and cleaning up after accidents. Also, your shoes are probably safe since they are out of the puppy chewing stage.
Easier Introductions. Senior pets are often on the mellower side, and they can be easier to introduce to resident pets. They are also known to settle into new environments with a bit more ease.
Health problems can arise at any age. Some adopters are concerned about the health issues and expenses that can come with an older animal, but the reality is that health issues can arise at any age. When adopting an older animal, you have a better idea of what to expect, especially when adopting from the VBSPCA. All VBSPCA seniors have special bloodwork done before adoption to make sure adopters are prepared with the information they need.
It makes you feel good! You can be a hero to a deserving animal. Almost without exception, people who adopt older animals feel a special sense of pride and purpose in opening their heart to a harder-to-adopt pet. Doing a good thing really does make you feel good!
It takes a special person to adopt a pet knowing you may have a shorter amount of time together than you’d like, but adopting a senior pet is the the ultimate gift of generosity. Next time you think about welcoming a new pet into your home, consider the older animals who are just as deserving of a forever family. You’ll be the love of their life. It’s worth it.
Mind and Body — How to Help Your Pet Stay Fit
Fitness is vital to the health of all pets. Physical fitness prevents obesity while strengthening muscles and bones, but there is more to being fit than just strengthening the body… the brain needs to be fit, too. Both physical and mental stimulation are essential to being a responsible pet parent. Among many other benefits, mental and physical fitness reduce the risk of disease and increase longevity which will help you and your furry friend live a long, happy life together. Read below for more information on how you can provide your pet with the keys to wellness, and make sure to download the infographic to share with other pet parents in your community.
Fitness and The Brain:
Pet fitness is the foundation of a well-rounded pet. Exercising the brain affects health by releasing feel-good endorphins into your pet’s system to help their body work smoothly. And of course, if they feel better, then their overall behavior is better.
However, what happens when the behavior is destructive? While this is a common complaint among pet owners, what you may not realize is that your pet may be trying to communicate their boredom. Patterson cautioned that If your pet is being destructive or showing signs of stress, this may be a sign that you need to give your pet more variety in the area of mental stimulation.
Exercise and mental health go hand in hand for mammals, similar to how it is with humans. It is important to remember that the brain is also a muscle and performs better when it is fit. Read below to learn how you can ensure that your pet has the tools and play needed to exercise both their brain and body.
Let’s Work Out!
Dogs:
Dogs require exercise and mental stimulation so they can be on their best behavior. Canines are also social animals, so working out with a buddy is recommended. Here are a few ideas to get you and your pup started:
- Make mealtimes fun by buying a puzzle feeder or creating your own by using a paper bag. This helps your dog use their olfactory senses to problem-solve their way to a yummy treat!
- Taking a different route than usual for your daily walk. This helps dogs build their confidence in new surroundings and also allows curious canines to discover different sights and smells.
- Teach them a new trick. This counts as both exercise and mental stimulation. Training is one of the best things you can do for a dog’s wellbeing, as it helps prevent boredom and works in your favor to improve obedience. Both you and your pup will feel accomplished after a successful training session.
- Going for a run helps build the bond between you and your dog, while also being a great form of exercise. If you think running would be a great activity for you and your pet, click here for some helpful tips.
Cats:
Contrary to popular belief, cats need as much physical activity and mental stimulation as dogs! However, all of this can be done from the comfort of your own home. Felines are natural hunters and enjoy activities such as:
- Puzzle feeders, which help your cat’s problem-solving skills. Cats love to stretch their claws, so for added physical activity, cut a hole in a small cardboard container and hang it above the ground to encourage jumping and swatting.
- Chasing a laser or lure toy builds your cat’s confidence and is also a great form of exercise. Try to play with your cat for at least 10-15 minutes. If your cat seems disinterested or bored, it may be a sign that it is time to rotate toys.
- Teach your cat a trick or two! Clicker training is one of the best ways to help your cat stay healthy and confident. Click here for some helpful training tips.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs:
Small animals are intelligent and constantly on the move. Animals like rabbits and guinea pigs have a lot of excess energy that they need to burn in order to be happy and healthy pets. Some creative ways to help prevent boredom and destructive behavior are:
- Stuffing cardboard rolls with hay or another healthy treat is a perfect way to encourage appropriate chewing while also giving them a fun puzzle to figure out!
- Creating a DIY obstacle course to exercise your small animal’s mind. Both rabbits and guinea pigs are curious and love to discover new things. Use boxes or pillows to build your pet a maze, and you can create barriers that they will have to get around for added mental stimulation. Have their favorite food or treat waiting for them at the finish for a reward.
- Supervised exercise outside their pen. Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs need time outside their cage to explore the world around them. Make sure to stay with them at all times, and for added fun, place their toys around the area so they have approved items that they can chew on.
Download the infographic below for a helpful reminder to help your pets stay active!
