The Virginia Federation of Humane Societies has selected the state’s top animal shelters and programs that made a difference in the animal welfare in 2013. And the Fairfax County Animal Shelter received the Compassion Award for its demonstration of strong leadership and significant progress toward reducing euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats in the community. From left are Lee Ann Shenefiel, Business Operations manager; Shelter Director Tawny Hammond; Kelly Willet, Animal Care Operations manager, and Kristen Auerbach, Communications and Outreach director. Last year, Fairfax County was the largest jurisdiction in the U.S. with an animal-placement rate above 90 percent.