 |
Fudge,
a beagle, enjoys the socialization The Villa residents are able to provide. |
 |
Fudge |
 |
Doris Bellinger connects with Turk. |
 |
Helen Timmermans has Frankie Lane’s full attention. |
 |
Nan
Mabry is delighted to spend time with the shelter’s felines. |
 |
Lisa
O’Bannon coaxes a couple of cats into a game. |
 |
This shelter cat seemed a little shy at first. |
Residents of
the The Villa at Suffield Meadows, a Warrenton assisted living facility, are
volunteering their time twice a month at the Fauquier SPCA. It’s a win-win: the
animals get some one-on-one time and volunteers get the fur therapy that only
pets can offer. Four or five residents
are dedicated to the twice-a-month visits, when they exercise the cats and
socialize the dogs. When the weather gets warmer, the volunteers will be
walking the dogs outdoors.
During
visits, volunteers pet, brush and talk to the dogs and cats, often sharing
stories about the animals they have loved
over the years and still miss. “This little guy looks like the beagles we used
to have,” said volunteer Doris Bellinger during her visit Tuesday.
It was clear
that Helen Timmermans was comfortable with her task. She got down on the floor to get on eye level
with one reluctant hound named Josey Wales, and eventually won him over. “He’s
a sweet dog, just a little shy,” she said.
Villa Activities
Director Patty Koval said, “At The Villa, we have so many community members
that volunteer their time to help our residents. We wanted to think of a way to
give back to the community. Jill Miller, activities assistant, explored various
volunteer opportunities for our residents to grow and contribute. Fauquier
County SPCA was so enthusiastic when Jill contacted them that she looked no
further. It has truly been a blessing for both the residents and the animals.”
The shelter
is located at 9350 Rogues Road in
Midland. To donate or find out about adopting a pet, call 540-788-9000 or go to
www.fauquierspca.com.
Click here for a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-HKniY1-ns