The Paw Prints Chronicle
A Letter From the President
As we head into the final months of the year, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished together—and feeling deeply grateful for the community that makes our work possible. Every adoption, every event, every animal that finds safety and love again happens because of your support.
This winter, we’re preparing for our most important fundraiser of the year—our holiday matching campaign, which provides the majority of the funds that keep our shelter running. The SPCA of Nelson County receives no county, state, or national funding—we rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you. The incredible generosity of our “matching” donors makes it possible for your donations to go twice as far! Our Holiday Matchers will double up to $100,000 in total contributions received now through December, or postmarked by December 31, 2025. General donations, honoraria, and memorials all qualify.
Thanks to your continued support, 2025 has been a year of growth, progress, and happy tails. So far this year, 50 dogs and more than 120 cats have found their loving homes—including some who had been with us for more than 500 days. We’ve expanded our presence in the community, attending nearly 50 local events—from festivals to health fairs—to spread awareness and connect with our community.
Behind the scenes, we’ve strengthened our volunteer and foster programs with new training, handbooks, and orientations, and we’re thrilled to invite more people to get involved! Our business partnerships have also grown, helping us build relationships that provide donations, sponsorships, and services that keep our shelter thriving.
We’ve made important progress on the upkeep of our 21-year-old Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, including septic system maintenance, updates to our cat areas, and extensive grounds and yard work. While some of the services associated with the projects are donated, there are costs associated with keeping our Adoption Center safe and welcoming. In the coming year, we hope to enclose our garage door, repair kennel fencing, and create more usable indoor space for our animals. If you know (or are) a building contractor who would like to help us do this, please reach out!
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our spay/neuter programs, education initiatives, and community outreach. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate Nelson County—one where every adoptable animal has the chance for a safe and loving home.
From all of us at the SPCA of Nelson County, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make such a difference this year. If you’d ever like to see our work firsthand, please reach out—we’d love to give you a tour and show you everything your support makes possible.
Sincerely,
Denise Merricks
Nelson SPCA President
News, Notes, and Appreciations
THANK YOU to Familiar Studios and photographer Michael Tietgan for providing amazing photos of our shelter animals. and for letting us use them in our newsletter, on our website, and on social media!
THANK YOU to our volunteer vets Dr. Beth Luziach, Dr. Jennifer Magill, Dr. Robin Pullen and Dr. Charles Wood.
THANK YOU to our volunteers, who help us with everything from kennel cleaning to driving animals to and from vet offices and clinics to food pick-up.
THANK YOU to John Mayo, our volunteer maintenance man, who fixes anything and everything around the shelter that needs a tune-up.
THANK YOU to Matt Stimart and Word of Mouth Automotive in Charlottesville for the extraordinary work they do on our shelter van, keeping it safe and roadworthy.
THANK YOU to the Camp Merricks’ team for all their support of our dogs and staff through training and socialization, as well as repairs to the shelter. A special thank you to Ops Manager, Earl Irving, who keeps Camp running smoothly so Denise Merricks can better support the shelter as President.
THANK YOU to all of our local partners who helped us celebrate our volunteers at our recent Volunteer Celebration Dinner:
- Wintergreen Property Owners
- Mac’s Country Store
- Chicken Coop
- Vitos
- Nelson Scoops
- Black Bear Creamery
- Maunsells
- Sweet Bliss
- El Mariachi
- Blue Ridge Pig
- Colleen Exxon
Thank You Our Amazing Donors!
