Once you learn about Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) and the tireless work they do to give so many abused, neglected and "at risk" animals a new and loved life, MHF will have grabbed your heart. That is what happened to our family when we moved here and learned about this outstanding organization. Helping this wonderful cause has given me so much more than I have given to them.

After years of only being a donor, two years ago Lisa Ben-Dov asked if I would join the Board of Directors. This move has given me the insight to fully understand all that is takes, physically, financially, and emotionally to run an animal shelter.

Unlike many other businesses or organizations our entire mandate involves twenty-four hour, seven days-a-week care for needy living creatures. No turning out the lights and going home at six o'clock. Add to that the fact that many of these animals are near death, having been starved or abused, and you have a need that can go all through the night. The work is never ending but it is very rewarding. It is vital to ensure that compassion and empathy are promoted in our community and beyond.

My involvement started with mostly listening, advising, and offering to help in any way that may be useful. In the past year we have fostered six horses. It is so very rewarding to see the little fellows come thin, matted and afraid and eventually with love and kind hands and hearts have these animals learn to trust again and allow you to wash them, brush them and learn to be lead on a lead line.

Terri, the lady who takes care of our own horses, is truly a miracle worker. Recently two very small, skinny calves came and needed to be hand fed for the first few days. Soon they were standing up, and in a few weeks were putting on weight and feeling great. We named them "Jack and Jill". After two months of TLC, they found their forever home as pet cows with a wonderful family with two young children who are thrilled with their new four legged friends.

This past August a little Chihuahua/mix, "Perogi" came to the shelter. Her owner had died and she and several other small dogs were put in a cold and lonely pen behind a thrift shop where she lived for a couple of years until that owner died. "Perogi" came to MHF in terrible shape: she had been badly neglected and was suffering from severely deformed hind legs. MHF, with funds from a donor, provided the surgery needed and her physical therapy is progressing very well. She is now ready to be adopted! Please find it in your heart to give this adorable little darling a home as she would be happy to be your new lap warmer….winter is coming!

From humble beginnings, MHF has grown to become a vital organization that now serves an always present need in Fauquier County and the surrounds. The purchase in 1994 of an old farmhouse on four acres has served us well as a farm shelter but over these past 19+ years, the demand for assistance has quadrupled and MHF has outgrown their current facility. The need to help all kinds of animals and families continues to grow. As the need for assistance grows, so do the needs of the organization.

Two years ago, after many years of incredible support for MHF, Zohar and Lisa Ben-Dov came forward and gifted twenty-three acres of land just west of Marshall for a new facility. It is with that gift of land and their tireless work to raise the funds for a new facility from the leaders in the Middleburg community that we will now have a bright future! The new facility will provide MHF with a state of the art farm shelter including a spay/neuter clinic, grooming salon, small animal adoption center, humane education center and a livestock rescue facility all capable of accommodating our growing needs. The Capital Campaign fundraising is well underway and soon MHF will offer giving opportunities to the whole community so that everyone can be a part of this exciting new chapter of MHF!

Every year over 500 animals, both large and small, are fortunate enough to come to MHF. They receive exceptional daily care and a second chance at a happy and healthy life. This is all possible because of the greatly appreciated support of our community. MHF receives no state or county funding so please help MHF stay strong by donating to our general operating expenses or joining our team.

You may help MHF help the animals by: becoming a member, donating funds, volunteering your time, donating items to our thrift shop, donating supplies for animal care, and/or adopting a homeless animal. Together we are making a difference! Thank you for helping us continue to help them. For more information on MHF, please visit our website at www.middleburghumane.com or call (540) 364-3272.