Kitty à la Crèche

16/08/2024

LONG-STAY SONNY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

This is Sonny, our second longest-stay dog, who’s been in our care for an astonishing 13 months! 😳

Despite his extended stay, Sonny is an incredible companion who shines on pack walks and adoption events. He would be happiest as the only dog in his home, as he wasn’t socialized with other dogs as a puppy due to Covid restrictions and doesn’t always read dog language correctly in a home environment, or know how to share his space with other pups. Sonny is calm, knows basic commands, and can be very affectionate once he knows you!

He is the reigning champion of the “Best Sit” challenge at HQ, and is very treat motivated.

One of our fosters recently took Sonny on a 3-mile walk, and he did fantastic—staying focused and enjoying some frolic time in a field of buttercups. Sonny is also a fan of car rides, long walks, and treats, though he could use a bit of weight loss to achieve his summer body goals.

Sonny is loyal, loving, and ready for a home where he can thrive. For more information on adopting Sonny or to meet him, apply online at
https://www.sfcva.org/

22/07/2024

Nature is neither cruel nor kind. It’s not bound by the same set of rules that circumscribe humanity. So I won’t keen for Avanti. Instead, I'll tell you a little about her.

She came from a litter of eight siblings. Two of them passed very early into care. The rest survived, but not without a bit of trauma and sleepless nights for me. Avanti was the largest of her litter and the most playful. It was noticed early into her care that she was losing mobility in her hind legs. What was first thought to be cerebral hypoplasia turned out to be a pelvic deformity. Despite that, nothing stopped her from playing and roughhousing with her siblings. At least not until recently, when she began to lose weight rapidly. She was suffering from malabsorption, no matter how much she ate. Her organs seemed to be failing, and she was crashing daily, only to be brought back with IV fluids and critical care. All blood tests for the usual culprits were negative. The decision was made to end her suffering and let her go peacefully, so she could join her siblings.

Avanti was an avid cuddler. She loved everyone she met, and every animal here loved her—even the grumpy cat-hater, Apple. Animals just know when someone needs love, and they gave it to her indiscriminately. She got to snuggle with Grandpa Gizmo, shared a grilled chicken salad with me daily, and watched TV while wrapped in my sweatshirt. I couldn’t help but count down the days until I would have to say goodbye, but I spent them giving her experiences that probably soothed my soul more than it did hers.

Fostering animals is such an important part of my life, and I’ll never stop. Avanti spent her life with people who loved her and showered her with affection. She only suffered briefly. The alternative was to die living in squalid conditions under a shed where she was found or to be picked off by a predator. That’s just not good enough for me, no matter how much it hurts to say goodbye. Kittens like Avanti and countless others won’t make it this far. So I owe it to them to make a difference in the lives of some of the most vulnerable among us.

Thanks for reading.

28/05/2024

Remember last month when everyone was panicking about the mysterious cat shortage? Y'all were acting like kittens had gone extinct and I said, "Relax, kitten season is coming, just wait a week." Well, guess what? Now we’re drowning in them! We have over 100 kittens in care, and nearly half are ready for adoption. These little fluffballs are cuteness overload and do all the adorable kitten things. Check out the available babies at www.sfcva.org or come see us at Petsmart in Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA, this Saturday (6/1) between 12pm and 4pm. Seriously, don’t miss it!
SFC Virginia
PetSmart

26/05/2024

This might be the prettiest kitty I've fostered. Mama cat Lightning Paws.

20/05/2024

Tidesmith fast a sleep 😴

15/05/2024

Hello gorgeous. Featuring Lightning Paw.

13/05/2024

10/05/2024

19/04/2024

These babies are feeling better and headed off to their next foster. Mama went to spay today and is available for adoption. I'm so glad this is her last litter and she can focus on finding a home and spending her time soaking up the love she so desperately craves. She's absolutely so sweet and affectionate. She even has a bit of a playful side and enjoyed silvervine catnip powder. Keep an eye on www.sfcva.org to apply!

16/04/2024

🚨URGENT: We are out of canned kitten food! With over 25 kittens in our care and requests to take more, we need help stocking the pantry. Please help us feed the kittens in our care!

Ways you can help:
💚Amazon wishlist: https://bit.ly/4aFu3EV
💙VENMO:
💜PAYPAL: paypal.me/sfcva

16/04/2024

Glass Cove and Lake Landor. These boys are 100% wide open playing. And when they aren't playing, they want to be cradled while they recharge for 20 minutes tops. They've been pretty good about having their nails trimmed and are all around agreeable kittens. I highly recommend they go together for adoption because they are full of energy and toes, legs, really any body part is fun zone for them. Solo kittens get into mischief!

