The Friends of the Norfolk Animal Care Center's Golden Paws Program

Shepherd’s Pie was a hunka-hunka beagle love when he arrived as a stray at Norfolk Animal Care Center. Following medical tests that showed he had hypothyroidism, a hormonal imbalance that caused his obesity, Shepherd’s Pie received treatment. He lost weight, went on a weekend date and discovered that he loves kids, cats and other dogs.

Thanks in part to support from the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Shepherd’s Pie, at 7 years old, was eligible for the Friends of the Norfolk Animal Care Center's Golden Paws Program, which provides adoption fee subsidies for older pets and senior adults. The grant funding was part of the reason Friends of the Norfolk Animal Care Center helped 153 senior pets find homes in 2023.

“This grant significantly impacted our ability to be so responsive to the growing need of providing this adoption subsidy,” wrote the FNACC. “NACC had a record year of intakes, and the ability to subsidize adoptions ensured that more senior animals were given homes and did not have lengthy stays in the shelter.”

We are so happy for Shepherd’s Pie and all the senior pets who found homes. If you would like to help support animal welfare or other causes, please consider a gift to the Foundation. Give your way HERE.