If you’re a Central Virginia animal down on your luck and in need of rescue and support, several places can help you get back on your paws—or hooves. In Louisa County, especially if you’re neither canine nor feline, one invaluable option is Hooves and Paws (H&P), located on Poindexter Road west of Louisa.

H&P was founded in 2002 in Southern California by Michele Padilla and Joey Travers. The rescue relocated to Virginia in 2020 due to rising operational costs in Los Angeles County and zoning challenges in neighboring areas. Michele and Joey, who met by chance while walking their dogs in northwest Los Angeles, bonded over their shared concern for mistreated and abandoned animals. Their discussions grew into a commitment to make a difference, culminating in the creation of Hooves and Paws.

The founders left their previous careers—Joey as a tattoo artist and Hollywood set builder, and Michele as an accountant (a role she still handles part-time remotely)—to devote themselves fully to H&P. The rescue provides animals with shelter, cleanliness, a full diet, and veterinary care, often through discounted services from local clinics. Drawn by the beauty and community spirit of Central Virginia, Michele and Joey purchased land on Poindexter Road and built the facilities necessary to care for a variety of animals. A recent land acquisition expanded their property to 30 acres, offering ample room for future growth.

Today, H&P cares for more than 100 animals, including dogs, pigs, horses, goats, donkeys, cows, sheep, rabbits, alpacas, and even a llama. Michele and Joey oversee the operation with a team of two full-time and five part-time staff, supported by over ten dedicated volunteers. The organization is funded entirely through private donations and grants, including support from the Walmart at Zion Crossroads.

H&P works with shelters across Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to identify animals in need. Owners can also arrange direct transfers if space allows. Dogs ready for adoption are listed on their website at hoovesandpaws.org under the “ADOPT” section, as well as on Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet. The adoption process includes an application, interview, home visit, and an on-site meeting with the selected dog. Adoption fees are modest and vary based on the animal’s age, size, and breed.

Other animals at H&P enjoy long-term residence, though there are plans to expand adoption options to include additional species in the future.

Running H&P is no small task. “It can mean long days and late nights, with no days off,” Michele shared. Yet, for her and Joey, the reward lies in knowing they are making a profound difference for innocent animals who might otherwise have no future.

Barry Schaeffer

Barry grew up and completed his schooling in southern California, moving to Virginia in 1980.

As a communicator, Barry was a regular columnist for CMSWire, as well as Intranet Development and Newspapers and Technology Magazines, and was a reporter for his local newspaper, The Central Virginian.  He was also one of four consultant/authors for the landmark congressional study “Informing the Nation” (1987.) 

As a customer service provider: while finishing college, he spent four years in the retail beverage industry, dealing directly with customers.

As a corporate manager, he was a successful manager with several firms, including:

• At Pacific Telephone, he managed groups of up to 150 people and was rated Outstanding among managers in Southern California.
• For Arcata Data Management, he took over a 100-person division known for significant monthly losses and late delivery penalties, taking it to profitability in less than six months.
• For Planning Research Corporation, he managed a staff of 100 contractor personnel in the computer center for the White House (EOPCC), taking the Award Fee contract from zero award to maximum in six months.

As a project manager, Barry successfully led and completed major projects.

• For the private sector: Pratt & Whitney Canada, Boeing Helicopter, Sikorsky Aviation, Ford Motor Company (through Tweddle Group,) World Book Encyclopedia, The Bureau of National Affairs.

• For the Federal government: Congressional Research Service (CRS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), U. S. Office Management and Budget (OMB), Executive Office of the President (White House), Department of Defense (Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), Air Force Material Command, Naval Sea Systems Command.)

• For State Governments: Administrative Code systems for Texas and Oklahoma.

As an entrepreneur, he co-founded and led two successful firms including X.Systems, (founded in 1993 and acquired by XyEnterprise in 2009.) 

He is a graduate of California State University/Los Angeles with a BA in psychology, and of the rigorous Bell System Management Achievement Program.