Richmond SPCA Blog

We Were Adopted (January 07-13, 2019)

We had a wonderful adoption week with 38 cats and 28 dogs meeting their match! You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Alvina, Asha, Asier, Aviva, Bach, Becky, Butterfly, Darla, Dixie, Dogwood, Donkey, Eclipse, Ezran, Farquaad, Harrow, Kali, Lake, Lilith, Molly, Moth Man, Mozart, Nectarine, Nell, Patches, Pond, Roxy, Shirley, Shrek, Shubert, Sneasel, Tiggy, Yarrow 

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Ace Ventura, Aldo Leopold, Antman, Aretha, Carson, Cindy Lou, Dahlia, Foxgloves, Guacamole, Jeremy Bearimy, Leta, Lilac, Noritake, Shaggy, Shamari, Stan Lee, Vanessa, Virginia, Wampus, Willa Ford

Not pictured: Aramis, Athos, Avril Lavigne, Dartagnan, Hoagie, Megara, Nessie, Orwell

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

Fact check: Are pets adopted at the holidays more likely to be returned?

The Richmond SPCA found lasting homes for Curly, Panther, Sweet Pea, Nila and Lyra during the 2018 holiday season.

The news media has been under considerable scrutiny and attack lately. Many people feel a deep distrust of the news media while others, and I would count myself among this group, believe that the news media is an essential component of our constitutional freedoms and that reporters in general get most things right factually. This difference of opinion about the proper faith to place in the news media has been front and center in our national debate. That is why it is particularly disturbing to me to be confronted with our own local news media misleading the public with inaccurate information and failing to do even the most cursory job of checking out the truth of their story before running with it.

This past Friday, NBC12 ran a news story about returns of pets from holiday adoptions. The story fed into the popular but unsupportable narrative that people should be discouraged from adopting pets at the holidays because the rate of returns from those adoptions are higher. The story was entitled “Animal Rescue Centers See Increase in Holiday Gift Pet Returns.” Please note that the headline says “Centers” in the plural. The NBC12 reporter’s support for this premise was a single woman who runs a small local cat rescue group. She was quoted as saying that she had received a large number of contacts in recent days from people wanting to surrender pets they had adopted at the holidays. She noted that her organization had not adopted out any pets over the holidays (so much for the “returns” part of the title) and she added that “normal shelters” do not accept returns of pets they have adopted out. There was no interview of anyone from any “normal shelter” and no confirmation through any empirical data that the story’s premise that holiday adoptions result in greater returns was true.

We were stunned and frustrated. First, it is absolutely untrue that “normal shelters” don’t accept returns of adopted pets. I can only guess that the Richmond SPCA would be included in the rubric of “normal shelter” and we most certainly accept returns of adopted pets that occur within a reasonable period of time, generally six months. That is not unusual for shelters but typical.

Even more troubling was the lack of any hard evidence supporting the premise of the story and the lack of any effort to obtain such support – the reporter had made no contact to us nor apparently to any other local shelter. The Richmond SPCA tracks its statistics with great care at all times. We constantly examine our statistical results to keep track of outcomes and trends to be sure that we achieve the highest rate of life saving possible. We carefully track the returns on holiday adoptions every year and they generally are a bit lower than our annual rates of return. Total returns of adopted pets during our two most recent fiscal years were between 10 and 11 percent. Returns of adopted pets during the weeks following the holiday season in each of those years were less than 10%.

Dolly's family is among the adopters who have formed lasting bonds with pets adopted at the holidays. She is now known as Miss Sassy Britches and celebrated her seventh adoption anniversary on December 28.

The NBC12 “news” story is also unclear whether it is talking about all holiday adoptions or adoptions of pets to be given as gifts to someone else – it indiscriminately alternates in the type of adoptions it refers to. Neither the Richmond SPCA nor any other responsible humane organization supports the adoption of a pet to be given as an unexpected gift to someone else, but this is true at any time of the year, not just at the holiday season.

