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. Grit was brought to the shelter in 2020 when his human lost their job because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He didn’t have to wait long for a new family to come along and give him a great home. We recently caught up with his mom Brooke, and she gave us an update on Grit and their adventurous life together.
Grit was shy and sweet when we met him at the shelter. He was shaking and scared but finally warmed up to us. After about 15 minutes of meeting him, we knew he would fit in with our family. He was very anxious and scared at the shelter but found comfort with us. He fell asleep on my leg in the car with a sweet smile on his face. We took him home the day before Easter and he was our Easter bunny! We were so happy to have Grit on Easter because no one else could visit because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Grit is much happier and has more personality. We love to walk him to the beach and through the park. Our good friend is a dog trainer and has helped us with tips and tricks. He will do anything for a treat!
Grit loves food. He’s very quick and sneaky when it comes to snatching food so we have to watch him very closely. He will do anything for a treat, so it’s fun to teach him new tricks!
It’s so fun to record his antics and funny faces, so it was natural to start posting him. He’s a very expressive dog with eyebrows and ears that move a lot to show his feelings. Grit almost looks like a cartoon sometimes! He’s active on instagram @gritthesaltydog and was inspired by his cousin @oldtownluna. They are both rescue dogs and love showing off their adventures.
Every pet deserves a loving home and it is so sad when someone hits hard times and can no longer keep their pet. We feel so sorry for families that have to give up their pets during this time, but we are so grateful that shelters like the VBSPCA can help them through the process. Grit has brought our house so much happiness during these difficult times, and if you are able, I definitely recommend welcoming a pet into your home during this time!
The 2020 Virginia Beach SPCA Compassion Award recipient is Susan Browney-Dillon. This award is given out annually in recognition of individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the VBSPCA mission of compassion, both in the shelter and out in the community. As a business owner who freely gives her time and talent to help animals in need, Browney-Dillon is most definitely deserving of this honor.
Browney-Dillon has lived in the Hampton Roads area her entire life and grew up serving local animal shelters by cleaning cages, walking dogs, and even using her allowance money to donate to animals in need. When someone asks her about animal welfare, she will cheerfully answer back that it is her lifestyle. Her journey with the VBSPCA started over 30 years ago when she became involved with events. She used her dance background to choreograph and provide entertainment for the annual galas, and she later created the “Puttin’ on the Dog” fundraiser to benefit the shelter by selling donated evening dresses and jewelry.
After many years of success, Browney-Dillon decided that she wanted to merge her passion for dance with her love of animals to create Dancing for Paws, a Dancing with the Stars style fundraising event that was held at Chrysler Hall. These events collectively raised over $150,000 in funds for the animals of the VBSPCA.
Browney-Dillon is the owner and director of Golden Slippers Dance Academies that currently have five locations in Virginia Beach. One of these locations serves as a backup hurricane shelter for the VBSPCA animals should an evacuation of the main shelter be necessary. In 2019, Golden Slippers celebrated their 40th year in business.
She has also directly impacted the lives of Sundance and Dixie, two special dogs who were transferred from a Korean meat farm. “It was a long, hard, and very challenging road for them to become confident dogs after their dark past, but with much love and patience they are happy and living their best lives,” she said. “What a gift that I was able to be a part of that.” Fun fact: Sundance and Dixie were featured on the cover of the VBSPCA 2020 calendar!
Sundance and Dixie are not the only animals that are part of Browney-Dillon’s family. She has eight pets: four dogs and four cats, who are all rescues. However, her care for animals does not stop there. She often donates and buys supplies for shelter animals to make sure they are loved and cared for.
One of her favorite stories to tell happened in 2017 during hurricane season. The VBSPCA sent out a plea for blankets during the intake of numerous dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The conference room was filled with crates and Browney-Dillon visited several thrift stores to buy all the blankets in stock.
