SPCA of Winchester, Frederick, and Clarke Counties: Kia Pet Adoption Grant Report
How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?
Winchester Area SPCA utilized the Petfinder Foundation Kia Pet Adoption Grant to prepare 30 cats and dogs for adoption. The funds were used to neuter, vaccinate, and microchip 30 pets. Funds were also used to offset the cost of adoption and allowed the WASPCA to reduce adoption fees from $125 to just $22 in an effort to make adoption affordable.
Between Aug. 9-12, potential adopters were invited to stop by our adoption center at 111 Featherbed Lane. During the four-day special, 26 pets found their forever homes. WASPCA also partnered with Parsons Kia; they hosted a pet-food drive at the Winchester, VA, location to benefit the WASPCA (sixth photo).
How many pets did this grant help?
60
Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.
Eliza was found running at large in Campbell County, Virginia, in early 2020. The overcrowded rural shelter did all they could to find Eliza a home, to no avail.
The Winchester Area SPCA (WASPCA) has a TransFUR Program. Through that program, WASPCA pulls dogs from at-risk shelters throughout the Commonwealth to help them find permanent homes.
Sweet Eliza came to WASPCA in August of 2020. She was neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. At 5 years old, she was housetrained and very affectionate. She did well on her behavioral assessment. She was found to be shy initially, but once she felt safe around visitors, she really showed her awesome personality with her love and energy level. She loved to play and give kisses! At only about 45 lbs., Eliza was the perfect size. She enjoyed water play and was one of those amazing dogs who smiles at you!
Eliza was featured over and over again as WASPCA hosted monthly adoption specials. Each time, she continued to be overlooked. Local businesses promoted her, offered gifts to potential adopters, but still, Eliza waited in the shelter.
In the summer of 2022, Eliza was featured in a series of Dog Days of Summer events hosted by WASPCA. She walked around the campus, greeted visitors, and enjoyed pup cups with the kids, but still, Eliza was not adopted.
Then, during the Petfinder Foundation Kia Pet Adoption Event, a family came to visit Eliza. The initial visit went very well. However, the family did not apply to adopt her. Staff and volunteers were so sad; they’d thought for certain it was Eliza’s special day.
The very next day, with the adoption event still going strong, the family returned! When it’s a good day, it’s a very good day indeed. Sweet Eliza had finally met her match! Our team members rushed in to give Eliza one final hug goodbye.
Sometimes it takes a village, and we are so grateful for this one. Thank you, Petfinder Foundation and Kia!
