Serving the community has always been important to Mario Lorello, who worked as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Virginia Beach for more than a decade. After transitioning to private practice, Lorello wanted to find a way to keep serving the public and found his place with the Virginia Beach SPCA’s Board of Directors. 

“I wanted an opportunity to connect with the community through a cause that I was particularly passionate about,” said Lorello. “I wanted to reconnect with the aspects of that type of work that I found most rewarding, such as helping others. In this case: animals.”

Lorello is now an attorney with the law firm of Zoby & Broccoletti, P.C., where he specializes in criminal defense. He also lends his experience with law to aid the VBSPCA. Additionally, Lorello is passionate about spreading the word about the organization’s fundraising events and community outreach programs. 

“People generally have misconceptions about shelters in terms of the types of pets available, their demeanor, and the conditions they stay in while sheltered,” said Lorello. “I’d urge the community to visit the VBSPCA and see firsthand the level of care and comfort there, the stellar facility itself, and the amazing animals in need of homes. And then tell others, because word-of-mouth is really powerful!”

We are happy to welcome Lorello to the VBSPCA Board of Directors. It takes involvement from caring people in our community to make a difference in the lives of homeless animals!

If you are interested in serving on the Virginia Beach SPCA Board of Directors, please email derby.brackett@vbspca.com for more information.

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. When Buck arrived at our shelter this June, he had already been through a lot. The two year old Boxer mix was shot in his front right leg and had to have it amputated. When he first came to our kennel, he was understandably nervous and shy.

Right away, Buck got a lot of attention from potential adopters thanks to a widely shared Facebook post. However, he ran into more bad luck. He was briefly adopted into two different homes, but neither one was the right fit. However, Buck’s luck finally changed when he met Kim and her family. We recently caught up with Kim to get the rest of Buck’s story.

How did you find Buck?

I saw Buck on the VBSPCA Facebook page initially in July. Our dog Crosby had just passed away in April, and I was sort of teasing my husband, Danny, about how sad this little three-legged dog looked. We weren’t quite ready for a second dog, and I was about to have major surgery.

Then our dog Charlie passed the day after my surgery. I think Buck came across my Facebook feed again, and I told my husband. We didn’t think we would get another dog so soon, but Danny came home one day and said, “All I can think about is that sad little three-legged dog.” Unfortunately, the day we visited he had the maximum amount of applications. We still watched him through the kennel grate and I was in love. He went home with a family, but they brought him back for having too much energy. I was there the very next day to meet him officially.

When we met Buck, it definitely felt right! He instantly took to my son Mick. We filled out the paperwork right then and anxiously waited to bring him home. We adopted Buck on September 4, 2022.

How is Buck doing in the home?

Buck is doing well. He isn’t perfect by any means, but we expected that! He has a LOT of energy. His backyard zoomies crack me up, especially since he only has three legs! He is FAST and kind of uses his shoulder to turn. He has also learned very quickly where we keep the treats!

What sort of activities do you do together?

Buck’s favorite thing to do is snuggle. He lays on my son, Mick, while he does his homework; lays across my lap while I drink my coffee; and if you are on the couch, he wants to be as close to you as possible.

Buck loves to give kisses and will cover you with his big tongue all over. He loves to run, and watching his ears and jowls flop is probably my favorite thing. He also loves to go places and ride in the car. We have taken him to a couple breweries and restaurants and he is so well behaved! He gets all sorts of love. His foster family came to visit and it was a really special time. There were some happy tears, and he was so excited to see them!

How has Buck enriched your lives so far?

We weren’t really looking for another dog when we adopted Buck. We had lost two dogs, one to old age and one to cancer very abruptly, in the course of three months. I had also just undergone surgery for breast cancer and was about to start radiation. The last thing on my mind was looking for a dog. When my husband came home talking about Buck, it all sort of fell into place. He was exactly what we needed. I feel like we needed each other.

Why do you think people should consider adopting pets with special needs?

I think people can underestimate dogs with special needs. Just because Buck is missing a leg doesn’t mean he is just going to lay around. He can still be active and run and play. Special needs dogs have just as much love to give as fully able dogs. Sometimes they just need the right family to give that love back.

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. Mama and Blondie are a mother-daughter duo who have spent their entire lives together. They have been surrendered to the VBSPCA twice after their previous owners could no longer care for them, most recently in December 2021. At 15 years and 12 years of age, the senior Turkish Angora cats needed a place where they could live out their retirement years together.

