A Loudoun County Animal Care & Control team has returned to the County with 11 dogs & puppies made homeless by Hurricanes Katrina & Rita.

The 11 dogs and puppies are currently in foster homes in order to allow them time to adjust from some very stressful and disruptive circumstances, including their long journey to Virginia. These foster care providers will have the first opportunity to adopt their foster pets, and some have already expressed an interest in making their "hurricane orphan" a permanent member of the family.

Dogs that are not being adopted by their foster families will be made available for adoption from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter beginning on Saturday, February 18.

The Loudoun County Animal Care & Control team joined Fairfax County Animal Care & Control, Prince William County Animal Care & Control, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Manassas Animal Control Services & Adoption Center and the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, in traveling to Gulfport, Mississippi last week to bring homeless animals to Northern Virginia for adoption.

Fifty dogs and three cats that were displaced as a result of the hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region were brought to the area through this coordinated regional effort.

For more information on pet adoption from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, visit www.loudoun.gov/animals or call 703-777-0406.