Thursday, June 26, 2014

Volunteer Spotlight

Bringing in Big Bucks at the Big House

When she first approached us with the idea of holding a fundraiser at her house, Mary Boyer had no idea how large the event would become. Initially intended to be a nice fundraiser and adoption event, the Woofs N’ Purrs Adoption Event and Fundraiser turned into a showcase of the lake and surrounding area’s biggest attractions.

It only takes one brief conversation to recognize Mary’s charisma and passion. But the depth of her energy and dedication to animal rescue became increasingly apparent the closer we got to this event. She spent countless hours day and night recruiting vendors, authors, artists, and the lake’s favorite vet to the event. She called, texted, emailed, and visited. She completed and filed extensive paperwork. She advertised and invested. And did you see the wine and beer glasses? Oh my! Yes, Mary designed and ordered those, too.


Mary spent the months leading up to this event pouring her blood, sweat, and tears, quite literally, into ensuring that this event was a success. And it was. Lake residents flocked to see the inside of “the Big House” with so much history, to visit the almost 30 vendors set up on sight, and to cuddle with the sweet BHS puppies and kittens. In total, the event raised more than $5,000 for Bedford Humane Society. At least one sweet foster baby found her forever home at this event. And the importance of animal rescue in our community was highlighted.


We thank you, Mary, for giving us such a tremendous gift. 

Animal Education Corner

Think Like a Cat


It is no secret that cats are unique beings, mysterious even. Really they aren’t so hard to understand if we just stop to see things as they do. Those that have been well-loved by a special cat will certainly argue there is no other relationship like it.

Do cats recognize “their” person’s voice? A recent study published in the journal Animal Cognition suggests that in fact cats can tell the difference between their owner’s voice and that of a stranger. They clearly responded to that voice--- they just did not always respond by doing as told!

Can your cat be happy indoors all the time? The answer to this question is a resounding yes, but some special attention to details will make everyone truly happy. Cats need safe, comfortable resting areas where they know other animals or humans will allow them to rest and where they know they are free to come and go. Cats like the option to perch up high to observe their world. Many cats need to scratch, both as exercise and to mark their territory. They can be trained to use acceptable scratching areas by observing the material they prefer, whether vertical or horizontal, & experimenting to find the right location (usually near sleeping areas and room entrances). If already scratching an unacceptable site, make it unappealing by temporarily covering with double-sided tape, aluminum foil, sandpaper, or underside of plastic carpet runner. Also attaching cloth soaked in citrus smell or perfume can repel cats from an area.  Placement of scratching posts can be gradually moved (2-3 inches daily).  Cats love to play with things, whether purchased toys or random bags, boxes, etc, found on the floor. They get bored with them quickly too, so for an enriched cat, rotate the choice of play items weekly. Try different types for more laughs for you and the cat.

You know where the toilet is, WHY aren’t you using it?? Failure to use the litterpan is the most common cause for cats to be given up to shelters, alternate homes, or the outdoors. There can be medical reasons & complex behavioral causes, but if both urine & stools are found outside the box, start with really looking at the box. Look & SMELL it as if you were 8 inches tall & had to walk into it. Cats like clean, really clean. For best results have at least one more litterpan than would provide one box per cat (e.g., 3 cats need 4 boxes) and pay attention to litter choices. Most cats don’t like perfumes and most have strong opinions about the way the litter feels. There are many, many choices & you can make several available to try out. A study found that most cats like sandy, soft litter, 2-3 inches deep. Scoop litter daily and completely dump and replace with new litter weekly. Litterpans should be placed in low traffic areas with more than one way in or out. Most cats don’t like pans with covers because it makes them vulnerable to ambush by other pets.  If bathroom problems occur, consult a veterinary office early before bad behavior becomes a habit.