I understand a few things are at play here. First, the story seemed to support a premise which is often seen as a widely circulated article of faith. But, the news media has a sacred responsibility to approach stories with healthy skepticism – they must dig to see if the actual empirical facts support something that has been long promoted popularly rather than to just accept minimal anecdotal support as adequate which is what was done here.

Secondly, the news media must engage in precise and critical thinking. Thus, a good reporter must not blur the line between general adoptions done at the holiday season and adoptions of pets as an unexpected gift for someone else.

Just so you know, we contacted NBC12 after the story ran and raised our concerns with them asking that they run another story correcting the inaccuracies of the story they ran. They did not give us the courtesy of a reply.

I am well aware that the news media often treats stories about animals as fluff topics. They don’t really approach them with the discipline that would be applied to other subjects. This is insulting to those of us in the field of animal welfare but, more importantly, it is tragic and dangerous for animals. Homeless animals are depending on the Richmond SPCA and other “normal shelters” to save their lives. We must never casually discourage adoptions for reasons that lack validity since adoptions are the only way that we continue to be able to save the lives of more homeless animals. If people are inclined to adopt at the holidays, then we must do all we can to facilitate and promote those adoptions if there is no actual factual foundation for the idea that those adoptions are less likely to last. No matter how much NBC12 or anyone else wishes to promote that old canard, it just is not true.   

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Robin Robertson Starr is the chief executive officer of the Richmond SPCA. To read her biography or that of our other bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires both your first and last name to be used as your screen name.

We Were Adopted (December 31, 2018- January 6, 2019)

We kicked off 2019 with an awesome adoption week. Sixty-six pets celebrated the New Year with a loving family! Come and visit our Robins-Starr Humane Center during this cold spell and meet your next fur family member today! You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Aang, Alani, April, Autumn, Avalanche, Banana Split, Bellissima, Bruny, Cadenza, Crab, Creamsicle, Dawn, Dover, Dvorah, Eve, Fayth, Ford, Forta, Garland, Gilderoy, Gingerbread, Guava, Harriet, Jackfruit, Jackie O, John John, Kiki, Manicotti, Moose, Oddish, Pearl, Plantain, Prophecy, Rachel, Ralph, Robert, Sokka, Spike, Thorne, Tito, Tweed, Wednesday, Zuko

Not pictured: Aria, Flaura, KeeKee, Park Place, Rosalita

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Asteria, Captain Clunk, Cecily, Duchess, Duke, Firefly, Hot Chocolate, Kabuki, Maya, Miguel, Morpha, Plum, Rodger, Xena

Not pictured: Gad, Obed, Orion, Pan 

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

We Were Adopted (December 24-30, 2018)

We had a fantastic end to 2018 with 92 pets meeting their match! We are especially excited to announce that long-term resident, Ramona, found a loving family at last! Come and visit our Robins-Starr Humane Center during this cold spell and meet your next fur family member today! You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Aberforth, Aerith, Asia, Balor, Barley, Bergen, Blizzard, Boo, Bright, Cassie, Charity, Dice, Espeon, Fabio, Frost, Fudge, Harvey, Hey Arnold, Interstellar, Jingle, Korra, Landon, Lily, Little Rock, Lumen, Merry, Minga, Moo Cow, Noctua, Pomona, Rigatoni, Rita, Sage, Sephiroth, Spira, Sully, Waterfall, Wheelie, Wilhelmina

Not pictured: Arabella, Atari, Aurora, Bebop, Cuervo, Engine, Dewgong, Genesis, Hugh, Kakashi, Neji, PeeKee, Roz, Sloth, Spelt, TeeKee, Tifa

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Biscuit, Brooke, Bumblebee, Cornucopia, Crispin, Dolly, Ferret, Janet, Jianyu, Kevin Malone, Leroy, Marina, Old Spice, Periwinkle, Ramona, Riley, Rudy, Saint Nick, Shimmy, Taz, Tilly, Tutti Frutti, Yaya

Not pictured: Aretha, Bellini, Cadbury, Chase, Col Mustard, Guacamole, Oliver, Pipper, Raven, Salsa, Shelby, Sizzli, Wrangler

Please note that our adoption center and Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital will be closed on New Year's Day. We will reopen for normal business hours on Wednesday, January 2. 

