Local Girl Holds Birthday Party and BCHS Pets Receive Gifts

Photo: Brother Chase Watkins, birthday girl Madeline Watkins

Madeline Watkins, originally from Bradford County, recently held a party for her 7th birthday. Instead of receiving gifts for herself, she wanted to help out the homeless animals at the Bradford County Humane Society. Twenty people attended her birthday party held on April 26th and many items were brought as gifts to the animals such as pet food, toys, bleach, and cat litter.

The BCHS staff and shelter animals want to thank her and her family and friends for thinking of them!

BCHS is always in need of items such as bleach, cat litter, kitten food and canned cat food. If you or your family member would like to hold a birthday party or other fundraiser for the shelter call 888-2114 for more information.

Be Kind to Animals Week: May 4–10, 2014

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 BCHS Animal Cruelty line 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.

Photo: Tina is an adult spayed female cat available for adoption from BCHS. She is mellow and affectionate and would prefer a quiet home.