Blog - Angels of Assisi

A Day in the Life at AoA

Gracie Boliek — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:21:41 +0000

Check out what our staff has been up to lately! Looking to join our team? Browse our open positions here.

Every day at Angels of Assisi begins with one mission in mind: helping pets and the people who love them.

In the morning, our Community Pet Clinic is already buzzing with activity. From wellness visits to lifesaving surgeries, our veterinary team provides affordable, compassionate care to pets across the Roanoke Valley and beyond.

Meanwhile, the Adoption Center welcomes families searching for their new best friend. Each visit holds the possibility of a fresh start for a pet who has been waiting for a second chance.

Out at Harmony Farm Sanctuary, staff and volunteers tend to over 200 rescued farm animals, offering them safety and peace for the rest of their lives. And throughout the region, our outreach teams extend care into rural communities, respond to animals in crisis, and provide programs that keep pets with the families who love them.

By the end of the day, hundreds of lives both human and animal have been touched by compassion, care, and connection. That’s what a day in the life at Angels of Assisi is all about.

Adopting a High-Energy Dog

Gracie Boliek — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:16:19 +0000

High-energy dogs can be a handful at times, but their zest for life and eagerness to connect with people makes them incredibly loyal companions. With the right structure and proper outlets, their energy can be a true asset. Here are some tips to help you both get off to a great start:

Ease Into It
Give your new dog time to adjust. Avoid overwhelming them with visitors or busy, public outings right away as too much stimulation too soon can lead to unwanted behaviors. Let them settle into their new environment first.

Channel That Energy
A tired dog is a happy dog! Make sure your pup gets plenty of physical and mental stimulation from day one. Without it, boredom can lead to barking, chewing, jumping, or other problematic behaviors. One of the easiest ways to provide mental exercise is by making your dog work for their food. There are many feeding toys that provide mental stimulation to your pooch by making him or her solve puzzles to get their food or treats.

Establish a Routine Early
Dogs thrive on structure. Set a daily routine mealtimes, walks, rest periods, and stick to it! If you’ll be gone hours during the day, it’s best to leave your dog in a safe, comfortable, dog-proof space like a crate. Start working on crate training right away to set clear, consistent expectations. Include obedience or manners training in your dog’s daily routine. For example, teach your dog to wait to eat their food until you give an “OK.”

Daily Walks Are a Must
Even if you have a yard, walks provide essential mental stimulation through new sights, smells, and experiences. Walks also help burn off extra energy and improve focus.

Exercise Before You Leave
If your dog will be crated or left alone during the day, be sure to get in a good walk or play session beforehand. Offer a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy when you leave, and plan for more activity when you return.

Teach Calm, Too
It’s just as important for your dog to learn how to relax after proper exercise. Create a calm spot or “place” with a comfy bed and special toy or treat for quiet time. If needed, use the crate (not as punishment) to help them settle.

Keep Training Going
If your pup already knows some basic commands, don’t stop there! Ongoing training is key and high-energy dogs need consistent direction and discipline. If they’re just starting out, find a trainer or class near you to learn the basics and start your relationship off on the right paw.

Practice Impulse Control
Teach your dog that good things come from good behavior. Try NILF (Nothing In Life Is Free) training, where your dog earns rewards (like treats, attention or toys) by offering calm, polite behaviors like sitting or waiting.

Summer Pet Safety Tips

Gracie Boliek — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:52:51 +0000

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friends, but warmer weather brings specific risks. Stay prepared with these essential warm-weather tips:

1. Schedule a Summer Checkup
Start the season with a vet visit to ensure your pets are up to date on heartworm prevention and overall health.

2. Beat the Heat
Always provide fresh water and shade. Avoid intense exercise in the heat, and keep pets indoors on extremely hot days.

3. Know the Signs of Overheating
Watch for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or collapse. Pets with flat faces, senior pets, and those with health conditions are especially vulnerable.

4. Never Leave Pets in Cars
Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can quickly become deadly. It’s also illegal in many states.

5. Practice Poolside Safety
Supervise pets near water, provide life vests for boat outings, and rinse them off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt.

