For Jan and Morris Fine, a house isn’t a home without a pet or two. Animals have been a part of both of their lives since well before they were married in 1976. Currently Ginger, a four year old Cockapoo, serves as resident canine at their Virginia Beach home, but one look around will tell you that Ginger has not been the only beloved pet in their family. Portraits of all of their animal companions who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge over the years are lovingly displayed in their house.

“We’ve either had cats or dogs or both for as long as I can remember,” says Jan. “They have brought us great joy. They have made it an exciting adventure.”

It’s not enough for the Fines to provide a good life to countless pets: they’ve dedicated their time and talents to helping the homeless animals of the Virginia Beach SPCA for nearly two decades. Their ongoing commitment to the mission of the VBSPCA is being recognized with the 2022 Lifesaver Award, which will be presented to Jan and Morris at our Wags & Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 2, 2022. However, the Fines are very humble about their contributions being acknowledged.

“We’re not real sure why,” laughs Jan. “It’s a wonderful organization. We have been very, very lucky to be able to do the things we’ve done. We’re so glad that the VBSPCA is there to take care of all of our little critters.”

Jan first got involved with the VBSPCA when Mary Reid Barrow approached her about serving alongside her on the Board of Directors. It didn’t take much convincing – she said yes right away. The VBSPCA is one of several nonprofit organizations where Jan has volunteered in addition to her long career history that includes secretarial work, proofreading, owning a store, and being a mother of three. While Jan devoted more than 15 years of service as a VBSPCA board member, she ended up bringing Morris along for the ride.

“I kept offering his services,” Jan chuckles. “He’s been a big help.”

That’s no understatement. One of Morris’ largest contributions involved a sizable bequest from a local veterinarian who passed away. As a lawyer who has been practicing law for 66 years, Morris took on what he describes as “a monstrous crusade” due to an issue involving the donor’s intent for that portion of his estate. Morris donated his time and spent years representing our organization. “It was an interesting case,” says Morris. “It took some muscling and going to court many, many times.” His perseverance paid off: the money was eventually awarded to the VBSPCA.

In addition to the work they’ve already done for the VBSPCA, the Fines will also leave a legacy of their own. “We set up a fund at the Hampton Roads Foundation,” explains Morris. “It provides an annual amount of money to the operations of the VBSPCA. That will be there after I am gone and possibly even after my wife, who is much younger than I am. And prettier, too!”

When asked about all of their involvement and contributions over the years, it’s hard for the Fines to pinpoint a memorable moment. But their fondest recollections, not surprisingly, are connected to the animals that have been brought into their lives through our shelter. There’s the time they wanted to adopt a small dog from the VBSPCA shelter, only to come home with Scooby, a German Shepherd/Rottweiler/Labrador Retriever mix. Or the three cats that their oldest son, Rob, adopted from the VBSPCA.

“All these animals that were part of our family… all of our children and all of the people in our family are animal people,” says Morris.

“We’ve loved some [animals] more than others,” jokes Jan. “Our daughter Beth has puppies who, so far, have messed up at least two couches, and a chair, and a rug… but they’re still allowed back!”

Something tells us that an animal would never be turned away from the Fine household.

“Putting the right animal with the right family in a happy forever home is very special.” – Jan Fine

There are animal people, and then there are Tonya and Rob Deveau. When asked what role animals play in her life, Tonya is quick to explain, “the biggest role! Animals are the whole reason I started my business.”

The Deveaus are the family behind My Vegan Sweet Tooth, the all-vegan Virginia Beach bakery they opened in 2010. You’ll find their mission plainly stated on their website: to help animals while providing delicious vegan treats. All tips from customers go directly to five local animal charities including the Virginia Beach SPCA. Their continued generosity is being honored with the 2022 Compassion Award, which will be presented to Tonya and Rob at our Wags and Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

Being named the recipients of the Compassion Award came as a shock to Tonya. “I’m just trying to help the helpless any way I can,” she explains. “I can’t stand to think there are animals who need help and go without.”

