Table of Contents

 

Receive Virginia Beach Woman Emails!

Community

  

It’s All About Love at the Virginia Beach SPCA
Written by Shannon Phillips

When I saw him, I knew there was something extra special about him. It could have been the eye contact, or maybe even the way he cuddled, but I knew from the moment I first laid eyes on him that I was going to fall in love. His name was “HD,” and as much as I’d like to tell you that HD was a gorgeous man, he wasn’t. HD was a cat, and he was in desperate need of a home to call his own.

Homeless for the second time in two years, HD was turned into my place of employment, the Virginia Beach SPCA, due to a new family member’s allergy. He was everything you’d ever want in a companion; affectionate, playful, a great listener and with a sense of humor that rivaled a comedian. Despite my consistency in showing HD to potential adopters, many people overlooked him because he was 10 years old. In my book, that’s 10 years young! Indoor cats in good health can live double that, easily.

Despite a few failed attempts, I made it a priority to show every potential adopter why an older, healthy cat like HD makes an amazing addition to any household.
HD’s adoption day finally came mid-October, after being at the shelter for a few months. A nice couple came in looking for new cat, as they had recently lost theirs. After looking at a few specific cats they had seen on our website, they asked me about HD, as they had seen him when they first walked in. When I heard the woman say his name, my heart fluttered. Could this be it?

From the moment he entered the visiting room, he showed them every bit of his personality, and they ended up falling in love just as hard as I did. As I handed over the adoption application, I couldn’t help but tear up a little. I loved him, and there was nothing more perfect than seeing him off to a new chance at life, out of the shelter and into his new forever home. At the risk of sounding like your stereotypical “crazy cat lady,” I really love them all.
Unfortunately, HD is one of many. When I say “many,” I truly mean it. Statistics have shown that approximately 8 million companion animals are turned into U.S. shelters every year, and that roughly half of them don’t end up finding homes.

What’s so sad about this is that many of these animals were once cherished pets! Of course, spaying and neutering is key in combating this overpopulation problem, but another way to help is by finding your next companion at a local animal shelter. If you’re entertaining the thought of adding a furry companion to your family, be sure to visit us at the Virginia Beach SPCA. From small animals to dogs and cats of all ages, we have it all! When you adopt from a shelter, you are saving a life, and your new companion will show immeasurable appreciation with a lifetime of love.

  
© 2010 Virginia Beach Woman

Web Design by WebDrafter.com, Inc.
Strategic Partner of Affordable Custom Web Solutions