6. Secure Your Home
Keep unscreened windows closed and make sure screens are secure to prevent accidental falls.

7. Grooming Tips
Trim long hair, but never shave your dog. Coats help regulate body temperature. Use only pet-safe sunscreen and insect repellent.

8. Protect Sensitive Paws
Hot pavement can burn paw pads. Walk your dog during cooler hours and avoid prolonged exposure to asphalt.

9. Use Lawn Products with Care
Keep pets off treated lawns until products are dry. Store fertilizers and citronella products out of reach.

10. Watch What They Eat
Stick to your pet’s regular diet. Keep alcohol, fatty foods, and garbage out of reach, and clean up spills right away.

11. Be Firework Safe
Keep pets indoors during fireworks. The noise can frighten them and lead to injury or escape. Never let them near lit or unused fireworks.

12. Know Your Plants
Identify plants in your yard, many can be toxic. Supervise your pets outdoors to prevent accidental nibbling.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can help your pets stay safe and comfortable all summer long.

Tips adapted from the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Gracie Boliek — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:42:30 +0000

Pet cancer is the number one disease-related cause of death for dogs and cats in the U.S., affecting 1 in 4 dogs and 1 in 4 cats.

Do you know the warning signs to look for?

When cancer is detected early it can be treated more effectively. Check your pet regularly for these 10 warning signs as recommended by the Veterinary Cancer Society:

Swollen lymph nodes
Enlarging or changing lump
Abdominal distension
Chronic weight loss
Lameness
Oral odor
Unexplained bleeding
Cough
Chronic vomiting or diarrhea
Straining to urinate

If you’re a pet parent facing the financial burden of veterinary care, you’re not alone and help is available. Petco Love has comprehensive resource guide featuring a list of organizations dedicated to assisting pet families in need. Every pet deserves access to the care they need to live a happy, healthy life.

For more information on early detection, Petco’s resource guide on veterinary treatment, and how you can join in the fight against pet cancer, please visit petcolove.org/pca.

Credit: Petco Love

What to Do if You Find Kittens Outdoors

Gracie Boliek — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:34:36 +0000

Did you know that kittens are among the most vulnerable animals in shelters, and that many end up in shelters because of kind-hearted people who simply want to help?

With kitten season in full swing, it’s more important than ever to know what to do if you find a litter outdoors. Sometimes, the best way to help is by waiting and watching because their mom might be nearby, just out of sight, gathering food or staying hidden.

At Angels of Assisi, we’re here to help guide you in making the best decision for the kittens you find. Before you scoop them up, take a moment to review the infographic below to help determine the right next step.

National Pet Poison Prevention Week

Gracie Boliek — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:37:03 +0000

March 16-22 is Pet Poison Prevention Week, which raises awareness about the dangers of pet toxins in and around your home. Each year, ASCPA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) staff of veterinary toxicologists examine data from the previous year to identify trends about the top toxins that pets are exposed to. The more you know, the better you can prevent accidents from happening!

“In 2024, over-the-counter medications remained the top animal toxin on APCC's list, accounting for 16.5% of all exposures. Vitamins and dietary supplements were the top OTC medications called about in 2024. Food and drink followed closely in the number two spot. The primary items in this category that pet owners called about were protein drinks and bars, xylitol-laden chewing gum, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic. Chocolate exposures also slightly increased compared to 2023.” via ASPCA

The ASPCA APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.

The Spring season brings another common household pet poison: lilies. Lilies are poisonous to cats not only when eaten! Even just exposure to their pollen can lead to acute injury or toxicosis. Learn which lilies pose the most risk for your feline friend below. If your cat has any exposure to a lily, be sure to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA APCC as soon as possible.

