26th Annual Eastminster Dog Show to be held on Wednesday, May 15th

Charlottesville, Virginia: It’s time to groom your dog, practice your tricks, and get your best canine costumes ready, because the 26th Annual Eastminster Dog Show is right around the corner! This year’s show will take place at the Keswick Hunt Club (adjacent to Keswick Hall at 701 Club Drive, Keswick, VA) on Wednesday, May 15th, following the Keswick Horse Show. Dogs and their families are invited to compete in seven fun-filled classes of competition including: Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Family, Musical Chairs, Best Rescue, Beginner’s Obstacle Course and Best In Show. Event sponsors, Animal Connection and Lynne Goldman Elements, will provide prizes for each class of competition. Registration for this family friendly event begins at 5:00 p.m. with the show kicking off at 6:00 p.m. Of course, spectators are welcome. Admission and entry is free but donations to the SPCA are encouraged. All competing dogs must be spayed or neutered. Adoptable SPCA dogs will also make an appearance in the ring, attempting to impress and win the heart of a potential adopter.

“For the last twenty-six years, the Eastminster Dog Show has been one of our most anticipated family events.” says Lisa Lane, SPCA Director of Marketing and Development. “At the SPCA, we love to see pets in costume so we look forward to the Eastminster Dog Show each Spring. Whether your dog is competing or you’re just coming to watch, it’s a ton of fun for everyone! The SPCA is so grateful for event organizers Ginny Semmes and Peggy Augustus and our event sponsors, who make this fun tradition and our lifesaving programs at the SPCA possible.”

The mission of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the lost, abandoned, and homeless animals of the City of Charlottesville and the County of Albemarle and to increase the number of these animals being placed in appropriate, loving, and permanent homes through adoptions, foster care, and outreach, and to set a standard of excellence and leadership in shelter animal care, humane education, and progressive animal welfare programs.

For more information about the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA call 434-973-5959 or visit www.caspca.org. The SPCA’s main adoption center is located at 3355 Berkmar Drive in Charlottesville and is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

*This special is good for SPCA cats at Purrin’ at Pantops, PetSmart, the SPCA Rummage Store and main SPCA on Berkmar Drive.

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.”

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!

You can win one of these amazing dog or cat statues decorated by local artists! They can be found in a dozen local retail establishments around town.

Raffle Tickets are $10 each or three for $20 and all proceeds benefit the animals at the SPCA.  Tickets can be purchased at the location of the statue that you wish to win or online using the link below.

View statues and learn more here.

For non-resident rates click here.

For dog spay/neuter information click here.

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. 

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!