“When I went to the DAV on Virginia Beach Blvd., the cashier commented on the number of blankets I was buying,” she recalled. “I told her why I was purchasing them and not only would she not take my money, she reached in her wallet and paid for them. Her name was Naomi and I will never forget that act of kindness. What a great example of community, there are truly unsung heroes everywhere!”
Browney-Dillon believes that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, and she loves sharing everyday examples to show how important animal welfare is. “I truly believe we are supposed to help those creatures that cannot help themselves,” she said, adding that she wants to live her life as a reminder that there are always animals in need.
Browney- Dillon’s life has been defined by two qualities — compassion and ingenuity — and we are extremely grateful for the impact she has made on our entire organization.
“A small gesture of kindness by a few can make a huge difference to so many.” – Susan Browney-Dillon
The 2020 recipient of the Virginia Beach SPCA Lifesaver Award is Arvalla “Arvie” Larsen, an inspiring example of generosity, selflessness, and compassion in service to the animals. This annual award has been given out for the past 10+ years, and it honors individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the VBSPCA mission of compassion. Larsen has consistently proven that she is deserving of this very special award and we are thrilled to recognize her in this way.
Larsen’s journey with the VBSPCA started in 1980 while she was serving in the U.S. Navy. For many years, she donated part of her paychecks to the shelter as a way of supporting the animals. After retiring in 2013, she took a gap year and decided to put her compassion into action. Her volunteer orientation was in 2014, and ever since then she has helped clean the cattery a few days every single week.
When asked why she is so dedicated to helping the animals of the VBSPCA, Larsen explains in her blunt and matter-of-fact way that sometimes she “likes animals better than people. Because people can be mean. Animals don’t know what being mean is, only that they want to survive.”
In her off time, she continues to serve animals in the Virginia Beach community. She is a level 4 wildlife rehabber with Second Chance Wildlife and has successfully released multiple animals after nursing them back to health. “I hope to help animals live a long life and a better life for as long as I can,” she says.
Stemming from her passion for animal welfare, Larsen believes that government-run programs like animal control need help from dedicated people working in nonprofit organizations. According to her, the problem is too big for one shelter to handle. “Nonprofits are extremely important in our community because they can give a helping hand to state-run shelters,” she said.
Larsen credits her work ethic and dedication to her military background. She joined the U.S. Navy in 1964 and served until 1984, transitioning into working veterans affairs at Tidewater Community College. She recalls how different the culture was for women due to WAVES still being active, saying “we weren’t really in the Navy.” However, one thing she is grateful for during her time of service is teaching her the benefit of having structure.
“I know the VBSPCA can rely on me and I take pride in being relied upon,” she said. “The military taught me that when you have a schedule, you should keep it. It’s a good feeling to know that they can count on me to get a job done.”
While she is an integral part of daily life at the shelter, Larsen claims that she almost didn’t show up to her volunteer orientation. Her introverted personality made her nervous to take the first step, but once she got started, all of her worry about volunteering went away. “I work in the cattery and I love it because it gives me a little time to myself in the mornings before the rush starts. There’s a calming feeling of working around animals early in the morning, and I am so happy to have had this opportunity,” she said.
No matter what arena she finds herself in, Larsen has lived a life in service of animals. Her selflessness and dedication are commendable qualities to have, and the VBSPCA has been fortunate to have her as a committed volunteer in service to the animals.
“I hope to help animals live a long life and a better life for as long as I can.” – Arvie Larsen.
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. Goose was a shy adolescent dog who needed a home that would give him a lot of patience and love. He found his perfect home with adopter Kendall and lab sister Heisty who helped him regain confidence. We recently caught up with Kendall, and she gave us an update on Goose, Heisty, and their happy life together.
