Middleburg Humane Foundation

The Middleburg Humane Foundation has been helping animals in surrounding communities and beyond for 25 years. They provide wonderful care for homeless dogs, cats, horses and various livestock.

I can't say enough wonderful things about MHF. I started volunteering with them about 5 years ago. I was immediately stuck by the lengths the staff goes through to help the animals and insure their well being. Everybody is so welcoming to the volunteers and always so appreciative.
There is great creativity , imagination and hard work used to put together fun and interesting invents that highlight the mission of MHF as well as to raise funds and expose the animals to potential adopters. As a volunteer I have not only worked some to the events, but have also chosen to attend some of the events as a non-volunteered. I have enjoyed all of them. As a matter a fact, I worked an adoption event at what was then Wylie Wagg. I immediately fell in love with the dog that was assigned to me that day. Long story short, Heidi ended up coming home with me and has been a part of the family for the last 5 years!
The grooming salon is an added bonus. Once every 6 weeks I make the trek from Manassas to Marshall to have my babies groomed by Liz Washington. She is so good with the dogs and does a terrific job. She is so willing to go out of her way to accommodate my schedule.
At times I show up at the shelter unannounced to walk dogs. Every single time I am there I see employees hard at work cleaning the kennel, cleaning the cat room, feeding the animals, scrubbing out feed bowls and water bucket and doing countless other duties in maintaining the facilities and keeping the animals happy and comfortable.
I could go on and on about all the wonderful staff and work that is being done at MHF. I only wish I lived closer so I could be there more often!!!

A wonderful place where animals are treated well by staff and volunteers. I've seen the most sad abused animals come in, and after a few weeks at Middleburg Humane, you can see the hope come back into the animals eyes and they start trusting people again....amazing!!

MHF is the most caring and competent animal resource in our area. There is not a staff anywhere more caring and compassionate of animals that are abused, neglected, or at risk. I am proud to serve as a volunteer with such a compassionate caring organization

I am completing my 3rd year volunteering with MHF, and I feel fortunate for the opportunity to contribute to their mission helping animals in need and getting them adopted to forever homes.

I adopted a dog from MHF this year & it was a wonderful experience! The staff is incredibly knowledgeable & the adoption process was easy. We couldn't have asked for anything more!

The appearance is a real conflict on how this group takes animals. That the appearance is they do not follow the law. That the scheme includes the Judiciary, the Government of different areas in Virginia in stealing animals from owners. That they have scared these owners with intimidation and help of the different Judges whom have assesst outrages bonds for getting thier animals back or for boarding of these animals while in the care of this foundation - or those associated with this foundation.

How does a humane investigator end up with their own shelter? Isn't that a conflict of interest?

I would think they should not profit off of the sale of the animals that they take in.

Ms. Bogley, a Humane Investigator for Culpeper and Fauquier counties, who is, at the same time the founder and executive director of the Middleburg Humane Foundation. She is paid a salary by this non-profit of more than $65,000 by the foundation. Ms. Bogley is by all appearances in violation of Virginia Code § 3.2 6557 which states:
§ 3.2-6557. Animal control officers and humane investigators; limitations; records; penalties

A. No animal control officer, humane investigator, humane society or custodian of any public or private animal shelter shall (i) obtain the release or transfer of an animal by the animal's owner to such animal control officer, humane investigator, humane society or custodian for personal gain or (ii) give or sell or negotiate for the gift or sale to any individual, pet shop, dealer, or research facility of any animal that may come into his custody in the course of carrying out his official assignments. No animal control officer, humane investigator or custodian of any public or private animal shelter shall be granted a dealer's license. Violation of this subsection is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Nothing in this section shall preclude any animal control officer or humane investigator from lawfully impounding any animal pursuant to § 3.2-6569.

This means that this non-profit which is controlled by Ms. Bogley is receiving animals by the county judges that is in direct conflict of interest between a government official (Humane Investigator) and a non-government entity (Middleburg Humane Foundation). In other words, an official comes to your place, seizes animals, and then raises money by PayPal for their non-profit on the backs of those animals? Who would want to support an organization whose interests, by all appearances, could be involved in such a scheme?

I have volunteered at Middleburg Humane for almost 2 years, going 2-3 times a week. Small miracles happen there all the time! For example I have seen starving horses saved from being tied up at the side of a road with no access to water much less food , brought to this farm and fed and socialized and then adopted to forever homes. Dogs who cowered in the back of their cages when they were first brought in who gradually became friendly and happy. Every aspect of an animals' needs is considered, food and water of couse, but exercise, toy play, outings to town and socialization with children , if appropriate. All animals are given medical attention by experienced staff, they're brought in at night and given soft blankets to lie on and treats.