Alda Curtis
Amy and Gifford Childs
Andrew Cotter
Andria Lovejoy
Andy and Joyce Brown
Animal Connection LLC
Ann Ashton
Ann Askew
Ann Weber
Ann Wright
Anne Adams
Anne and George Krieger
Anne Hedelt and Lynn Noland
Anne Wood
Arin Bennett
Arthur Klingerman
B. Wayne Davis
Barbara Aker
Barbara and John Gormes
Barbara McGill
Barbara Porter
Barbara Spencer
Basic Necessities
Basira April Harpster
Beverly and Bill Faulkenberry
Beverly Butler and Nathou Attinger
Blaire French
Bob and Sally Kuntz
Bonita Kidd
Bonnie Cady
Brandon Johnson
Brenda Mawyer
Brian Dodd
Brian Hinton
Briana Diver
Bryant Paving, Gary Bryant
By Word of Mouth Automotive
Capt John J. Morris
Carol and Robert Keane
Carol Duvall
Carol Faust
Carole Saunders
Caroline Avant
Caroll Bradley
Carolyn Maki
Carolyn Marckel
Carolyn Sue Wright Coleman
Catherine Wray
Cathy Parrish
Charles Kaye
Charles Webster
Chris Oakes
Christine Carrico
Christopher Kammler
Cindy Palmer
Coaching Express, LLC
Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge
Computershare Inc.
Connie Thomas
Constantine Roussos
Cora Schenberg
Cornelia Serota
Cynthia Otley and Martin Ahrens
Cynthia Shook
Dana Ogilvie
Darlene Barber
David and Stephanie Schultz
David Carter
David Consolvo
David Roach
David Snyder and Barbara Matysek
David Witmer
Deborah Demick
Deborah MacVittie
Debra Helm
Delia Laux
Della Yannuzzi
Diana Maier
Diana Tyler
Diane & Stephen Robbins
Diane Thomason
Dickie Hauling, LLC
Digna M. Gantt
Dixie Gainer
Donald and Catherine Truslow
Donald Glasser
Donald Pullen
Dr. Alan Diamond
Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Gilbert
Dr. L. E. Cooper
Duffy Brent
Dwayne and Emily Bradley
Edith Burns
Edwin and Dale Reynolds
Eileen and Andrew Mansfield
Elaine and Henri Weems
Elaine Davis
Eleanor Amidon
Eleanor and Harrison Jones
Elizabeth Askew
Elizabeth Burket
Elizabeth Marcus c/o Liaison Financial Services, LLC
Elizabeth Ouzts
Ellen English
Ellie Riley
Emily Gantt
Emily Harper
Emily Hood Nelson White
English Enterprises-Chef Ellen English LLC
Ethel King Butterworth
F. Darrell Jones
Fabiola Schlessinger
Fidelity Charitable
Flower and Ed Vankan
Frances Fevrier
Full Throttle Autoworx
Gail Lowe
Gail Peterson
Garth Kemper
Gary and Cathie Trider
Gayla Mills
Gayle Sanders
Gayle Wilcox
George and Rita Nicklas
Gerald L. McManis and Jerrie Stewart
Ginny and Al Simpson
Give Lively Foundation
Gloria Ashley
Grayson Jackson
Grayson Poats and Cinthia Elkey
Harriett Schultz
Helen Dejarnette
Heywood and Judith Greenberg
Idajean Moore
Inez and Lee Quick
Interpretive Software, Inc.
Irene and Dwight Foster
J. Reid Copeland
Jacquelyne Tancyus
James and Elizabeth Everhart
James and Jane Raup
James and Virginia Colburn
James River Good Works Group
James River Kennel Club (c/o Sherry Harman)
Jan and Robert Bennie
Jan Coffey
Janelle and Brian Weaver
Jean McConkey
Jean Obrien
Jeannie Landgraf
Jim and Joan Klemic
Jim and Marian Craig
Joan and Len Wolowiec
Joan Louise Mancuso
Joan Spalding
Joann Luczak
Joanne and Laird William Ramsay
John and Sandra Fosses
John Fornaro
John Shifflett
Johnna Gittemeier
Jonathan Lord
Joseph Smith
Joseph Stirt
Judie Hardie
Judith Ellis
Judith Rogers
Judith Wright
Judy Floyd
Judy Meincke
Judy Smythers
Juliana McGlosson
June and Monte Pritchett
Karen Czar
Karen Firehock
Karin Volquardsen
Kate Arnold
Katherine Collins
Katherine Cummings
Katherine Dempson
Kathleen Monaghan
Kathleen Quelland
Kathy Gunner
Kathy Weaver
Kay and Jerry Volman
Kay Pfaltz
Kelley and Michael Anderson
Kenneth and Janice Fischer
Kevin Rose
Kim Shiflett
Kimberley Bauman
Kroger
Larry and Theresa Sheridan
Laura Pyle
Lawana Jones
Leigh Phillips
Leslie and Jeffrey Hellerman
Lewis G. Schaeneman, Jr. Foundation, Inc.