In addition to their financial contributions, Tonya and Rob’s support of the VBSPCA spans more than two decades. Tonya began volunteering 23 years ago, donating her time to perform a variety of tasks including wildlife transport and cleaning the cat cabins at a local PetSmart that houses adoptable VBSPCA felines. As a couple, Tonya and Rob have fostered countless kittens for the VBSPCA. They’ve adopted plenty of our felines as well, including the six cats they currently have at home.

“Tonya has always had a heart for animals, and it just kind of grows on you,” says Rob. “To see her care for cats and bring them into the house… it’s kind of rewarding.”

The financial donations the Deveaus make to our shelter are directed to provide veterinary care for animals that have more extensive medical needs. By covering those costs, the animals have a better chance at finding a home: the animals get the care they so desperately need without adding large costs to their adoption fees.

Their philanthropy model – to divert all tips to local animal charities – inspires a sense of compassion in our community, a core component of the VBSPCA mission. It’s not only the customers who act compassionately by giving, but the employees of My Vegan Sweet Tooth as well. “When I hire them, they know they’re not getting tips,” says Tonya. “They’re there for the right reasons.”

The Deveaus have passed their compassion for animals to their two children as well. “I have a lot of great memories [at the VBSPCA], but I think my proudest was when my daughter became old enough to volunteer and was at the shelter for several years,” says Tonya. As for Rob’s fondest memories, he has enjoyed the many foster kittens they have welcomed over the years. “It’s been fun,” he says. “It really warms your heart to help those little things that need a home.”

“Animals give so much unconditional love. They make me incredibly happy, and helping them in any way I can is really rewarding.” – Tonya Deveau

Dogs can make great running buddies, and there are several benefits to logging your miles together. It’s a great way to bond with your canine companion, and they will enjoy getting some exercise outside. Running can also ward off obesity and heart disease in your pet as well as help boost their confidence, which is vital to their mental health. But before you grab your pup’s leash and head out the door, you should think through the health and safety issues that could arise.

It is important to note that not every dog is a suitable running buddy. In fact, running can be dangerous for some breeds. This is especially true for brachycephalic breeds, or flat-faced breeds, such as Pugs, Boxers, Shih-Tzus, and Bulldogs. Their short snouts can cause breathing difficulties and make them more likely to overheat. No matter the breed, your pet’s individual health should be considered before you start running together, so it is best to talk with your veterinarian.

Start Slow
When it comes to mileage, start slow. Just like humans, dogs need to gradually work up to running longer distances. You can begin by introducing short intervals of running during your usual walks. It is also a good idea to train your pet to run on one side of you. That will prevent them from darting back and forth, which could trip you up and cause injury to one or both of you.

Consider the Conditions
Humans have running shoes and clothing to keep them comfortable in a variety of conditions, but dogs do not. Running in heat could not only cause your pet to overheat, but they could burn their paws on hot pavement or sand. Additionally, long distances on hard surfaces could be tough on their paws no matter the weather.

Get the Right Gear
Make sure you have an appropriate harness and leash for your pup. Using a harness instead of a collar will prevent your pet’s neck from being yanked if they get excited and try to run ahead. While you can use a regular leash while running, there are also short leashes that connect to a belt that you wear.

Put Your Pup First
While your fitness goals are important, you must always put your pup first if you are running together. If your dog needs to stop to rest or is unable to keep up with you either in distance or pace, do not force them to keep going. You can always run a short distance with your dog, then drop them off at your house before finishing your scheduled miles for the day. It is also important to make sure they are hydrated, especially in the summer months.

Running with your dog is a great way to further build your connection, but not every pup winds up being a great running buddy. It is important to remember that all pets need exercise, so be sure to find the appropriate activity level for your dog so that they are happy and healthy.

Every year, millions of unwanted animals show up in animal shelters across the United States. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million animals end up in shelters each year, many of them the result of unplanned litters. Spaying and neutering your pets is critical to combatting this problem, but these common surgical procedures also benefit your furry friend as well!

Let’s start with the basics: spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female dog or cat while neutering is the removal of testicles from males. Both surgeries are extremely safe and more cost effective than caring for an unexpected litter of puppies or kittens. In fact, the Virginia Beach SPCA offers low-cost spay and neuter services in our effort to reduce the number of unwanted pets in our community who would likely end up in shelters like ours. Additionally, all of our canines and felines are altered before they are adopted.