In a Nutshell Middleburg Humane Foundation is Amazing.
My story is from the view 1st as a client served and now as a Volunteer. Please read my story.
About 10 years ago a pregnant stray cat "claimed" our family and before I could utter the words " NO!", my 3 yr old named her. So I turned to MHF for help. They found the kittens new homes and helped us to get the mother (Casey) spayed. We pitched in what little we could afford and they took care of the rest. Perhaps it was "all in the days work" for them, but not for us. Casey added a new dimension to our family. I will spare you the stories of our sassy cat, but only because there is more to tell.
Now it has been over 10 yrs, and my children and I now Volunteer at MHF. Now we are Not their Best Vol. ( more sporadic to be honest) but we help when we can. And here is were we become indebted again.
From the time you arrive, you are greeted by a friendly staff and other volunteers. You get this sense of Family(even though you don't know everyones name- it doesn't matter - we are all there for the same reason! ) Because in the process of thinking or saying "I am helping these poor abused homeless animals" something HAPPENS to you and you get to be a part of this "THING"
And this "thing" is AMAZING! Yes, MHF helps these animals, cleans the cages, tends to medical issues, ect, BUT its MORE than that! They Make The World A Better Place!
You leave there knowing that you made a difference in the "quality of life" for another creature. You get this sense of "AWE" that is soul shaking. And you look into the animals face you know they feel it too. So "We" get to say we "helped" them,.... or is it that "they"(the animals) have "helped" us. Either way it is AMAZING, and I am Lucky to be a small part of it.
Thanks for reading my story.

I've been with MHF for 13 or so years now and continue to be amazed by the work they do. When telling and bragging to people about this wonderful organization they often say how can you stand the sadness of seeing abused and neglected animals. My response is always the same, yes it is sad but just knowing that the moment they are placed in the compassionate and competent hands of Middleburg Humane all will be well.


After spending fun time with "the babies" I go home. The folks at MH live and breathe the pain and hardship of seeing the worst of what mankind is capable of, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They fight to help our dear animal friends that can not fight for themselves. I can not express enough the admiration I have for this organization. It's one thing to complain or wish for change in the world, it's another to be strong enough to be a part of making those changes and that is what these incredible folks do every day!

I have served as a volunteer at Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) for approximately 7 years, walking dogs and fund-raising. I also have served on their Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the organization. I have now officially returned to the status of volunteer.

Middleburg Humane Foundation is an amazing organization, run by the most compassionate management and employees imaginable and supported by fabulous volunteers who put heart and soul into seeking a better future for all the abused, neglected and at risk animals animals that have the good fortune to find their way there.

If good medical and day-to-day life care were all that was needed, this shelter would rate 5 stars. However, there are always more animals in need than there are resources to provide this care. The attention of management and staff to do the necessary fund-raising to keep the doors open and the quality of care high is always an issue and diversion.

Middleburg Humane Foundation goes beyond the animals in its direct care. It has a Chained Dog program, that focuses on animals that are legally kept on chains outside of owner homes. MHF visits these homes and delivers bedding, food, medicine and other essentials to keep the dog as comfortable and healthy as possible in this less than ideal life. While supporting these animals, it also helps the owners understand their obligations as pet owners and forges a partnership, as much as possible, with the ultimate well-being of the animal in mind.

MHF also tries to educate the public to the critical importance of spaying or neutering for not only the health of the pet, but for prevention of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, that ultimately end up in shelters if they are lucky and suffering if they are not.

Running a shelter for abused and neglected animals is one of the hardest jobs on earth; there is so much needless suffering, needless cruelty and needless ignorance. It is hard to keep good employees because the stress level is so high, every day. As we all know, the limit of what can be done is always the funds available to do it. Having been involved with the financial planning, the one area that I see MHF needing is sources of funding (grants) that can be counted on from year to year without the entire staff and many of the volunteers being distracted from the organization's purpose of helping the animals to the "marketing" side to constantly beg for financial support.

I have been volunteering at MHF for 3 years and in that time my mom and I have adopted 6 animal, it is amazing what they do for these special creatures! It seems like every time I go they have a new animal that is waiting to be loved and, MHF definetly gives all the love an animal needs to begin to start its new and better life. No one can doubt that they do anything they can to help the less fortunate four legged creatures. MHF acts like a heaven for all animals. The workers are super super nice and make you feel welcome and they are so thankful for the help. I love MHF and I could not imagine my life without it.