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

We Were Adopted (December 17-23, 2018)

Laurandrew

We had a great holiday adoption week with 79 cats and 36 dogs meeting their match! We are happy to announce that Laurandrew, a long-term senior resident, found a home for the holidays! Through December 31, we are continuing to reduce adult cat (cats over the age of 6 months) adoption fees by 50 percent, so please stop by and add another furry member to the family! You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Alder, Alys, Azizi, Bellamy, Boardwalk, Boise, Bryn, Busy, Cattywampus, Clare, Dimia, Dorothy, Ed, Eggnog, Eska, Fettuccine, Fifi, Flamingo, Floyd, Garland, Glaceon, Glimmer, Glitter, Gregg, Greta Garbo, Grits, Harry, Ida, Jack Jack, Julian, Kangaroo, Kia, Koala, Kyo, Laurandrew, Lugia, Lumi, Mai Tai, Micah, Mimikyu, Mittens, Nigiri, Olivia, Pear, Pekay, Plane, Pontiac Bandit, Potter, Raoul, Roxas, Sansa, Sashimi, Snorlax, Sunkist, Topaz, Tortellini, Tyrone, Ushanka, Wildflower

Not pictured: Ashley, Iris, Kit, Kumquat, Layla, Lightning, Mary Kate, Magnolia, Mike Wazowski, Pawdry Hepburn, Pomegranate, Poppy, Randall, Ribbon, Sandra, Sherbert, Sumac, Wooly, Yuki

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Badger, Bullwinkle, Butternut, Candy Cane, Cookie Marie, Envy Adams, Gem, Gwen Stacy, Kameela, Lapis, Lizzy, Lumikki, Marshall, Marshmallow, Nevin, Panther, Poscoe, Rodger, Sawyer, Skippy, Thestral, Tuba, Twig, Waterford, Wicket

Not pictured: Bunny, Churro, Hope, Jovie, Kit Kat, Miles Morales, Rolo, Roscoe, Peter Porker, Pipper, Tortilla

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Please note our Robins-Starr Humane Center, Lora Robins Gift Shop and Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital will be closed for Tuesday, January 1, 2018. 

Adoption Specials

Real Housecats of RVA - 50 percent off all adult cat (6 months of age and over) adoption fees until December 31.

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

We Were Adopted (December 10-16, 2018)

Santa's sleigh seemed to have made a stop at the Richmond SPCA this week. A grand total of 83 pets were adopted into lasting homes! We are excited to announce that long-term residents- Nila, Pinky and Little Bit- all found homes this holiday season.

Still looking for your match? We are offering 50 percent off all adult cat adoption fees through the month of December! Fall in a love with a feline friend and give them a home for the holidays. You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Agatha, Anelle, Billy, Brom, Butch Catsidy, Camel, Cedany, Chetna, Collin, Cringle, Cynder, Darby, Diglett, Duckie, Dusty, Erumpent, Farfelee, Finley, Flamenco, Hadley, Jingle, Lachlan, Lantern, Lehigh, Little Bit, Logan, Mason, Moo Cow, Moogle, Nezwith, Niffler, Niven, Oatmeal, Pinky, Polaris, Randy, Ron, Silver Bells, Starling, Tempura, Tootsie, Unika, Urna, Ursula, Wally West, Winry

Not pictured: Alanna, Digby, Iroh, Judge Fudge, Milkie, Paolo, Swarley, Wren

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Blueberry, Chocolate Bun, Clementine, Crash, Dudders, Envy Adams, Fantastic Four, Flute, Flynn, Gretchen, Halo, Honeydew, Ilya, KoKo, Magdalene, Manitoba, Moses, Nila, North, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quail, Ronnie

Not pictured: Cindy Lou, Cornucopia, Lenox, Milk Dud, Saskatchewan, Ukulele

The Richmond SPCA and the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital will be closed for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Real Housecats of RVA - Fifty percent off all adult cat (cats over the age of 6 months) adoption fees throughout the month of December.