04/04/2024

📣📣📣Kitten season is in full swing, and we're on a mission to help as many as possible. Right now, we're caring for 17 adorable kittens, and our partner shelters have reached out with an urgent request: two more mama cats with newborns need our help, and we've happily accepted the challenge!

But here's where we need your support. Our kitten season supplies are running low, and we need to restock fast. Can you help out? Check out our wishlist: https://amzn.to/3PIJG
Your generosity will enable us to continue saying yes to urgent pleas for help, ensuring these precious kittens have everything they need to thrive!

Virginia-based cat foster and kitten nursery
https://amzn.to/3PIJGTV

02/04/2024

Fostering is so important! A few weeks means a lifetime to an animal in need. If you're in the area, sign up to foster today. www.sfcva.org/foster

29/03/2024

Apparently, it's not just Aries season, it's also kitten season, ya'll.
Fun fact, female cats are sexually mature by 6 months old and can have 5 litters a year. SFC VA took over 600 kittens into care in 2023 and this year the partner shelters are desperate for support. You can help by applying to foster a mama or litter in need. If you live within an hour of the Spotsylvania, Virginia area, consider fostering today, www.sfcva.org/foster

Can’t foster but want to help? SFC VA is in urgent need of kitten wet and dry food! Help feed these adorable furballs by shopping from our Amazon wishlist. Every bite counts in supporting these new families!: https://amzn.to/3PIJGTV

Virginia-based cat foster and kitten nursery
https://amzn.to/3PIJGTV

27/03/2024

Join us for our Virtual Kitten Shower as we gear up for kitten season 2024! Last year, we welcomed over 600 kittens into our care, and this year, we anticipate an even higher number. Help us prepare for pregnant moms and their adorable offspring by participating in a variety of activities, including kitten-naming raffles, trivia challenges, kitten 101, and exclusive sneak peeks at our newest furry additions.

You can also show your support by donating wishlist items directly through Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/39VUMHSM25JUO?ref_=wl_share) or dropping them off at Starbucks in the Breezewood Shopping Center, Fredericksburg (10693 Courthouse Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407). And while you're there, don't forget to treat yourself to a delicious latte! Your contributions will make a huge difference in the lives of these precious animals. Let's make kitten season 2024 the best one yet!

Featuring: Mama cat, Shiana. How many kittens do you think she will have?!

13/03/2024

This is a long one. CW: Pet death

I typically don't share much about cats who are facing medical challenges. It's hard to find the right words to make a touch-and-go situation seem positive, especially with so much sadness already on social media. However, I feel compelled to share Norman's story. When he came to us, he was severely underweight and seemed disinterested in anything but lounging around. At just 7 months old, he weighed only 3.5lbs. Despite seemingly normal bloodwork, something wasn't quite right as he struggled to gain weight. His previous foster mentioned that he was a social eater, so I asked my son to foster him in his room, where he spends most of his time. It was there that Norman and my son quickly became inseparable. We started to notice changes in Norman - he began showing more interest in food, playing with shoestrings, and most importantly, gaining weight. Just two weeks ago, he finally reached 4.2 lbs, and I was excited to create his adoption bio, highlighting all his quirky habits. We thought he was thriving. I was eagerly refreshing the rescue website, waiting for the perfect application. Then, everything changed. Norman's weight started fluctuating again, and he began losing interest in kitten food. On Monday morning, he woke up disoriented, staggering, and experiencing seizures. It was heartbreaking to witness. After consulting with the vet, we made the difficult decision to let him go so he could find peace. We may never know what caused his struggles, despite our efforts to give him the best possible chance at life. There are so many lessons embedded in this experience but I only care to highlight one one:

Every living thing deserves a chance to thrive, even when the going gets tough. Norman embodied that resilience, fighting hard to find his place in the world. Despite the challenges he faced, he was surrounded by love and support in his final months, thanks to the caring fosters who looked after him with devotion. My son, in particular, became his steadfast companion, spending countless hours wrapped in Norman's warmth, whether they were tackling schoolwork, playing games, or lost in the pages of a book. Norman's presence became a cherished part of our daily lives, with bedtime rituals of snuggling under blankets and moments lived fully in the present. Through it all, Norman's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty in perseverance and the profound impact of unconditional love.

The loss of Norman doesn't change my dedication. I'll keep fostering because countless animals still need love and care. If I were to stop now, it would feel like abandoning the memory of all the precious souls we've helped. So, I'll continue, knowing that every foster is a tribute to Norman and all the furry friends who've left paw prints on our hearts.

