Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA

Have you ever seen those amazing pictures of our furry felines? Taryn Price, our wonderful April Volunteer of the Month, is the one who takes and edits all those pictures! She even bought a special camera and lens just for the SPCA cats! Her beautiful and candid pictures of the cats have helped get quite a few noticed and adopted. But Taryn doesn’t just take pictures. She spends hours socialize and getting to know the cats here. Thanks for all you do, Taryn!

Why did you decide to start volunteering at the SPCA?

Taryn: I brought some stray cats into the SPCA. The SPCA took great care of them and found them homes. After that, I wanted to give back to the SPCA and the cats that were here.

What is the best part about volunteering at the SPCA?

Taryn: One of my favorite things is hearing people look for a specific cat because of a picture I took. It’s great to know that I helped an animal get attention and hopefully get adopted.

If you could adopt some of the cats here now, who would you take home?

Taryn: Posey because she’s been here a while. She’s really sweet and like to play, but gets overlooked. Stevie because he has a sweet purr and really needs a safe space. And Laverne and Shirley since they’re very playful and super fun!

Staff Comments

“Taryn will go out of her way to help both the animals and staff. She’ll take time out of her day to meet with you and take special pictures of the cats.”

“Taryn is so friendly and personable. I love talking with her whenever she’s here visiting the cats. You can tell that she really loves them all and wants to do what she can to help them get adopted!”

“The amazing pictures Taryn takes of the cats have definitely helped them get noticed and adopted! I know she spends so much extra time taking and editing the pictures.”

By Lisa Lane on Apr 24, 2013 (1) Comments

April 21st-27th is Volunteer Appreciation Week! The CASPCA is fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers, it would be impossible for us to accomplish all that we do without them. This month we’ve asked volunteers to help  us spotlight some of their favorites, and they didn’t disappoint! If you’ve been in our building lately you might have noticed all the wonderful posters volunteers have made to help us recognize their selections. If you haven’t yet, stop by to see the posters and meet this month’s volunteer picks! You can also take advantage of our April Adoption Special: 50% off the adoption fee for all volunteer picks! 

Meet Laverne & Shirley! This dynamic duo was selected by Julianne & Taryn as their volunteer picks because they’re fun and adorable. They love toys and enjoy playing with each other and with people. Julianne says they’re active, but also laidback, and can easily entertain themselves. They like affection and prefer being petted on the floor to being picked up. Laverne & Shirley take some time to warm up to new people, and can be a little shy at first. Once they get to know you they’ll be happy to let you join in on the fun! These independent ladies would love to add some charm to your home! Come meet them today!

Are you looking for a friendly addition to your home? Look no further than Napoleon! This playful guy is Leah’s volunteer pick because she likes his high energy personality and the way he loves attention. She says he enjoys running around and sometimes stops in the middle of playtime just to be petted. He knows “sit” and “shake”, which Leah says he is likely to demonstrate for you, especially if you smell like treats! Napoleon would do best in a home with active and affectionate humans, and older children. If you think he might be the dog for you, stop by and meet him today!

If you’re looking for some feline affection, let us introduce you to Lovebug! She’s Lauren’s volunteer pick because this sweet girl lives up to her name. Lauren says she’s friendly and lovable and warms up to people quickly. She’s content to curl up next to you, unless you have her favorite toy, the laser pointer! When Lovebug first came to the SPCA, her teeth were in such bad shape that they all had to be removed, so she needs to be an indoor-only cat. Lauren says this doesn’t stop her from downing her food and attacking her toys though! She gets along well with other cats and would love to go home with you today.  If you want to see more of Lovebug you can visit her at our Petsmart location or check out this great video that Lauren made of her here.

 We have more great videos of some of our other volunteer picks. Check out Mario and Peony!

By Kelly on Apr 24, 2013 (0) Comments

Our March volunteer of the month has devoted hundreds of hours to working on our website, making it the best it can be. Last year he completed a major redesign of the site creating a more user-friendly site, which has helped promote our adoptable pets, schedule spay/neuter appointments, raise much needed funds and market our events. Potential adopters can now search for new pets with ease, information is readily available for people who want to get involved with the SPCA, and upcoming events are clearly displayed. For all his hard work on the SPCA website, John Dove is our March Volunteer of the Month!

How long have you been volunteering with the SPCA?

About 5 years.

How did you get involved?

I made friends with Beth McPhee and Susanne Kogut, and I started to help with things like the spay/ neuter clinic. I also have two rescue cats of my own and I love animals, so I wanted to do more. About a year ago I developed the new website that we have now. Since then I’ve been working on small improvements for the site. Just recently I went through orientation to become a Dog Walker and Cat Socializer. I want to get more involved with and have more interaction with the animals.

What was your goal in creating this new website?

I wanted to make a top notch website that is just as great as our SPCA. This new website is more interactive and user-friendly and has good fundraising tools. We recently finished a page for people who donate in honor or in memory of loved ones, both people and animals. It’s a nice way to remember a friend.

