Old Dominion Humane Society Marks 10,000 Adoptions Since Opening In 2013

When Chrissy Hamilton began Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) in 2013, she wanted to save dogs’ lives, rescue them from mistreatment and, ultimately, find them loving families. At the age of 20, Hamilton started the rescue with a few dog crates, knowledge from a small animal care class in high school and jobs at veterinary clinics. Back then, she couldn’t have imagined how much the rescue would grow and the impact ODHS would have on thousands of rescued dogs and the community. The nonprofit, no-kill rescue is celebrating 10,000 adoptions with a puppy named Ripley in August.

The adoption of Ripley in August marked 10,000 dogs to find forever homes through Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) since the nonprofit began in 2013. A Great Pyrenees puppy, his foster described him as the perfect dog.

Previously known as Rip, the Great Pyrenees puppy was surrendered by its owner. His sweet personality and adorable face won his foster over. Athena Daratt, of Sperryville, Va., cared for Ripley until he was adopted and describes him as the perfect dog. His natural instincts for herding and animal care were there from the start.

“He’s great with all things,” said Daratt. “He took to potty training like a champ and even learned the door bells to go outside super quickly. He’s the sweetest boy, who loves kids and all animals. While my family fostered him, he spent his days here loving the couch and running around with his brother, Casey.”

When Ripley was adopted, he took his honorable place as the 10,000th rescue dog at ODHS to find his forever home. The occasion wouldn’t be complete without recognizing the first-ever dog adopted from ODHS. Sophie was rescued from living in a shed, her fur badly matted—with a lollipop embedded in it--and in dire need of grooming. Hamilton saved the scared dog from a miserable life in a shed, where she weathered storms, freezing temperatures and scorching heat. Though she suffered neglect for years, Sophie found love and care with Joyce Kleff, of Beaverdam, Va., who made a routine of spoiling her with chicken jerky treats.

“It’s been a labor of love,” said Hamilton, ODHS founder. “ODHS has come a long way since Sophie was rescued and adopted. Throughout the years, we’ve rescued dogs from terrible situations—neglect, mistreatment, hoarding cases, puppy mills and more—and cared for them until they’re paired with the perfect family. Every rescue deserves a second chance to enjoy a great life. For many of them, it’s their chance to finally trust humans.”

As Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) celebrates 10,000 adoptions in August, it’s important to recognize the first-ever rescue to find its forever home when ODHS opened in 2013. (Photo) Joyce Kleff cuddles up to Lily (left) and Sophie (right), the first rescue dog adopted from ODHS. ODHS rescued Sophie from living in a shed throughout the seasons. She weathered storms, freezing temperatures and scorching heat outside. Neglected to the point that her fur was matted, she even had a lollipop stuck in it.

Each year, about 1,200 dogs arrive at ODHS and are rescued from a variety of sad situations and owner surrenders. Volunteers travel throughout the region and across the country to save dogs from overfilled, high-kill animal shelters. Many of the dogs would have otherwise been euthanized.

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Old Dominion Humane Society provides well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.

ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption surveys submitted in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.