Many people don’t realize just how important spaying and neutering really is, but the numbers don’t lie. According to PETA:

• 1 female cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens in just 7 years
• 1 female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just 6 years

That’s hundreds of thousands of animals who could end up as strays or turn up in shelters!

While spaying or neutering your pet helps the community by preventing the births of unwanted animals, it also provides some benefits to you and your pet.

Health Benefits
Females: Spaying prevents uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats. Spaying offers the best protection from these issues when completed before a female’s first heat.

Males: Neutering prevents testicular cancer and some prostate problems.

Other Benefits
Females: Spayed females will not go into heat. While female cats do not typically bleed while in heat, female dogs do. However, felines in heat tend to yowl and urinate more frequently, sometimes outside of their litter boxes.

Males: Neutered males are much less likely to run away from home. Because of changes in their hormone levels, they aren’t motivated to run off in search of a mate. Neutering has also been shown to reduce behavioral issues like territorial marking and aggression.

With your help, we can reduce the number of unwanted animals in our community and beyond. For information on the Virginia Beach SPCA’s low-cost spay and neuter services, click here.

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. Emmie and her two sisters were found abandoned as young kittens in November 2021. The trio was placed into a VBSPCA foster home until they were strong enough for the adoption process. Once Emmie was back at the shelter, it didn’t take long for her to catch the eye of Sharalee and her family. We recently caught up with Sharalee to get an update on Emmie.

When did you adopt Emmie?

We adopted Emmie on Saturday, December 4th, 2021. Our daughter Lily, 13, had been asking for a kitten for years. We waited until we knew she would be able to care for her in the way a cat needed. The tears in our daughter’s eyes when we pulled into the VBSPCA Shelter’s parking lot is a moment we will always remember.

How did you know Emmie was the one for you?

We knew right away we wanted to meet Emmie. Her Siamese coloring was just too beautiful to ignore. There was another couple in the room with her, and we had no way of knowing if they would select her. We played with several other kittens and fell in love with all of them. However, once we started playing with Emmie and my daughter held her, we knew she was the one.

How is Emmie doing in the home?

Emmie is doing wonderfully. She is snuggly and talkative, meowing the second she sees someone. She stretches out her paws from her cat tree and begs to be picked up. She always wants a snuggle.

What sort of activities do you and Emmie do together?

We play with her with toys or on her cat tree. She likes looking in mirrors. We also got her a harness to take her on walks, though she’s not quite used to that yet. The first couple of times we put on the harness, she just flopped right over. We are taking it slowly introducing her outside. She is excited to see everything but gets overwhelmed.

Does Emmie have any funny quirks?

Emmie does this little trilling noise when she runs and plays. It’s not a purr or meow. It’s like a rolling squeak. She will hide under the bed and then leap at your arm and roll over onto her back clutching your arm before she darts off again to prowl after her next victim.

How has Emmie enriched your lives so far?

I’ll be honest and say that we weren’t expecting the whole family to fall in love with Emmie. She was my daughter’s and still primarily stays with her. However, it has brought our family together as we fight over who gets to play with her or snuggle with her next. She is certainly loved!

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

There are so many animals that need love and a home. We never considered a breeder. My husband and I visited the shelter prior to bringing our daughter in and there were so many precious animal babies needing homes. We knew immediately that our daughter would have no problem finding her forever little best friend.

I am so grateful for the VBSPCA caring for not just our sweet Emmie before we welcomed her home, but all the animals that have entered their doors, whether they had a short or long stay.

It was 15 years ago that Dr. Towana Hunter first got involved with the Virginia Beach SPCA. While working with Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs, she brought students to volunteer at our shelter once a week. “It was such a great opportunity for them,” says Dr. Hunter. “I love what the program has grown into.”

Fast forward to now, as Dr. Hunter is finishing her first year of service as a member of the VBSPCA Board of Directors. She began her career as a mental health technician before taking a role as a school counselor and department chair for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools. In 2020, she earned her doctorate in educational leadership and is transitioning into an instructional specialist this month.

