LAST CATS TAKEN FROM LOCAL HOARDER; FINAL COUNT IS 136 CATS RESCUED
First Group of Rescued Cats Available for Adoption at BHS Beginning May 2
(Chico, CA) – Today the last group of cats residing with a local hoarder has been taken into custody by Butte Humane Society (BHS.) Forty more cats were found to be hiding throughout the residence, bringing the total number of rescued cats to 136. More than 60 cats are currently being housed at BHS.
BHS will be the primary adoption agency for the rescued cats, and the first cats are being spayed and neutered today (May 1) and will be available for adoption on May 2. The BHS Cat Adoption Center is open 12-6pm every day, and is located at 587 Country Drive in Chico. Photos of available cats will also be added to the adoption listings at www.buttehumane.org.
Since BHS does not have the space to take in all 136 cats at once, other agencies and foster homes are temporarily housing many of the cats and will transfer them to BHS when space becomes available. Adopters are needed quickly so that more rescued cats can be spayed or neutered and become available for adoption. If you are not able or interested in adopting a cat yourself, you can still assist BHS by encouraging adoption to your friends, family, coworkers, etc.
Despite the crowded conditions in their previous home, the cats show no visible signs of neglect and are healthy and friendly. The ages range from young kittens to young adults, and many are “polydactyl” having extra toes on each paw. A few cats are less socialized and would be happiest as “barn cats” to keep down rodent populations on the adopter’s property.
Because of the limited space at BHS and the other agencies involved, foster homes for the rescued cats are also greatly needed. Foster volunteers will care for one or more cats in their own home until space becomes available at the BHS Cat Adoption Center or are matched with an adopter. To find out more about becoming a foster volunteer, email foster@buttehumane.org.
Butte Humane Society is an independent nonprofit organization located in Chico, CA and is completely funded by community donations. Since BHS is absorbing most of the costs of preparing these cats for adoption, including evaluation, medical care, vaccinations and spay & neuter, donations are greatly needed. You may donate online securely at buttehumane.org/donate, or via phone at (530) 343-7917 x135, or via cash or check at the BHS Administrative Office at 2580 Fair St., Chico, CA 95928.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(1 page)
Contact: Dustin Alexander
Telephone: 530.343.7917 x135
Email: dustinalexander@buttehumane.org
Address: 2580 Fair St, Chico, CA 95928
Posted in Opt to Adopt Press Releases by .
May 13
1
May Business Buddies
Butte Humane Society’s Business Buddies program partners with local business to increase the exposure of adoptable animals to community members. Businesses participating in the program display two flyers, one featuring three cats and the other featuring three dogs, in their store. The animals on these flyers change each month in efforts to help the animals find loving homes quickly.
If your business would like help more animals find homes by displaying the Business Buddies flyers each month, please contact Kaitlin Tillett, Development Team Member, via email.
This month, our featured animals are:
Posted in Opt to Adopt by .
May 13
1
The Meaning of Meow
As any cat owner knows, cats have a variety of ways to express themselves. From kitty kisses to grumpy hisses, cats are no rookies at getting making their point heard.
It may surprise many cat owners to find out that, in reality, adult cats have a limited need for vocal expression. Though kittens use a variety of squeals, purrs, and meows to communicate to mama cat, adult cats rarely use vocalizations to communicate with each other. Since cats are independent hunters and don’t have much of a need to communicate vocally with one another, they limit their vocalizations to their offspring, mating partners, and potential enemies.
So, if cats rarely communicate vocally with other cats, why do we hear a variety of meows, purrs, growls, and hisses from our feline companions? This is because cats have learned to use a variety of vocalizations to communicate to their two-legged friends.
Purring is one of the most common vocalizations cats use and is often used to express happiness and satisfaction. A cat might purr intensely when scratched under the chin to convey satisfaction to her owner. However, cats also use purring when they are under stress, in pain, or near death. The reason why this occurs is not exactly known, but it is believed that the act of purring calms the cat when they are experiencing severe pain or stress.
The second most common way that cats communicate vocally is by meowing. A meow is almost never used between adult cats, so it seems that this communication is specifically used for cat-human interaction. Behaviorists believe that cats can alter their meows depending on the purpose. This is most likely because cats learn early on that meowing brings attention, food, or contact from their human companion. For example, a cat might meow in efforts to initiate play or to express hunger.
