By Elizabeth Farina
efarina@midlothianexchange.com

Orbit gave all the puppy love he could possibly muster on why he would make a good pet during Metro Richmond Pet Savers’ first monthly Adopt-A-Thon on Saturday, April 10, at the PetSmart Store on CarMia Way. The Cocker Spaniel mix relished the many “Good dog” and “What a sweetie” moments from potential owners who came to the event. The event, a collaborative effort among several animal rescue groups, including Metro Richmond Pet Savers’ founders Richmond Animal League, Ring Dog Rescue and Chesterfield County Humane Society, was a way for the public to meet cats and dogs available for adoption. 

Carol Betzler, director of the Hopewell Humane Society, was pleased to see the turnout from the public. She cautioned that, “pet adoptions should not be spur of the moment. It is a lifelong commitment.”

Penny and John Hilton were at the Adopt-A-Thon for that reason – to make a commitment. Penny Hilton explained that they had recently lost two of their three Golden Retrievers to age and she felt it was important that her retired husband find a routine with a puppy. A two-month-old mix named “Finnegan” or “Finn” seemed to be a match. “This is the first one he saw and he really likes him,” she said. “I hope he’s tolerant with children.”

At another tent, Judy Van Fossen, who has volunteered with Richmond Animal League since 1998, held Orbit’s leash as he continued to greet passer-bys with his puppy-brown eyes. “Look at that personality,” she said.

Cristina Johnson of Richmond agreed Orbit had a great personality that may be a possible match for her Shepherd-mix named Mattie that she had adopted from RAL in July 2008. She had received an e-mail from the organization about the event. “I have been thinking for awhile about a second dog and wanted to see who is who,” Johnson said.

RAL’s adoption process requires three references, including one from a veterinarian. All the cats and dogs receive up-to-date vaccinations and are spayed or neutered. The adopting owner is also given a bag of pet food, “so you can go straight on home and start,” Van Fossen said.

For the volunteers, fostering is part of the adoption process. Wendy Reardon is fostering Little Grey, a little mix of everything, until he’s adopted. “He just wants attention like any other dog,” said fellow volunteer Nancy Brown.

Hopewell Humane Society volunteer Jason Celli added that volunteering to help in animal rescue has been a positive experience. He, with girlfriend Joyce Preston, focuses on the cats that come through the shelter, including socialization, until the animal is ready for adoption. The Chesterfield resident transports the cats to the local PetSmart Store for adoption as well as being “something of a handyman” at the shelter. “I have a compassion for cats. Mainly cats are our favorite pets,” Celli said.

Other organizations in attendance focused on breeds or causes. Jan Velez, board member of Ring Dog Rescue, explained that the organization focuses on the brindle breed rescue. “Anything with the ‘bull’ name in it,” Velez said.

Velez, who kept an eye on Chunk, a 4-month-old Pit Bull, explained that the group advocates for the breed and educates the public about appropriate dog ownership, which can be applied to almost any breed. The organization, which currently has 30 foster homes in the Greater Richmond area, nurtures each dog in a thriving and loving environment. “They’re nanny dogs,” she said.

Velez added that a pet owner, especially an owner of a pit bull, must be a strong leader, provide structure for the pet, spay and neuter the animal, provide socialization and obedience and know the dog’s personality. “Be responsible and make the dog an ambassador for that breed. These dogs have strong personalities with higher energy and need to be active members of the family. They thrive in that environment,” she said.

According to a press release from the Richmond Animal League, other animal rescues and shelters participating in Metro Richmond Pet Savers include: AARF, Aussie Rescue and Placement, BARK, Bully Paws, Chesterfield County Animal Shelter, Give A Dog A Chance Rescue, Henrico Animal Shelter, Hopewell Humane Society, Petersburg Animal Shelter, Powhatan Animal Control, Richmond Animal Care and Control, and Rescue of Chained K9s. The events will take place on the second Saturday each month. The next Adopt-A-Thon will take place at the Short Pump PetSmart on Saturday, May 8, beginning at 10 a.m. For more information, link online at midlothianexchange.com.