Dr. Hunter lends her education expertise to influence the VBSPCA’s humane education program, which instills values of kindness and respect in children. “I’m most passionate about creating responsible humans,” says Dr. Hunter. “As a community, we depend on each other to do what is right when it comes to pets and animals. That includes vaccines, spay/neuter services, and overall commitment to providing the best care for your pet.”

Much like her initial involvement with the VBSPCA, Dr. Hunter encourages others to volunteer. “Another way to get involved would be fostering an animal, or sponsoring a fundraiser.” she adds.

Board members like Dr. Hunter are crucial to furthering the VBSPCA mission of eliminating animal suffering. We are thankful for everything she does to help our animals!

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

All dogs and cats need regular grooming to stay happy and healthy. Proper grooming includes keeping your pet’s eyes, ears, skin, nails, teeth, and fur clean. While all pets benefit from regular grooming, pets with long hair need a little extra attention to prevent their fur from getting tangled or matted.

Brushing your pet’s hair regularly does more than keep their hair tangle-free. It also removes dirt, spreads natural oils through their coat, and helps keep their skin clean. Brushing your pet’s hair is also the perfect time to make sure there are no fleas or ticks on your pet. Even dogs and cats who shed should be brushed 1-2 times per week.

Short-Haired Dogs
Dogs who have short hair and shed should be brushed once a week. Regular brushing can even help prevent the frustration of finding loose hair all over your home. Some dogs shed year-round while others shed seasonally in the spring and fall. If your canine companion is in a heavy shedding period, you should brush them more frequently than once a week.

In addition to brushing, your dog should be bathed at least once every three months. Consider bathing more frequently if your dog spends a lot of time outside or has skin issues.

Long-Haired Dogs
Dogs with long hair will need to be brushed daily to remove tangles and prevent matting. If you come across a tangle, gently brush it out. For tougher tangles and matts, carefully clip the hair instead, but be sure not to cut the skin.

Dogs with long, silky coats will also need to visit a professional groomer to have their hair trimmed approximately every 4-6 weeks. These breeds include Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, Poodles, and Maltese. In addition to a haircut, your pet’s groomer will also bathe them and trim their nails. It should be noted that dogs who have long hair and a double coat should never be shaved down including breeds such as Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Pomeranians.

Short-Haired Cats
If your cat has short hair, you should comb their hair 1-2 times per week. Removing dead or loose hair through brushing will help prevent your cat from having hairball issues. Cats are mainly self-bathers: they use their tongue and teeth to bathe themselves. However, if your feline friend is overly dirty or gets into something sticky or smelly, you may need to give them a bath.

Long-Haired Cats
Cats with long hair will need to be brushed every few days to keep their long locks tangle-free. If you come across a knot, you can put a little talcum powder on the knot and use your fingers to tease it out. Just like short-haired cats, our long-haired friends are great about bathing themselves. However, if your cat is matted you may need to visit a professional groomer.

Professional Grooming Services
As mentioned above, keeping your pet properly groomed includes not only brushing their fur, but also trimming their nails, bathing them, and keeping their eyes, ears, and teeth clean. You may choose to purchase all of the necessary equipment and learn how to do these things on your own, but you should also enlist the help of a professional groomer when needed.

When to Groom at Home:
– You have the proper tools and supplies
– You feel comfortable using cutting shears, nail clippers, etc.
– Your pet is calm and cooperative

When to Contact a Professional:
– You don’t feel confident grooming your pet
– You do not or cannot invest in quality grooming equipment
– Your pet is uncooperative

Grooming your pet can be a difficult process at first, but with time and patience, it can become a great bonding experience.

Need help finding a professional groomer? Check out our list of recommended groomers here.

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. Kenzo was part of an unplanned litter of five puppies that was surrendered to the VBSPCA in February 2021. The long coat Chihuahua mixes went into a foster home until they were ready for adoption. When Amaya came in to meet the pups in March, Kenzo stood out from the rest of his siblings since he was the only boy and had golden hair. We recently caught up with Amaya to get an update on Kenzo.

How is Kenzo doing in the home?

Kenzo took no time at all to adjust when I initially adopted him. Now we’re practically in sync, and I can easily navigate his emotions and needs/wants. He’s happy, healthy, and has no problem letting me know when he isn’t.

What sort of activities do you and Kenzo do together?

