Read with Shelter Cats At BCHS

The Bradford County Humane Society has many cats available for adoption that are seeking volunteers to assist with socialization.

The free roaming cat room houses shelter cats that are up to date on all shots, spayed or neutered and are free to roam about this area. BCHS has many volunteers that choose to spend time with these cats by brushing them, playing with them, or simply sitting down and letting the cats come to them for petting.

Did you know that cats also like to be read to?

According to studies performed by researchers at Tufts University, "Pets can be considered a source of support. Human-animal interaction can make the learning process more comfortable and enjoyable for children. Autistic children who were put in contact with animals demonstrated increased use of language and had improved social interactions while with the animal. They showed sustained focus and maintained a higher state of awareness, as well as improved attitudes toward school. Animals can be a non-evaluative presence that can provide support and comfort to participants without judging them."

"I can see the difference in the cats after a volunteer has spent extra time with them," states Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director. We have a volunteer that comes in every Tuesday and Thursday and these cats recognize him and come right up to him for love and affection."

BCHS has books on hand that children can use to read to the cats.

If you or your child is interested in coming to the shelter to read to our shelter cats, call Jennifer at 888-2114.

Photos: Top right: Lucy is a pretty one year old spayed female cat. She was a bit shy when she arrived at the shelter in June, but she has come out of her shell and is now relaxed and sociable. Lucy would not mind being part of a multi-cat household. She enjoys having a nice basket or cat bed to curl up in.

Bottom left: Holly is a pretty adult spayed female cat who has been at BCHS for two years. She is a quiet, mellow cat who is occasionally playful. She tolerates other cats but would probably be happiest as an only cat. Holly can be affectionate when she is in the mood and would be good company for someone in a quiet household. Holly is our longest term resident and she would really like to find a nice home.

BCHS to Participate in World Spay Day

Each year, The Humane Society of the United States chooses one day to commemorate World Spay Day. This year, Sunday February 23rd is marked as World Spay Day. World Spay Day is presented by The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International in partnership with animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals, businesses, and individuals worldwide to shine a spotlight on spay/neuter as a proven means of saving animals’ lives.

Photo: Lucy is a pretty and sociable one year old spayed female cat available for adoption an BCHS.

The Bradford County Humane Society will be offering a percentage off of the spay and neuter of a pet that is adopted on Saturday February 22nd or Monday February 24th. This percentage will vary and is available from the P.A.L. Grant (Prevent a Litter). If the animal is already spayed or neutered the adoption fee will be half off on those two days only.

Spaying or neutering your pet is an important decision for pet owners. As animal lovers who value our pets, it is important to understand the impact of this decision.

Many people believe that their pet's puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that every time the dog finds his way under the fence to visit the neighbor's female dog, or the indoor/outdoor cat comes back home pregnant again, the result is a litter of dogs or cats. Even if they are placed into homes, it is still possible for them to end up in shelters once they become "hard to handle," or for them to reproduce further and for the next generation of puppies or kittens to wind up homeless.

Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats.

“It is so important for pets to be spayed or neutered. With all of the homeless dogs, puppies, cats and kittens in animal shelters across the country and world waiting for a home, it is unnecessary to bring into the world litters of kittens or puppies,” states BCHS Executive Director Jennifer L. Spencer. Please consider your next pet to be a shelter cat or dog. There are so many waiting for their forever homes.

Photo: Brutus is an adult neutered male mixed breed dog. He is a friendly and independent boy who knows sit, down, stay, come and heel, will carry a doggy backback, and is learning dry land mushing! He loves chew toys and you will often see him carrying one around.

BCHS Reminds Pet Owners About Keeping Pets Safe in Winter Weather

Winter is here in Bradford and Sullivan Counties. We have already seen our first and second snowfalls and according to the Farmer's Almanac we may have a lot of snow and cold temperatures this year. It is extremely important that during the wintertime if your dog cannot live inside your house all day, to take extra care of their outdoor shelter.

Proper shelter for outdoor dogs is as following:

• Roof: Black tar paper or shingle weatherproof roof and sides.
• Door: Burlap sack or black rubber mat with slits cut almost to the top. Entrance must close over to keep body heat in and cold weather, rain, and snow out.
• Bedding: Use winter bedding such as straw, cedar chips or newspaper rather than cloth, rugs, or blankets as they hold in moisture and freeze. Change bedding when damp. Also use a wooden lip to keep the bedding in.
• Dog House: The doghouse should be at least 2 inches off the ground to prevent dampness and floor rot. The dog shelter should be large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, but small enough to allow the dog to warm the interior with its body heat.
• Chains: If you are using a chain, the chain length should be 10 feet or longer.

Proper shelter for outdoor dogs is NOT:

• A dog tied to a car door handle or porch
• A trash can or metal barrel put on its side – metal doors do not retain heat
• Planks of wood up against the side of a building
• A leaky dog house
• Used furniture turned upside down

If you see improper shelter for a dog that is outside call the BCHS Animal Cruelty line at 570-888-4763.

BCHS CLOSED WED. FEBRUARY 5th

BCHS will be closed Wednesday, February 5th due to snow.

Local Children Donate to BCHS for Their Birthdays

Emily, Jacob and Lucas Girven of Bradford County decided for their birthdays this year they did not want presents for themselves, but instead wanted to help the animals at the Bradford County Humane Society. They collected donations and were pleased to present $260 worth of goodies, made up of food, kitty litter, toys, treats, cleaning supplies and a monetary donation!

BCHS wants to extend a huge thank you to Emily, Jacob and Lucas!

Photo: Emily, Jacob and Lucas Girven with their donations to BCHS.

4-H Club Holds Fundraiser for BCHS

Photo: front row: Trail Trotters 4H Horse & Pony Club members: Lizz Popadich, Emma Molyneux, Rachel Dostick, & Nichole Sample, 2nd row: leader Deb Gutosky, Jennifer L. Spencer, BCHS Executive Director, leader Kristin Haas. The club had donated $100 worth of supplies

During the month of December 4-H Club participants in Dushore held a fundraiser for the Bradford County Humane Society. Various pet food, cat litter, and pet supplies were gathered and donated to the shelter pets.

"We are always so thankful to those in the community that think of BCHS not only during the holidays but throughout the year as well. Our shelter animals appreciate all of the food and supplies," states BCHS Executive Director Jennifer L. Spencer.

If you are interested in holding a fundraiser and would like some assistance call the shelter at 570-888-2114.

Bradford County Assistance Office Donates to BCHS

During the holidays the Bradford County Assistance Office chose the Bradford County Humane Society to donate items to.

Cat treats, dog food, cat food, and cat litter were amongst the many pet related donations that were delivered to BCHS.

BCHS would like to thank the Bradford County Assistance Office for thinking of the shelter pets.