Introducing cats to changes requires patience and sensitivity. Cats do not like sudden change, even if it means good things. So bringing a new cat home and just letting them loose in the big, open house to meet the whole furry household all on the first day is not likely to go smoothly for the newcomer or the ones who may feel their home is being threatened. First start small by setting up a place for the newbie that is small and quiet and has some bedding and toys that are familiar, even if there are no other animals in the home. Let the household animals come investigate by sniffing through closed solid doors first. After a day or several, start feeding the animals gradually closer to one another with the door still closed. Determine how quickly to decrease the distance between feeding stations based on the reaction of the pets. Stop moving them more closely as soon as anyone looks stressed. Playing with toys shared under the door is another good tool for gradual introduction. Next start rotating location of the cats for several hours a day to allow sharing scents. Once everyone seems relaxed, allow brief visual contact with a physical barrier while doing something pleasurable (eating, playing, or petting), then work toward allowing contact in a large space with plenty of escape routes. Be ready to interrupt with noisemakers or water spray bottles. Don’t try to pick up cats that are upset as they sometimes will lash out at whoever is nearby. The key is to gradually reduce the distance to that which may be scary without causing panic or feeling threatened. Going too fast can result in causing fear that cannot easily be unlearned. 

Steadfast Supporters

Bedford Tractor Supply

When we run low on food, BTS is there. When we need space for an event, BTS is there.  When we put out a call for donations, BTS is there. When we just want to stop in and see a smiling face, BTS is there.

Over the years, Bedford Tractor Supply (BTS) has become an increasingly integral part of the Bedford Humane Society family. The store’s manager, Roger, and his staff are relentless in their dedication to animal rescue. The store’s location next to Bedford Walmart is perfect for holding adoption events, rain or shine. If the weather is too cold or rainy for our fosters to be on the front sidewalk, Roger opens up the back room for us. If we want to put up a donation collection tree, Roger makes space at the store’s entrance. And when there are extra supplies available, Roger makes sure we get those donations.

His staff greets our foster babies with smiles, welcoming the slobbery kisses. They carry the donations to our cars to so we can save our strength for the duties of fostering. They guide visitors to our events, encouraging a loving home for ever homeless pet.


We thank you, Bedford Tractor Supply, for your unending dedication to animal rescue!

Fundraising is Key to Rescuing Animals

Fundraiser Updates

While we would like to think that animal rescue is all about the love and dedication of those willing to dedicate their time to saving animals in need, we must recognize that animal rescue cannot function without money.

Thanks to some especially dedicated volunteers, we’ve had great success with fundraisers so far this year.

April’s Spay-ghetti Dinner raised over $1,000 for each of three local animal rescues. BHS would like to thank Casa D’Amici, Rick and Sarah McDonald, Susie Pratt, and Paul and Pat Greier for putting on this delicious fundraiser for us again this year.

April’s Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny at Southern States in Bedford is always a popular event. This year we brought in $132.

April’s Annual PetEx Event allowed helped us bring in over $450 in sales and donations. The jewelry, dog tags, t-shirts, and magnets are always a big hit. Stop by our office during business hours to purchase between events!

May’s Woofs N’ Purrs Adoption Event and Fundraiser brought in well over $5,000 for BHS. We are endlessly thankful to Mary Boyer and Pat Greier for the exhausting amount of time they put in to pull off such a fabulous event. (We also thank their husbands, as we know they were required to be helpful and patient during this process.)

Do YOU have an idea for an event or fundraiser? We’d love to hear from you! Email our office at info@bhsva.org and we’ll get you in contact with our Event/Fundraiser Committee!


Special Cats Make Great Pets

Consider Adopting an FIV + Kitty….


Like many other groups who rescue cats, BHS is looking for homes for wonderful cats with an added special consideration. We have cats which have tested positive for FIV that otherwise healthy and loving.

FIV stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, sometimes also called Feline AIDS. This is a virus that causes depression of the immune system of infected cats, making them more susceptible to diseases they might otherwise fight off quickly. Despite the similar name, FIV is different from HIV and is not contagious to any person. It is spread primarily through bite wounds, during fights, rough play, and breeding.  It is possible, but not likely to spread from an infected mom to kittens during delivery or nursing.