Happy Tails — Ginny and Wanda
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Ginny and Wanda arrived at the VBSPCA as kittens in need of a loving foster home. After being placed with a family, the shy resident adult cat formed a special bond with them and foster mom Kate decided to make them permanent members of the family. We recently caught up with Kate to check in on Ginny and Wanda, and you can read about their success story below.
How did Ginny and Wanda come into your life?
We’ve been fostering with VBSPCA for about a year, mostly bottle-fed kittens and those that need a little extra attention. We had just returned two fosters to the VBSPCA, and the staff asked us if we would take home Ginny and Wanda for their two week vaccine quarantine. Typically our fosters go into a separate room for their stay as they are usually younger, but both kittens refused to be separate from our family, so we tempted fate and allowed them to begin to roam the house. Once their personalities began to shine, it was clear that they were choosing us. It would have broken our hearts to separate the girls, so we decided to make both of them permanent members of our family.
You mentioned that your daughter helps socialize and care for your foster kittens. How has she helped with Ginny and Wanda?
My teenager Jordan loves kittens and this is such a great way to teach her responsibility. She has helped bottle feed while I’ve been at work and she is amazing with socializing scared kittens. Ginny and Wanda chose her, especially Ginny, who can often be found curled up on Jordan. She is so great with caring for our cats and they all adore her.
“The joy that an animal can bring to a household is astounding.”
We heard that your resident cat can be very picky with who he becomes friends with. Tell me how Ginny and Wanda have helped him come out of 
his shell?
Our last cat to be adopted, Galen, is two years old. He is an extremely shy cat and hesitant to accept new animals. He has always been hissy with new kittens, even the littlest ones, which is another reason why we always give our fosters their own room. However, with Ginny and Wanda, there was no hissing. He was never scared when we brought them home and introduced them. Galen initially stood back and observed until he felt brave enough to play with them. Now he plays with them around the house and they are the best of friends.
Why is adopting through fostering a great way to save homeless animals?
When I adopted through fostering, I already knew how my resident cats would react to the new additions. In the past, if my cats did not like the fosters, it was ok because they were separated and we knew the fosters would return to the shelter eventually. But it’s great to have the option to keep our fosters should everyone get along. Not only did we help homeless kittens, but we kept them out of the shelter setting. “Foster failing” has actually been a huge win for us!
Why should people consider adopting from the VBSPCA?
There are so many reasons to consider adopting. For us, it’s not just that we saved an animal’s life. Our cats are our family members. They keep us company when we are sad, they make us laugh and smile even on our worst days. The joy that an animal can bring to a household is astounding. My children have learned compassion and what it means to care about another living creature by having pets. They are better people for owning pets. My life will never be boring with a cat around!
Cats Need Claws
Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. This behavior keeps nails and paws healthy while also stretching the body and working off excess energy. Additionally, when cats scratch an object, scent glands on the paws help establish a presence in the home, improving confidence and enhancing the feeling of comfort in the physical surroundings.
However, as much as this behavior may be necessary for a cat’s health and wellbeing, no one can deny that scratching can be destructive to the home. Scratching is one of the most common complaints from cat owners, and the first step in dealing with the unwanted behavior is understanding that scratching is a necessary piece of a cat’s wellbeing. Instead of discouraging the behavior altogether, the healthy alternative is to drive the scratching towards an option that won’t destroy the home. Read below for some helpful tips on how to encourage healthy scratching:
Scratching Posts
The best option is to use scratching tools. Place scratching posts or scratching boards in areas where you spend a lot of time. This way, your cat can create a presence in the home and positively share your favorite spaces with you. If you notice your cat continues to scratch in an unwanted area, work with that knowledge and offer a positive scratching option next to or near the established scratching spot.
Types of Scratchers
It’s important to have both vertical and horizontal scratching surfaces. Scratchers should be tall and long so your cat can stretch all the way out before pulling down/back on the surface. As for what type of cat scratcher material to use, it’s can be helpful to choose a material that is different from other items in your home. For example, if you don’t want your cat to scratch on the carpet, then don’t get scratchers covered in carpeting. This will help to reduce scratching on unwanted surfaces in the future.
No-Yes
You can also try the “No-Yes” method, which reinforces where the scratching is unwanted while providing a positive replacement location. For example, double-sided tape has an unwanted texture that causes an adverse reaction when your cat tries to scratch it. If you place the tape on the unwanted scratching spot and put a scratcher right next to it, this reinforces the “no” while redirecting the scratching to an accepted space, the “yes.” There are other textures and methods to reinforce the “no,” but double-sided tape is easy to find, inexpensive, and some brands are designed specifically to prevent scratching and are safe on fabric. You can even add extra enticement by sprinkling or spraying catnip on the scratcher.
In addition to scratching options, having a “cat-only” zone can help, too, as it offers your cat the option of a private space to retreat to when feeling moody, instead of resorting to defensive scratching. Also make sure you regularly trim your cat’s nails. This will prevent accidental scratches and snags which can trigger further scratching. Another option to consider is the use of nail coverings, which are available at most pet retail locations. You can apply nail caps to your cat’s nails yourself and they last around 4 to 6 weeks. As you can see, there are a variety of options that can help remedy unwanted cat scratching, but whatever you choose to do, DO NOT declaw your cat.
