“The Freedom Fund” is proud to announce the Charlottesville-Albemarle County SPCA as the September 2020, “Friend of Freedom” award winner.
“Veterans deserve to have the kind of unconditional support a pet can provide,” explains Angie Gunter, Chief Executive Officer of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. Angie launched a Free Adoptions for Veterans program in August 2019 that resulted in close to 20 adoptions by the end of the first year. Adopters ranged in age, branch of military, and gender, resulting in a diverse pool of participants. “Our goal for our adoption program for veterans is to match as many veterans looking for an animal companion with a pet from the shelter as possible,” she said.
One Vet adoption really moved Angie. “Scratch was a cat with a bit of an attitude. Phil, who eventually adopted him, visited him numerous times in the shelter so Scratch could get used to him. After adopting Scratch, Phil has made his home a cat paradise, and Scratch is always there for Phil when he has troubling memories come up. Junior is another memorable adoption. He was a dog that didn’t get along with other dogs, which can make it harder to find an adopter. But he was the sweetest boy! One day his veteran adopter met him and saw what an amazing pet he’d be!”
Veterans who adopt dogs receive a free six-month supply of heart meds, and 12 weeks of flea/tick protection as a form of post-adoption support (while supplies last). “Spread the word! Please let any veterans you know about this opportunity. If you’re willing to give to support the program, that’s also a big help! Anything to share for a vet in the community considering adoption,” says Angie.
Gratitude Charlottesville is pleased to award the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA our “Friend of Freedom” award winner for September 2020. In addition, we are excited to partner with them for the “Virtual Freedom 5K” on Nov 6-11th. We will be partnering to raise funds for the Free Adoptions for Veterans program so we can make more animals available to our area’s heroes. For more information on the run, walk, ruck: https://www.gratitudecville.com/freedom-5k/.
If a veteran is interested in adopting through the program, they simply fill out an adoption application online and one of our adoption counselors will be in touch with them. “Please reach out! Even if you’re not ready to adopt, we’d love to talk to you. Maybe fostering is a better fit for you right now. We can match you up with a pet to love on and get love from.”
Each month, “The Freedom Fund” Board of Directors will chose a FOF award winner to be featured on Gratitudecville.com. Winners will get a trophy and sometimes a monetary award. To nominate person or organization that promotes and protects freedom in our community, email us at gratitudecville@gmail.com.
