A Stafford County driver discovered an unexpected stowaway, a kitten named "Kitty Purry," in the engine compartment of his Toyota RAV4 after stopping at a 7-Eleven on Solomon Road.

Deputy O.J. Martins and his team spent an hour and a half safely rescuing the frightened kitten, using tools like a lockout kit, snake hook, and snappy snare to dismantle parts of the engine. Kitty Purry was taken to the Animal Shelter and will be available for adoption soon.

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The Stafford County Animal Shelter is experiencing a significant increase in pet surrenders as residents struggle with rising pet care costs. The shelter has seen unprecedented number of animals, leading to capacity issues.

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Bark + Boarding, a dog daycare and boarding business, has officially opened in Manassas. The business partnered with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 30. Ryan Fochler, founder of Bark + Boarding, shared insights into the company's growth and services during a recent interview. The company, which began as a dog-walking service, has expanded to offer a wide range of services, including daycare, boarding, grooming, training, socialization, and retail. "It's really pretty much everything now except veterinary services," Fochler explained. Fochler emphasized the company's commitment to pet owners who seek comprehensive care for their dogs. "We love to communicate. We always give a little communication cards. We want our clients to know if their dogs are having anything that we're seeing," he said. This approach ensures that both Barkin' Boarding and pet owners can collaborate effectively on the dogs' care. The onboarding process at Barkin' Boarding includes a thorough evaluation to ensure that dogs are a good fit for the facility. "We do have an eval process. So a dog will come in for doggy daycare... We really like to take the time with them. They start out in a zone by themselves and slowly work in dogs that we know are going to be a good fit before we merge the packs," Fochler explained. Located in a 9,500-square-foot facility at 10035 Dean Drive, next to the Manassas animal shelter, Bark + Boarding's newest location is set to enhance its grooming, socialization, and training services. "We're excited to really give clients the space they need for their dogs when they go on vacation or just hanging out for the day," Fochler said. Bark + Boarding has been operating in Bailey's Crossroads since 1999, but Fochler said they've been eyeing an opportunity to expand. The place had to be perfect. "There's been a lot of changes inside the Beltway, with a lot of areas no longer allowing outdoor space," Fochler said. "From experiences we've had with other jurisdictions, it's been extremely challenging, and Manassas City really seems to be much more business-friendly." Fochler said the city has been welcoming since the beginning of July and proposed a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The welcoming of small businesses in this area has been awesome," Fochler said. "It is night and day different from some other areas that we've been looking to grow." And it's been an easier transition because they will be in the same facility as Waggin' Tails Junction, which closed earlier this year.  The business has retained many of the Waggin' Tails Junction clients. The Manassas location currently offers daycare, boarding, positive reinforcement training, and grooming services. A structured daycare and boarding program will roll out in the fall.

@barkandboarding opened its newest facility next to the @CityofManassas animal shelter on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. Video from the @pwchamber ribbon cutting. Welcome to the neighborhood! pic.twitter.com/9v0klYi92P

— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) July 31, 2024

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Animal Control Officer M. Schultz responded to the 14000 block of Glenkirk Road in Gainesville for a stuck bird. He arrived to find a red-tailed hawk in need of rescue. Thanks to help from PWC Fire & Rescue, Officer Schultz was able to safely free the bird without causing further harm. The hawk has been transported to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center for further evaluation.

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“Originally Chanel, Ryder now goes by Ry Ry or even Monster, depending on the day and her mood. She is your typical sassy dog that understands everyone thinks she’s gorgeous. When we first adopted her, she had some major resource-guarding issues and was fearful of strangers. While she’s not 100% over the resource guarding, she’s now able to share most toys with other dogs, and with the promise of treats, she does well with people. We just have to understand her quirks to put her in the best situations."

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“While lilies are beautiful and often used as decorative flowers in our homes and gardens, they can pose a serious threat to our furry friends. As it turns out, certain types of lilies known as the true lilies are potentially fatal to cats; Daylilies, Asiatic, Easter, and Roselilies –are highly toxic to cats, the Prince William County Animal Shelter warns. “Any amount of lily ingestion can lead to kidney failure, which is a life-threatening condition. The symptoms may not appear immediately, but within one to six hours of ingesting lily, you may see some of the common signs of poisoning, including vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, and/or weakness and collapse.”

More in a press release from the Prince William County Animal Shelter.