What happens when you bring a group of curious kids together with donkeys, horses, pigs, alpacas, reptiles, hunting dogs, service dogs, deputy K-9s and other amazing animals?
You get a week full of learning, hands-on experiences and plenty of new animal-loving friends.
Pepper is more than a pet. She is Frances’ companion, source of comfort, and loyal protector. Like many senior dogs, Pepper has begun to experience health concerns. In addition to needing to lose a little weight to help ease possible arthritis, she had developed significant dental tartar that required professional treatment.
When Pumba first arrived at the Goochland County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center with his brother, Timon, he had a distinctive appearance. His lower jaw gave him a “warthog-like” look, inspiring the name Pumba. But behind his unique face was a painful reality.
Sometimes, the right information comes from a simple conversation.
After moving to Powhatan at a young age, Trudy was settling into her new community when a friend shared a Facebook post about the Good Neighbor Outreach Program. At the time, she was caring for her two dogs, Jax and Samantha, and decided to learn more.
For more than a decade, Missy and Jelly Bean have been cherished members of Kammie’s family. The two Pomeranians have been by her side through life’s ups and downs, and like so many pet owners, Kammie has always wanted to give them the care they deserve.
Noel arrived in crisis. She was injured, frightened, and in pain after what was suspected to be a traumatic accident. In those first moments, her future was uncertain and the full extent of her injuries was still unknown. What was clear was that she needed immediate, advanced medical care to have any chance at recovery.
Goochland Pet Lovers recently joined the community in celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Goochland County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center.
The shelter was the dream of Becky Dickson, who founded Goochland Pet Lovers to make that vision a reality. Five years ago, Goochland Pet Lovers raised funds through our Capital Campaign to help build the shelter, and we continue to support the shelter and pets in the community through various programs.
Celebrating this milestone, the anniversary event featured local food and drinks, live music by Dave Livesay, and an art auction benefiting Goochland Pet Lovers. Throughout the night, individuals shared stories of how Goochland Pet Lover’s Programs have made a lasting impact.
Guests were welcomed by emcee Ros Runner, whose energy and enthusiasm set a lively tone for the evening. Mark Ames, Chair of the GPL Board, reflected on the shelter’s five-year journey and the critical role the community has played in its growth. The spotlight then turned to the Goochland Pet Lovers programs making a difference for animals in the community.
The Dr. Lori L. Elliott Medical Fund was highlighted by Dr. Lori L. Elliott herself, for the vital care it provides to shelter pets, helping them recover and find loving homes. Guests also heard the story of Dagney, a dog who received critical treatment after a gunshot wound thanks to the fund, shared by her new owners, Mara and Chris Hilliar, showing the real impact of the shelter’s programs.
David “TJ” Jackson discussed how the Good Neighbor Outreach Program supported him with veterinary costs during personal health challenges.
The evening also showcased the Teaching Kindness Program, which encourages third-grade students to care for animals and practice empathy, as described by Judi Saxon, a parent of a Goochland County student.
The evening concluded with an art auction that raised $9,125 for Goochland Pet Lovers, directly supporting Goochland Pet Lover’s ongoing programs and care for pets in the community.
The fifth anniversary was not just a milestone for the shelter but a celebration of what happens when a community comes together. It was a recognition of the generosity, dedication, and heart of everyone who has supported Goochland Pet Lovers and the shelter over the years.
This past summer, a Goochland resident came home from the beach to find a dog abandoned in a crate on her back deck. She had no access to food or water and that week was sweltering with temperatures in the high 90’s. To say Tilly was not in great shape would be an understatement.
Let’s face it, our dogs love to be around us. All of the time! The new human need to shelter in place, work from home (if able to work at all), and limit social interactions may be your dog’s idea of Utopia. If most dogs could decide, we would never go back to our pre-COVID 19 routines. But, what happens when restrictions begin to be lifted?
Dogs do best with routines. They like to have predictable structure in their days. They are most relaxed when they rise, eat, have potty breaks, go for walks, and go to bed at roughly the same time every day. For most dogs, having human family members suddenly home-bound is a fairly easy and welcome transition….kind of like a month of weekends!
When statewide isolation restrictions are lifted, all schools are back in session in person, and the house is empty all day, many dogs will exhibit signs of separation anxiety. These signs may include vocalization, destruction of toys, clothing and furniture, scratching at doors and floors, and inappropriate urination/defecation. This behavior is not a dog being mad or trying to “get back” at their family. It is actually similar to a panic attack. Punishment for this behavior is not beneficial and can even exacerbate the problem. Some dogs need anti-anxiety medication to help stabilize their behavior.
So how can we prevent this? While on COVID restrictions, it is important to allow your dog to have some relaxed alone time in the house. Have your whole family slip out the door (without giving your dog verbal or eye contact) to go for a dogless walk or drive. When you return, passively ignore your dog and act as if you were never gone. Leave TV or radio on while you are away. All of these things help to minimize the difference between you being home and the dog being alone.
When schools are back to being in person for every child and work-from-home is no longer the norm, keep practicing these minimizing separation techniques. Try to establish a new routine before your schedule changes. Consider a couple days of doggie day care per week. Do lots of physical and mental exercises with your dog.
We will all get through these strange times. We might even feel closer to our family, both two and four legged. Practicing some healthy separation now will help our dogs transition to alone time later. Cats, on the other hand might just celebrate when they have more time alone!
Written by Dr. Lori L. Elliott
NBC12 report By
“The AECW Fund granted the money to aid the organization’s core mission — to promote animal welfare through educational programs, community engagement and financial support.”
Click here to read more about the grant.
