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.

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.

The Keys to Success

Basic Needs

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:

• Sleep
• Food & Water
• Potty Breaks
• Mental Stimulation
• Exercise
• Human Attention

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.

Enrichment

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:

• Training Exercises
• Puzzle Feeders
• Treats
• Licki Mats
• Dog Chew Toys or Kong Wobbles
• Cat Crinkle Balls

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.

Socialization

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:

• Establish a Routine
• Move Slowly
• Be Patient
• Stay Calm
• One Person or Pet at a Time
• Allow Them to Sniff Around

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.

Understanding the Reason Behind the Behavior

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:

• Is there any change in the animal’s routine?
• Do you suspect a medical issue to be the reason your animal’s behavior has changed? If you haven’t done so, consider taking your pet to a vet to see if there are any underlying issues.
• What is your pet’s training background? Have they had puppy obedience, basic obedience or specialized training before?
• How old is your pet? Adolescent animals are not as skilled in managing their emotions and may require a little extra patience.

There are many common issues that potentially have simple solutions.

• If your young dog is becoming reactive, be patient with them. They might simply be having big adolescent feelings about things. This is when annoying, embarrassing behaviors come into play, and they can be changed fairly quickly if caught early. If it becomes unmanageable, you can also work one-on-one with a trainer to come up with a plan. You can find our list of recommended dog trainers here.
• Pets destroying furniture and potty training issues are two of the most frustrating things pet owners have to deal with. For dogs, you can set them up for success by ensuring that they are properly crate trained and making sure the areas where they will be spending the majority of their time are free of anything you don’t want damaged. Cats have specific needs when it comes to litter boxes, and you can read more information by clicking here. They also need to be provided adequate scratching posts to discourage them from scratching on furniture. There are quite a few options at your local pet store including posts and furniture tape, both of which can be a great deterrent to unwanted scratching.
• Pets take time to get used to a new home and decompress. If you just brought home your furry friend, remember the rule of 3s. In three days, your dog or cat will have figured out where they are. In three weeks, they will have figured out your routine, and in three months, they will begin to ‘unpack their bags.’ Be understanding throughout this process!

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.

How did you first meet Squirt?

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.

How is Squirt doing in the home with the family?

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.

How has Squirt impacted your life since adoption?

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.

Why should someone consider adopting from the VBSPCA?

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.

Plan Ahead

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.

Create a Grab & Go Bag

• Food, water and any medications to last five days
• Vaccination record
• Leash/collar, city licenses, ID and rabies tags
• Sturdy and properly sized pet carriers for each pet
• Pet beds, toys and treats
• Plastic bags for disposal, litter box and litter
• Non-spill food and water bowls
• Current photos of you and your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated — and to prove they are yours once you are reunited.

Stay Informed

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.

What To Do After a Disaster

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.