I have had my dog Heisty for three years, she is a yellow lab and also a rescue. She loves other dogs, but we never really were looking, until COVID hit and my office told everyone to work from home for the foreseeable future. I thought it would be the perfect time to take in a rescue since I would have plenty of time to spend with them. I searched the VBSPCA website and saw many adorable pups I knew would be adopted, then I came across a fluffy white cloud that had been there for over a month and needed multiple visits before he could be adopted. I knew right away this was the pup I wanted! My family has been involved in animal rescue my whole life so I was ready to put in the extra time he would require. During our first meeting he started to warm up but was still very hesitant. One of the employees told me he was extremely frightened of men. Each visit he would perk up more to see my familiar face and on the fourth I did the big test — introducing him to Heisty. I was so nervous and was praying all day they would click. They immediately loved each other and even started playing, and I knew she would be the perfect big sister. Throughout the visits, he had not let me do more than pet him gently, but when we arrived at our home I sat on the couch and he jumped up to cuddle!
It has been four months since I adopted Goose and he is doing great. Each day I would see him get more and more comfortable and have had plenty of time to work with his confidence since I work from home. I take him to Sandbridge on weekends to see my parents and sister. The first visit he would not let my dad within 20 feet of him, but now he runs and jumps on my dad and follows him all around the yard. I think he may be his new favorite. While I work at home, he plays with his sister all day and takes naps with her at my feet. He is also the fan favorite of Zoom calls as he loves jumping on my chair and saying hi. I could not imagine my life without Goose at this point and I know Heisty feels the same way! I can tell he finally understands that he is here to stay forever.
He has such a unique personality. Goose is always sticking his tongue out, but just enough to where it looks hilarious — I call it his resting face. When I lay on the couch he will jump on and just stand on top of me without moving. If I try to move him he will lay on me and will not budge. He loves jumping on the couch like a kid and body slamming his sister then pouncing on me. I cannot move an inch in my house without him following me and he is the biggest momma’s boy around. If he knows you, he will give you the biggest jump hug of your life when you see him!
Goose loves his walks and going to see his neighborhood friend Bentley at the dog park. I take Goose and Heisty to the beach often, although he only likes to dip his paws in the water so far and watch his sister swim through waves. He does enjoy digging in the sand and politely sitting next to the closest family with food. He also loves to play his own version of fetch where he lets Heisty get the ball then side attacks her, turning the game into a wrestling match. Goose loves his daily walks where he can watch all the wildlife and say hello to the other dogs passing by.
Adopting an animal brings an immense amount of love and purpose into your life. It sounds cheesy, but my two rescue dogs have saved me more than I have saved them. They have been there for me in the darkest times and bring so much joy to my life. The unconditional love you find in animals is greater than anything you will experience, and these sweet animals deserve a second chance at a loving permanent home. They do not judge and will be the best companion you could ever hope for. I am not saying it doesn’t take work and training, but every tough moment is worth it to come home to my two rescues.
Bringing a pet into the home is an exciting experience, and with it comes the hope of a long, happy life together. However, sometimes there are bumps in the road. Families adopt animals with the best of intentions, but when things get challenging at home, an animal can end up right back in the shelter. Sadly, statistics show that each time an animal returns to a shelter, the chances of adoption can decrease. It is the goal of the Virginia Beach SPCA to provide the right tools and resources to make all adoptions lasting adoptions.
Make sure all of your pet’s needs are met. As with humans, our pets have basic needs that are essential to health, wellbeing, and even survival. When a need is not met, it creates an unsteady foundation upon which health and behavior issues will almost certainly arise. All pets need the following:
If all of these needs are being met and your animal is still struggling, speak with your vet about other options or seek out professional training to work on desensitization.
Beat your pet’s boredom with enrichment activities. The brain is an organ that needs to be engaged and exercised. Without mental stimulation, the brain can atrophy and weaken which can lead to all kinds of behavior changes and challenges. Utilize the following activities to make sure your pet is receiving the enrichment they need. And remember, fixing an issue is always more difficult than preventing one:
Enrichment can help with issues such as destructive behavior. If there are no underlying issues and your pet is properly trained, providing enrichment is a great way to avoid unwanted behavior.