Hissing and threat vocalizations are used when the cat is in pain, fearful, or aggressive. If you have ever heard a cat fight, you know that these sounds are not pleasant on the ears. However, if a cat is hissing or making threatening sounds at you, they are most likely trying to warn you that the situation is making them feel uncomfortable and they want to be left alone. In this case, it is best to give the cat time and space to relax and acclimate to the situation before trying to handle her.
All in all, it’s clear that cats have become very adept at voicing their needs and feelings to us. Spend some time each day learning how your cat uses vocalizations to communicate with you. I’m sure she has a lot to tell you!
Posted in Tips for Owners by .
BHS to Spay/Neuter and Adopt Out Rescued Cats in Multi-Agency Effort
(Chico, CA) – A multi-agency effort to help a local hoarder relocate 114 cats is underway, and Butte Humane Society (BHS) is working to evaluate and provide medical care to the cats and facilitate their adoptions.
Besides being the first cat hoarding case of this size that BHS has handled in over a decade, this case is unique in that the hoarder acknowledged their problem, reached out for help, and is fully cooperating with all agencies to rehome all cats that were in his possession.
“These cats are fortunate that we are able to act now before the situation got too out of hand. All of these cats are healthy, beautiful and friendly, with no visible signs of neglect. That’s very rare for a hoarding case of this size. Since the hoarder cooperated with the animal agencies involved, we were able to act quickly on behalf of the cats,” said John Mich, BHS Interim Executive Director.
The organization who initiated contact with the hoarder is Companion Animal Welfare Alliance (CAWA), a local group of volunteer advocates who currently partner with the BHS Spay & Neuter Clinic to perform trap-neuter-release of feral cats. Currently, CAWA has taken in 28 cats, City of Chico Animal Services has taken in 30 cats, and BHS has taken in 32 cats. That leaves 24 still in the home, with plans to remove the rest by the end of the week. The ages range from young kittens to young adults, and many are “polydactyl” having extra toes on each paw. Most of these cats will become available for adoption through BHS in the coming weeks, including 9 cats that would be happiest as “barn cat” mousers.
Butte Humane Society is an independent nonprofit organization located in Chico, CA and is completely funded by community donations. Since BHS is absorbing all costs of preparing these cats for adoption, including evaluation, medical care, vaccinations and spay & neuter, donations are greatly needed. You may donate online securely at buttehumane.org/donate, or via phone at (530) 343-7917 x135, or via cash or check at the BHS Administrative Office at 2580 Fair St.
Because of the limited space at BHS and the other agencies involved, foster homes for the rescued cats are also greatly needed. To find out more about becoming a foster volunteer, email volunteer@buttehumane.org.
Butte Humane Society’s 102nd Anniversary Gala was held on April 13 at the Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewery.
John Mich, BHS Interim Executive Director, and Kristen Staggs, President Emeritus of BHS Board of Directors
More than $118,000 was raised through this year’s Gala, making it the most successful single-event fundraiser in known BHS history! Besides the tireless efforts of our Gala committee, staff, interns and volunteers who worked to create and run this event, much thanks is due to the incredible work of professional auctioneer Jerome Nelson. Jerome has worked with BHS on many of our dinner and auction events over the years… but now that our Gala has truly soared to new heights in terms of item quality and guest experience, Jerome was able to work his magic like never before and ensured no money was left on the tables.
Click here to see our Gala photo album on Facebook.
A few of the fabulous auction items that sparked bidding wars this year include:
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The silent auction package including a variety of Klean Kanteens and a 2-person, 1-dog unguided inflatable canoe day trip on the Russian River
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The Sierra Nevada Beer Camp package which includes the only opportunity anywhere to purchase a spot in Beer Camp
Most notably, both the One Week Stay in Taveuni, Fiji (at the breathtaking resort owned by the Schulmans) and the Sushi Brothers Dinner Party for 10 (where Ken Grossman and his friends come to your house and make sushi for you and your friends) were so popular, Jerome was able to sell two of each, to the two highest bidders! The Sushi Brothers alone brought in $11,000 for BHS – wow!!
