Julia first started volunteering with BHS through CAVE in the Spring Semester of 2022. 

She quickly became involved in many areas of our organization. Her enthusiasm for animal welfare and our organization is easy to recognize, and has been an incredible addition to our volunteer team. Her main areas of volunteerism are with our dogs, special events, and recently, as a greeter. 

Why did you get involved with volunteering at BHS? 

I have a love for all animals and I want to dedicate my life to helping them in all ways possible! I saw BHS as a great opportunity to get started with that and I appreciate that they treat animals with respect. 

Do you have any animals of your own? 

Yes! I have a sweet pomeranian named Angel. She is nine years old and I have had her for five years now! I was so excited to be able to bring her to college with me because she is truly my soul dog! 

What has surprised you most about working with shelter animals? 

I think how loving and gentle they are. Shelter animals get a bad reputation but the truth is they are individuals with unique personalities. So many of them are just sweet babies waiting to find someone who will give them as much love as they give us!

Gisselle started volunteering with Butte Humane Society in November of 2021.In that short amount of time, she has become a staple volunteer, dedicating her time to our Veterinary Clinic and as a much needed Greeter at the front desk. She has also helped us with fundraising events. In her time with us, she has already earned 95 hours of volunteer time! We look forward to having Gisselle with us for years to come. 

---

Why did you get involved with volunteering at BHS? 

As a pre-nursing student at CSU Chico, volunteer hours look amazing on the actual application to the nursing program. With that said, once I moved to Chico I knew I wanted to volunteer at a place that allowed me to work with animals. I’m beyond grateful to have been recommended BHS by my student mentor. I hope to volunteer for many years to come!

What is your favorite part of volunteering at BHS? 

My favorite part about volunteering is knowing I am making a positive impact at BHS whether it’s answering calls, helping the clinic staff members, or walking a doggie! I have a true love for animals and being able to express that is amazing! I also enjoy being surrounded by such amazing staff members who genuinely and wholeheartedly care about the animals and helping them find the perfect home.

What is your favorite area to volunteer in?

My favorite area to volunteer in is behind the desk as a greeter. I enjoy answering calls and helping people learn about BHS and the services offered. I also get to see animals being adopted to their new homes, it absolutely warms my heart!

Do you have any animals of your own?

I have a labrador retriever named Simba and a cat named Cookie! Fun fact, my family adopted Cookie from a local animal shelter!

 

Avery and Kat began volunteering with Butte Humane Society in January of this year, and immediately became dedicated to volunteering with our animals on a regular basis. What is special about this is that they are just 16 years old. It is rare to find Junior Volunteers that so readily dedicate their spare time to volunteerism. They are great with our animals and it’s been wonderful to see young people setting such a great example for others their age.

---

Here’s what they had to say about their experience so far with BHS:

Why did you get involved with volunteering at BHS?

We got involved with volunteering at BHS because we enjoy hanging out with animals and wanted to get involved with something we’re interested in.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

Our favorite part of volunteering is being able to see the progress of an animal to getting adopted and helping in that process such as when a dog or cat finally warms up to us.

Do you have any animals of your own?

We have 4 cats of our own, and having them has given us the experience to care for the cats at BHS.

What has surprised you most about working with shelter animals?

What has surprised us the most when working with the shelter animals is that working with the animals has brought us new skills such as patience, and the work is very fulfilling.

I’m recently semi-retired and wanted to volunteer in some capacity to continue to help out where needed. I love to spend time hiking and walking in the park. I had just lost my hiking partner to lymphoma. A beautiful rescue Pitty that loved hiking and going everywhere with me.

---

What is your favorite part of volunteering at BHS? 

I love rescue animals because they are so loyal and grateful when given that second or third ( or as many chances as it takes)  for a home.  My favorite part of volunteering is that opportunity to just be in the presence of all those special animals. I think its pretty amazing how they are willing to give us that second or third chance. I love it when I come back after a few days and see who is gone knowing they found a home. I know I’m going to find my next hiking buddy there!

What is your favorite area to volunteer in?

I love volunteering at BHS with the dogs. No matter what mood you may be in they will certainly put you in a much better one! They are always so happy to see you. It’s hard to resist those soulful eyes when you walk in. They are up for any adventure. 

Do you have any animals of your own?

I currently have 2 pets. Rocco, my 16 year old terrier who hates to leave the house and Gravel, a cat that my grandson found as a kitten on the side of the road in the gravel!