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. 

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!

Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars!

Dogz for Dogs
Fundraiser and Adoption Event
Sunday, June 7^th, 10am-2pm
Parrish Chapel UMC
10000 Stewartsville Rd, Vinton

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

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

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

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

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

Centerfest
Saturday, Sept 27^th 

Downtown Bedford

To volunteer, email info@bhsva.org.

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!

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. 

BHS Adoptables of the Week: Heather and Tigger

Several weeks ago, we told you the story of several cats and dogs left behind with No One Left to Care for Them after their person went into the hospital unexpectedly. This wonderful woman had spent years rescuing each of these furbabies from sad situations and providing meticulous care, including extensive and detailed vetting, for each of them. She was their hero and provided them with love and safety. Sadly, she can no longer continue in that role and there are several still waiting for a new hero to step in. Heather and Tigger are two of those very special cats that are waiting for a second chance at a forever family. 

 HEATHER

Heather is a beautiful 9 year old Lynx Point Siamese mix. She is spayed and declawed. A little shy, Heather takes more time than her housemates to trust new people. But earning the trust of a cat that has been through so much is a reward in itself. Call 540-586-6100 or email michelle@bhsva.org if you would like to be Heather's new hero.

 TIGGER

Tigger is a 5 year old declawed male who is looking for a lap to warm. This playful boy is one of the first to greet the volunteers that come daily to care for and play with him and his housemates. He enjoys playing with the other cats in the house, but he really just wants his own forever family again. Call 540-586-6100 or email michelle@bhsva.org if you would like to be Tigger's new hero.


Watch Heather, Tigger, and their housemates playing in the videos below...

He Came to Us Broken

Last spring, a scrawny little orange tabby cat was rushed to the vet by a man who watched him get hit by a car and left for dead. Luckily for him (and us), the vet working at the time is a dedicated volunteer and board member of Bedford Humane Society. She made the immediate decision that this special boy would become one more of our growing number of foster cats. She named him Emmanuel after the kind man who refused to ignore the cries of this tiny, broken kitten and performed the life-saving surgery needed to repair his broken pelvis and set him on his road to recovery.

 

 
Because Emmanuel was such a big name for such a small boy, he became known as Manny and he quickly became every one's favorite. He had such a strong and positive spirit that you couldn't help but feel uplifted in his presence. Despite continued issues with his tail that had also been broken in the accident, he was the most playful kitten we'd met in quite a while.

I was lucky enough to have Manny as one of the first cats to be fostered in the cattery my dad and sons built for me. Dubbed the Cattyshack, this special place has a heated building with a completely enclosed front yard. Manny seemed to enjoy the extra space to run and play. He loves to climb the fence and play chase with Kisses and Laki. He enjoys sharpening his claws on the remaining tree in their front yard. And he enjoys cuddling up for an afternoon nap in the house loft. His favorite time of day, however, is treat time where he often "gently nudges" Kisses aside to eat the extra treats she doesn't need. (This is the only way I can coax all of the cats into the house at night. I've tried to bring them in without treats which is how I gained a full understanding of the term "herding cats.")

Manny has other great qualities besides his playful nature and positive spirit. He has always been exceptionally patient when I asked him to play dress up. (I have seen another phenomenal animal rescuer from another phenomenal rescue organization have great success getting cats adopted with cute pictures like the ones below, so I required my poor Cattyshack Crew to give it a try.)

 

 

 

But now they day I had hoped for this special boy has arrived. My sweet Manny has gone home. He has a wonderful couple that will spoil him and a great playmate in their cat-loving dog. I knew how perfect this home was for Manny when his new Dad kept calling him "son" when he was preparing to take him home. "Come here, son." Those words told me that this wonderful man would treat this special boy with as much love, care, and protection as I would my own children.

 

I wanted to share this story because it is so rare that we get to celebrate the adoption of our foster cats into forever homes. Few seem to recognize what excellent companions cats can be. I have been blessed to have Manny as part of my family for the last few months. And I am equally blessed to watch him begin the rest of his life with a wonderful family.

 

So I will celebrate this Christmas with one less foster cat and I will pray that my other foster cats receive the same wonderful homes for the New Year. And then I will refill my Cattyshack with a new crew.

 

 

And I will be forever thankful to this wonderful man who gave this special boy his forever home. He came to us broken, but he leaves us for a lifetime of love.

 

To see more of our adoptable cats waiting for their forever homes, visit our website at www.bhsva.org or check out our videos at www.youtube.com/bhsfoster.

 

Happy forever after, Manny!



A Cattyshack Christmas

The Cattyshack Crew is busy putting together their Christmas list and preparing for Santa's arrival. You can check out their full Christmas list by copying and pasting this address into your web browser: http://amzn.com/w/10SLZYX76RX2T. Send them a special gift! They're very worried that Santa won't visit them.

