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.

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.

June is Adopt A Cat Month

Think dogs are more fun? Think again!

Cat owners are quick to point out that their feline family members not only have as much personality as dogs, but they are far easier to maintain. They make excellent pets for those that do not have the time to spend walking a dog or that worry about leaving their pet crated for hours while they are at work each day. Cats are far more flexible with the amount of time their person spends at work. (They spend much of their day napping, anyway. They may not even notice you’re gone…)

Want that special furry friend to greet you happily at the door when you get home each evening? Yeah, cats will do that, too. While they don’t demand as much of your time, they still love to see you when you come home. I have two that come running when I return home from a day running errands.

Think you’ll miss out on play time if you opt for a cat instead of a dog? Think again. I’ve had several foster cats that relish a good game of fetch.

And if you already have a dog, don’t believe the stereotype that cats and dogs don’t get along. Most of my foster cats adore my large, drooly dog. And my large, drooly dog enjoys playing with them in return.

So, what have we learned? Cats are low maintenance. They just want daily food, water, and a quick scoop of the litter box. Cats are social. They vary as much in their personalities as dogs and people do. Cats do love you. They enjoy cuddling on the couch with you while you read.

Ready to adopt? We have some fabulous felines just waiting for a forever home. Whether you’re looking for a laid back fat cat or a spunky young entertainer, we’ve got the perfect companion for you. And why not adopt two? Cats do better in pairs so they can entertain one another while you’re not home. 

BHS Doesn't Just Help Animals

We also help people

One of our newest initiatives is visiting the Bedford Elks Home to bring some smiles to the residents. Few things are more therapeutic than cuddling with a happy dog, except maybe snuggling with a purring cat. 

These smiling faces say it all.

An extra special thank you to our Foster Coordinator, Pat Greier, for coordinating the wonderful new program! And thank you to our volunteers for taking time out of their day to bring these sweet furbabies out!

Dioblo and His Siblings Need Your Support

Will You Help?

Sometimes fostering puppies and kittens is the hardest job of all. Their lives are so fragile. 

Sweet little Dioblo and his siblings recently broke with Parvo, a devastating illness that can quickly take the lives of young puppies. The costs to treat them goes beyond the emotional toll and enormous amounts of time and attention. Thank you to Riverside Veterinary for their help treating this little one. He and his siblings continue to need treatment and attention, but their care will be quite costly. 

Click here to help Dioblo, his siblings and others like them.

Joplin is Ready For a Better Life

 

Do you recognize this girl? We're calling her Joplin. She's not a big fan of cameras. But she is a big fan of the lady that saved her life.

Last week, Joplin was hit by a car. Thankfully, she was rushed to Blue Ridge Animal Hospital where her injuries were attended to. She was combo tested (negative, yay!) and vaccinated. 

Now Joplin will be joining the family of BHS fosters unless or until she is reclaimed by her family. We will hold her until her stray hold time is up and then she will be available for adoption.

She is estimated to be about 6 months old with unusually soft fur and is reportedly very sweet, despite her recent trauma. She holds no grudge against those that accidentally hurt her. And she may have a family missing her, though without a tag or microchip, we have no way of knowing. But we do know that she is ready for a better life indoors where she doesn't have to scavenge for food or shiver alone on a cold night. Where she doesn't have to fear getting hit by a car or fight for her survival.

While her rescuer has offered to pay for some Joplin's care, she is limited in what she can do. We are committed to help with the costs of her care, which will include her spay, microchipping, and additional vaccinations if she is not reclaimed. If you would like to help with Joplin or other cases like hers, CLICK HERE to donate now.

Her Path To A Better Life

UPDATE!

A HUGE thank you to Angels of Assisi for stepping in and rescuing both the momma and the puppies (scroll down for photos of the adorable puppies). They are on their way to pick them up now and they will all rest in comfort tonight.

However, we've been alerted that the father of the puppies now needs rescue, as well. He was reportedly very sweet with all of the strangers that have been visiting the property. So, we are still in need of fosters that can help. He will obviously need vetting, as well, so monetary contributions would be an enormous help. This is the only photo we've been able to obtain so far. He is estimated to be small to medium size (and look at that handsome face!).

Click here to donate toward veterinary care.

Click here or email info@bhsva.org to learn more about animal fostering and how you can help. 

These are the sweet puppies that Angels of Assisi rescued along with their sweet momma.

Original Story:

 

We're still learning this sweet girl's story. We know that her owner recently died, leaving her with no one to care for her. We know that she has taken good care of her puppies. We know that she was gentle and sweet as strangers came to check on her and her babies. We know that she is under two years old and likely has never known the comfort of indoor life, a soft bed to sleep on and a lap to cuddle up next to.

 

Her puppies have rescue. Puppies usually do. But what about this dedicated momma? What will come of her? 

For now, she has a temporary foster spot through the amazing folks at AAMR. But we need a regular foster spot for her and we just don't have the space. 

Do you have an outdoor kennel? A fenced yard? An unfinished basement? Her medical costs are covered. Food and toys are covered. She just needs a safe, loving home to take her in until she's adopted.