Help Them Graduate - Pets that have been in our care for over 30 days can be adopted for a reduced fee of $75.

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Offsite Adoption Events

Thursday, December 20- Join us for the Richmond Ballet's "The Pupcracker." This special version of the "Nutcracker" showcases available dogs during the show and then audience members can meet them during intermission and adopt them! The show is from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.richmondballet.com. 

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

Curly Finds A Home for the Holidays

In February of this year, due to his guardian’s declining health, a 9-year-old tabby cat named Curly was surrendered to the Richmond SPCA along with his feline housemates Larry and Moe.

While the other two Stooges were adopted quickly, Curly struggled to find his perfect match. He required extra treatment from our shelter veterinary team, who diagnosed Curly with kidney disease. Our team developed a treatment plan for Curly's manageable illness, and Curly's lab work soon stabilized.

As the days, weeks and months went by in our care, Curly's health continued to improve, and he became an especially beloved cat here at our humane center. His outgoing personality made him a friend to all (including dogs!), and he could frequently be spotted walking around our center on a leash.

On December 6, after more than 300 days in our staff's and volunteers' loving care, Curly met his match with Cathy. After meeting several cats, Cathy felt drawn to Curly's exceptionally friendly personality.

The next day, Cathy returned to adopt Curly and to make him a permanent, beloved member of her family.

And, a part of Cathy's family he truly became. These photos are from Curly's very first night in his new, loving home:

We never gave up on giving Curly a bright future. We are grateful to you for your support, and to his adopter Cathy. Because of your lifesaving kindness, we can guarantee each and every homeless animal whom we take into our care a life full of love.

We depend on your generosity to make the next success story like Curly's possible. Please make your gift to the Richmond SPCA today.

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Gray Miller is the manager of community development for the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

We Were Adopted (December 03-09, 2018)

Thank you to all of our adopters who dashed through the snow to adopt a furry friend! Fifty-eight pets found a warm home for the holidays, including long-term resident, Curly! Through the month of December, we are offering our "Real Housecats of RVA" adoption promotion. Through this promotion, we are reducing all adult cat adoption fees by 50 percent! Fall in a love with a feline friend and give them a home for the holidays. You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Air, Bastion, Bedarra, Blanche, Bowtruckle, Bufo, Chimney, Chooboosh, Christmas, Cloudy, Corina, Curly, Custard, Evergreen, Faerie, Feather, Forrest, Fuzz Aldrin, Hanukkah, Hunter, Jive, JRR Tolkitten, Kwanzaa, Mack, Minnie, Noctua, Nutmeg, Patterson, Paul Scholes, Polenta, Polka, Professor X, Quinoa, Raine, Rose, Ryan, Sookie, Stunky, Swing, Talim, Torch, Westin, Wheat, Xion

Not pictured: Saga, Trifle, Trinity

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Ali, Breezy, Eggo, Jolly, Katiya, Louie, Malcolm, Muppet, Stan Lee, Tractor

Not pictured: Camden 

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Real Housecats of RVA - Fifty percent off all adult cat (cats over the age of 6 months) adoption fees throughout the month of December.

Help Them Graduate - Pets that have been in our care for over 30 days can be adopted for a reduced fee of $75.

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

We Were Adopted (November 26- December 02, 2018)

Meet the Real Housecats of RVA at our adoption center today!