Prep your pet for positive experiences with people and pets. Interaction with people outside of the home is part of any pet’s life, whether it be with the mail person, the HVAC person, other dogs in a dog park, or even weekend guests. Being able to foster comfortable interactions with these unfamiliar faces is not only important for your visitors but especially critical for your pet’s nervous system. The key to comfortable interaction lies in socializing our pets early while also making sure we properly and safely introduce new spaces and faces.
When introducing your pet to something new:
Unfamiliar spaces can be scary for pets, which might make them reactive. Being patient can avoid problems and get your pet settled in more quickly. A pet that is stressed is not in the right head-space to be a great companion. While you may want to automatically cuddle and love all over them, it may take a little time before they are ready, and that’s okay. For additional information on how to introduce a new pet to your home, read about introducing dogs here and introducing cats here.
When dealing with a behavioral issue, it is important to decode what your pet is feeling. We checked in with our friend Crystal Partain, a Dog Trainer with The Freckled Paw, and she offered some great insight into our furry friends’ behavior. First and foremost, if they are acting out or showing signs of stress, there is always a reason! Consider what has happened in the recent month and answer the following questions:
There are many common issues that potentially have simple solutions.
Being a pet parent requires dedication, patience and love. If you are ready to commit to providing those three things, you are on the right track! If you are seeking additional guidance, speak with your veterinarian or contact one of our recommended professional trainers.
According to BluePearl, the Fourth of July is the busiest day for pet-related emergencies, with emergency rooms more than doubling in activity. Heat, holiday food, outdoor events, and fireworks create the perfect storm. Plus, people take their dogs to firework displays or cookouts thinking it will be fun, but the loud noises can terrify pets and cause them to run off and become lost. Here are seven tips to keep your pet safe on Independence Day.
1. Keep pets indoors at all times and provide a safe space where your pet can retreat throughout the holiday weekend. Even obedient pets can get startled and react out of panic, so keep pets inside and provide a quiet, comfortable space where they can retreat. If your pet does end up running off, take action immediately.
2. Make sure your pet is wearing a current ID tag and that their microchip information is up to date. The easier it is to identify your pet, the better.
3. Have a current photo of your pet on hand. In case your pet does manage to get loose, having a recent photo will allow you to get the word out quickly.
4. Refill anti-anxiety medications ahead of time. Clinics are not always able to refill your pet’s medication at the last minute, so plan ahead. If you don’t yet have prescribed medication but your pet has anxiety issues, call your veterinarian.
5. Use other calming products such as a calming diffuser for cats or an anti-anxiety shirt for dogs. These helpful tools can safely reduce anxiety and are easy to find at most pet stores. You can also play some calming music to help mask the sounds of fireworks.
6. Have treats or a new toy on hand to help distract your pet throughout the holiday. Keeping treats on hand will distract your pet from the human food, and toys will keep your pet’s mind engaged. You can also prepare for the night by providing lots of play and exercise throughout the day to work off extra energy and help relax your pet.
7. Never light fireworks around your pets. Lighting fireworks around your pet is not only dangerous, but it could cause your pet to panic and inflict unintentional self-injury.
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. However, as important of a role as our shelter plays in each story, the happily ever after is why we’re here. The second chances begin with us, but forever is what it’s all about.
VBSPCA adopters are an integral part of our mission, and this month we would like to shine our spotlight on VBSPCA employee and adopter Kat, who welcomed sweet Squirt into her home and gave him the happily ever after he deserved.
I work at the VBSPCA and Squirt first came to the shelter all the way back in February with his brother Squish. Both of the boys were pretty scared and often nipped at the workers. I began to work on socializing Squish first since he was more shy than scared and it went really smoothly. But then there was Squirt. This little guy had a lot of issues at the shelter. He was scared and often felt he had to defend himself around unfamiliar people. I was offered a chance to foster Squirt to see how he would do in a home environment, and less than a week later I was given the chance to adopt the little guy since he already bonded to me.
