Clear the Shelters: hundreds of local adoptable pets need forever homes
August is normally one of the busiest months for animal shelters across the region, in part because of kitten season. But this year, there are other factors at play, making it even busier than usual as our area is seeing an increase in the number of animal intakes.
Pick Of The Litter: Kitty
Yes, that is her actual name. She’s very vocal, and she vocalizes in a grumbly fashion. Sometimes she growls and hisses, but that mostly happens when you’re not giving her the attention she wants. It can also sometimes occur when you’re giving her too much attention. She will let you know what she wants and when she wants it, and she’ll be sure to teach you all of her rules. If you’re spending time with her, she LOVES to get in your lap and roll around receiving pets. But if you go to put her down, she will likely grumble. If you’re ready for a cat to dominate your life, Kitty may very well be the kitty for you!
Pick Of The Litter: Roxie
Every Friday on Daytime Blue Ridge, we introduce you to a new furry friend looking for a home. This week, we are introducing you to Roxie! Roxie has gone through a lot during her short amount of time at Roanoke Valley SPCA. If you are looking for a companion that will give you endless attention in a quiet home she is your pup!
One dog dead, one missing after three-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 in Roanoke County
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – The Roanoke Valley SPCA is asking for your help in looking for a missing dog following a deadly crash in Roanoke County Monday evening. The deadly Interstate 81 crash that took the life of a Pennsylvania man also killed a pet dog while another is missing, according to the animal shelter. Roanoke Valley SPCA said the dog’s name is Emmie. If you see her, officials ask you to contact Zach at 205-306-9921.
Pick Of The Litter: Boss
An adorable and shy four-year-old who is looking for a good home. Boss, Roanoke Valley SPCA (Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) If you would like to make an appointment to meet Boss, click here. If you are interested in adopting Boss, click here. 🐾Pick Of The Litter: MarcusAdPick Of The Litter: MiloPick Of The Litter: M&M
Marcus just loves the spotlight, you can add him to your family
Meet Marcus. He loves attention and has an adorable round face that he’ll rub all over you while he purrs and kneadsMarcus, Roanoke Valley SPCA (Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) If you would like to make an appointment to meet Marcus, click here. If you are interested in adopting Marcus, click here. 🐾Pick Of The Litter: MiloPick Of The Litter: M&MPick Of The Litter: London
Pick Of The Litter: Milo
Meet Milo, a very relaxed and friendly pup that enjoys treats. Milo - Roanoke Valley SPCA (Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) If you would like to make an appointment to meet Milo, click here. If you are interested in adopting Milo, click here. 🐾AdPick Of The Litter: M&MPick Of The Litter: LondonPick Of The Litter: Jeff
Roanoke Valley SPCA expands annual fundraiser to help more pets in need
ROANOKE, Va. – It’s time to put your paws to the pavement for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. The organization’s Virtual Tail Chaser Challenge is officially underway and runs through March 27. The annual fundraiser has more options for you to participate this year as you can walk, run a 5K, 10K, half marathon or full marathon, or even bike 25, 50 or 100 miles. The goal is to raise $50,000 and all money raised supports pets in need in our community. Click here to register and learn more about the event.
Roanoke Valley SPCA looking for ‘unicorn’ fosters for animals
ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke Valley SPCA needs ‘unicorn’ fosters to help shelter animals put their best paw forward. A “unicorn” foster is an individual or family without small kids or other pets. That’s typically the best environment for shy animals, ones with behavioral issues or really large animals who might knock small children over accidentally. Shelter employees said those fosters really make a huge difference for the animals. If you’re interested in becoming a foster, just contact the Roanoke Valley SPCA.
Pick Of The Litter: London
Meet London! London loves to play and loves attention. Pick Of The Litter: London (Copyright 2021 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) If anyone is interested in adopting London, they can complete the adoption application here. Pick Of The Litter: JeffPick Of The Litter: Drake
Pick Of The Litter: Jeff
His dad found a home already, and now it’s Jeff’s turn! Jeff still has some puppy mouthy-ness, so some training classes would do him a lot of good! Jeff is dog-selective, meaning he has done great with some dogs, but others, he doesn’t enjoy so much (who can relate?). If anyone is interested in adopting Jeff, they can complete the adoption application here and make an appointment to meet him here. To see other available pets at Roanoke Valley SPCA, click here.
Foster families needed for pets this holiday season
ROANOKE, Va. – If a pandemic holiday season is making you feel a little blue, a furry friend might bring some warmth and love to your home this winter. Eight dogs and 18 cats are available for short-term fostering at the Roanoke Valley SPCA. This gives some time for the shelter workers to take a break and for animals to decompress. “The shelter is not always the best place or the most fun place for the pets that are here,” said Roanoke Valley SPCA Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement Suzanne Creswell. If we have fearful pets they can get more fearful.”If you would like to show a pet some love you can fill out the application to be a foster parent.
Jordan’s Way social media star hopes to raise $25,000 for Roanoke Valley SPCA during visit
ROANOKE, Va. – A viral star with a passion for rescuing shelter pets visited the Roanoke Valley SPCA Thursday night for a fundraiser. Kris Rotonda of Jordan’s Way grew social media fame after spending 72 hours sleeping in an animal shelter. In his new initiative, Rotonda is visiting every state in the U.S. to raise money and awareness for homeless and unwanted pets, and his first stop in Virginia will be the Roanoke Valley SPCA. “We are thrilled to be chosen as one of only five shelters featured from the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Denise Hayes, chief executive officer of the Roanoke Valley SPCA. He has seven more shelters in Virginia to visit.