It was a wonderful adoption week with 47 cats and 28 dogs finding homes! Through the month of December, we are offering our "Real Housecats of RVA" adoption promotion. Through this promotion, we are reducing all adult cat adoption fees by 50 percent! Fall in a love with a feline friend and give them a home for the holidays. You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

 

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Binx, Brandon Lee, Cat Sajak, Creme Brulee, Eden, Ekrem, Elliot, Ephraim, Glenda, Gravy Boy, Holly, Hyatt, Hydra, Ichabod, Iris, Jadon, Jet, Judy, Kameko, Keanu, Mary Jane, Nebula, November, Oslo, Pecan, Peony, Pilgrim, Pyxis, Ronan, Ryleigh, Sambuca, Sly, Squash, Stavanger, Stuffing, Thanos, Walt Whiskers

Not pictured: Dutch, Figgy, Green Bean, Hermione, Knox, Lizard, Pax, Paisley, Presley, Squeak

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Atticus, Azul, Baja Blast, Balthazar, Bohdi, Buttercup, Cassidy, DeeDee, Eugene, Frosty, Hawkeye, Kimono, Lyra, Shadow, Sheriff Woody, Squid, Thad

Not pictured: Bosco, Casserole, Cornbread, Cranberry, Flash, Panda, Skipper, Sweet Potato, Talia, Travis, Whirligig

Our adoption center is open for the following hours this week: Monday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Real Housecats of RVA - 50 percent off all adult cat (cats over the age of 6 months) adoption fees throughout the month of December.

Help Them Graduate - Pets that have been in our care for over 30 days can be adopted for a reduced fee of $75.

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.

 

We Were Adopted (November 19-25, 2018)

Caleb

A staggering 81 pets, including long-term residents Caleb and Bernie, found their perfect match! Visit our adoption center and receive 20 percent off a pet's adoption fee through our November "Thankful for a Home" adoption promotion. You can help spread the word about our available pets and lifesaving work by "liking" and sharing our social media posts on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Cats who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Admiral, Aida, Boneset, Bran, Cacao Nib, Carol, Catpuccino, Cordelia, Cucumber, Dash, Denis, Espurresso, Figaro, Gareth, Giggs, Gracie, Hodor, Joni, Katniss, Kingsley, Leopold, Lyon, Monique, Namine, Penelope, Rory, Smoothie, Som, Spider, Thea, Venus, Willie, Yellow

Not pictured: Adele, Bergamot, Catherine, Cortana, Crusher, Emory, Eucalyptus, Furby, Google, Lombardy, Lwaxana, Ms. Paperclip, , Patchouli, Paris, Peyton, Radiant, Riker, Ro Laren, Siri, Terra, Wink, Worf

Dogs who were adopted last week

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From left to right: Alexa, Ali, Bernie, Caleb, Coco, Davey, Kahlua, Mingo, Periwinkle, Pez, Platypus, Taylor May, Tea Time, Young Gouda

Not pictured: Asiago, Bindi, Boscoe, Caramel Crunch, Cinnamon, Everything, Harley, Harvest Wheat, Margaret, Raisin, Pumpkin, Sesame

Visit our website to see some of our dogs and cats currently available for adoption, for directions to our Robins-Starr Humane Center, to view the programs and services we offer and more.

Adoption Specials

Thankful for a Home - For the month of November, all pet adoption fees are reduced by 20 percent. 

Help Us Graduate – all pets that have a length of stay over 30 days will have their adoption fee reduced to $75. This promotion will be running through October, November and December.

Seniors for Seniors - Adopters age 60 or older who adopt a cat or dog age 5 years or older are eligible for a $50 adoption fee. Seniors for Seniors is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a cat starter kit, cardboard scratcher and a toy. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. You can learn more about the Seniors for Seniors program here.

Pets for Patriots - Veterans and active-duty service members are eligible for a $50 adoption fee after applying to become a member Patriot. Pets for Patriots is an ongoing adoption promotion. Adoption of a cat in this program will include a free starter kit (which includes a litter box, food and water bowl, a litter scoop, a toy and litter liner bags) and a cardboard scratcher. Adoption of a dog through this program includes a free leash and collar, food and water bowl and a toy. Member Patriots also may become clients of our low-cost Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital. You can learn more about this program here.

Match Finder tool

If you have not seen the pet you’re looking for among the cats and dogs currently available at our humane center, we recommend that you try our free Match Finder tool. This online tool is designed to help you find your new best friend by automatically emailing you when a pet matching your desired criteria is available. If you have any questions, please contact our amazing adoption team at 804-521-1307.

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To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.