FIV is diagnosed by a blood test, but sometimes further testing is necessary to be sure of the infection, especially in kittens. Unfortunately cats vaccinated against the virus will test positive and there is currently no test to tell between true positive and vaccinated.  There is no cure for the disease.
Gayle is a super sweet boy hoping for a forever home of his own.

Many time the infected cat does not appear ill. The most common mild symptoms are subtle, like not eating well, not grooming, or inflamed gums.  More severely affected cats may lose weight, stop eating, have enlarged lymph nodes, and/or develop one or a combination of symptoms due to the secondary infection(s) they cannot fight off.  These cats can develop blood disorders, chronic diarrhea, eye disorders, seizures, or cancer. Most cats can live long lives with the virus, if they are well protected from other diseases and get early treatment for any signs of illness.  An FIV-positive cat especially needs its recommended vaccines, deworming, and protection from fleas and ticks. Annual or twice a year exams by a veterinarian are recommended. To protect the infected cat, keep him or her indoors. This will also protect other cats from disease spread. Veterinarians strongly advise against feeding raw food diets or allowing hunting for FIV positive cats due to vulnerability to bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

To keep everyone healthy, we usually recommend placement of FIV positive cats into households where they can be the only cat or will live with other healthy FIV positive cats. The virus does not live long outside the infected cat, but good hand washing and discarding or bleaching supplies are recommended when handling any cat with an unknown status. Cats should be keep isolated from one another until all are tested negative.


Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars!


Dogz for Dogs
Fundraiser and Adoption Event

Sunday, June 7th, 10am-2pm
Parrish Chapel UMC
10000 Stewartsville Rd, Vinton

Bedford Tractor Supply
Adoption Event

Saturday, June 7th , 10am-2pm
Bedford Tractor Supply
1128 E Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike, Bedford

Purina Adoption Event
Saturday, June 28th , 10am-1pm
Bonsack Walmart
4524 Challenger Ave, Roanoke

General Meeting
Thursday, July 10th, 6:30pm
Bedford Administrative Building

Horse & Hound Wine Festival
Saturday, July 12th  
Peaks of Otter Winery & Johnson’s Orchards
1350 Elmos Rd, Bedford


Annual Walk for the Animals
Saturday, Sept 13th
Downtown Bedford


Centerfest
Saturday, Sept 27th 

Downtown Bedford


To volunteer, email info@bhsva.org.

Adoptable Spotlight

The Cattyshack Crew

They came into our foster program as feral kittens in April of 2012. They were quite hissy and reluctant to be touched. Two years later, they are a happy group of cats hoping for forever homes. They were labeled the Cattyshack Crew when they all went to foster in an outdoor cattery called the Cattyshack. While they share some common traits, their love for dogs, for example, each is quite unique.


Meet Chrissy, the beauty of the bunch. She is more independent than her siblings, rarely asking for cuddles but tolerant of petting. She is most welcoming of new cats and adjusts most quickly to new environments.

Jack is what I call Chrissy’s twin. Their markings are so similar that it took me weeks to tell them apart easily. Jack is a chatter box. He walks around chatting about random things, mostly treats. He is the most open to being held and has become quite the snuggler.

Andy has taken the longest to adjust to new people, but he blossomed once inside a foster home. He was often found napping with the resident dog or romping with the other cats. I call him the purr monster because he was always the first and loudest to start purring when I’d get their breakfast ready.



Albert has always been the leader of the crew. Aside from his already adopted sister, Janet, Albert has always been the most confident. He readily explores his surroundings and is quick to flop on his back asking for belly rubs.


Each of these cats would do well in a foster home with other cats and dogs. Like most cats, they will require time and patience while they adjust to a new home. But in time, they will make wonderful forever companions to some very lucky homes.