BHS Animals of the Week: Tila and TO

Earlier in the week we shared the story of all the sweet furbabies left behind with no one to care for them when their momma was hospitalized. Two of those are highlighted as our Animals of the Week: Tila and TO

 

Tila: 4 year old spayed female Shar Pei mix

 

TO: 7 year old declawed, neutered male cat (and a current favorite among the BHS volunteers caring for him and his housemates)

 

 

Tila and T.O. came to us along with several other cats and dogs when their owner was unexpectedly hospitalized. Both have complete medical histories and are very sweet. Tila is a 4 year old spayed female Shar-Pei mix. T.O. is a 7 year old declawed, neutered male cat. Both love the attention they’ve been receiving from BHS volunteers over the past few weeks and both are quite playful. If you’re interested in meeting Tila or T.O., please email info@bhsva.org or call 540-586-6100.

 

No One Left to Care for Them

As many of you know, Bedford Humane Society plans to build a No-Kill Shelter in Bedford County. This is so desperately needed in a community where pet overpopulation continues to result in dogs and cats dying in the pound.

Until that dream becomes a reality, we must rely on limited funds and space to house and care for homeless dogs and cats. However, when the plea came to help a houseful of dogs and cats left behind when their owner was unexpectedly hospitalized, we made the choice to help, trusting that our community would support us in this endeavor.

Please understand, this is not a case of cruel abandonment or a case of desperate hoarding. Each of these animals was well-cared for, as evidenced by the meticulous medical and biographical records their owner kept. They were rescued from sad situations. They were given a second chance at life. They were loved.

Please take a moment to watch their video and share their story with those who may be looking to adopt a declawed cat or a very playful dog. And take a moment to make sure that you have a plan in place for your own pets in the event of an unexpected tragedy. Many of the animals we pull from the pound have ended up there not because they were not loved by their families, but because there was no one left to care for them after their families were gone.



And if, after seeing their sweet faces, you feel moved to contribute to their care or the care of others like them, please take a moment to donate to our Extra Mile Fund. We anticipate that Max will need potentially expensive medical care, possibly for the rest of his life.

Donations can be sent to:
Bedford Humane Society
Extra Mile Fund
829 Ole Turnpike Dr
Bedford, VA 24523

And once again, thank you to the BHS staff and volunteers who have dedicated so much time and love to this sad situation.

Walk for the Animals 2012

We appreciate everyone's efforts to make this year's Walk for the Animals another success!

Watch the video to see highlights.

BHS Desperate Housecats: Special Episode

We bring you this special episode of BHS Desperate Housecats to share a sad situation in the catpartments.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) can be a devastating disease if not properly monitored. As residents in our Special Needs room, Michaela, Clyde, and Marty live with the disease. While cats can live long, happy lives even after becoming FIV-positive, even the smallest illness can be deadly as their immune systems weaken.

Both Michaela and Clyde have received bad news from the vet. Thanks to the daily observations and interactions with the cat care volunteers, Michaela was quickly and easily diagnosed with a neurological condition that impacts her ability to balance and maintain coordination. She is receiving treatment for her condition and is showing good progress.

Clyde has failed to respond to treatment for his chronic ear condition and will now be referred to a specialist to determine if he, in fact, has a tumor and what treatment options he has. He is also experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, which will require much care to help him fight through it. We hope and pray that he is able to stay strong and return to his happy, affectionate self.

Watch this special episode as Marty worries over his roommates and close friends.





While we continue to plan for their care, we ask for your help. You can make your donation to our Second Chance Fund (see ChipIn below) which allows us to provide the extra medical for Michaela, Clyde, and so many others like them. Or come out to our Walk for the Animals Saturday (9/22/12) morning and walk with Manny and Sassy. The walk will begin at Goose Creek Studio with a blessing of the animals at 9:45am. Bring your own furbaby, ask friends and family to sponsor you, and bid on items in our silent auction. Visit www.bhsva.org for more information.

BHS Desperate Housecats Episode 13

Episode 13: "Walk for the Animals" In this episode, the cats ponder whether or not it is worth walking a dog in order to participate in Saturday's Walk for the Animals. Some of the residents are less that excited about the thought of walking dogs (and Clyde fears the worst for his food if dogs are allowed into the catpartment building).



If you're interested in participating in the Bedford Humane Society Walk for the Animals 2012 on Saturday, September 22nd, join us at Goose Creek Studios at 10am. Registration begins at 9am.

Sponsor sheets can be downloaded from www.bhsva.org. The first 50 walkers raising at least $50 will receive a free t-shirt. There will be pizza, prizes, artists, and more. This is sure to be a fun event raising money to help us continue to help homeless animals.

BHS Desperate Housecats Episode 12 "Missing Mousey"

Episode 12 "Missing Mousey" On this week's episode, the residents continue their search for Jack's missing mousey toy. There also discuss the need for more cat care volunteers to help clean up behind Clyde.



The cats invite you to become part of the cat care volunteer team! Email info@bhsva.org or call 540-586-6100 if you'd like to become one of their beloved caretakers or if you're interested in fostering or adopting!

Others Like Them May Not Be So Lucky

These are just a few of the hundreds of sweet faces that have been saved by our Puppy Foster Transport Program over the past three years. These are the innocent little ones who would likely have died in the pound if not for the dedication and hard work of our Puppy Transport Coordinator, Becky McCraw. If we don't get more support for this programs, others like them may not be so lucky.

