May is Military Appreciation Month, and we are proud to honor those in our community who have served, or are currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces. That includes members of our own team, like Cindy Sbrocco, our Customer Care Manager and a U.S. Army veteran.

All month long, adoption fees are waived for active-duty service members, veterans and military retirees at both our Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax and our Lorton Campus!

At Fairfax County Animal Shelter, we do everything we can to help pets feel safe and loved while they are in our care. However, there is no substitute for the comfort of a home. That is why we have an incredible network of fosters, like Duan and her family, who open their hearts and homes to pets in need.

After saying goodbye to their beloved dog in January, Duan and her husband were not quite ready to adopt again, but they still had love and time to give. Fostering a pup felt like the right next step.

"The dogs that struggle to show well in the shelter are the ones that catch my eye," Duan says. "They need an opportunity to show their true personalities in a home and in the community."

The couple decided to foster three-year-old Leo, who was feeling overwhelmed in the busy shelter environment and needed a chance to decompress. "Leo’s story tugged at our hearts," Duan shares. "It sounded like he needed us as much as we needed him."

From the beginning, their connection was quiet but powerful. Leo quickly found comfort in a structured routine, long walks, enrichment games and simply being close to his people. He naps near Duan’s desk on days she works from home, plays with his beloved Jolly Ball in the yard and enjoys evening TV time with squeaky toys and couch cuddles.

"We find joy in the little things—taste-testing fruits and vegetables, picking out a new toy or celebrating a training win. When Leo and I both get it right, he lights up with this twinkle in his eyes, and that look just melts me."

Duan describes Leo as "a lightly toasted marshmallow in dog form—warm, squishy and oh so sweet." He is about 85% couch potato, 15% playful and 100% devoted to being wherever his people are. Whether it is a walk, a car ride or just lying at your feet while you cook, Leo is happy to be included.

Spending time in a foster home has given us valuable insight into Leo’s personality. Thanks to Duan and her family, we have learned so much about him, and that knowledge will help us match him with the right family! Plus, sometimes, as with Duan and Leo, fostering brings together two hearts that simply needed each other at just the right time.

If you are interested in learning more about Leo, visit our website to view his adoption profile. To arrange a time to meet him, please email animalshelter@fairfaxcounty.gov.

May marks the beginning of nesting season for many turtle species, and it continues through July. Many of the turtles crossing roads right now are males searching for mates. As spring turns into summer, more females begin to venture out as they look for suitable nesting sites to lay their eggs.

Although it may seem unusual to see turtles far from water, this behavior is completely natural. What is unnatural are the roads, curbs and neighborhoods that now intersect their long-established migratory routes. These slow-moving reptiles are simply following paths they have likely used for many years.

How You Can Help

If you come across a turtle in the road and it is safe for you to do so, gently move the turtle in the direction it was heading. Do not relocate it to a different area, even if it seems safer. Turtles are persistent and will often try to return to their original destination, which can put them at even greater risk.

If the turtle is not in immediate danger, the best option is to give it space and allow it to continue its journey undisturbed.

Use caution if you encounter a snapping turtle. Avoid the head area, and never lift it by the tail or attempt to get it to bite onto an object to drag it. If necessary, you can use a car mat or a piece of cardboard to slide the turtle safely across the road without damaging its underside.

Injured or Sick Turtles

Turtles often suffer injuries from vehicles, lawn equipment or even curious pets. If you find a turtle that appears hurt, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. IMPORTANT: Be sure to note the exact location where the turtle was found—this information is critical for its eventual release. 

You can also consult these resources for more guidance:

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

Most injured turtles can recover with proper care, but rehabilitation can be a lengthy process due to the complexity of shell injuries. With time, patience and treatment, many turtles can return to the wild where they belong.

Photo and Information Courtesy of Blue Ridge Wildlife Center

Thanks to the generosity of Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, a sweet and affectionate cat named Pizzeria received the urgent, lifesaving care he needed.

Pizzeria arrived in early April with a serious abdominal injury, and thanks to funding from Friends, he underwent surgery and began his recovery. It did not take long for his playful personality to shine through, especially when tossing around his beloved catnip toy! Pizzeria has since made a full recovery and was adopted into a loving home, and we are so grateful to Friends for making stories like his possible.