Mama and Blondie became favorites of our shelter staff, receiving lots of love and attention while they waited to be adopted. They made themselves at home in one of our cat colonies and ended up spending four months there. Then in April 2022, Morgan spotted them on the VBSPCA website and adopted them on Easter Sunday. We recently caught up with Morgan to get an update on this special pair.

How are Mama and Blondie doing in the home?

Mama and Blondie have adjusted to living in our home. At first they were not thrilled as we have another cat (Clover) and a dog (Ylvis), but after a few months they fit right in. Mama still likes to hide, but she has a hiding spot where we can pet her and she can nap. Blondie likes to act like she owns the place, and she has become top cat.

What sort of activities do you do together?

They don’t like doing activities. Just food and naps.

They are low maintenance cats, and this wouldn’t be our home without them. We also never forget feeding time with three cats in the house (Hey it’s like 5am and you haven’t fed me yet, are you going to get up and do that?).

Do Mama and Blondie have any funny quirks?

Mama likes getting her head scratched and she will rub her head all over our upstairs hallway. Blondie likes to paw at Clover if he starts getting annoying.

How have Mama and Blondie enriched your lives so far?

They have vibrant personalities that are entertaining. They are not cuddly (they hate being held) but they let us pet them every time they walk by.

Why do you think people should consider adopting senior pets like Mama and Blondie?

Senior cats are different: they don’t play like kittens do, and they like to nap and get loves. I have raised several kittens and older cats, especially from the SPCA/Humane Society, and they have never disappointed. People seem to avoid the older animals because of their age, but it isn’t the animals’ choice to go to the shelter. They don’t deserve to live the rest of their lives in the shelter and deserve the same amount of love that the younger ones do.

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. Stevie and her littermate were transferred to the VBSPCA shelter all the way from Texas in June 2021. Both young puppies were terrified. Since Stevie was extremely shy and had a lot to learn about the human world, she was placed with Mallory, one of our experienced fosters. Mallory put in a lot of time and effort during Stevie’s foster period but when it was time for Stevie to be made available for adoption, Mallory couldn’t bear to part with her. Mallory and her husband, Chris, formally adopted her that September. We recently caught up with Mallory for the full story and an update on Stevie now.

Can you tell us about what Stevie was like as a foster?

Stevie wanted absolutely nothing to do with me but was enamored with Blue [a dog Mallory and Chris adopted from the VBSPCA] straight away! I think Blue was her savior. For a long time she tried to avoid us and had a little hoard of toys and a bed under the dining room table where she would run to if anyone moved at all. Slowly she started to hang around us more and take treats from us. She really just wanted to be around Blue and Darwin [their other pup], so sometimes that meant being close to Chris and me.

It took about a month for Stevie to allow us to really touch her, but she would still run and hide afterwards. I was determined not to foster fail with her because I really wanted to know that I could help a dog like her become adoptable; so even though everyone was telling me to keep her, I kept saying, “no, no, no, I don’t want three dogs right now!” When it was time for her to be put up for adoption, I was hopeful but my heart sank.

What ultimately made you decide to adopt Stevie?

There was someone interested in Stevie right away, but then they changed their minds. I was feeling really sad and anxious about giving her up, plus Blue was quite attached to her – they are still almost inseparable. My husband knew I was really upset so he emailed me from work and told me just to adopt her… he was supposed to be the one who kept me in check! On September 28, 2021, we officially adopted her!

How is Stevie doing in the home?

Stevie has become a happy life-loving puppy! It has been such a joy watching her blossom and become the dog she was meant to be. She is so hilarious and makes me laugh every day. She LOVES meeting new dogs and loves going on play dates with her BFF dogs.

She absolutely adores all of the fosters we have had since adopting her. She has very good mama dog instincts and loves playing with and taking care of puppies. She is still very unsure of new humans. When someone comes over, we always tell them that Stevie will bark at them for a couple of minutes and then ignore them completely.

What sort of activities do you and Stevie do together?

Stevie likes to play fetch and tug with me! She also enjoys sharing my pillow on the couch and watching TV (she is a huge Buffy the Vampire fan).

Stevie will never be a snuggly, attention-seeking dog but that’s ok. She likes to snuggle in the mornings and she sometimes snuggles at night when everyone is relaxing, but she mostly likes to snuggle Blue or hang out by herself.

Does Stevie have any funny quirks?

Stevie loves to be dirty; we call her our dirtball princess! She is a treasure and I will never regret our decision to adopt her.