Declawing
Dr. Ann Marie Woyma, Virginia Beach SPCA’s Medical Director, explains that in order to actually prevent the nail from growing back, which is the purpose of the declawing procedure, you must remove at least half of the joint. This means declawing is bone surgery, not a nail trim. This procedure is similar to amputating every fingertip on a human hand. As the body heals, the scar tissue that forms can cause arthritis in a cat’s joints while also negatively impacting the scent glands in the paws. Since the scent glands can no longer be used appropriately, a declawed cat cannot establish a presence in the home which can lead to mental and emotional issues.
Paw sensitivity is another concern, and kitty litter may begin to irritate a cat’s paws. This irritation can lead to a negative association with using the litter box. Additionally, declawing a cat can impact a cat’s ability to positively interact with other animals and people. Declawed cats have lost a natural form of communication, so they are less likely to get along with other pets. They feel more vulnerable, so they are more likely to use biting a defense since they can no longer use a warning swat. Bottom line: the surgery puts an animal through unnecessary pain and trauma while also resulting in mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.
Declawing has become such an ethical issue that many countries that have already banned declawing procedures. The surgery is against the law in the United Kingdom, much of the European Union, Australia, and at least 10 other countries around the world. While declawing is not yet banned in all of the United States, at least five states currently have or are in the process of creating anti-declaw legislation.
The Virginia Beach SPCA does not condone declawing. All feline adopters sign a written statement agreeing that they will not declaw any cat adopted from our shelter. 
Happy Tails — Holly Berry
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Holly Berry was transferred to our shelter after our friends at PETA saved her from life on a chain. She captured the heart of her adopted mom Corinne and the rest is history. Since adoption, Holly Berry has inspired a tethering bill and has helped other dogs with similar pasts regain their confidence. Read more below on Holly Berry’s story and how she is doing in her forever home!
What is Holly Berry’s adoption story and why did you choose her?
I had briefly met Holly after she was transferred from PETA and then again during her rehab period, and knew that she was a really sweet dog but in really bad shape. If you look at pictures of her from then, it’s hard to believe she made it. After meeting with Holly Berry again and then in another session with my other dogs, I knew she was meant to be part of our family. What is unique about this story is that my husband Loren was deployed to Antarctica during this time. I really thought I was going to have to work hard to get him onboard because we weren’t in the market for another pet. However, his two line reply email to my three page persuasive argument simply stated that he knew we were getting her the day I brought her up months before. Clearly, I married the right guy.
Tell us a little about the bill she inspired! Has it passed or what can people do to get involved?
Holly Berry has become the face of what can happen when an animal is given a second chance in a loving family, and the absolute power of community coming together to care and speak for those who don’t have a voice of their own. On February 10th, 2020, SB 272 or the “Holly Berry Bill” passed in the Virginia Senate and is in the queue at the Virginia House. SB 272 is a state-wide bill that sets stricter parameters of outdoor tethering, increases certain minimum tether length requirements, and the proper sheltering of animals in extreme temperatures and weather advisory scenarios. I encourage anyone who considers themselves an animal lover or advocate to read the bill and rally their elected officials to support it by whatever means they feel inclined and motivated to do so.
How has she been doing in your home?
Holly Berry has thrived as being part of what we call the ‘band of beasts’, and has become the dog that I knew she could be. Her natural draw and empathetic nature towards anyone in distress is something I’ve never seen before; she’s definitely an empath. She is such a mother figure to babies, children and puppies. She has been instrumental in us successfully fostering dogs who have come from similar circumstances that we’ve brought into our home to teach them how to be confident. She really is one of a kind and we are so fortunate to be the ones to give her the life she always deserved.
Why should people adopt from animal shelters?
Some shelter animals have been put through the worst of what humans can do to another living creature; Holly Berry was one of them and she wouldn’t have made it if it weren’t for the unbelievable passion and work of the dedicated VBSPCA team. I’m assuming everyone has been in a situation where they have been given a second chance at one time or another in their life, and that is what adopting a shelter animal is. You are giving that animal a second lease on life.
Annual Partners
Last Updated: June 1, 2022 by vbspcaadmin
Building Trust – Keeping Kids and Pets Safe
The home should be a safe environment for everyone, including children and pets. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, adopting a new pet, or having young visitors in your home, it can take some time for everyone to adjust. By being proactive you can create a harmonious environment for humans and animals alike.
For the Kids:
For the Pets:
Interactions with pets and other animals can be very beneficial to children. Caring for a pet can teach children empathy, kindness, and responsibility. Pets also provide companionship and even boost confidence and lower stress levels! By setting your children and your pets up for success, everyone will be able to enjoy their time together safely.
To learn about our humane education programs visit vbspca.com/education.