Seven Rescue Groups @ Manassas Mall March 13-15

Centreville, Va. based Virginia German Shepherd Rescue is one of the organizations whose pets will take center stage at Manassas Mall March 13-15 when in addition to theirs, representatives from six other rescue organizations will share their expertise and tips for the perfect outcome for visitors planning to adopt forever dogs and cats or explore fostering them.

Potential health benefits for family members who add a pet to the household are well known. “Research into the connection between pets and human health dates back at least four decades, with dozens of studies pointing to several surprising benefits,” Alisa Bowman wrote for mayoclinic.org. She quoted Denise M. Millstine, M.D., who specializes in integrative medicine and health at Mayo Clinic. In addition to keeping us company and making us laugh and smile, Dr. Millstine said she also listed comforting us during hard times; encouraging us to exercise and getting outdoors and giving us routine and purpose.

The rescue groups at Manassas mall describe their missions as follows:

Virginia German Shepherd Rescue, [VGSR], a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of the German Shepherd Dog. The rescue provides a safe haven for German Shepherds (and, sometimes, other breeds/mixes) who are left in shelters to await uncertain fate; are owner surrenders (moving, illness, divorce, death, etc.); or are victims of abuse or neglect. VGSR adopts dogs to loving, responsible and secure homes, typically, in Virginia and the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., area. Since its inception in 2001, VGSR has found good homes for over 5,000 dogs.

Brandywine Valley SPCA was founded in 1929 and exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals. Its mission is to put the “human” back in humane animal treatment and advocate on their behalf. Its vision is to be the recognized leader in animal welfare that empowers communities to treat life with respect and dignity.

Middleburg Humane Foundation [MHF] rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes animals in need and promotes animal welfare through community outreach and humane education. The MHF accomplishes its mission through various programs: intake and adoption, Trap-Neuter-Return, food assistance, humane education, internships, and volunteerism.

Furever Haven Animal Rescue [FHAR] is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization dedicated to providing a safe space for animals that need a second chance. It has both cats and dogs for adoption. Animals are its Mission. FHAR focuses on making an impact in any capacity it can. Its volunteers provide the momentum it needs. The organization formed a nonprofit to support the community's animals. It is driven solely by volunteers and is grateful to all the helping hands of this amazing community.

Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Foundation [CGMFF] is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to giving every life a chance. It specializes in neonatal at-risk kittens – those suffering from severe injuries. Historically there was little to no hope for these kittens – their medical care costs were too great, medical knowledge about their conditions was few and far between, and they were more often deemed unadoptable. There are no odds too great and no kitten too small for the head of the foundation, Ellen Carozza, to take under her wing. All donations go toward the care and medical treatment for these incredibly special kittens.

Only Maine Coons Rescue [OMCR] is a 100% volunteer-run/breed-specific rescue group that specializes in the Maine Coon Cat breed. It rescues Maine Coon Cat / Kitten mixes from shelters and unwanted situations. On occasion, it rescues purebred (PB) Maine Coon Cat / Kitten(s). In addition, all of its cats are lovingly cared for in foster homes until they are placed into their “furrever” homes. OMCR is a close-knit group who work together to make adoptions happen as quickly as possible, and to ensure a happy ending for the coonie and the new adopter.

Broken Souls Rescue and Recovery [BSRR] is part of Freedom Home and Pitbulls & Addicts, all founded by Michael Favor with a simple belief: saving dogs can help save people. What began as a personal journey of recovery grew into a mission to rescue abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs while offering hope, structure, and purpose to individuals rebuilding their lives. Freedom Home is also a place of second chances. Through compassion, responsibility, and unwavering commitment, it provides a safe haven where dogs heal from trauma and people learn accountability, love, and self-worth. Together, they recover side by side. The mission is to rescue dogs that others have given up on, while proving that with patience, care, and consistency, both animals and humans can be restored. Freedom Home doesn’t just save lives, it rebuilds them, one dog and one person at a time.

The rescue groups are part of Super Pet Expo which will give 500 free tickets for Friday, March 13 to Veterans through Vet Tix, to all branches of currently serving Military and Veterans, including immediate families of troops KIA.

In addition to meeting members of the rescue organizations, visitors will have the chance to audition their pets for roles on TV, film and commercials, watch their dog compete in a derby race or frolic in the puppy playground or in a pit filled with thousands of balls. The popular lure course will return, where pooches get exercise chasing a faux rabbit around a course. Visitors can also get a free paw print of their pet. Canine social media celebs will participate in a star-studded panel of pet influencers. Photo opportunities galore all weekend long include celebrity pets and stunt dogs and their trainers like Chrissy Joy, host of “Dog Moms” and “Farm Girl” on DOG-TV.

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Where: Manassas Mall, 8358 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA 20109

Hours: Friday March 13: 3 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday March 14: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sunday, March 15: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.