Middleburg Humane Foundation is a wonderful place to volunteer, particularly for children . My son (now 13) and I have volunteered there over the past two years. They make sure to train the volunteers about what to do and why, and help make them feel part of the team in achieving their mission -- excellent loving care of abandoned pets, and where possible (some of the animals have health issues that mean they stay at MHF and cannot be adopted) to get them into a great forever home. Their philosophy on why children can help is great -- where the animals are safe for children to work with, that exposure helps them become even better candidates for adoption. My son also loves working with the variety of animals at the shelter, including the rabbits. Finally, MHF is run very well. The care and concern for the wellbeing of animals is always evident. It is inspirational to be able to volunteer there.

Middleburg Humane does a phenomenal job with limited resources, a very aged facility, and animals with histories. They focus on high needs animals that other facilities would not be able to handle. They offer complete vet care, even for those who have little chance of life or even adoption. The staff is dedicated ,caring, hard working, and positive thinkers. fostering of these animals by the staff is very common.
They have taken in entire litters of puppies and kittens; cared for them until old enough to be adopted, then taken them to adoption fairs or even taken them home themselves.
The need for this facility is ever rising and despite physical limitations ,no animal in need is turned away.

I go to the Middleburg Humane Foundation to volunteer and give the animals love and attention. I have found the staff there to be extremely kind to their volunteers and they are extremely kind and caring to these beautiful animals that have come to them in some of the most horrific situations. Volunteering with MHF has been an incredible experience and I plan to help more with the animals this year. Though Middleburg Humane Foundation has the name "Middleburg" which many people in our area pair that name with having money since the small town of Middleburg is home to some of the wealthiest people in America this MHF does not have that type of funding and they need to do everything they can to try to fund raise to have the money to take care of so many animals that have come to them from abuse and neglect cases that can cost them thousands of dollars in veterinary care and just the regular day to day care to give all of these animals the proper care that they need. If you are looking to volunteer at a very special place, no matter how little time you have available in your busy lives, this is a wonderful haven for these animals in need and every little bit counts whether you can take a dog for a walk, play for a few minutes with a cat, hug a kitten, or donate funding-it all can help make a difference. If you do plan to volunteer this is a place that cares and appreciates their volunteers and how could you not want to help when there are so many furry sweet animals there that offer their unconditional love and appreciate those extra few minutes you have to be able to get some love and attention that they truly need and deserve? I hope you will check out the Middleburg Humane Foundation. I cannot say enough good things for the awesome work they do at MHF to help these animals in need while these innocent animals wait for that loving forever family to bring them home.

The Middleburg Humane Foundation is a rescue-based organization in Fauquier County VA which means that it has perhaps the neediest animals that it cares for. The founder, Hileary Bogley, works in conjunction with Animal Control and the Sheriff's department to rescue abandoned, neglected, abused at risk animals including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, rabbits and birds. She works tirelessly through the courts to obtain custody of those animals sometimes having to wait years to have them released to her custody. The shelter also is a non-profit organization that relies strictly on donations from private individuals not government funds. The animals are all appropriately and lovingly taken care of until they are adopted according to the strict guidelines of the shelter. I adopted two adorable kittens from the shelter three years ago and have since then been a supporter and volunteer. I have attended dog training classes at the shelter, have helped at adoption events handling dogs, have worked at the low-cost vaccination event, helped feed and care for feral cats that were trapped, vaccinated, neutered and re-released, worked at the all-volunteer Thrift Shop which is one of the main fund-raising venues, etc. I have seen first hand how the staff and volunteers dedicate themselves to taking care of the animals and it is with love, energy and compassion. This is a first-class foundation that will put any funding to good use.

I adopted a pony from MHF. All of the workers at Middleburg do a great job getting to know all the animals and helping to rehabilitate them. Unlike many other rescue groups Middleburg does an excellent in matching animals with their new forever homes. I appreciate that they also keep in touch even years later with owners of animals they have adopted out...even 16 years later, as i did, when it would be easy to drop the ball.

