Middleburg Humane Foundation "comes of age" with 21 years of service to the animals and people of Fauquier, Loudoun, Culpeper, and Warren Counties. Hands on and dedicated to making a positive difference in the world, they need your continued support as their programs are diverse and serve the needs of the community on many levels.

MHF's programs include Humane Investigations, Humane Education, Lower Cost Spay/Neuter, Emergency Medical Funding, and Compassionate Cat Population Control (TNR — Trap, Neuter & Return — for feral cats). Last year, MHF provided TNR for more than 300 cats. They run a Pet Food Bank at their shelter and, every week, supply pet food to Seven Loaves.

Middleburg Humane Foundation relies on a core staff of 12 and more than 50 volunteers. Animal care is the priority, along with education for dogs and people, PR, advertising, fund-raising, rescue and adoption, the grooming salon, and all the various aspects essential to any business. Middleburg Humane Foundation is incorporated and a full-fledged 501(c)3 non-profit with a tried-and-true board of directors.

"We have a terrific staff who wear a multitude of hats every day," said Hilleary Bogley, Founder and Executive Director. "We all pitch in and help wherever it's needed. It's truly a labor of love to work at an animal shelter and MHF is blessed to have such a committed team.

"Our Volunteer Program is the backbone of our organization and more than 50 active volunteers help us in many ways, including socializing recently rescued animals, and driving animals to and from veterinary hospitals and fundraising events," continued Bogley, who also wears many hats. In addition to being a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT), she's the court-appointed Humane Investigator for the counties of Fauquier (22 years) and Culpeper (8 years).

In 1994, Middleburg Humane Foundation took up residence in a turn-of-the-century farmhouse on 4 acres on Route 55. Thanks to the tireless efforts of staff and volunteers and the generous support of people, MHF can rehabilitate and find quality homes for about 500 animals each year. The "bad" news is that the demand for assistance has quadrupled in the last five years so that MHF is just about bursting at the seams.

"We love our current facility, but we have truly outgrown it," said Bogley. "Our new shelter will be a 23-acre campus with livestock & horse facilities as well as a state of the art Adoption Facility with a Spay/Neuter Clinic, Grooming Salon & Humane Education Center. We have worked with the county for over three years to obtain all of the proper permits and re-zoning and everything. There's finally a light at the end of the tunnel! We break ground in 2015 with the building of our livestock barns."

Middleburg Humane Foundation reported great success with the first annual "Good Friends For A Good Cause." This series of private estate dinners seated 99 people, who enjoyed the opportunity to support MHF while enjoying a convivial social event, hosted by 10 local benefactors at their gorgeous homes in the heart of horse country.

"These dinners went so well and everybody had a terrific time," said Bogley. "We'll hold this event again next year. We're already planning to expand the dessert gathering to include a silent auction, wine, live music and dancing. We are about to begin our Capital Campaign for the Main Adoption Facility. We hope to have the support of the entire community. We will offer sponsorships of dog suites, cat playrooms, visitation room, Humane Education center, dog training pavilion, benches, trees, bricks and much more."

This is a great way to honor your love for animals and to pay tribute to the memory of a loved one, be they human or animal. Supporting the new facility is key to the success of MHF's goal to increase its foster program so that they can help even more animals.

"Our Equine & Livestock Rescue Program is also very active," said Bogley. "We recently took in a lovely young Thoroughbred gelding who had raced, but then was neglected and came to us malnourished with several large wounds. Special thanks to the Kathryn Clark Foundation for covering expenses so that Noble could go to a lovely foster mom and have the opportunity to heal."

That's just one success story out of many. The new property will allow the staff and volunteers to continue their efforts to rescue, rehab and re-home kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, cows, ponies, horses, donkeys, mules, and feathered friends from exotic birds to poultry.

Unfortunately, MHF's big 21st Birthday Bash, slated to take place the end of May, has been postponed, but stay tuned for updates about a new date. You can still help by donating — money, supplies and time. Volunteers are warmly welcomed for a variety of tasks and chores. The website has a wish list for the new facility. Look under the tab How To Help and click sponsorships. Under How To Help, there's a Wishlist tab of everyday necessities for the care, feeding and maintenance of the animals sheltered at Middleburg Humane Foundation.

There is also the Middleburg Humane Foundation Thrift Shop, adjacent to Scruffy's Ice Cream. In addition to raising funds for MHF with all sorts of items priced reasonably, Middleburg Humane Foundation is looking for a retail-oriented volunteer to help out at the Thrift Shop.

You can sign up your puppy or adult canine for Basic Canine Behavior and Training Classes with Genevieve Warner. This 10-year MHF veteran offers two Canine Learning Labs that will enrich your dog's life and yours too. If you wish to volunteer and handle one of MHF's rescue dogs, the training is free and you can practice on your dogs at home. MHF's Grooming Salon can handle all of your pet grooming needs, but be sure to book your appointments in advance. Payment for services is by check or cash only, no credit cards.

There are so many ways to get involved and support the Middleburg Humane Foundation. Become part of the team of people who are changing the lives of unwanted, neglected and abused animals for the better.

For more information, please visit: www.middleburghumane.com or call: 540-364-3272 or email: admin@middleburghumane.org
MHF Grooming Salon: 540-364-4766