Among the many dedicated volunteers at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter are Missy and Fred, a husband-and-wife team whose time, energy, and heart—both in the shelter and through fostering—have made a true difference in the work we do every day.

Fred and Missy have fostered over 50 kittens and cats, many of whom arrived timid and unsure of human touch. With patience, kindness and a knack for building trust, they have helped their foster kittens blossom, transforming from wary and wide-eyed to playful and affectionate. In 2024 alone, they fostered 37 kittens, providing the care and attention each one needed before finding a home.

Their journey with FCAS began with volunteering—Missy on the Clean Team and Fred as a dog handling volunteer. It was not long before Missy brought home their first group of foster kittens, and Fred was smitten. Together, they have made fostering a way of life, welcoming each new group with open arms and ensuring they are ready for adoption.

For Missy and Fred, the most rewarding moments are the quiet victories: a once-hesitant kitten taking its first step forward, a playful pounce after weeks of gentle encouragement, or the deep contented purr of a foster cat who has learned to trust. Their dedication, patience and kindness changes lives, and we are grateful for all they do.

With spring in full bloom, baby wildlife sightings become more common. It is natural to want to help if you see a young animal alone, but intervention is often unnecessary—and in some cases, can do more harm than good.

According to the Fairfax County Police Department’s article on spring baby wildlife, many species, including rabbits, fawns and birds, leave their young alone for extended periods as part of their natural behavior. Well-meaning individuals often mistake these animals for being orphaned when they are actually waiting for a parent to return.

The article outlines several signs that indicate an animal may truly need help:

• Visible injuries (bleeding, swelling or broken limbs)
• Continuous crying or appearing weak and cold
• Presence of flies, worms or maggots
• A deceased parent nearby or clear separation from the nest

If you see any of the signs listed above, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening. You can find a list of permitted rehabilitators on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website.

There are also several resources that can help you determine whether a wild animal needs help, and if they do, what to do next:

• Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
• Wildlife Rescue League
• Animal Education and Rescue Organization
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Friends of Fairfax County Animal Shelter supports our organization in so many meaningful ways—through fundraising, program support and special initiatives that help pets who need a little extra attention.

One of their recent initiatives focused on senior pets—providing a $500 credit to Pender Veterinary Centre for select senior animals to support their care, in an effort to help them find loving homes.

Cali Mae, a gentle senior dog who had been with us for nearly six months, was one of the pets helped through this initiative. After being featured on Fox 5 DC, she caught the eye of a family watching from home. They visited the shelter that very same day—and gave her the loving home she had been waiting for.