I have been a volunteer w/MHF for about 2 years and it has changed my life. When I began I thought I would just be walking dogs, but it has turned into so much more. And I can't decide who gets more out of the experience - me or the dogs? They give me so much more than I can ever give them. The warm fuzzies are amazing :-)
I have 2 experiences that stand out: 1) The poodles. MFH took in @ least 23 poodles of various ages from a local animal hoarder. They were in horrible shape - most had been kept in animal airline crates that were far too small and had stood in their own feces. They were filthy and had sores on their feet. MHF rallied their troops. It took weeks of loving care from the MHF staff and volunteers to get them healed and used to being around people. The cutest thing was when the poodle puppies were taken to be spayed, they came back w/their little toenails polished in different colors so that they could be identified. You would have thought they had been to the beauty parlor! They looked like different dogs and they were all adopted. This was a very heartwarming experience for me.
2) Chrissy was a red-bone Coonhound and I absolutely fell in love w/her. I believe she came in from a shelter in WVa w/her brother who was quickly adopted. Chrissy was very timid and didn't always do well @ the adoption events - just too much going on. But she was an absolute love when you got her one on one. She loved to have her belly rubbed and was just a huge cuddle-bug. If I had the right situation for her, I would have adopted her in a second. But turned out that a woman from my work was looking for a dog for her teenage daughter and I suggested Chrissy. Well, they came out to meet Chrissy and it was love at 1st sight and within a week, Chrissy went home w/her new family. Now this is a family who had never before had a dog. What a change for all of them. They are all very happy and I feel that MHF and I played a small part in changing all of their lives for the better.
MHF has had many animals that have lived out their last days @ the shelter and has taken adoptees back w/open arms when things just don't turn out as they had hoped. MHF does fabulous work w/all the animals that it takes in. But what I don't think Hilleary and crew realize is what the shelter provides for the volunteers - a place to make forever friends - fuzzy and otherwise.

My daughter and I have been volunteers with MHF for approx. 2 years. We chose MHF to volunteer our time because it is a no-kill farm shelter which provides wonderful care to animals in need no matter how long the animal needs a home. Volunteering at MHF has been a fantastic experience for my daughter and I to spend time together while enjoying the company of the animals. The staff are friendly, helpful and professional. The facility is well organized, clean and safe.

I have helped Hilleary a couple of times at her Humane Foundation, and have seen the many positive results of her animal rescues. She truly is a crusader all animal welfare.

Middleburg Humane Foundation is a non for profit no kill shelter that takes pride in loving,caring and finding homes for animals that have been abused, neglected or have fallen on hard times. The dedication that the President's Shelter Hilleary exhibits is nothing short of a Mother Teresa for Animals. Her whole life has been dedicated to ensuring that all the animals that come into the shelter get proper treatment and care and above all love. This is not an easy task due to the funding it takes to have the many animals that need help treated. There have been pigs, goats, horses,cats, dogs, rabbits and you name it come to the shelter. Middleburg Humane Foundation needs support so it can support the care and treatment for the animlas in need that come here.

I started MHF 17 years ago and am proud of what is has developed into: a successful, busy & pro-active farm shelter that helps hundreds of people and animals every year! Its everyting I wanted it to be and now am looking forward to a bright future which includes the expansion of our equine rescue program, a much needed adoption center and a high volumne low cost spay/ neuter facility!

Can not believe the animals that Middleburg is able to rehabilitate. Those pets that most would deem unadoptable. With time and a great training program(all positive, no negative) the animals are able to go to loving homes.

I have been a volunteer for Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF) in Middleburg/Marshall, Virginia for over 14 years. I have enjoyed every moment and have helped in many capacities. MHF volunteers help at the shelter with socializing the animals, walking the dogs, helping the staff clean cages, and bathing animals as needed. MHF fills a huge need in our community and the surrounding area. MHF helps abused and neglected animals find a second chance at life. They have a number of programs to help the community, including the Chained Dog program where they make sure food and shelter and medical care is given to animals whose owners keep them chained up 24/7. Sometimes they end up giving us the animals. We hold adoption events around the community at PetSmarts, Wylie Wagg Dog Store, local farmers markets and fundraisers. It gives us an incredible sense of satisfaction and joy to see these animals find their forever homes. My understanding of what they do deepened when I worked with them on a seizure of poodles and helped take care of them. But I love walking the dogs the best and getting to know them and take them through the obedience classes and be a part of finding their forever home. I can't take them all home with me, though I sure would like to and being a volunteer is the next best thing. The volunteers play a large role in the running of the shelter and the staff knows this and trys to meet our needs with extensive training and scheduling. We all work together as a team and a family. I'm so very proud to tell people that I volunteer at MHF and I hope I'll be there at least another 14 years.

The staff are uniformly very serious about MHF's mission and deeply and sincerely love animals. They treat humans with respect as well; so many volunteers, yet everyone seems to remember my name! All kinds of animals are cared for here: chickens, pigs, horses, mules, cats, dogs, goats. The resident cats are sleek and well-fed and quite properly regard us all as Cat Slaves On Duty; the animals awaiting adoption quickly learn to be just as assertive in seeking treats and love, running to visit with visitors. On my first day as a volunteer, I drove an abandoned goat with a broken leg to the vet; on my next, I'm scheduled to take chickens to yet another vet. While helping in the office, I've overheard staff counseling concerned owners, coordinating with other local humane workers, and even doing an emergency stray cat-with-kittens trapping. With all this going on, they still manage to run a very efficient operation. An amazing bunch.