Now that the weather should be cooling some one would think that the animal breeding season would be cooling as well — if only it were so! Kittens are still coming and pups are filling our shelter. We have lovely kittens, puppies as well as adult cats and dogs for adoption.
Middlesex Pet Friends for Life (MPFL) relies on our wonderful volunteers to foster those fur babies that need care beyond the shelter. We are eternally grateful for those kind souls who give of their time and homes to care for them. Ironically our foster families are often the ones thanking us for the opportunity to experience the joy and love of a foster kitty or pup. We only hope more folks would consider taking on a foster friend even for a short time. Thank you to those who do.
MPFL gets many calls from folks who have found a stray kitty and ask where and how they can get help. Our county shelter is not always able to accommodate kitties so it usually falls upon the kind foster volunteers and there are not always enough volunteers to handle a situation. There are other rescue organizations in our area that may be able to help. Some specialize in felines, but most take both dogs and cats.
There is always the chance of coming across an orphaned wild animal as well. In the case of wildlife, it is best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and it is illegal in most states to try to rehabilitate wildlife, unless you are licensed by the state. There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to caring for and handling orphaned or injured animals and it is best to check with an expert for everyone’s safety. Keeping an animal warm and calm before all else is key to survival.
Below is a list of organizations in our area dedicated to helping both domesticated animals or wildlife. If they cannot help directly, they can be good sources for referrals to groups who can help. The organizations include:
- Gloucester Mathews Humane Society receives a stipend from Middlesex County each year to assist with our homeless animals. 804-693-5520. They also provide a food pantry for people who have run into financial difficulties and may need assistance with pet food.
- Fixin’ To Save is a low cost spay/neuter clinic in Hayes and has a grant for no cost spay/neuter for feral cats from Middlesex County. Call them at 804-694-0439. Costs for domestic cats and dogs start at $45 to $85 depending on weight and gender.
- Critters 4 U Rescue is an all-volunteer group in Dutton that rescues both dogs and cats. For information, call 757-335-0028.
- SCAT is a cat rescue group in Saluda. Email them at scatinc@aol.com. They have an office across from the Middlesex County Historic Courthouse on General Puller Highway.
- Animal Welfare League assists cats and dogs. They are located on Main Street in Kilmarnock and work mostly in the Northern Neck, but can be a good resource. For information, call 804-435-0822.
- Urbanna Cat Project is dedicated to helping the feral cat population in Urbanna. Write to them c/o Allen Group at P.O. Box 758, Urbanna, VA 23175.
- For wildlife — Call the Wildlife Center of Virginia Hotline at 1-540-942-9453. They can refer you to local licensed rehabbers in our area and provide helpful information. Leave a message and calls will be returned promptly.
On a personal note, MPFL is in the process of planning a really fun event in October to help raise funds for our furry friends so keep on the lookout for further information.
Middlesex Pet Friends for Life is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501c3 organization dedicated to helping the homeless animals of Middlesex County. It relies solely on donations, which can be sent to P.O. Box 145, Saluda, VA 23149. You can also donate online through PayPal or credit card and shop AmazonSmile choosing MPFL as your charity.
The kitties and pups give you a four paws up for helping them!
(Cate Ogden is president of Middlesex Pet Friends for Life. Email her at roc@va.metrocast.net.)