Why do you think people should consider adopting a shelter pet?

Easy, they are the best!! I think we kind of have a responsibility to help them if we have the ability. Shelter dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, so there is truly a dog for everyone somewhere within the rescue community. It is also very satisfying to watch them blossom and become the dog they might not have been able to become without you. The love of a shelter dog is just so immense and beautiful, there is nothing else like it! I have also made very good human friends within the rescue/foster community because it’s a great way to bond with people who have the same moral interests. I promise you won’t regret giving a shelter pet a second chance at life! If you are not ready for the full time commitment, I highly recommend fostering.

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. In May 2021, Midge was transferred to the VBSPCA by another animal shelter as a tiny kitten. She was placed in a foster home until she was healthy and strong enough for the adoption process. It was right around that time that Jon and Diana decided to visit the shelter. We recently caught up with Diana to get Midge’s full adoption story.

When did you adopt Midge?

July 22, 2021

How did you find Midge?

Jon wanted a kitten and searched and searched. He would find one but POOF! it would get snapped up very quickly (as so many kittens do.) So he decided to just pop in to the VBSPCA for a visit and check things out in person. And there was Midge.

How is Midge doing in the home?

Wonderfully!!!! She made herself right at home immediately (despite the fact that there were already 2 adult, female cats in our home) and she’s ruled the roost ever since.

What sort of activities do you and Midge do together?

Everything! She loves to “supervise” our cooking and cleaning and doing the laundry. She helps Jon feed our birds every morning. And she always helps scoop poop.

How has Midge enriched your lives so far?

Jon was diagnosed with cancer in March 2021 and Midge helped keep his spirits up through chemotherapy. [A happy update: Jon is now cancer free!] She’s funny and sweet and fearless and fun and makes us laugh throughout each and every day. Midge has even managed to bring our other two cats out of their shells – we’ve seen a dramatic change in their activity levels. They actually play now! Midge makes friends with everyone who walks through our door and we’ve even taken her on play dates with friends’ and family’s cats!

Does Midge have any funny quirks?

Known as “Midge The Mighty Kibble Hunter”, Midge “hunts” her kibble. She won’t just stand at the bowl and eat it straight from it. Nope…she stalks the bowl and digs out one piece at a time sending it skittering across the kitchen floor. Then she chases it down and pounces on it. Sometimes she sends it under the rug and then stalks it and chases it. As soon as she eats her “kill” she starts the hunting process all over again with another, single piece of kibble.

She also hunts bugs like no other – no matter how small or fast, if there’s a bug of any sort within a mile of Midge it’s a goner.

And any bag, no matter the size or shape – and this includes ladies’ purses – will get investigated by her. During Jon’s treatment, nurses would come to the house for post-surgery visits, and Midge would crawl in their purses and backpacks.

Why do you think people should consider adopting a shelter pet?

By taking home your new pet, you also make room at the shelter for another animal with nowhere else to go.

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. Arlo arrived at the VBSPCA in December 2021 when his previous owners moved and could not take him with them. Just a few days later, Ali and her husband, Steve, stopped by the shelter in hopes of adopting a dog. When they saw the two year old Basset Hound heading out for a walk, they knew they had to meet him. As Ali says, “Bassets in general are hard to resist!” We recently caught up with Ali, who filled us in on how things are going from Arlo’s perspective as well!

How is Arlo doing in the home?

Arlo is fantastic at home! His first few nights were a bit bumpy as he needed reassurance that we were still there when he would wake up at 2am or so, but he had only one accident and settled into a routine very quickly. We are lucky to have a fenced-in backyard, and he spends lots of time roaming and following the smells of squirrels that run all over our yard.

What sort of activities do you and Arlo do together?

Arlo loves other dogs and is amazing at matching energy levels of all kinds and ages. This means we try and take him everywhere. We especially love the farmers market, where he always grabs attention and pets from every being willing to say hi.

Does Arlo have any funny quirks?

One of Arlo’s silliest traits is looking up at you over his back. He doesn’t turn his head, he just lifts his chin until he’s looking at you upside down. All his Basset wrinkles fall the other direction and it must feel good or funny to him – he does it so often. He is also very true to his breed: when he catches a scent, he barks at the ground to alert us. He doesn’t bark when we get home or for much else, but we know when he’s got a smell trail to follow.

How has Arlo enriched your lives so far?