Identifying poisonous lilies via ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

Benefits of Spaying & Neutering You Pet

Gracie Boliek — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:15:00 +0000

Dr. Dayton with our of our Community Clinic patients

As a veterinarian, I am always excited to talk about the many benefits of spaying and neutering dogs and cats. One of the most compelling reasons is the significant reduction in cancer risk. For female pets, spaying eliminates the risk of uterine cancer and if spayed before the first heat cycle mammary cancer is almost 100% prevented. Sadly, mammary cancers are common in unspayed females and in cats they are 80% metastatic . In male pets, neutering prevents testicular cancer and can also reduce the incidence of prostate issues. By choosing to spay or neuter, pet owners are not only preventing painful and costly health problems but are also ensuring their pets live longer, healthier lives.

Behavioral changes are another key benefit of altering your pet. Neutering male dogs and cats often leads to a noticeable reduction in behaviors like aggression, and marking territory. These behaviors are driven by hormones, and neutering helps to calm them down, making for a more well-behaved, content pet. Similarly, spaying female dogs can reduce behaviors associated with being in heat, such as restlessness, loud vocalizations, and frequent attempts to escape. With these issues minimized, pets become easier to manage and better companions overall.

Of course, one of the most important reasons to spay or neuter your pet is to help control the overpopulation problem. Every year, millions of unwanted animals end up in shelters, many of which are euthanized due to lack of space and resources. By spaying or neutering your pet, you're doing your part to prevent more unwanted litters and help reduce the strain on rescue organizations like Angles of Assisi. This simple procedure can have a profound impact on the health of the entire pet community by ensuring that fewer animals are born without homes.

Overall, spaying and neutering are essential parts of responsible pet ownership. At Angels we spayed and neutered 15,654 pets in 2024. It is inspiring to work at an organization that is able to make this kind of impact on the pets and community of Roanoke and the surrounding region. It is also a gift to be able to offer these services at a lower cost that is attainable to many families who would not be otherwise able to afford vet care.

BrookeDayton DVM
Angels of Assisi

Learn more about our spay/neuter services.

The 3-3-3 Rule of Adopting

Gracie Boliek — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:49:00 +0000

Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule: Helping Rescue Pets Thrive in Their New Homes

Adopting a rescue animal is an incredibly rewarding experience, one filled with love, growth, and second chances. But while bringing a new pet home is exciting, it’s important to remember that transitioning from a shelter or foster environment to a new home takes time, patience, and consistency.

This is where the 3-3-3 Rule comes in. It’s a simple yet powerful guideline that helps set realistic expectations for adopters, supports a smoother transition, and fosters a successful, long-term bond between pet and person.

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 Rule outlines three key phases of adjustment during a rescue pet’s first days, weeks, and months in their new home:

First 3 Days:
In the first few days, pets are often overwhelmed and unsure of their new surroundings. They may exhibit signs of stress, anxiety, or fear. Some may be extra quiet or want to hide, while others might test boundaries or act out.

What to do:

Keep a calm and quiet environment.
Establish a routine right away (feeding, potty breaks, rest).
Give clear direction and gently set boundaries.
Offer space. Let the pet explore at their own pace without forcing interaction.
Be patient, positive, and observant.

Next 3 Weeks:
By now, pets begin to feel more comfortable. Their personalities start to emerge as the initial stress fades. This is also when they may test the limits and explore what they can and can’t do in their new environment.

What to do:

Start basic training (like sit, stay, and recall).
Use consistent, calm guidance and positive reinforcement.
Stick to routines. Pets thrive on predictability.
Gently but firmly maintain boundaries.
Celebrate progress and small wins.

First 3 Months:
At this stage, most pets have significantly adjusted to their new home. They begin to understand routines, build trust, and develop lasting bonds with their humans. Their true personalities shine as they feel safe and secure.

What to do:

Continue reinforcing training and structure.
Deepen the bond through play, affection, and quality time.
Be attuned to their needs, preferences, and habits.
Support their confidence and comfort as they fully integrate into the family.

Why the 3-3-3 Rule Matters

Every pet is different, some may adjust more quickly, while others may take longer. The 3-3-3 Rule offers a flexible framework that helps new adopters and foster families understand what to expect and how to best support their pet's journey. It emphasizes patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, all of which are essential in helping a rescue animal feel truly at home.

By following this guideline, we can help ease the transition, manage potential challenges, and build the foundation for a lifelong, loving relationship.