Written by Honey Souza, Humane Education Coordinator
PART THREE: Finding Strays
A three-part series of what to about missing pets.
Found a pet and you’re a wonderful person who would rather help than ignore it? What do you do? Well, that depends on a few factors. To make it easy, follow these flowcharts on what to do when you find a dog or a cat. If you find any other types of pets, follow the same steps you would if you found a dog.
What can we say, Arlene is a rock star! In the last year she has contributed almost 250 hours of her time to Butte Humane Society. After being retired for about a year she decided to find a new way to spend her time, and we couldn’t be luckier that she found us.
Adoptions Manager, Megan Dallas, says, “Our staff really rely on our volunteers, and Arlene is always there to step up and take on anything we need her to. If she hears we are short staffed, she comes straight over to come and help out. She’s an angel!”
Arlene has completed the Level 2 training for dogs and is also one of our Volunteer Mentors, which means that she works with new volunteers as they are training. She is a great asset to our special events and mobile adoptions, including our most recent – a special “Company Cuddle” event for Sierra Nevada Brewery staff and families. Arlene also played a vital role during the evacuation crisis we had earlier this month, helping to organize emergency fosters so that we were able to open our kennels to community animals in need.
Now that we’ve gotten to know her, we don’t know what we’d do without her. Thank you, Arlene!
Written by Jessica M., loving adopter
“The overall adoption process was very easy. To be honest, I made the decision to adopt a dog on a whim. I went in with some friends and we looked at a few different dogs; some were recommended by staff, and some we picked out based on their personalities in the kennels. All the dogs were sweet in their own way, but none stuck out to me as “the one.” After we had seen 4 or 5 dogs that were not quite right, the staff member helping us said she had one more in mind that was not on display but he was a high energy dog like I had been looking for. When she brought out Charlie, the first thing I noticed was his coloring. His striking black and white face was beautiful and his brown eyes had a very intense gaze. Unlike the other dogs that had been more excited to explore the room, Charlie came right up to us! He stood his front paws on my lap and just put his face right next to mine. He still does this when people sit on the ground with him.
I love almost everything about Charlie! Anyone who has met him will tell you he is a very special dog. He has a few neurotic tendencies though… He really does not like ceiling fans, and car rides are tough unless I’m the one driving (weird right?). My favorite thing about Charlie, is our bond. He has pretty much attached himself to me. I have never met a dog more loyal or responsive. He knows well over 30 words and phrases which has made training our second dog a breeze. She takes all her cues from Charlie which helps her pick up on things faster.
I have grown a lot since adopting Charlie. He is my number one adventure partner and I cannot imagine hiking without him. He and I spend most weekends exploring San Diego together and I base most of my hikes around whether or not he can come. He has helped me get into better shape and will be helping me train to hike Mt. Whitney this summer! Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trail to the summit, but you better believe he will be on every possible hike leading up to the big trip!
I would absolutely recommend adopting an animal from BHS to anyone. Go in with an open mind and an open heart. You never know how some little furry creature will change your life!”
Written by Honey Souza, Humane Education Coordinator
PART TWO: Searching for Lost Pets
A three-part series of what to about missing pets.
Last month we covered some helpful hints for preventing your pet from getting out and getting lost. Hints like ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered to reduce the urge to roam.
Unfortunately, even the most attended-to pets can go missing. If that’s the case, don’t panic. Take a breath, clear your head, then get to work because expedience is key.
Stop to think “why”? Your pet could have run away from a fearful situation. Very often they’ve run off to answer nature’s call to mate. Often when animals who have free roam of the neighborhood run off, it’s because they are not feeling well or are injured. Regular check-ups and constant monitoring of your pet’s health could help prevent that. This is also why once your pet does come home, you’ll want to take it to the vet as soon as possible.
For Cats:
They are most often closer than you think. There’s a good chance that they’ve just discovered a new hiding place in your house, tastier food, and a warmer couch five houses down, or a new friend. Cats are very resourceful animals and can do well on their own for days, or even weeks. Most cats eventually return on their own within about five days.
Many neighborhoods have their own neighborhood watch email/text alert system. While going door to door, find out if yours does and get the contact info to be part of it. If your neighborhood does not have a watch system in place, take the initiative and make one.
Happy February! We’re sharing the love with these adorable BHS desktop backgrounds featuring Clemente & Princess Leia.
Easy as 1, 2, 3…
