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.
It’s an exciting time! Welcoming a new family member and giving a shelter dog a safe, secure life and future! But for the dog, it is also a very overwhelming time. What they knew as “life” is now turned upside down.
Sometimes, there’s some known history of the dog’s previous life, but in a lot of cases, there is not. We have to think about starting from scratch to learn about this new family member. Patience will be key to making the transition successful!
Generally speaking, you’ll want to give the dog 3-6 days to decompress, acclimate, and settle into their new home. Keep things as quiet and peaceful as you can during this time.
During the first 3-6 weeks the dog is in their new home, it will gain confidence and understanding of routines, schedules, and expectations and start to open up and show you more about their personalities. Observing the dog during this time will allow you to start to learn a lot about who they are!
You’ll want to allow 3-6 months to truly get to know the ins and outs of the dog, their likes, their worries, their strengths, and areas of training that may be needed, and to allow the dog to build a trusted bond with your family.
Patience is hard! But in the end, if your family will allow for this transition time and not put too much on the dog too soon, the comfort of your new dog and the success of the transition, will be much better for the long term!
Jo Downing, UT-CCFT, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Tricks Evaluator, ATD T/O, AKC Farm Dog Judge, CTDI/Tricks Evaluator
https://wigglebutzk9.com/
When Georgia Mitchell first heard about the Goochland Pet Lovers Good Neighbor Fund and Outreach Program (GNO), she knew it was a godsend.
“My disabled husband and I moved into the area and found out about the program through the local free health clinic.
“Everyone at the Good Neighbor Program goes out of their way to treat pets—and their humans—with care, concern, and dignity.”
The Good Neighbor Fund was established in 2020 with a clear goal: to assist families and individuals by offering them vet care at no cost. This initiative not only keeps pets healthy—and in their homes—but also contributes to the overall health of our community, fostering a sense of togetherness and care.
“I’m not sure we could afford our emotional support dog. It means so much to have needed medications, immunizations, and all the extras,” Mrs. Mitchell said.
Dr. Lori Elliott, DVM, is one of the program’s creators and has strong ties to animal welfare in the greater community. Elliot launched Shady Grove Animal Clinic in Glen Allen and is a founding member and Chair of Goochland Pet Lovers, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fundraising and friend-raising in support of providing education, volunteers, and financial assistance through an innovative public/private partnership with Goochland County.
Elliott, a veterinary volunteer and the unofficial Medical Director of the Good Neighbor Outreach Program, says, “I knew there was a need in the community and got involved because I have a set of qualifications that enable me to help in this situation.”
The increasing number of pets in Goochland County has led to challenges in accessing affordable veterinary care for pet owners and veterinarians who care for animals.
“Veterinary care is in demand with far too few providers for the number of pets in our country. Therefore, the cost of veterinary care has escalated. With the economic challenges of many of our community members, veterinary care is financially out of reach to many people.”
“Animals love their family regardless of family income. They did not ask to be loved by someone who is/becomes financially challenged. These are the people the Good Neighbor Outreach Program is helping.”
“If all pets in our community are vaccinated and kept healthy, the overall health of our county’s pet population is elevated. GNO also microchips pets and purchases licenses for all dogs. This helps keep pets out of the shelter,” said Dr. Elliott.
One of several innovative initiatives stemming from Goochland Pet Lovers, the Good Neighbor Program supports Goochland and Powhatan residents experiencing hardship caring for their pets. Residents may be eligible to receive need-based financial assistance for preventative and minor/basic pet care if they live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL). In 2024, the FPL is $30,120 for a household of one person.
Blaine Converse, program coordinator for GNO, learned very early on about the community’s extensive need for inexpensive veterinary care. She is typically the first point of contact for residents seeking low to no-cost veterinary care.
“I got involved because of my passion for animals and a desire to help those who also love animals but need help providing care. I take the calls requesting to join our program, conduct interviews, fill out the application forms, enter everything in the database, schedule the appointments for the dogs and cats to be seen at a clinic, and oversee the clinics. Unofficially, I am somewhat of a “Den Mother,” responding to client calls when they have questions about medical or behavioral issues with their pets or need information about where to find specific resources. And sometimes, I’m just there to listen.”
“I would like to say how much I have appreciated all the kindness and help financially from Blaine and the GNO staff. This organization has gone above and beyond and then some for veterinary care. It’s been an amazing experience. Thank you all.” ~ Teresa Vermilyea
Four years have passed since the launch of the Good Neighbor Program. In 2024, the program has served 130 families and provided preventative/basic care to 182 dogs and cats, distributed 76 flea and tick collars, and provided for 16 spay/neuter surgeries.
“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to a time when we can do even more. We have a wonderful community filled with people who want to help in any way they can – by volunteering, offering their time and skills to clients in need, and donating. But there is still much good work to accomplish. Looking ahead, the program aims to increase the number of monthly clinics, extend care to underserved areas, partner with urgent/emergency care facilities, and increase donations and gifts-in-kind to strengthen and sustain the program,” said Ms. Converse.
If you are a resident of Goochland or Powhatan and are facing challenges in providing care for your pets, help is available. You can reach out to Goochland Pets Lovers at 804.556.LOVE (option 2) or via email at GNF@goochlandpetlovers.com. For more information about eligibility and the approval process, visit www.goochlandpetlovers.com/gnf.
Your one-time or monthly donation can help expand and support the Good Neighbor Fund and Outreach Program and other pet-related Goochland Pet Lovers initiatives. To learn more about giving time or money to pets or pet parents in need, visit www.goochlandpetlovers.com/donate.
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.
Goochland County and Goochland Pet Lovers are excited to announce the opening of the Goochland County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
