Inspiring Stories

I have been an Oregon Humane Society foster parent, volunteer, and donor for many years. I want to tell you about a very special cat that I fostered, and adopted, named Birmie.

Patricia and Diane Heffron are often considered a dynamic duo at OHS. The siblings have been volunteering at OHS since 2012 and walk dogs, foster pets with behavior challenges, work long hours during Second Chance intakes, and have spent weeks deploying to disaster zones.

Often, young people do not make the effort to get their wishes solidified in writing. Although still a young woman Perpetua, a longtime supporter of OHS, decided to formalize her desire to include a gift to OHS in her will. “It’s not a fun topic to think about, but I am glad I did it."

James H. has been both an active Oregon Humane Society supporter and adopter since 1980. James also fostered cats and litters of kittens as well. Currently, at his house, “it is just me and 15-year old Moochie, a black & white cat with one eye and very few teeth.”  

Portland has been home to Don and Michael since they relocated from California 19 years ago. Long-time animal devotees and rescue advocates, they became active OHS supporters shortly upon their arrival.

Beth has joined the OHS Friends Forever program to ensure that, if she can no longer care for her pets, OHS will step in. “As I age, it allows me to have pets and not worry about if something happens to me. I know the pets will be taken care of.”

For Bill and Roberta Ramirez, “home” is not a static place—home is where their pets are.

Jane and Dick Miller have always loved animals. Allergies prevented them from having a dog or cat, but that didn’t stop them. Ten years ago, thanks to the generosity of Northwest Alpacas, they became the proud owners of two alpacas, Fito and Toyo.