Roanoke Valley SPCA raises nearly $25,000 for Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center
ROANOKE, Va. – A local wildlife center, that’s usually the one to swoop in and save the day, is now the one getting rescued by another animal-loving nonprofit. The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke relies on donations to take care of the hundreds of animals they work to save each year. The Roanoke Valley SPCA stepped in and helped them take their silent auction online and they raised $23,000. “It’s really heartwarming to see,” said Sabrina Garvin, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center. The center has 200 more patients compared to this time last year, so the donation will go a long way.
What’s News Today: absentee ballot deadline, pet adoption special
Today is the last day to request an absentee ballot to vote in next month’s election. It’s holding an adoption special today and tomorrow. Governor Northam will attend a roundtable discussion with the United Way of Southwest Virginia. The United Way of the New River Valley holds a community yard sale today. The yard sale runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Way office in Christiansburg.
RVSPCA works to ensure no pet goes hungry with first-ever drive-thru food pantry
For the first time, the Roanoke Valley SPCA held a drive-thru pet food pantry. “We are able to provide this assistance because of a generous gift left to the Roanoke Valley SPCA by long-time friend, Dorothy Hannaford,” said Hayes. The pet food pantry is also available to individuals at the shelter. Roanoke Valley SPCA Dot's Drive-Thru (Copyright 2020 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.) The Roanoke Valley SPCA is participating in an adoption event and golf tournament at the Blue Hills golf club in Roanoke.
First Team Subaru will donate to Roanoke Valley SPCA for every October pet adoption
ROANOKE, Va. – First Team Subaru is helping shelter animals find forever homes in a new way this year. Its annual pet adoption event will look much different because of COVID-19. Instead of a one day event, they’re teaming up with the Roanoke Valley SPCA all month long to help animals find loving homes with the “Adopt a Dog a Day” initiative. For every pet adopted this month, First Team Subaru will donate $100 to the Roanoke Valley SPCA, up to $3,100. Click here to learn more about the initiative.
Roanoke Valley SPCA to begin monthly pet food pantry
ROANOKE, Va. – This local shelter knows that pets have to eat too, even though the coronavirus pandemic has left many families in a financial bind. The Roanoke Valley SPCA announced they will have a monthly drive-thru pet food pantry to help those in the community. It will take place at the Roanoke Valley SPACA parking lot on the second Sunday of each month from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Staff and volunteers will ask for basic information on your pet and put food in the back seat or trunk. The first event will be on Sunday, Oct. 11 in the shelter parking lot.
Roanoke wildlife center using virtual auction to raise money
ROANOKE, Va. – The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke is holding its first-ever online auction. That’s when the Roanoke Valley SPCA stepped in to help by allowing the Wildlife Center to use the online auction platform that it uses for its own charity auctions. The money raised during this virtual event allows the center to continue to care for animals. “It helps us feed, medicate, buy the medication we always have equipment that needs repairs, but it’s basically putting food into the animals and the care that they get, said Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Sabrina Garvin. The nonprofit relies on donations and although the pandemic has shut down businesses across Southwest Virginia, the center is busier than ever.
Meet Howard, the canine nose explorer
ROANOKE, Va. – This sweet pup goes wherever his nose takes him. Howard is a big 8-year-old who weighs 61 pounds. He has a pretty black-and-tan coat that is inviting you to pet him. Howard has been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and heartworm tested. If you are interested in adopting him, you can find him at the Roanoke Valley SPCA.
It ain’t easy being purrfect but Juliet does it
ROANOKE, Va. – This adorable feline has innocent eyes that will have you wrapped around her little paw. Juliet is a 3-month-old black kitty who is on the search for her perfect family. She is spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. If you are interested in her, you can learn more about her here.
Unlike the singer, this Billy is not a ‘Bad Guy'
ROANOKE, Va. – Fortunately for you, this 8-year-old dog is not a “bad type, make-your-mama-sad type.”This mixed-breed pup weighs 53 pounds and considered to be an old soul. He loves to spend his time outside, enjoying the fresh air. You can find him at the Roanoke Valley SPCA. If you are interested in adopting Billy and would like more information call 540-339-9247.
Ready, Freddy? This cat wants to find a home
ROANOKE, Va. – This happy-go-lucky fella is prepared to finally go home with his perfect family. Freddy is a 1-year-old orange-and-white mixed tabby. He is neutered, microchipped, combo tested and vaccinated. If you are interested in adopting him, you can learn more about him here.
Kobe has been adopted!
ROANOKE, Va. – Kobe found a forever home! When he first arrived at the shelter, 1-year-old Kobe was painfully timid and kept to himself. Staff at the Roanoke Valley SPCA worked for a couple of weeks to coax him out of his hiding place, but now he stays up on his perch happily. As a black cat, he tends to get overlooked and wants a family to call his own. If you are interested in adopting Kobe, click here to learn more.
New Virginia law makes it illegal to tether dogs in extreme heat
ROANOKE, Va – A new Virginia law requires all dogs must be given adequate shelter during extremely hot weather. The Roanoke Valley SPCA said with temperatures nearing 100 degrees almost daily, pet owners need to be more vigilant than ever. “If you are walking an animal outside, there are some things to look out for, like excessive panting or drooling, those are all signs that maybe the animal is starting to get overheated. In addition, especially walking dogs, you have to watch about walking them on paved surfaces,” explained Roanoke Valley SPCA Communications Manager Julie Rickmond. The RVSPCA encourages anyone who may see an animal outside in extreme heat to call their local animal control office.