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.

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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.

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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!

Sue has been a volunteer with Butte Humane Society since January of 2011. Previous to that, she volunteered at shelters down in San Diego starting in the 90’s. She has volunteered through numerous moves, and has been able to watch us grow in her 11 years of volunteering. 

Sue volunteers in many areas of our organization. You can find her on weekends socializing our cats, helping with dishes and laundry, and lending a hand wherever needed. She is especially gifted when it comes to socializing our shy and scared cats, giving them an opportunity to start to blossom so they are ready when they go to their forever homes. During the week, you can find Sue volunteering as our greeter. Throughout the year, she helps at every event we hold. 

Sue is a core volunteer that we can always count on. With over 1100 hours dedicated to BHS, we are incredibly grateful to her and her service to our animals and organization.

Thank you Sue!

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What has surprised you most about working with shelter animals?
I specialize in socializing the senior, shy and scaredy cats and have certification in behavior and emotional issues. It is rewarding to see these cats turn around and trust people in order to find their forever homes.

What has been your most impactful moment volunteering here?
I was thrilled to win the Butte “Humane-itarian” award for 2015 at the annual gala for my volunteer work at the cat shelter and for events.

What made you want to start volunteering?
My interest in cats came later in life after being around dogs, horses and livestock. After adopting and rescuing a kitten and an older cat, I became a true cat lover and wanted to help as many homeless ones as possible.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?
I love all aspects of cat care (socializing as well as doing laundry, dishes and litter boxes). I feel if you love cats, you also need to see to their needs and welfare.

Darci has been a volunteer with Butte Humane Society since 2016. In that time she has dedicated countless hours volunteering with our events. Without Darci’s help, the events we all love would not be what they are. She is a huge part of every aspect of planning these and we love her here.

When she isn’t helping plan our events…and sometimes when she is…she also fosters kittens for BHS until they are big enough and healthy enough to become adoptable.

Why did you get involved with volunteering at BHS?
Animals have always been a part of my life and volunteering at BHS seemed like a good fit. The staff at BHS is another reason. They truly appreciate the countless volunteers who give so much to make life better for the shelter animals.

What has been your most impactful moment volunteering here?
One of my first events was working at a booth in the mall. A volunteer brought a dog to the event from the shelter wearing an “Adopt Me” vest. I walked him around and talked to people about him. Shortly afterwards, he was adopted. I ran into him with his new family a couple of years later and was so touched by how much they loved him. BHS truly makes “love connections”.

When did you first get involved with BHS?
I started volunteering at BHS as a gift wrapper during the holidays in 2016. The next year, I gift wrapped and volunteered to help with Bidwell Bark and with that I found my niche with BHS helping with their special events. I have trained to walk dogs, but I am pretty sure I would just walk them all to my car and take them home, so I foster kittens instead.

Do you have any animals of your own?
I have 3 dogs and a cat (adopted from BHS) who thinks he is a dog.