Helping Pets and People in our Community

Animal lovers like you and I know that the bonds we form with our pets can be life-changing.

As the Feline Behavior Modification Manager at Oregon Humane, every day I get to experience joy and see firsthand how patience and positive human connections can transform even the most fearful animals. While we strive to get animals into homes as quickly as possible, some need extra time and dedicated care before they are ready to find a new family.

Thanks to you, Oregon Humane can provide comprehensive care to animals like Odin.

Odin’s story is truly inspiring! This sensitive cat arrived with 29 other Maine Coons from a case of neglect, all in very poor condition with a wide range of medical needs. Our team quickly identified that Odin would need specialized care. He was struggling and lashing out—cowering, thrashing, and even biting at the hands attempting to help him.

It was difficult to tell if Odin’s agitated behaviors were a result of fear, pain, or a combination of both. Our Medical team began caring for his physical needs, including a critical surgery to remove a dangerously infected eye and treatment for an upper respiratory infection.

But even as he physically recovered, Odin’s anxiety and unease around people continued.

Because of you, Oregon Humane has a unique resource, our Behavior Modification program, just for fearful animals like Odin. He was moved to the Behavior & Rescue Center—a purpose-built space that is helping shy and fearful cats find homes faster than ever.

In the quiet comfort of the BRC cattery, Odin finally began to decompress and heal from his past trauma.

After experiencing neglect then months of intense medical care, his trust in people needed to be rebuilt. I let Odin control our interactions and didn’t pressure him for affection or even eye contact.

As Odin showed more interest in me and signaled openness, I inched closer.

Soon Odin’s quirky personality revealed itself—turns out he is quite a silly boy! He even began playfully splashing in his water bowl, clearly having grown more comfortable in his surroundings.

I’m delighted to share that, today, Odin is happy in a new home where he continues to make incredible progress. “He’s a great companion and he’s filled an empty spot that I didn’t even know was there,” says his adopter.

I can’t thank you enough. Because of you, Odin received care for his physical health as well as his mental and emotional health. The connection we developed helped Odin become a beloved companion, making life brighter for him and his adopter.

Your support changed Odin’s life and brought him and his special person together.

I work with shy and fearful cats like Odin every day. Will you make a gift today to help more animals like Odin feel safe, loved, and confident?

Erika Sims
Feline Behavior Modification Manager

Links:

• About Oregon Humane
• Oregon Humane Resources
• About Humane Law Enforcement