June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

Every June marks Adopt a Shelter Cat Month sponsored by the Humane Society and the ASPCA. 

If you are looking to get a new cat or kitten, take a look at your local shelter’s cats. Many are adults who are spayed or neutered and have been at the shelter for many months. Now, the Bradford County Humane Society’s cat room is full with cats and kittens awaiting their new homes. You can stop by our shelter, or check out the available cats at www.bradfordchs.petfinder.org 

 
A.C. is an adult female cat who came to us as a stray from Athens. She is Mom to Staples and Target, who have been adopted. A C is very friendly and likes to cuddle. She keeps her cage very clean. A C is now spayed and has tested negative for feline leukemia and had a rabies shot. She has been at the shelter since January and is waiting for her forever home.
 


Not everyone can adopt a new cat, but most folks really do want to make a difference. The good news is there are many ways to help. From assisting in the care and placement of shelter felines to educating the public on feral cat issues—here are a few easy ways you can make a difference for homeless cats in our community.

Show Your Virtual Support. Dedicate your Facebook status, Tweet or blog about an adoptable cat and help spread the word about Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month! Check out the Bradford County Humane Society’s petfinder page at www.bradfordchs.petfinder.org

Volunteer at Your Local Shelter. Volunteering at your local shelter is a great way to make a difference in the lives of homeless cats. From playing with kittens, walking dogs, to working a booth at area fundraising events, volunteering makes a difference. Call Jennifer at BCHS at 570-888-2114 to get more information on volunteering.

Donate Goods. Caring for homeless cats and providing them with food are expensive endeavors. You can help by donating money or goods—including toys, crates, blankets or food to your local shelter.

Throw a Party! Organize an event for all your friends, and donate the proceeds to your local shelter in honor of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Any kind of social event—a pizza party, car wash or community yard sale—is a great way to make new friends and raise money. Publicize it with flyers and signs, and remind everyone about the importance of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month.

Spread the Word! Talk to others about helping homeless pets. Encourage those who are looking for new pets to consider adopting an animal from a shelter. Inform friends and family members about shelter fundraisers and events.

Report Animal Cruelty. One of the best things you can do to for the cats in our community is to help crack down on animal cruelty. To report animal cruelty, call the Bradford County Humane Society Humane Officer line at 570-888-4763.

Athens Students Support BCHS

Athens High School students Chase Brown and Zack Corl chose the Bradford County Humane Society for their senior projects. In a little over 2 weeks both students held a pet food drive for people to donate cat food, dog food, treats, toys and supplies for the animal shelter.

Our homeless animals appreciate their support.

Any student who would like to complete their senior project at the Bradford County Humane Society can call Jennifer at 570-888-2114. Students can walk dogs, socialize and groom cats, clean, sort aluminum cans, as well hold their own fundraiser like Chase and Zack. Students can also assist with the many events that BCHS holds such as Picnic With Your Pooch on Sat Sept 15th in Wyalusing.

 Photo - Chase Brown and Zack Corl with donated items for BCHS

Be Kind To Animals Week May 6-12

Join the event that’s been celebrated every year since 1915 -- American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week. In this annual tradition, we commemorate the role animals play in our lives, promote ways to continue to treat them humanely, and encourage others, especially children, to do the same.

And while Be Kind to Animals Week is celebrated only once a year, there are ways people can be kind to animals every day. Here’s how:

Speak out for animals Get informed about policies and legislation that can impact the animals in your community and throughout the country.

Report animal abuse Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious -- a dog chained in your neighbor’s yard that looks underfed, a child putting a cat in a box and kicking it around the yard -- don’t hesitate. Let someone know. Call The Bradford County Humane Society Humane Officer at 570-888-4763.

Appreciate wildlife All animals deserve to be treated humanely -- family pets and animals in the wild. Create an inviting space in your yard and garden for butterflies, hummingbirds and other creatures. If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals or to protect your property humanely.

Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue Every year, an estimated 3.7 million animals must be euthanized at our nation’s shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next pet from your local shelter or rescue group.

Take care of your pet Pets are like children who never grow up. They need you to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives. Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. Make sure they wear proper identification. Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Know what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

Photos: Galileo and Ahmir, currently available for adoption at BCHS.

Athens Students Raffle Quilt to Benefit BCHS

Two Athens High School students have chosen to raise money for BCHS for their senior project. Sarah Slocum and Melissa McDonald made this lovely quilt top and had it professionally machine quilted. They have been selling raffle tickets for several months and tickets will be on sale this weekend at Artsfest in Athens. The drawing will be held on May 6. Be sure to stop by their booth and buy some tickets and admire their work. If you want ot purchase tickets but can't make it to ArtsFest, contact Cassandra Slocum at Craftycass@yahoo.com.

BCHS wants to thank Sarah and Melissa for their hard work raising money for homeless animals at our shelter.