Lewis Stein
Linda and Edward Furrow
Linda and Robert Johnston
Linda Phillips
Linda Wilkes
Lisa Lefferts
Lish Lorenz
Lori and Wayne Ponton
Lost Industries
Louise A. Harris
Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery
Lucinda and Bob Bryant
Lucinda and Mark Deese
Lucy and Doyle Jackson
Lucy Ewing Martin
Lucy Millinder
Lynette Latham
M Carol Smith
Manuela Aguilar and William Pascual
Marc Owens
Margaret and Robert Sanford
Mariann Smith
Marie Smith
Marilyn Duncan
Marilyn Lockhart
Marilyn Nash
Marilyn Riley
Mark and Betsy Brownlee
Mark and Elizabeth Hogan
Mark Fleming and Maggie Reardon
Marsha Baron
Martha McGarth
Marti & Paul Naro
Mary Allen
Mary and Robert Klein
Mary Gibson
Mary Keane
Mary Stevens
Matthew Carton
Maura Singleton
Maxine Small
Maya Proulx
Melissa Pambianchi
Merielle Donaldson
Michael and Barbara Brownley
Michael Ellison
Michele Commins
Mickey and George McKinney
Mountain View Brewery
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Corwin
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Durrer, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee Day III
Murray Elementary School
Myra Lynn Beal
Nancy and Emil Kritzer
Nancy and Keith Knoell
Nancy and Ronald King
Nancy Bowles and Bev Jordan
Nancy Held
Nancy McMoneagle
Nancy Nuell
Nancy Whitlock
Nathalie NcNulty
Neal Grandy
Nicole Leedom, Treasurer – Batesville Ruritan Club
Nina Ashley
Nina Garrett
Pamela and David Roseman
Patricia Berberich
Paul Breaud
Paypal Inc.
Peter and Jo-Anne Tempest
Phil and Judy Gumm
Philippe and Thomas Proulx
Priscilla Friedberg
R. Ted and Sheila Weschler
Rachel Caul
Rebecca and William Evans
Rhonda and John Glass, Jr
Richard Cripe
Richard Roberts II
Rita and David McKenzie
Robert Cooke
Robert Phillips
Robin Timothy Adams
Rodney Johnson
Ronald Enders
Roxanne Slaughter
Roy Brewer
Ruth Layne
Sammy Terry
Sandra Bryson
Sandra Frith
Sandy McMurchy
Sara Anne Sherrard
Sara Bethea
Sara Harris
Sara Reynolds and Sharon Luciane
Sarah Ackerman
Sarah Bowling
Sayoko and Jim MacDougall
Scotti Troxell
Sharon Bloom
Sharon Brown
Sheila McCarthy
Sherri and Keith Anderson
Sherry Marshall
Sheryl Diehl
Shirley McGatha
Stella Nagy
Star Hill/Red Light Fund
Stephen and Diane Robbins
Sue Clarkson
Sue Mullins Ramsey
Sue Waterman
Surf N Dipity Inc dba Kona Ice Cville
Susan and Ian Hardie
Susan Capell
Susan Davis
Susan Greene
Susan Hodous
Susan Lazerson
Susan McCormack
Susan Muckle
Susan Walton
Suzanne and Daniel Klett
Suzanne Russell
Sylvia Stafford
Tammy Sandridge
Teresa Quinn
Terri and George Olcott
Terri Davis
Theresa Singleton
Thibault and Sandra Desachy
Thomas Brooks II
Tillie Hunter
Timothy Snider
Toni Burnette
Tracie Crist
Troy Nicks
Ulrike Joiner and Dale Weigel
Victoria Quick
Virgil Goode, Jr.