It’s truly like Arlo has been with us his whole life. He just fit right into our routines and loves to be right next to us wherever we go. He is a great pick-me-up on a stressful day and makes me get up from my desk and go outside, even if it’s just for a minute. Dear friends of ours recently lost their 14 year old Pitbull and we were hit pretty hard by it. But Arlo helped their dog play a bit more in her last few months and enjoy her toys again. He has provided us all unconditional love to heal from the recently stressful times and keeps us social, even if we don’t really want to be.

Why do you think people should consider adopting a shelter pet?

Arlo isn’t our first rescue and every pet comes with their own personality and traits to adjust to, but each time it feels like they know you rescued them. They are grateful and know that you just want to love them. There is a pet for every lifestyle – talk to the staff about personalities, know what traits you don’t think you can handle, but most of all stay open to considering the unexpected. Treat the pet well and you will receive more than you expected in return.

A note from Arlo:

My parents really needed me. They needed someone to get them outside, to play more, and to bring more joy to every day! When my new friend (the 14 year old Pitbull mentioned above) passed away, I cuddled everyone as much as I possibly could. They needed all the hugs I could give. Also, who was going to protect the backyard?!

Shelter pets are the coolest – you choose us and we choose you back! We may take time to warm up to you, but once we know we’re there to stay, we’ll love you forever!

While our pets cannot talk, they can communicate a lot through their body language. A dog or cat’s tail is an especially important tool to convey how they are feeling. By paying attention to your furry friend’s tail, you can easily tell whether they’re up for playing and meeting new people or instead need some space or reassurance. Read more below and click here for a printable version of our infographic.

Cat Tail Language

• Upright Tail: Your cat is feeling confident, alert, and friendly. If the tip of their tail twitches when it is straight up in the air, your feline is feeling particularly happy.
• Swishing Slowly: If your cat is moving their tail slowly from side to side, it means he is focused on an object such as a toy. They’ll likely pounce on that item!
• Whipping Tail: A cat that is whipping their tail back and forth is agitated. You should consider this a warning to stay away.
• Puffy Tail: Cats puff up their tails when they are afraid. By raising their fur, they are making themselves look bigger to scare off whatever is making them fearful.
• Pulled Close: Another indicator of fear is when a cat pulls their tail closely into their body or wraps it around their feet.

Dog Tail Language

• Wagging Loosely: When a dog is wagging their tail loosely from side to side or in a circular motion, they are relaxed, friendly, and happy. The tail is typically held in a neutral position.
• Straight Out: If a dog is holding their tail horizontally behind them, they are attentive and curious. Hunting breeds also hold their tails this way when they are pointing out an animal or object.
• Vertical Wag: If your dog’s tail is straight up with quick, small wags, your dog is alert and may be feeling aggressive or threatened. Give them space, especially if this type of wagging is paired with raised fur on their back and/or tail, staring, growling, lunging, or barking.
• Tucked Tail: Your dog is afraid. Tucking the tail is one of the ways dogs try to make themselves smaller when they feel threatened.

It is extremely important not to ignore what your pet is trying to tell you through his tail or other body language. Never punish your pet for giving warning signs that they are agitated or afraid. Paying close attention to their communication methods like tail language and growling is essential to preventing animal bites!

Keeping your pet’s food and water bowls clean is just as important as providing your furry friend with fresh food and water each day. You wouldn’t eat off the same plate or drink out of the same glass without washing it day after day, and neither should your pet. Yet a recent study found that most pet parents don’t follow recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration that are designed to keep pets, and their people, healthy.

What’s Lurking in the Bowls
Have you ever noticed a layer of slime in your pet’s water bowl? That’s not drool, that’s a bunch of bacteria that has bound together. The bacteria from an animal’s mouth can be transferred to the bowls while eating or drinking, and the bowls are a good environment for the bacteria to multiply. The bacteria left in a pet’s water or food bowl can not only make them sick, it could also cause illness in the human who handles their bowls.

Preventing Illness
It only takes a few extra minutes to prevent illness in your pet, and you! Here are some tips from the FDA to keep those food and water bowls clean.

• Wash Daily
  Wash food and water bowls daily in warm, soapy water. At least once a week, put them in the dishwasher to fully sterilize them. Be sure to have a designated washcloth or sponge that you use on your pet’s dishes that is separate from the one you use for human dishes.
• Have a Separate Scoop
  Never use your pet’s food bowl to scoop out their food. Instead, use a cup, scoop, or spoon so that you’re not contaminating their food with any bacteria from their bowl.
• Keep Hands Clean
  Wash your hands before and after you handle your pet’s food or bowls.