08/02/2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the 1️⃣3️⃣ puppies birthed by this very tired mama last night!

Thanks so much to labor and delivery foster mom Stephanie for supervising the process. We’re hopeful that Khia is done birthing (seriously, girl, stop there!) and are looking forward to watching her litter grow.

Also, for the love of all things: please spay and neuter your pets.

06/02/2024

I have to admit, most of my work meetings really could be an email. I usually just sit on the call while playing in Canva. Today was no different until the stars aligned and the sea parted for the hero I needed. About 20 minutes into the call an older man who has clearly seen about 40 years of conference calls finally said what we were all thinking - did we really need to have a meeting about this? Of course we didn't - but we're all in meeting business and if you're not having meetings then you're sitting idly probably making tinder profiles for adoptable pets like Herb here and there's no task item that covers that. When I think of Herb, I imagine that he too is a no BS kind of site foreman, with a weather aged body and face, who just wants to get the job done no matter how many municipal codes and OSHA regulations were broken in the process because DAMN IT THIS IS HOW WE DID IT IN THE 80's. He gets out his lunch pail and has the turkey and cheese, barks a few orders, and then clocks out for the day. The evening is spent watching the news in between a few audible loud snores, rinse repeat Herb. Rinse and repeat. See, this is the guy you want on your team - a master of routine with the imprint on the couch to prove it. He's not out there chasing tail, because he's been there, done that, and he knows what he has. Those days are behind him and he'd really just like to live out his golden years using your shoulder as a pillow. Gilmore girls? That's fine. He's gonna fall asleep 10 minutes into it anyway. That's Herb and he's ok.

Head to www.sfcva.org to learn more about Herb and Swipe right on a senior dog today. SFC Virginia

05/02/2024

King Harvest is hanging out at Petsmart in Central Park Fredericksburg va waiting for his last love SFC Virginia www.sfcva.org

04/02/2024

Valentine's Day is in 10 days. You have one weekend left to secure a real one by the big day. Don't settle for cheesecake factory again. Head to www.sfcva.org and swipe right on your new boo. 💝🐈‍⬛️ SFC Virginia

31/01/2024

Yesterday I was told that my post was snarky but honestly that's a bit tame if you consider the conversations I have with other drivers on my commute to and from work. We all need a little snark in our lives and I can't write one more post about how a cat has a heart as warm as her fur - hell, I can barely even write a post and you're getting two in one week. That's monumental; mark it on your calendars. Anyway, I have this pretty amazing brown kitty named Emerson. I personally have never seen a solid brown cat - so I'm completely enamored by her. That is of course until she lays on her side and you can see the absolute hack job of a shave she was given for her spay surgery. Nothing says 'cutting-edge' like an unexpected undercut at the vet's office. But I digress...

Emerson hasn't had much interest on the website and that's probably due to the fact I noted that she would like a quiet home. But really I'm not saying you have to live in the Sistine Chapel or anything. Em's is a really pleasant cat that someone really failed at one point because she could use a bit of a confidence booster as she can get a bit nervous around quick movement and loud noises. Given that knowledge, you can either be patient with her as she adjusts to a home, or you can get a puppy. That's how we're laying it out here.
Emerson is very submissive - she wants a cat friend and looks to them for comfort. She also wants to be petted frequently, brushed, and reassured she is safe in her new home. Easy. You know what to do: www.sfcva.org SFC Virginia

30/01/2024

It's that time again for me to plead forgiveness for not posting. I really have nothing better to say than I lost my second wind and facebook/insta posts just aren't on my list right now. social media shame me - it's ok.

But I did pop in to talk about your new ride or die, Hamee. This girl is the queen of snuggles, and loves, and being pet, and being held, and love smacks sometimes for no reason at all. Yep, I said it. You might get a skibbidy-bap from time to time because she is an unpredictable feline and if anyone ever tries to tell you all cats aren't like this they are a liar full of lies. Sure she sounds like her name was plucked straight from a quirky toy line (because it was), but let me assure you, her charm more than makes up for it. She's a sassy love sponge, ultimate leg rubber, side kick of a cat who you'd be crazy to pass up. Check her out at www.sfcva.org SFC Virginia

22/01/2024

It's been a minute since I posted and shame on me. Life just gets away from you when you pack it in.

Ya'll, look at this cat!

Patchfire, the feline with a nose patch so fiery, even Azula would be jealous. This 10-month-old tabby is a true ride-or-die companion. He's got cuddles, friendliness, and playfulness in his arsenal – the ultimate feline triple threat. Patchfire is the epitome of a solid dude. Judging by my highly scientific method – does this cat feel as heavy as a bowling ball after a beer – he's rocking a solid 10 pounds of feline awesomeness.

