Helping Animals and People

Here at Lynchburg Humane Society we believe that every healthy, treatable pet should be saved. Last year here at our Center for Pets that resulted in us saving 3,516 pets in our community here in Lynchburg, in surrounding counties like Bedford, Amherst, Appomattox, and Campbell County, and beyond. Caring for and placing homeless pets in loving homes requires many passionate employees running many programs designed to set these pets up for success. These teams include our Medical Team, Foster Team, Foster Team, Behavior Team, and Adoptions Team. One of the many dogs that we’ve helped save in 2022 is a great example of how all of these teams are essential to our mission and work passionately to help every single dog and cat in our care. We hope that you’ll read on and support us this Giving Tuesday to help save animals. This Giving Tuesday and through the end of the year your gift to help save pets is doubled thanks to a group of generous donors and board members that are matching $100,000 for our Holiday Match Campaign.

Saving Zo Bear, the dog.

Meet Zo. This four-year-old boy came in to our care in late May of this year after his family had to move and could no longer care for him. Zo previously had one eye removed due to an ulcer. After arriving at the Center for Pets it was obvious Zo was having a hard time adjusting. Shelters are a stressful environment for pets. Even with Zo having a room on his own, nothing in a shelter can replicate the safety and calm of a home. Zo was mostly blind at this time and partially deaf so a shelter was extra hard for him to comprehend. Our Foster Team immediately went to work to find him a foster match to get a break from the shelter.

As soon as Zo stepped foot in the Center for Pets, our Medical Team began giving him the best care possible including exams, vaccines, and creating a plan for helping Zo stay as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, Zo’s remaining eye was also not doing well and our team made the difficult decision to remove it, making Zo completely blind.

During his stay at LHS, from the first day, our dedicated staff members started building relationships with Zo. Zo wasn’t quick to trust and required lots of treats and quality time through guidance from our Behavior Team to get used to the people around him. He started to open up, enjoy short walks with his staff buddies on our Pet Care and Adoptions teams, and received plenty of enrichment activities to help his stress and anxiety levels.

About two months later, not long after his second eye surgery, a very exciting day came where Zo got to meet his future foster mom and go into a home! Lindsay and Zo’s connection seemed like a thing of miracles for this boy who was slow to trust new people. Zo immediately felt calm around her and was excited to see her when she visited. Lindsay also already had experience helping rehabilitate pets with special needs and has a farm full of pets of her own to keep Zo company while he also has plenty of grass and outdoor space to explore together.

Lindsay has been keeping our staff updated on Zo and wrote her own story below, Life with Zo Bear:

“When I first saw the story about Zo posted on Lynchburg Humane Society’s Facebook page, I was so sad to read his story. I was not looking to add another dog….we have our fair share. But, I could not shake the story about Zo. I took a chance on fostering him…that lasted 2-3 days before I knew he was not leaving my home.

 Zo lost both eyes due to medical conditions. From day one in my home, I established a routine to help him adjust. The first few days, I didn’t push things with him…I knew he needed to decompress. I found his love of riding out the next week and he goes with me as much as possible now. He has taught me that patience and love can help anyone overcome obstacles. I have watched him change from a scared dog, unsure of himself, to one of the most loving dogs I have ever been lucky enough to share my life with every day. He makes me laugh when he gets antsy if I forget his treat from when he went outside and will head bump me in the leg to remind me. 

I can’t imagine life without my Zo Bear. I am thankful he was able to get the treatment he needed and also that he was so loved at Lynchburg Humane Society. Zo has made me better because he teaches me every day to take things one step at a time and that I can overcome any obstacle that life throws my way.”

– Lindsay

This Giving Tuesday and through the end of the year your gift to help save pets is doubled thanks to a group of generous donors and board members that are matching $100,000 for our Holiday Match Campaign. Please consider donating below.