Virginia and Frank Poole
Wanda Ballowe
Wayne and Wanda Floyd
Wayne Hachey
Wayne West
William and Nancy Smith
William Keene Jr
William Perkins
Staff Spotlight
When Rose Fariss joined Almost Home in 2014, it wasn’t just the start of a new job—it was the beginning of a calling. After stepping away from a management position in the convenience store industry, she was looking for a part-time role where she could make a difference. An initial interview with the Amherst Humane Society led, through a serendipitous recommendation, to Almost Home.
“I called every two days for three weeks,” she laughs. “When I finally got the chance to visit, I was immediately struck by the need of the dogs. They needed care and love. Looking into those big doggie eyes, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
In the ten years (11, come November!) since she first stepped into the kennels, Almost Home has undergone incredible transformation. “The shelter today is truly a team,” she says proudly. “We have a supportive board, a dedicated staff, and volunteers who all work side-by-side for the animals.”
Almost Home is now fully staffed, equipped with training manuals, handbooks, and standard operating procedures that ensure consistent, compassionate care. Communication tools like Google Workspace have streamlined operations, while a beautiful new website makes connecting with adopters and supporters easier than ever.
The shelter has also expanded its community presence through partnerships with local businesses and organizations. Events with Devil’s Backbone, Subaru, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Department, and countless local restaurants and businesses have brought both adoptions and awareness. Programs like TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) and the Community Food Program have flourished thanks to generous community partners—including Gleaning for the World, the Amazon Warehouse Pet Program, and local residents who volunteer their time and effort.
Rose sees the shelter’s biggest success as the people: “Our team, from the board to the staff to volunteers, is our greatest achievement. We’ve built a professional, welcoming shelter that people want to visit, support, and adopt from.”
For Rose, community shelters are essential. “We don’t just care for homeless animals—we help owned pets, too,” she says. “Whether it’s food support, spay or neuter assistance, or education, shelters like ours keep families and pets together.”
At the end of the day, it always comes back to the animals. “They’re my heart,” she says. “There’s not a day that goes by I don’t stop to snuggle a cat or play with a dog. And when things get stressful, I go back to my roots—I grab a scrub brush, clean a kennel, and find peace in knowing we’re making a difference.”
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Almost Home Pet Adoption Center and the Nelson SPCA! Our incredible staff and board of directors count on them every day to keep the shelter thriving, care for our furry friends, raise vital funds, and spread the word about animal welfare across Nelson County.
Two of our incredible volunteers are Andi and her son Tad, who have been contributing their time and talents for several years. After retiring (twice!) from a career in Special Education, Andi sought a meaningful way to spend her time. When a very wise person suggested that Andi volunteer to walk dogs at the shelter, she embraced the idea wholeheartedly.
Andi’s love for dogs runs deep. When she was younger, she frequently drew dogs and included them in her school projects, and even now, bringing joy to pups remains her main passion. She spends quality time with the dogs, giving them love, attention, and basic obedience training to help them shine as future family members. She knows each dog’s quirks and personality, making her a fantastic advocate when it’s time to find them a new home.
Tad, who has special needs, shares Andi’s affection for dogs. He also adores the people at Almost Home. He’s a helping hand and a ray of sunshine—tackling chores, hauling supplies, and bringing joy. Tad offers warm hugs to everyone he meets. He uplifts both humans and animals alike at Almost Home.
Together, Andi and Tad participate in community events, taking dogs into public spaces to give them a break from shelter life and raise awareness about the Nelson SPCA. Andi’s insight into each dog’s personality helps match them with the perfect home.
We’re beyond grateful to Andi and Tad for their dedication, warmth, and the joy they bring to Almost Home. Their compassion and time make a lasting impact on our animals and our people.