Kenzo and I love to cuddle! Any time I’m taking a nap, he’s right by my side. We also frequent trips to grandma’s house so he can get all of those no-no snacks he can’t get at home and he pays her in kisses (Grandmas! Am I right?). Other than being PetSmart junkies, we spend most of our time playing tug-of-war or fetch, or simply lounging around.

Does Kenzo have any funny quirks?

Kenzo likes to do this weird thing where anytime we’re playing fetch and I have the toy in my hand ready to throw it, he’ll jump up to grab it with no regard for landing. He doesn’t seem to account for what will happen once it’s time to come out of the air and simply throws his body. He completely disregards the need for a landing pose, clear ground, and just looks like a fish out of water. I’m assuming it’s pure dedication, and he’s just willing to compromise his body to achieve the goal of getting the toy from my hand. I aspire to be as dedicated to my goals! (Minus the sacrificing of my limbs…)

How has Kenzo enriched your lives so far?

I find myself constantly expressing my appreciation for being Kenzo’s mom. He is supportive, kind, and understands me so well. Before adopting him, I never truly understood the depths of relationships with pets. I now know it is one of the most rewarding experiences anyone could have. We have such a long road ahead of us, but this small amount of time we’ve already spent together is enough to fill my heart for a lifetime.

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

I’m a first-time adopter, and like many others I had concerns with adopting. The first would be not being able to find a breed that would suit my lifestyle. The second was finding a dog that would have trouble adjusting since I’m not equipped with enough knowledge. Both of my concerns were easily dismissed when I found Kenzo. I’d tell anyone who is interested in adopting that it’s a journey that requires patience, but the perfect pet is out there! You just have to find each other.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Adopting was extremely cost efficient and educational. When I adopted Kenzo, I was given all of his necessary medications, some food, and plenty of helpful resources to answer any questions I had. The VBSPCA also had an affordable clinic, which was a huge win! I was able to afford adoption, shots, meds, and new pet supplies, which still totaled to half of what it’d cost me to purchase a dog elsewhere. I was taught signs to look for when integrating him with other dogs and new people. The VBSPCA also gave me helpful advice on feeding, potty training, and crate training! I look forward to adopting again in the future.

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. Cali arrived at the VBSPCA in August of 2019 as a young puppy. She wasn’t in our care for very long. Delynda had been wanting to adopt a puppy, and the moment she laid eyes on Cali, she knew the little Golden Retriever mix was “the one”. We recently caught up with Delynda to get an update on Cali.

How’s Cali doing in the home?

Cali instantly took to our home and her big brother Lewie (a Llewelyn Setter). Even though she is smaller than Lewie, she rules the roost. She is perfectly happy when we crate her but we are now, as she is a little more than two years old, able to leave her out during the day with Lewie when we are gone for short periods. Cali is extremely smart and does well with training. She is extremely food motivated.

We have met some challenges that have given us the opportunity to love on Cali and pour more affection into her. She tends to be very fearful and somewhat anxious when meeting new people. It feels great to continue building her confidence as we watch her become more trusting of us and the new situations we experience.

What sort of activities do you and Cali do together?

Cali loves to go for walks and can’t get enough of the car. Almost every evening my husband and I take the dogs out on our dock to watch the sunset on North Landing River at Munden Point. We have a gate on the end of the dock so we can unleash the dogs and let them explore safely. They enjoy watching the birds, the jumping fish, and the boats going by.

Does Cali have any funny quirks?

There’s one I call the “Cali Flip.” If she trusts a person and they pet her, she instantly melts and flips on her back without even trying. She absolutely adores belly rubs! She also knows when it is getting close to feeding time; she silently and suddenly appears, all the while attempting to look adorable, which she has no problem doing as she always makes her adorable Cali face.

How has Cali enriched your life so far?

Cali is such a bright light in our lives. It makes me so proud that she trusted me enough to bring her into our home. She keeps us giggling every day. She is pure joy!

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

People should realize that pets do not end up in a shelter on their own will. It is important to acknowledge that a pet’s past life and home situation may certainly have a bearing on their demeanor. Animals deserve a second chance at a solid family life. Animals who are given care and affection will often flourish in the right loving environment.