I know you’re a big cat lover… do you have cats from our SPCA?

Yes, both my cats are rescues. When one of mine passed away, I came here about a year ago to find him a friend. I adopted Snowball, a Siamese cat. His new name is Mocha. He and my other cat are great friends!

What’s the best part of adopting a rescued animal?

Knowing that there’s one less animal out there who has no one to love them. My animals are part of the family, and they’re very spoiled – as they should be!

Check out more of John’s work at http://www.backstageweb.net

 Staff Comments:

John is awesome. His help with our website has been invaluable. John has a big heart and is always willing to assist when needed.

The changes John made on our website have saved staff countless hours. I can’t say thank you enough.

John is always willing to work with us to turn ideas into reality. He is amazing at finding a solution to all of our web needs. 

By Lisa Lane on Mar 21, 2013 (4) Comments

Staff Picks give our staff and volunteers a chance to bring attention to some of their favorite animals who might not always get noticed. Check out March’s picks from Alex, Nancy, Alisha, Dr. Beichel,  and volunteers Jason and Ellen, and then stop by and visit them today! And don’t forget about our March Madness special. Make a basket in our lobby and you can get $25 off the adoption fee or a free adoption! (adult cats and dogs only, excludes specially priced dogs).

Meet Maddox! He’s Alex’s staff pick because she likes his wiggly affection and how much he loves to play. He really wants to find a home with a loving environment and people who are willing to take the time to help him learn. His energy and playfulness mean he would probably do best in a home with older kids. If you give him a chance, he’ll be a loyal friend. If you think this might be the dog for you, he would love to meet you!

Do you need a relaxed and easy-going dog in your life? Alex’s staff pick Holly could be just the one for you! She’s a smart dog and quick learner who would likely respond to training. She loves attention and is very friendly once she’s gotten to know you. Holly is low-maintenance, housetrained, and would do best in a house with no kids. Come visit her today!

Meet Bo-Bo! This cute guy is Nancy’s staff pick because of his sweet temperament and good manners. He’s very loving and wants to be a lap dog. He’s on the older side, so if you’re looking for a dog who enjoys a slower pace and you’re up for some snuggling, Bobo could be the dog for you! Great news! Bo-Bo has been adopted! 

Don’t you love a cat with a good story? Let us introduce you to Kibbles, Nancy’s staff pick. When he first found his way to our door he had a reputation for being the meanest cat in the neighborhood. It had taken forever for someone to round him up and we assumed he would prefer living in a barn to living in a home. Kibbles proved us all wrong! He’s one sweet kitty who loves to be petted. As you can tell from his picture, he also loves sticking out his tongue! Kibbles prefers the company of people and would do best as the only cat in a home. Come meet him today!
Kibbles has been adopted! 

If you’re in need of a great small addition to your home, meet Gary the guinea pig! He’s Alisha’s staff pick because he’s super cute and has tons of personality. He’s curious and loves visitors to his little house in our lobby, especially the ones that bring him treats! He doesn’t mind being held, and likes to be scratched between his eyes. His friendliness and sweet demeanor would make him a great pet for any household. Come visit Gary today! Gary has been adopted!

Are you looking for an independent and easy-going feline? Meet Alisha’s staff pick, Hobby! She will let you know when she wants to be held and will reward you with a fabulous purr in exchange. She’s has lots of personality, so she would probably do best as the only pet in a household. Hobby loves to be around people and is a chatty girl who will use different meows to convey her feelings. If you need a laidback and low-maintenance companion in your life, Hobby could be your girl! 

Meet Alberta! She’s Dr. Beichel’s staff pick because she’s a big girl with a big heart to match. She loves to be petted, but likes to tell you when she wants the attention! She is more than enough cat to fill a lap, but is an independent sort and also likes to have time to herself. If you are looking for a low maintenance girl to share your couch, come visit Alberta! (and easy on the treats, please!)

If you’re looking for a sweet, older dog, look no further than Little Man! He’s Dr. Beichel’s staff pick because of his loving personality. He’s a gentle guy who would do well in any household. Little Man loves his stuffed toys and rawhide chews. He recently had a dental cleaning to make sure he would be all ready to go to his new home! Little Man is part of our Seniors for Seniors program, so if you’re a Senior (or you know one who’s looking for a great dog) you could adopt him for free! Great news! Little Man has been adopted!

Have you always wanted to enter a cat in the Kitty Olympics? We’ve got your winner right here! Hugo is Jason’s volunteer pick and among his other great qualities, he’s an excellent high-jumper, often leaping to great heights. He needs some space while he gets to know you, but once you’ve received his approval he’ll follow you around and shower you with his affection. He’s playful with other cats and in his free time he enjoys playing with feather toys. Stop by to visit Hugo and if you’re lucky, he’ll show you his skills!  

