Whether you are a “cat person” or a “dog person”, this month we are spotlighting a group that every pet-friendly Alexandrian should know about. With June being adopt-a-cat month, we thought it was appropriate to spread the word about the great work being done by the Homeless Animals Rescue Team (HART). This organization is near and dear to my heart, as I have been a volunteer, foster parent, and was lucky enough to adopt my dog through HART five years ago. I am honored and grateful to share with you the amazing and selfless work that is accomplished each day by HART and its loyal supporters. HART is a non-profit 501(c)(3) no-kill animal rescue and support group, which was incorporated in 1990, and is based out of Northern Virginia. This group of dedicated volunteers and staff take in and relocate abused and unwanted animals, working with local veterinarians, foster homes, kennels, and trainers to provide temporary housing and medical care until they are placed in a loving, carefully-screened new home. They seek to direct resources where they are most needed in animal welfare, and the volunteers of HART make it their mission to alleviate or prevent suffering wherever they find it. They take in older, sick, and injured animals as well as those who are ready to adopt. In addition to these services, HART also helps people who require assistance caring for their pets due to failing health, financial, or other personal circumstances. They also assist those who can no longer keep their pets by finding a responsible and loving new home for the animal. What sets HART apart from other rescue organizations and animal shelters? Meg Hart, who joined the HART community after adopting her dog in 2006, explains it best; “we love what we do and want to…