After I had gone to bed that first night with Squirt in the home, my dad picked Squirt up from the cage and let him sit on his shoulder for a few minutes. According to my mom, he had this big, dopey grin on his face and said that Squirt seemed like a “good rat”. When my family adopted him, he acted like a stereotypical dad would and acted like he didn’t care for the rat, but I know he does secretly.
I’m just happy I was able to show others how great of a rat he is. I’m really glad I’m able to give him a good home with a lot of love. I always say good morning to him before work and tend to push him into my family members’ faces before bedtime. He’s just been a cute bundle of joy that loves to sit in the hoods of jackets and sweatshirts, which my little sister has plenty of.
Families should consider adopting from the VBSPCA because it gives these animals a second chance at love. Sometimes these animals come from bad situations and need a loving family to show them the good in life and bring the best out of them. I’m happy that I could be that for Squirt.
The safety of our furry friends is a primary concern for many pet owners during a disaster. With hurricane season officially upon us, now is the time to revisit your disaster plan and ensure that you and your beloved pets are prepared.
Find a pet friendly hotel. Keep a list of at least three outside your immediate area.
Prepare an emergency kit for your pets. This should include your vet information, your contact information, gauze wrap, nonstick bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and adhesive tape.
Make sure your pets have an ID tag that is fastened to their collar. If your pet is not microchipped, consider doing so as a safety precaution.
Identify someone who can help. Determine a family member, friend or neighbor who lives nearby and would be willing to take your pets in the event you cannot make it home.
Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.
If sheltering in place, know what to do. Make sure you know which rooms are safe, be aware of your pet’s hiding spaces, and close off any small spaces where pets could get stuck.
Download a weather app. Sign up to get weather alerts from the National Weather Service to make sure you are updated as soon as news is available.
Observe the environment. Check the area in and around your home to make sure you’re aware of any potential hazards that could harm your pets.
Monitor your pet. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pets have any prolonged signs of stress, injuries or signs of illness.
Give your pets time. Disasters like hurricanes can be extremely stressful for your pets. Allow them uninterrupted times of rest so they can recover from the trauma. Re-establish a normal routine as quickly as possible, but understand that your pets may need time.
Comfort each other! One of the most beneficial ways to relieve stress is to spend time with your animal friends.
The Virginia Beach SPCA has pet emergency decals available for pet owners. Pick one up and place it on your door or window to alert first responders and rescue teams that there are pets inside the home. Stop by and pick yours up today.
As summer approaches, mosquito activity increases, and with more mosquitos comes a higher risk for heartworm disease. Now is the time to brush up on heartworm facts while also making sure your pets are protected from what is a very serious and life threatening situation.
What is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm transmitted by mosquitoes. If your pet is bitten by a carrier mosquito, microscopic larvae are deposited into the bloodstream, eventually taking up residence in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Without treatment, these worms can grow to 14 inches in length, eventually causing irreversible damage to the lungs and heart. Note that it only takes one bite for a dog or cat to be infected, and if your pet is not on prevention medication, your pet will contract the disease. Furthermore, just because you have an indoor pet does not mean there is an absence of risk.
The good news is that this disease can be avoided. There are a variety of heartworm prevention medications for both cats and dogs, and they are proven to be very effective when administered responsibly and correctly. However, if your pet has already contracted heartworm disease, treatment is only available for dogs. Sadly, there is not yet an approved treatment for heartworm positive cats, which makes feline heartworm prevention essential.
If your canine is heartworm positive, treatment is serious and takes a minimum of 4 months to complete. It involves bloodwork, chest radiographs, and periods of prescribed rest. The rest is critical because if the heart rate is increased by exercise or excitement, the pieces of the dead worms can be forced into the blood vessels of the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
It is recommended to have your pet tested annually. Heartworms can live for months before symptoms present themselves, and when they do show up, they can often be attributed to other ailments. This means that many pet parents have no idea their animal is heartworm positive. Fortunately, heartworm tests are quick and convenient, and you can access a test via our Walk-In Vaccine Clinic or through your current veterinarian. For a full list of our services, click here.
