After 47 Years of Rescue, Aldie-Based No-Kill Shelter Has Saved Over 16,000 Animals And Here’s How They’re Doing It Story and photos by Laticia Headings
F
riends of Homeless Animals has rescued and found homes for more than 16,000 dogs and cats during its 47-year
disillusioned by the fact that no other no-kill
existence. The shelter was founded in 1973 by
doned, and abused animals by starting a res-
Judge Anne Lewis, who later bequeathed her
shelter options existed in the area, she vowed to create a safe haven for homeless, abancue of her own.
40-acre property in Aldie to the continuation of what she had started.
At full capacity, FOHA can house 65-70 dogs and 30-40 cats. Upon entering the pic-
In the late 1960s, Lewis found a feral
turesque property, located on Goodpuppy
mother dog and pups on her family’s prop-
Lane, an expanse of land can be found with
erty and turned them over to an organization
endless wooded walking trails, three large en-
that euthanized the dogs. Heartbroken and
closed dog play areas, both open and covered,
John and his dogs (left to right: Meredith, Abbey, Shiobhan).
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two catteries, an adoption center, a senior center for aging animals, and a sizeable cabin (the former Lewis residence), where potential adopters can experience dogs in a “home” environment. FOHA, a strictly no-kill shelter, pulls dogs and cats from high-kill shelters throughout Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia, and sometimes from as far as Memphis, Tennessee. The shelter is one of the few that will take heartworm-positive dogs during its intake of roughly 15 dogs and five cats every two weeks. “We never know what we’re getting but … once a dog or cat comes to us, they get the best care possible. Last year, we spent about $250,000 on medical care,” executive director John Borgersen says. The facility, which uses solar panels to generate some of its own electricity, goes to great measures to relax the dogs and cats that find their way to FOHA. They use aromatherapy in the kennels and calming music in the veterinary clinic to help settle and comfort the animals. “We believe there are no bad dogs and cats here,” Borgersen says. “There are just misunderstood dogs and cats.” Enrichment is another key factor at FOHA. Volunteers and staff members spend a significant amount of time with the animals. Dogs are regularly walked, and a feline program is designed specifically to cozy up with cats, aptly named “cat snuggling.” One volunteer even frequently reads to the cats. “A lot of times, you’ll see an employee clock out for the day and then come back and sit with a dog or a cat just to spend time with them,” Borgersen says. Volunteers play an invaluable part by proRescue | Page 17