 

In the last 3 years, Becky has personally fostered over 300 puppies for this program. She, along with her husband Scott, cared for these babies, often from birth. They have spent countless sleepless nights trying to nurse frail little ones back to health from the illnesses they were exposed to in the pound. Too many times, they have held those little lifeless bodies when they finally gave in to their sickness.

They have taken in terrified, pregnant dogs from Bedford residents that reached out for help, caring for the momma while she nursed her babies and then ensuring her spay once her babies were weaned.

They have spent their days and nights vaccinating, cleaning, feeding, walking, cuddling, and coordinating spay/neuter and microchipping for these puppies. Becky leaves early in the morning to take the puppies to the vet and then drives back immediately after work to pick them up, often a few times a week.

They spend hours scrubbing kennels clean after every litter, decontaminating to try to avoid contagious deadly illnesses like Parvo.

Becky does all of this while also working a full time job and serving as the President of Bedford Humane Society.

The only vacation I have seen Becky and Scott take in the two years that I have known them was to travel North to see some of their former puppy fosters at a Pawsafe reunion.

Animal rescue takes an emotional toll on those truly dedicated to the cause. Fostering, alone, takes an even greater toll. Fostering the numbers and fragile populations that they do takes a toll we cannot begin to imagine.

After three solid years of fostering several litters of puppies nonstop with very little support, it is time for Becky to take a break. For the next six weeks, she will be unavailable to save any puppies from the pound or the community.

We thank those few foster homes that do step up to support Becky in her dedication to saving as many puppies as possible and we do not want to discount their help. It is invaluable and we know they understand Becky's pain.

However, without significantly more foster homes willing to foster puppy litters for 2-10 weeks, we may not be able to continue this program again in the future.

If you would like to learn more about what is involved in puppy transport fostering, email sunshine@bhsva.org. Please help us continue this very important program in the future.

He Doesn't Know It Yet, But He Has Hope

Three-year old Diesel sits at the pound waiting to be rescued after being left there by his family. The more days that pass, the less hope Diesel has of making it out alive. He knows the realities of being dumped at the pound. He knows that his chances of survival decrease significantly with each day that passes. And he knows that as a black dog, he is even less likely to be adopted from the pound.

You can see it in his eyes, he has almost given up hope.



But here's the good knews. Diesel doesn't know it yet, but he has hope. Thanks to some amazing animal rescue volunteers who have spent hours networking him, Diesel has a rescue willing to take him in and give him a second chance. We need your help to make this happen.


The rescue willing to help Diesel is full. They cannot take Diesel for another month. Bedford Humane Society is full. We do not have a foster space for him to wait for transfer to another rescue. Are you willing to foster Diesel until this happens? Do you want to help save a life by opening up your home to a temporary houseguest? I suspect he would be well-behaved, willing to protect your home while you are at work, and probably not opposed to cuddles when you're having a bad day.

Ask anyone who fosters, whether animals or children, and they will tell you: the benefits far outweigh the emotional costs. If you commit to saving his life, you will cry when he leaves you to begin his new life. But you will be left with the comfort that, because of YOU, Diesel will have his own happy forever after. And isn't that easier than knowing he died alone and unwanted in the pound?

Diesel also needs to be vetted before going to rescue and the rescue committing to him is still recovering from the costs of treating puppies for Parvo. Can you help sponsor Diesel's vetting costs by donating to our Extra Mile Fund? Donate through our ChipIn at Extra Mile Fund ChipIn. Donations can also be mailed or taken to Bedford Humane Society at 829 Ole Turnpike Drive, Bedford, VA 24523.

Open House Party and Adoption Event!

Open House Party

and

Adoption Event

Saturday, August 11th 3pm-7pm

Bedford Humane Society Headquarters

829 Ole Turnpike Dr

Bedford

(540) 586-6100

The Desperate Housecats of Litterbox Lane are planning an Open House Party and Adoption Event and you're invited!

These cats love to party, so they've invited the adoptable dogs of Bedford Humane Society and All-American Mutt Rescue, too! Download an adoption application from our website at www.bhsva.org and submit it ahead of time to be pre-approved for BHS adoptables.


Desperate Housecats don't do anything halfway, so you won't want to miss this fun and exciting event. They're planning a bake sale, merchandise for sale, and a raffle for a gift basket with gifts from PetSmart, Poochie's Pride, Scentsy, and more!


You'll also be able to sign up for the September 22nd Walk for the Animals in downtown Bedford and learn more about volunteering and fostering for BHS!

Browse animals available for adoption!



To see some of the dogs and cats available for adoption through BHS, visit www.bhsva.org.
To see some of the dogs and cats available for adoption through AAMR, visit www.allamericanmuttrescue.org.

Check out the businesses donating to the gift basket!

Scentsy donated by Val Somma:  https://valeriesomma.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Home
Poochie's Pride: http://www.poochiespride.com/
PetSmart: http://www.petsmart.com/