Meet Josie! She’s Ellen’s volunteer pick because she’s got a great personality and is tons of fun. Ellen says Josie is a big dog who thinks she’s a little dog, so she loves trying to sit on your lap. She’s snuggly but active too, and would be great for taking on hikes, as long as you’ll let her sniff along the way (she loves to sniff!). Her energy means she would do best in a home with older kids. If you’re looking for a happy dog, stop by and meet Josie today! Josie was adopted!

By Kelly on Mar 08, 2013 (0) Comments

The SPCA is excited to introduce Staff Picks, a new monthly feature to give our staff and volunteers a chance to bring attention to some of their favorite animals who might not always get noticed. Check out February’s picks from Ashley, Lizz, Mitchell, Sam, Leigh & Taryn, and then stop by and visit them today!

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance snuggle buddy, let us introduce you to Lisel! This sweet girl is Ashley’s February staff pick because of her friendly demeanor and lovable personality. She has beautiful fur to match that friendly demeanor too (her color is called “blue brindle”).  At first glance she might seem intimidating, but Ashley says Lisel is a gentle giant who wants nothing more than to cuddle with you!  She’s mellow, well-mannered, and housetrained. She would be a loyal companion but would probably do best as the only dog in the house (she doesn’t like to share her people!). Come visit Lisel and make her your Valentine today!

If you’re looking for some feline affection, Mister Man is a whole lot of love! He’s Ashley’s staff pick because she says he’s a cuddlebug who wants nothing more than to sit in your lap. He loves to be petted, and does great with other cats. We probably should’ve named him “Shadow” because he’ll follow you around to get your attention. At almost 20 pounds he prefers to come to you rather than be picked up. He’s part of our “Seniors for Seniors” program, so if you’re a Senior (or you know one who’s looking for a great cat) you could adopt him for free. Regardless of your age, if you have a lap, Mister Man would love to go home with you!

Are you a runner looking for someone to join you for those early morning miles? A hiker hoping for some company to share the scenery? Or if you’re just an active person searching for a great dog, we’ve got one for you! Meet Emma Sue! She’s Lizz’s February staff pick because she’s social and fun and loves to play. Lizz says Emma Sue is a quick learner and a people-pleaser who wants to be taught. She does fine with cats and would work well with older kids given her high-energy nature. Lizz says Emma Sue will never be a couch potato, so if that sounds like it works with your lifestyle, come take her for a walk, she would love to meet you! Great news! Emma Sue has been adopted!    

If you’re looking for a playful cat who loves laps and laser pointers, meet Izzy! He’s Lizz’s staff pick because he’s cuddly and social. Lizz says he’s a chatterbox who will follow you around and “supervise.”  He needs some time to warm up to you, but once he has you won’t meet a friendlier cat. Izzy also needs a special food in order to avoid allergies and stay healthy.  You can win his heart with toys and ear-scratching, so come on down and meet this lovable guy today!

 Are you looking for a friendly face to greet you at the door after a long day at work? Miss Blue is just the dog for you! She’s Mitchell’s staff pick because she’s fun and she loves to cuddle. He says Miss Blue thinks she’s a lap dog, and she’s never met a stranger. She likes her toys and would love someone who’s willing to play keep away and fetch with her. If you’re up for playtime and snuggling, stop by and visit Miss Blue today!  

 Meet Barbosa! He might be named after a pirate, but don’t let that give you any funny ideas, this cute guy is as sweet as they come. He’s Mitchell’s staff pick because he’s affectionate, loves playing with toys, and he’ll roll over for a belly rub as soon as he meets you. His vision is somewhat limited so he needs to be an indoor cat, but he can find the food dish just fine! It’s ok if you don’t live on a pirate ship, Barbosa is ready to go home with you today! 

Are you looking for an easygoing dog with a playful side? Meet Akia! She’s Sam’s staff pick because she’s a quiet dog who loves interacting with people. Her toys are much more interesting when there’s a human around to play with her! She also loves belly rubs and going for walks. Akia also needs a special food in order to keep her skin healthy. If you could use a fun and laidback dog in your life stop by and meet Akia today!

Meet Happy Feet! She’s Leigh’s February volunteer pick because she’s playful, intelligent, and tons of fun. Happy Feet has lots of energy, and would probably enjoy a home with older kids. She’s very smart and knows basic commands. She craves mental stimulation and would love a human who wants to help her learn more! Leigh says Happy Feet is very personable and loves interacting with people and other dogs. True to her name, she’s a happy girl! She even comes with a free training session, but she needs your help to use it so make her yours and make her day!

Clarissa is one sassy diva who likes some space while she sizes you up. She’s Taryn’s volunteer pick because she’s independent and looks like a fluffy cloud. This pretty girl has 2 differently colored eyes and loves playing with her fishing pole toy. She prefers a mellow environment where she doesn’t have to share your attention, and will grace you with her affection once she’s had time to warm up to you. If you can respect a cat who prefers life on her own terms, stop by and visit Clarissa today!

By Kelly on Feb 02, 2013 (0) Comments