Author: Jennifer Vanderau

We were so grateful that the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter was chosen to be helped by the Penn National Ladies Luncheon recently. We got to attend their afternoon meal and spend some time with the group and let me tell you, they were amazing. You could tell just by the stories they had that they were all true animal-lovers and understood the value of the animal-human bond. The meal was amazing and the camaraderie was exactly what I needed. The holidays can get a little hectic for me sometimes. I get caught up in the hustle and bustle and sometimes…

I do not know how on earth we are so close to Christmas. It’s like I look at the calendar and think, “Wait a minute, how did that happen?” All the shopping and the hustle and the bustle and the…procrastination (in my case, anyway) really comes together to make things quite interesting. I’m starting to sound more and more like a grumpy old lady, aren’t I? *shrugs* I’m okay with that. One of the bright spots of the holiday season is the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter’s annual Christmas Open House. We deck the halls here and get everything festive for…

This is the time of year that for me, because I’m older, has become about gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that I think is somewhat easy to overlook. We see a lot of catch phrases out there today, like “have an attitude of gratitude” or “count your blessings,” but I wonder how much of that can be lip service. It’s something that you truly have to feel and it comes from the heart. That’s why the holidays are so important. It gives us time to reflect and remember what is good in our lives – and how much we…

It was brought to my attention recently that we have a lot of pitbulls at CVAS – and it’s true. We do. The breed has a rough reputation – made that way mostly by people. I’ve talked to a number of people who have pitbulls with their family and they love the breed with their kids. On the other hand, I know people who shy away when I talk about pitbulls, not trusting them. I know that people have reason for that. I’ve spoken to folks who have tragic pasts with pitbulls attacking and killing their pets and that’s horrifying…

On our nightly walks that Dad and I go on, I’ve started to notice the decorations that some of the neighbors have up. I can sense the nip in the air. It must be getting close to my favorite time of year – the holidays! The house is all warm and cozy and Mom puts up all kinds of great decorations. The best part is, the kids all come home and they bring their own kids with them! Mom and Dad get so excited to see the grandkids and so do I. I remember protecting the kids when they lived…

I am reaching out to you all because we are incredibly full at CVAS right now. We have almost 300 cats in our care as I’m typing these words. We have cats in our adoption kennels, cats in our isolation kennels, cats in our offices, cats in the treatment room, cats in the grooming room, cats in foster care and cats at Petsmart and Petco. It has been a long time since we have had this many cats in this shelter. So I need your help. If you are looking to adopt, now is the time. We have some of…

They’re best friends. Have been since the day they met so many years ago. They go everywhere together and have so much fun. They take walks and play and kiss and hug. Her best friend has four legs and a tail and is named Max. She couldn’t ask for a more loyal, devoted companion and has no idea what her life would be like without him. She thinks it’s funny sometimes that her best friend is a dog, but she and Max just get each other. He knows when she’s having a bad day and just needs someone to snuggle.…

I do not know how we are halfway through October, but somehow it happened. Time just gets away from me anymore. I have to tell you about our 23rd annual Dog Walk and Contests this year that will be held on October 28. We are moving the fundraiser to the Shippensburg Fairgrounds and have all kinds of amazing things planned. First, let’s talk prizes. Every year the people who attend absolutely cannot believe the prizes that are available for participants who raise $75 or more. So get out there and get those sponsors now so you can get a chance…

I talk a lot in these columns about lessons we can learn from animals and in the almost 22 years I’ve been with the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, I can honestly say I have learned a lot from our four-legged friends. They teach resilience, they teach love and they teach forgiveness – all of which are amazing lessons to learn. But something I realized just recently is they can also teach us to recognize our own awesomeness. Go with me on this one. We’ve had dogs and cats that come into the shelter scared to death when they first arrive.…

Have you ever thought of the benefits of hugging? There have apparently been studies on how much hugs can help people. When people hug each other, particularly for an extended period of time with someone they trust, the pituitary gland releases oxytocin, which is responsible for feelings of love and care and safety and comfort. If everyone would hug for 20-seconds a day, the theory is this would be a different world. Blood pressures would lower. Stress hormones like cortisol would be reduced. There would be a pretty significant impact on the general sense of well-being. Interestingly enough, this may…