Written by loving adopters, the Thomas Family
Matthew is wonderful. He is now called Davos, we are big Game of Thrones fans in our house. He has adjusted to life in our home wonderfully. We have two older cats, Tyrion (3) and Duncan (2), who absolutely love him. He wasn’t too sure when he first came home but within a couple of days they were eating, sleeping and playing together. He fetches and is so playful and loving. What a great fit for our family. We are so thankful to have found him.
Hannah D. only joined BHS in the beginning of July, but already she has won every one of us over. She volunteers in multiple departments, including Dogs, Cats, Clinic, Warehouse, and Special Events. She even stepped up, without hesitation, to be our Petsmart Liaison who monitors the comfort and cleanliness of the cats we have up for adoption at Petsmart. She’s already volunteered over 25 hours this month. Did I mention that she’s only 16! Cats love her. Dogs love her. Staff and Volunteers love her.
Urgent News: The Butte Humane Society Clinic has treated 4 cases of heartworm positive dogs in the last 60 days. Did you know that of those tested,1 in 63 dogs in Butte County have been positive for heartworm? Heartworm is an invasive parasite that is transmitted by mosquitos. Northern California has a large mosquito problem and the American Heartworm Society estimates that 9 out of 10 mosquitos are carriers. Once an infected mosquito bites a dog, the heartworm larvae invade the bloodstream, mature, and then make a home in the heart of the dog. It takes approximately six months for heartworms to become an adult in a new host, according to the American Heartworm Society. As you can imagine, this causes all sorts of health issues for the dog including heart failure, organ failure, and ultimately death if left untreated. Heartworms can live in the hearts of dogs for 5-7 years! Most dogs will not show any symptoms of heartworm infection until the infestation is bad. The most common symptoms are activity intolerance and coughing. Heartworm can be painful for a dog to live with, and if infected, the treatment is expensive and painful as well. It is important to note that dogs are not the only ones who can suffer at the hands of a heartworm infection; cat’s immune systems are better at fending off the worms before they become adults. However, for cats fighting off heartworms, inflammation can occur which can lead to an immune reaction in cats. This syndrome, called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, is associated with significant inflammation and permanent damage to the lungs. To protect your cat, heartworm prevention should be given monthly even if your cat primarily resides indoors- there is no such thing as an “outdoor only mosquito”. If your dog or cat is over 6 months old, is not on heartworm prevention, and has never been tested; we urge you to set up an exam with our veterinarian to get your furry friend tested and started on monthly heartworm prevention. Schedule your appointment today by calling us at 530.343.7917 x 202. We look forward to keeping your furry family member happy and healthy for years to come!
Hi, I’m Ewok. I am a 7 month old Pitbull Mix. I came to BHS with my 13 siblings when we were just 5 weeks old. My family is what BHS endearingly refers to as a “foster failure”, meaning that while fostering me they decided I was too adorable, sweet. and smart to give back. So, they adopted me!
This month, we’re shining the Volunteer Spotlight on Nicole M.!
Our Dog Intake Coordinator, Shannon, had nothing but wonderful things to say about Nicole. “She’s always smiling, and she’s willing to work on value life skills with Hudson – skills like being calm, walking politely on leash, how to sit and stay. Nicole is accountable and friendly!”
When asked about volunteering at BHS, Nicole said: “I absolutely love spending time volunteering with the dogs. I initially started because I missed having a dog of my own, and can’t have one due to being a renter. I figured I would give my time, as I am a big supporter of rescues, after our family adopted a pittie through a rescue. I was able to get my dog ‘fix’ while being able to give back to the community and the pups. I love that I get to spend time with them, and work with them to get them out of the kennel and have some fun. While I also enjoy it personally, and feel so rewarded after spending each time with the pups and they always put a smile on my face.”
We are so lucky to have an amazing volunteer like her. We appreciate you, Nicole!