Guests also enjoyed the newest feature to the BHS Gala, the Blind Wine. With each ticket purchase of $25, guests could pick a wrapped & numbered bottle of wine or champagne to be picked up at the end of the night. While some bottles were valued closer to $20, other bottles ranged in value up to $90, so it was a fun “gamble” for the wine lovers while benefiting BHS.
BHS board member Christopher Sweetin served as the Master of Ceremonies, gracefully navigating the crowd through the evening with ample charm and ease. We also had two fully outfitted “pilots” aboard: one was Dain Sandoval, who volunteered to greet our guests at the front door along with his gorgeous gal Amy Olson; the other “Cap’n” being the ever-charismatic Bob Fitzgerald, owner of Concours Elite, who presented BHS Interim Executive Director John Mich with a $3,500 check from the proceeds of the Concours Elite Car & Motorcycle Show benefit event for BHS held last month.
From the luggage tag “napkin rings” featuring a charming pup holding a BHS-stickered suitcase; to the flight-helmeted dog atop the VIP table’s special cake dessert; to the model airplanes, globes and stacked vintage luggage that adorned the Big Room stage and Mezzanine; the 1940s aviation theme was expertly and elegantly carried out by Gala decor chair Kristen Staggs and her dedicated decor team. Premier sponsors and their guests also received personalized thank you cards at each place setting, handwritten by super-volunteer Lesli Kostiz.
Lesli herself was in for a bit of a surprise too, when she was awarded the 2013 Lois Pantel Award for Humane-itarian of the Year by BHS board president Katie Gonser. This award is given each year at the Gala to an outstanding community member who embodies our organization’s mission and exhibits significant compassion and kindness for animals and the advancement of their welfare in our community. Lesli is a longtime BHS volunteer whose incredibly positive dedication to Butte Humane Society, our Mission, and animals in need are truly inspiring. We could not be happier to honor Lesli for her amazing efforts.
Many tears were also shed during the featured video presentation, which highlighted the story of one dog named Kyla whose life was forever changed for the better because of BHS and the donors who made her care possible. Special thanks is due to our video interns Kyle and Millie and their classmates at CSU, Chico who created this video for us. Click here to watch the video.
By all accounts, one of the most memorable features of the night was the tremendously talented live band, Decades. These popular local musicians, guys dressed in stunning white dinner jackets plus one phenomenal lady clad in a bright red gown, prepared a number of 1940s-themed tunes that welcomed attendees and kept them entertained throughout dinner service. Even “Sammy Davis, Jr.” aka Tony Mendez joined the band for a few songs. After the dinner, presentations and auctions concluded, Decades re-boarded the stage in maroon velvet suits to break out a variety of dance tunes for guests to boogie the night away.
Thanks again to everyone who attended, donated, and/or volunteered to make this night a very memorable and successful night for the animals. We hope you’ll join the fun next year!
Posted in BHS Events by .
Mar 13
28
Press Release – BHS Supper Club
BUTTE HUMANE SOCIETY INVITES COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SUPPER CLUB
Local Restaurants Support Animals by Hosting Supper Club the First Wednesday of Every Month
(Chico, CA) – Butte Humane Society (BHS) is calling all foodies and animal lovers! The first Wednesday of every month, Butte Humane Society will hold a Supper Club hosted at local restaurants. Each restaurant has generously pledged to donate 15% of dinner sales made during Supper Club to Butte Humane Society. Attend Supper Club each month and enjoy a delicious dinner with like-minded individuals, all while supporting local businesses and the homeless animals in the community.
The first Supper Club will be held on April 3 at Panighetti’s Eatery, located at 2760 Esplanade during their dinner hours of 4:00-9:00 pm. To see the full Supper Club calendar and view participating restaurants, please visit buttehumane.org/page/supper-
If you are a local restaurant that would like to be involved in the BHS Supper Club, months August to December are available. Please contact Kaitlin Tillett at 530.343.7917 x134 for more information about how to get involved.
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BUTTE HUMANE SOCIETY’S 102ND ANNIVERSARY GALA TO BE HELD APRIL 13, 2013
Tickets Available Online Now; Auctions Include Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Entry
(Chico, CA) – Butte Humane Society (BHS) invites the community to join in “Soaring To New Heights” at their 102nd Anniversary Gala fundraising dinner and auctions. Tickets are on sale now for Butte County’s most elegant fundraiser for animals, to be held Saturday, April 13, 2013, beginning at 5:30 pm, at the Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewery.