Now, let's dive into Patchfire's dating history – adopted and returned three times, but hey, who's counting? Twice, it was like, "Sorry Patchfire, our humans can't handle your awesomeness – allergies, you know?" And once, he bounced because he wasn't vibing with a doggy entourage. Drama, drama, drama.

So, Patchfire's on the lookout for a new crew. He's cool with chill dogs, as long as they keep their snoot out of his cat business – you know, giving him the space a cat of his caliber deserves. And he's totally down for making friends with other cool cats as long as you give him time to get to know them. Besties ain't happening over night, feel me?

Now, let's get real for a sec. This dude is cool as a fan, and if he faces another return, I might start getting accused of cat hoarding. Between you and me, my kids and husband already think I'm a bit nuts – and yeah, maybe there's a smidge of truth in that even without the cats. But here's the straight talk – if you've ever wondered if your life needs a hefty dose of awesome, you gotta meet Patchfire. He's hanging out at Petsmart, Central Park Fredericksburg. www.sfcva.org SFC Virginia

27/12/2023

As 2023 comes to an end, I wanted to share a lesson that's been at the forefront of my year: patience. This year, I delved into the world of under-socialized cats, and Myrtle, my little black kitty through SFC Virginia became a symbol of this journey. From a trap-neuter-release effort kitty to a timid ball of fur, it took a month for her to trust a gentle touch.

Her story is one of many I've encountered, fostering under-socialized cats. Patience is the key, giving them the time to feel secure, confident, and trusting. Animals can't articulate their feelings, so we must speak the language of patience and understanding. Myrtle, once wary, now shares my home with joy, enjoying the company of other pets while savoring her solitude.

As we step into 2024, my encouragement is simple: be patient with animals. Whether they're your pets or fosters, let them set the pace. Allow them to explore your home and family on their terms, fostering a haven of safety and warmth. Consider the shy ones – they might just need a place to be safe and warm. Here's to a year filled with compassion and understanding ✨️

30/11/2023

Calling all cat lovers in DC & ! Meet Limelife and Juice Plus, the dynamic duo that's ready to fill your home with feline love and antics. Limelife, the sophisticated brown and black tabby, is not just a lap cat—he's a connoisseur of kisses. Give him a smooch, and you'll witness his eyes closing in sheer adoration. On the other side, we have Juice Plus, the vibrant orange tabby, who believes shoulders are meant for perching. Whether you're working, cooking, or binge-watching your favorite shows, Juice Plus will be your trusty sidekick.

But their charm doesn't stop there! These 4-month-old cuties are the ultimate playmates. Armed with their favorite toys, they turn every corner of your home into a playground. Movie nights? They've got that covered too, transforming your evenings into cozy, unforgettable affairs. Their synchronized antics and undeniable affection will make your heart swell.

Ready to add a double dose of joy to your life? Limelife and Juice Plus are available for adoption now at www.sfcva.org Because let's face it, your home deserves a touch of feline magic! 🧡🐱 🐈🖤

22/11/2023

14/11/2023

Meet Daylight, our sophisticated feline sensation named after Taylor Swift's iconic song. This dapper kitty has undergone a glow-up, but his resting grump face is here to stay. Surprisingly, he's still waiting for that special someone to sweep him off his paws—no applications yet! What gives? Give Daylight a chance to be the purr-fect addition to your home. Swipe right and let the love story begin! head to www.sfcva.org to Apply and don't forget to visit SFC Virginia

13/11/2023

Hey long time no feed, right?

Man, if only I could declare that baby animal season is finally taking a breather, but honesty is the name of my game (well, most of the time when snacks aren't involved). The real deal? Shelters are still swimming in a sea of pregnant animals, practically pleading with rescues to swoop in and save the day. I mean, let's be real – a shelter isn't exactly the Ritz for newborns. The animal rescue scene is crying out for superheroes who are up for the challenge of caring for pregnant moms and guiding them through the 6 to 10 weeks of early life. It's a hefty commitment, no doubt, but fear not – you won't be flying solo. SFC Virginia has your back with a crew of case managers, seasoned fosters, a top-notch medical team, and a treasure trove of resources to steer you through it all. Seriously, there's nothing quite like witnessing the miracle of animal birth and being the rockstar caregiver a momma in need deserves. So, how about diving into the world of fostering today? If you're not around Fredericksburg, Virginia, connect with your local rescues and explore how you can get involved.