When it comes to picking out your pet’s bowls, experts recommend stainless steel. Plastic food and water bowls are more likely to get scratched, which can make it easier for bacteria to develop. Glass and ceramic bowls can also be good options, but make sure you double check for cracks or chips and that the glaze used on the bowl is certified for food use.

Food Storage Safety
Storing your pet’s food properly is also important for preventing sickness. All food should be stored in a closed container, and wet food should be stored in the refrigerator once it has been opened. While plastic storage bins are the most popular choice for dry food, be sure your container is BPA-free. Stainless steel is also a great option for storage bins since they are durable and easy to clean. It is recommended that you wash and dry storage containers before refilling them with any new food. 

By keeping bowls clean and storing food safely, your pet will be much less likely to get sick!

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. In September 2021, a female cat and her seven kittens arrived at our shelter. The feline family members spent a couple of months in a foster home until they were ready to be adopted. Once they returned in December, Christy and her family fell in love with kitten in particular: CoCo. We recently caught up with Christy for an update on CoCo.

When did you adopt CoCo?

CoCo was officially adopted on December 30, 2021.

How did you find CoCo?

My sister adopted from the VBSPCA several years earlier. She had a great experience there and we thought ‘why not go there’. We were open to adoption, kitten or adult. We were the first that day to view the kittens and the whole family went. We settled on CoCo because she was curious and friendly. This is important because our daughter is active and CoCo would need to acclimate well with her.

How is CoCo doing in the home?

CoCo knows tricks, likes to sit and roll (for a belly rub). My kids say she is super sweet to all she meets. She loves to play with her tunnels and catnip filled fish. She is one of the best things to happen to our family. We love her!!!

Does CoCo have any funny quirks?

We bought all the necessities for a kitten, but the cat palace [cat tree] gifted by my sister is her favorite thing. Coco loves being above all of us. We also call it the lair. She will periodically take items back to her lair: pens, pencils, lip balm, hair scrunchies, receipts, anything she can carry or push/pull with her paws. She is a collector. Once we clean it out, she will go around and collect other items.

She is also a box hopper. Any empty box she hops in – she hops from one to another. I grew up with all kinds of animals. Having a cat was a new experience for my own family who only knew dogs. My family adores CoCo. She has brought us together in so many ways. My teenage son always says “she’s just so cute.”

Why do you think people should consider adopting a shelter pet?

All animals need love, respect, and a home. Adopting an animal is important because you are making a conscious choice to open your heart, mind, and home to a wonderful experience.

Who can resist a dog with large eyes and an adorable smooshed-in face? These types of dogs, known as brachycephalic breeds, require special care. By learning more about their unique needs, you can keep your pet safe, happy, and healthy.

Breathing Challenged Breeds
The word brachycephalic simply means “short headed”, which is a perfect description for their stout noses and flat faces. Common brachycephalic breeds include:

• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• French Bulldogs
• Boxers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Boston Terriers

Because of their short snouts, flat-faced breeds can have a hard time breathing. They are also more susceptible to heat stroke and overheating.

Know Your Dog’s Limits
While many flat-faced dogs enjoy long, happy lives, there are things you can do to head off potential issues for your pet.

• Keep your pet cool.
  Warm, humid weather can make breathing especially difficult for your pet. Be sure to keep them cool, especially during the summer. If you are outside with your dog, keep them in the shade and provide plenty of water.
• Don’t overdo it with exercise.
  Regular exercise, such as going for a walk and playing, is important for any dog. However, you should always pay attention to how heavily your dog is breathing. If your pet seems to be having a hard time catching their breath, stop for a rest on your walk or take a break from playing.
• Be careful around water.
  Brachycephalic breeds are also not suited for swimming. Their large chests can make them more likely to tire easily and put them at an increased risk of sinking. Keep a close eye on them and consider using a dog life jacket.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight.
  Extra pounds can make it even harder for flat-faced breeds to breathe. Monitor your dog’s weight and consult with your veterinarian about any changes you may need to make to your dog’s diet.

It is also important to pay attention to any changes in your dog’s breathing patterns. If your pet is abnormally wheezing, coughing, or snorting, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Though your pet is predisposed to unique health issues, flat-faced dogs are undoubtedly cute companions. With careful attention and regular vet visits, both you and your pup will breathe easier knowing they are protected from potential problems.