This article relied on information provided by the American Heartworm Society. Visit their website for more information.
Last Updated: May 27, 2022 by vbspcaadmin
Keep Pets Cool — Heat and Hydration Safety Tips
Warm weather means beautiful greenery and extended time outdoors. However, heat can also be incredibly dangerous to our four-legged friends. Imagine wearing a fur coat during a trip to the beach! Below are some helpful tips on how to keep your pets cool and hydrated.
Safety Tips:
Find Shade
If you and your pet are outside during the day, make sure to allow your pet plenty of time in the shade. You can also provide your dogs with a kiddie pool filled with cool water or a cool towel to lay on.
Protect Their Paws
When taking your pet for a walk, check the pavement with your hand before you leave. If you can’t leave your hand for longer than 3 seconds, it is too hot for your pet! Go for walks in the morning or evening when it’s cooler. If you must take your pet out during the day, allow them to walk in the grass.
Hydration is Key
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so be sure to provide them with plenty of fresh, cool water. Add some ice cubes for extra fun! If you and your pet will be outside for more than 5 minutes, bring water and a bowl with you.
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
Animals pant to cool down their body, but if the humidity is too high, animals can’t get cool. Watch for heavy panting, excessive water consumption, and signs of disorientation. Lower their temperature by wetting the top of their head with cool water and increase air movement with a fan. Consult with the pet’s veterinarian as soon as possible.
Pets in Cars
Cars have the same effect as ovens when turned off. Never leave your pet in your car, especially during hot weather. Check out the thermometer below to see just how hot the inside of cars can be.
Hydration:
One important factor of your pet’s health is hydration, but what many pet parents do not realize is how quickly pets can become dehydrated. Below are some things to keep in mind during warm weather:
Understand how much water your pet needs. Water consumption is important for all mammals, but it is especially important for dogs and cats. Your pet’s body is made up of 80 percent water, which means your pets constantly have to drink water in order to stay well hydrated. On average, your pet needs one ounce of water for every pound that they weigh. If they are exercising or going outside, they may need more.
Avoid going too long without water. A good general rule is to always have access to fresh water no matter where you are. One great product that we recommend is the OllyBottle that acts as both a water bottle and water bowl for your dog!
Know the signs of dehydration. Dehydration can happen very quickly. Know the signs to make sure you can get your pet help as soon as possible:
What to do. If you notice signs of dehydration in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Heatstroke:
Dogs cool themselves down by panting. However, during extremely hot weather, sometimes a dog’s body temperature rises too high and causes heatstroke. Prevention is extremely important, but if you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, take them to receive veterinary care immediately.
What is heatstroke? Heatstroke is a type of hyperthermia that happens when a dog’s panting cannot accommodate excessive heat.
Understand your surroundings. If you are sweating or feel overwhelmed by the heat, your dog does too! Your furry friend will always try to push themselves to please you. Make sure you are not asking them to exercise or be in an environment that will increase their chances of heatstroke.
Know your dog’s limits. Dogs with shorter snouts or longer hair may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Understand your dog’s potential needs and compromise to keep your pet safe.
Do not use ice cubes to cure heatstroke. When trying to cool your pet down, you must slowly decrease their temperature to prevent complications. Ice cubes are great in a dog’s water bowl on a hot day, but if they are already suffering from heatstroke, very cold water or ice cubes can cause shock. Cool towels are best to start bringing the fever down.
Preventing health issues before they occur helps both you and your pet enjoy fun in the sun. If you would like to have a fun reminder of tips, print out the helpful infographic below!![](https://vbspca.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Educational_Heat_Hydration_2020-2.jpg)