The annual Gala is a black-tie-optional event which includes complimentary wine for guests age 21+ with ID, delicious appetizers, a gourmet three-course meal, special presentations, and fabulous live and silent auctions. This year’s theme of “Soaring to New Heights” will incorporate a 1940’s aviation style throughout the event, including themed live music by renowned local cover band Decades.
Notable items that will be up for bid in the live auction include a 5-day photo safari in Africa, a special edition Chico State Wildcat Cruiser, and an exclusive package from Sierra Nevada Brewery that includes one spot in their famous Beer Camp. Admission to Beer Camp is usually done through a nomination and selection process, so the BHS Gala is the only opportunity where a spot in Sierra Nevada Beer Camp can be purchased.
Tickets are $115 each and are available online at buttehumane.org/gala. If you wish to reserve a table, please purchase your tickets online and contact Dustin Alexander at(530) 343-7917 ext. 135 or dustinalexander@buttehumane.
Attendees are encouraged but not required to dress to theme. The only requirement for attendees is to come ready to have fun, spend big, and make a difference for our community’s animals in need!
BHS is seeking more donations of high-quality auction items such as gift baskets, framed art, jewelry, electronics, event tickets, and pet-friendly weekend getaways. Donations are tax-deductible and the funds raised will directly support BHS and the animals in their care.
For more information on the Gala or donate an auction item, visit buttehumane.org/gala or call (530) 343-7917 ext. 135.
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BUTTE HUMANE SOCIETY NOW OFFERING CAT REHOMING SERVICES
CONCOURS ELITE CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW TO BENEFIT BUTTE HUMANE SOCIETY
March 30 Event Features Free Admission, BBQ, Raffle, Family Fun and Adoptable Pets
(CHICO, CA) — Concours Elite is holding a family-friendly car and motorcycle show to benefit Butte Humane Society. The event will be held from 10am to 3pm on March 30 at Concours Elite, located at 2267 Esplanade, Suite D, in Chico.
If you wish to enter your car or motorcycle in the show, sign-ups are free and will be held from 9am to 10am on the day of the event, March 30.
Public admission to the event is free, but there will be many opportunities for you to spend money in support of the animals at Butte Humane Society. Win raffle prizes, enjoy BBQ from Kinder’s, bring the kids to play in the bounce house, and meet adoptable animals from Butte Humane Society.
For more information, contact Concours Elite at (530) 891-0234.
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BUTTE HUMANE SOCIETY’S 102ND ANNIVERSARY GALA TO BE HELD APRIL 13
Tickets Available Online Now; BHS Seeking High-Quality Auction Items
(Chico, CA) – Butte Humane Society (BHS) invites the community to join in “Soaring To New Heights” at their 102nd Anniversary Gala benefit dinner and auctions. Tickets are on sale now for Butte County’s most elegant fundraiser for animals, to be held Saturday, April 13, beginning at 5:30 pm, at the Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewery.
The annual Gala is a black-tie-optional event which includes a delicious three-course meal, special presentations, and fabulous live and silent auctions. This year’s theme of “Soaring to New Heights” will incorporate a 1940s aviation style throughout the event, including themed live music by renowned local cover band Decades.
Tickets are $115 each and are available online at buttehumane.org/gala. If you wish to reserve a table, please purchase your tickets online and contact Dustin Alexander at (530) 343-7917 ext. 135 or dustinalexander@buttehumane.org to reserve your table.
Attendees are encouraged but not required to dress to theme. The only requirement for attendees is to come ready to have fun, spend big, and make a difference for our community’s animals in need!
BHS is seeking donations of high-quality auction items such as gift baskets, framed art, jewelry, electronics, event tickets, and pet-friendly weekend getaways. All donations are tax-deductible and the funds raised will directly support BHS and the animals in their care.
For more information on the Gala, to reserve a table or donate an auction item, visit buttehumane.org/gala or call (530) 343-7917 ext. 135.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(1 page)
Contact: Dustin Alexander
Telephone: 530.343.7917 x135
Email: dustinalexander@buttehumane.org
Address: 2580 Fair St, Chico, CA 95928
Posted in BHS Events Press Releases by .