Our Favorite Feel-Good Story of the Month

One afternoon, one of our dedicated foster volunteers received a call from one of her coworkers that needed her help. She had heard a faint, desperate meow and after a quick search, they discovered a tiny kitten hidden inside the engine compartment. She carefully coaxed him out, wrapped him in a towel, and brought him straight to us. That same volunteer opened her home and her heart to foster him until he was ready for adoption. Today, Reputation has found his forever home, where he’s safe, loved, and full of purrs.

Stories like Reputation’s remind us how powerful compassion can be. Every rescue, every foster, every adoption begins with someone choosing to act — to listen for a tiny meow, to lend a helping hand, or to open their home to an animal in need. Thanks to our incredible network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, countless pets like Reputation get a second chance at the happy, love-filled lives they deserve.

October Adoptions

October was a month full of happy tails and fresh starts! Thanks to our incredible adopters, volunteers, and staff, 72 pets found loving homes this month. From playful kittens and cuddly cats to energetic pups and loyal seniors, each adoption represents a life changed for the better. We’re so grateful to our community for opening their hearts and homes. Together, we’re making a difference every single day. 

October Shelter Snapshot

The generous support of staff, volunteers, and donors enables GMHS to provide daily care, cover special medical needs, foster animals in homes as needed, and arrange transportation to adoption-guaranteed partners.

Kitten season may be slowing down, but our need for dog fosters is still going strong!

Whether you can host a pup for a whole weekend or just a few hours for a Doggy Day Out, you’ll make a huge difference in their life. Every walk, cuddle, and car ride helps them de-stress and show off their amazing personalities to potential adopters.

And yes — that’s Rebel rocking an alligator costume. We can’t promise your foster dog will have quite as much style, but we can promise they’ll have just as much love to give.

If you are ready to give a dog like Rebel a break from the shelter, click here to learn more!

We’re thrilled that our shelter is live on the TREAT app! Now you can play with our dogs virtually and make a real difference from wherever you are. Every time you play, you help earn meals, treats, and weekly goodies that go directly to our shelter dogs — and thanks to your incredible support, we’ve already begun receiving medical supplies, food, and treats that are improving their daily lives.

Join in the fun and help us keep those tails wagging!



Click here to download!

Upcoming Events

Compassionate Community

Big thanks to our friends from Transitions Day Support Services! They recently spent a day helping fold laundry, sweeping, socializing our cats, and giving extra love and attention to our buddy Simon. We’re so grateful for your kindness and support!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Trick or Treat event this month!

Your costumes, smiles, and generosity made it a spooktacular day for our shelter. We’re so grateful for your continued love and support!

Renaissance Leadership students KJ and Grayson delivered Homecoming Donation Drive items from Gloucester High School and spent some quality time with our furry friends.



A big thank you to GHS for partnering with us to support our animal companions. Your kindness makes a difference!

THANK YOU to The Seafood Shack and our supportive community!

Because of your generosity, the October 5th fundraiser brought in over $2,000 in donations and more than 400 lb. of pet food and supplies for the animals in our care!



We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to eat, listen, bid, and support shelter pets — your kindness makes such a difference.

A huge shoutout to Tori Nutt Photos for capturing the adorable personalities of our pets! Your talent helps us show the world just how lovable and adoptable our furry friends are. Thanks for helping our animals shine! Every picture brings them one step closer to their forever home.

Our shelter is always full of wagging tails, wet noses, and hopeful hearts, but we can’t do it without you! Your donations provide food, medical care, and safe shelter for animals in need. Every dollar makes a difference in giving them a second chance at a happy life.

If you’re able, please consider making a contribution online, over the phone (804-693-5520), or by mail (P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, VA 23061). 

GMHS is neither affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations nor receives funding from the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. GMHS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our tax ID# is 51-0206238. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Shelter Pet Spotlight - Pumpkin

If sunshine were a cat, it would be Pumpkin! This handsome orange boy was found wandering on his own, but you’d never guess it from his sweet and snuggly personality. He’s all about head bumps, gentle purrs, and soaking up attention like a warm patch of sunlight.

Pumpkin’s got a heart as golden as his fur—he’s the kind of cat who’ll greet you at the door, follow you around just to be near you, and curl up beside you for a cozy nap. He’s affectionate, easygoing, and ready to fill your home with love (and maybe a little orange fur, too).

If you’re looking for a loyal companion with a big heart and an even bigger purr, Pumpkin is your guy!

A HOMELESS PET IS ONE STEP CLOSER

TO FINDING A HOME

EVERY TIME YOU FOLLOW US

ON SOCIAL MEDIA!