You can be this girl's path to a better life.

Click here or email info@bhsva.org to learn more about animal fostering and how you can help.

BHS Receives McCausland Grant for 2014

Bedford Humane Society is excited to again be a recipient of the McCausland Trust grant award. This grant is crucial to the continued operation of the many unique programs we offer to the Bedford community.

Foster Care & Adoption Programs 
The funds from this grant help us continue to keep our adoption fees as low as possible while still providing high quality of care for our foster animals. This is particularly critical when foster medical costs far exceed that of regular care. All of our fosters are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. We also combo test all of our cats and test all of our dogs for heartworm. Some animals also require significant medical treatment. The funds received from this grant allow us to avoid passing all of these costs onto adopters. Visit our website at www.bhsva.org to see our current adoptable pets.



Emergency Funding Programs
By helping us maintain our emergency fund, we can help ensure that animals in need of emergent medical attention are not left untreated simply because of their owners' inability to pay.

Forgotten Felines Program
Through the continuation of our Forgotten Felines program, we can offer extremely low cost

spay/neuter and rabies vaccination to feral cats throughout Bedford County. This approach is critical to reducing the feral population and the number of cats being euthanized at the pound. Cats that are fixed through this program are ear-tipped for easy identification. If you know of a feral population that is not yet fixed, call us at 540-586-6100 for details about this program. 



Subsidized Spay/Neuter Services

The key to reducing the number of animals that end up at the pound is spaying and neutering family pets. Our low-cost spay/neuter program is open to all Bedford residents. Continued funding of this program is critical to our mission of ending pet overpopulation in this area. Do you have a pet that needs to be spayed or neutered? Visit our website to learn more about this program and submit an application.

Pet Food Distribution Program
Our Pet Food Distribution Program helps struggling families feed their pets. Our goal is to keep pets out of the pound and in their loving homes during times when families may be experiencing financial hardship.

Humane Education Program
Humane education is key to raising awareness of what we do and reduce the number of animals that end up in the pound every year. At the core of this program is spay/neuter and responsible pet ownership to reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

For more information on any of our programs or to volunteer, visit our website at www.bhsva.org. You can also contact us by phone at 540-586-6100 or by email info@bhsva.org.

Thank you for your continued interest in our efforts to end pet overpopulation in Bedford and find safe, loving homes for homeless pets. 

Blue Belle: Sweet Sixteen All-Star

Blue Belle

2013 Statistics

Born: ~2011

Weight: Medium

Breed: Domestic Medium Hair

Adoption Fee: $20 during March Adoption Madness

Career Stats:  My name is Blue Belle, I am a loving 1 year old girl who so desperately seeks a home. I was found at a dumpster by a volunteer. I begged her to take me home and she did. During my checkup I was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia. I am currently healthy otherwise and showing no symptoms of my disease. I am desperate to find a loving home where I can live out my life and with a family that understands my disease. 

Career Prospects: I must be in a home as an only cat, or with other Feline Leukemia positive cats. I am such a love bug that I would like a lap of my own and not have to share it!

Watch Blue Belle's special dance in this episode of BHS Desperate Housecats (Blue Belle's segment starts around 5:15):

If you're interested in meeting Blue Belle, you can visit our Headquarters during office hours. Email info@bhsva.org for more information. Or submit an adoption application at www.bhsva.org/adoption-home.htm.

McCausland Trust Grant Award

Bedford Humane Society would like to thank the McCausland Trust for a grant award that will help support the following programs in the Bedford area:



Foster Care & Adoption Programs 
The heart and soul of our organization, fostering and adoption allows us to provide homes to companion animals that may not make it out of the pound.

Emergency Funding Programs
Because we know that emergency vet care can place a strain on struggling families, our Emergency Fund allows us to help families seek emergency care for their pets when they may not otherwise be able to afford it.

Forgotten Felines Program
Stray and feral cat populations continue to be an area of concern in Bedford County. Our Forgotten Felines Program allows us to offer extremely low-cost spaying/neutering and rabies vaccination to reduce the number of cats and kittens ending up in the pound.

Subsidized Spay/Neuter Services

One of our biggest missions is preventing more who will need us by spaying and neutering. Our subsidized program allows families to access spaying/neutering for their pets at low-cost.

Pet Food Distribution Program
Our Pet Food Distribution Program helps struggling families feed their pets. Our goal is to keep pets out of the pound and in their loving homes.

Humane Education Program
Humane education is key to raising awareness of what we do and reduce the number of animals that end up in the pound every year. At the core of this program is spay/neuter and responsible pet ownership to reduce the number of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.

March Adoption Madness Update

March Adoption Madness is well underway and things are getting exciting!

We've had one All-Star adopted so far and we're so happy for sweet Holly.

Take a look at the rest of our All-Stars available for a significantly reduced adoption fee during the month of March!

Elite Eight All-Stars available for only $50 adoption fee during March:

 

 

Our Sweet Sixteen All-Stars available for only $20 adoption fee during March:

 
 
 
 
 
Visit http://bhsva.org/adoption-specials.htm for more information or read more about highlighted All-Stars on