Latest news with #HumaneSocietyofCatawbaCounty
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘TikTok famous' cat needed a home. Adoption left NC shelter ‘over the moon'
A cat with a rough past became 'TikTok famous' — then his luck took another turn for the better. Theodore, known for his 'toothless' grin and charming high-pitched noises, finally was adopted in North Carolina. 'We are OVER THE MOON,' the Humane Society of Catawba County wrote April 19 on Facebook. 'From barn life to shelter life to home life, Theodore's journey hasn't been easy, but his heart has always been full of love (and the most adorable squeaks). His new family saw exactly what we've known all along: that Theodore is one in a million.' Theodore got a fresh start after he faced hardship. He lost his previous owner and was diagnosed with feline immunodeficiency virus, a disease that weakens cats' immune systems. 'Once a beloved indoor pet, he was tossed into barn life after his owner passed and exposed to FIV,' the shelter wrote on social media April 16, when Theodore was still in need of a home. 'But now he's back indoors and living his best calm, cozy life. FIV hasn't slowed him down — it just means he needs an adopter who's cool with regular vet checkups.' As the 9-year-old cat waited for a second chance, video captured him staring through a shelter door. The footage was posted March 30 on TikTok, with the caption: 'went to the humane society today to adopt a cat. this one caught my attention right away...' In less than a month, the post has garnered more than 885,000 views. Some people who commented on the video noticed Theodore's smiling face, while others couldn't wait for an adoption update. Meanwhile, the shelter attributed the cat's TikTok stardom to 'his endearingly goofy expression (thank you, missing teeth).' Theodore also became known for his love of naps and cuddling. Eventually, the person who took the TikTok video adopted him, according to Kaitlyn Ewing, the shelter's director of intake, rescue and foster coordination. A photo posted online shows Theodore snuggling in someone's arms as he kicked off his next chapter. 'Staff members were sad to see him leave, as he was a favorite here, but very happy he will get the best second chance after we fought so hard to find his forever home,' Ewing told McClatchy News via email. 'He was the most personable, funny-faced, sweet cat you could ever meet.' The humane society is in the Hickory area, a roughly 55-mile drive northwest from Charlotte.
Miami Herald
08-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Quirky dog waiting in shelter 4 years ‘still believes in joy.' He needs a home
A quirky dog has been at a North Carolina shelter longer than any other pup — and he still needs a home. 'Despite everything, Lilo still believes in joy,' the Humane Society of Catawba County wrote April 29 in a Facebook post. 'He loves car rides, squeaky toys, and sprawling out in the sun.' Lilo is up for adoption after a journey that started more than four years ago. 'Lilo lived alone in an outdoor kennel — without comfort, without guidance, and nearly without hope,' the shelter wrote. 'His owner gave him up in March of 2021, stating that they didn't have the time to work with a puppy. At just two years old, Lilo had already learned what it felt like to be given up on. Still so young, with so much love to give — and no one to give it to.' Over time, Lilo has become the longest canine resident in the history of the humane society. He has gotten accustomed to shelter routines and will need structure in his next home. 'I believe it's taken Lilo longer than most dogs due to his need for a dog savvy adopter who understands he isn't a dog you can take around everyone everywhere,' Kaitlyn Ewing, the shelter's director of intake, rescue and foster coordination, told McClatchy News via email. 'He's a dog who needs time to adjust to changes.' The shelter also believes Lilo is being overlooked due to his 85-pound size and the amount of time he has spent waiting for a home. 'It almost feels like the longer they wait, the less people want to give them a chance,' Ewing wrote. 'Yes, animals need decompression when they've been institutionalized for so long, but their ability to love is no different than a dog that's been here for 2 days.' Lilo is described as a smart, 6-year-old mixed-breed pup. He has an active side but also loves to settle down and snuggle. 'He's goofy by his quirks such as flopping on the ground and scratching his back in the grass, or playing fetch not so gracefully with his big paws slapping the floor when he chases at a toy,' Ewing wrote. As of May 1, Lilo was in need of a patient owner who has no cats or children in their home. Details about the shelter's adoption process can be found at 'Lilo is ready to leave the shelter life behind,' the shelter wrote. 'He's spent so long adapting to our routines, our voices, and our daily check-ins…but what he really needs is someone to call his own. A best friend. A forever family.' The humane society is based in the Hickory area, a roughly 55-mile drive northwest from Charlotte.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Yahoo
Scammers target local families with missing pets
A local animal shelter is warning residents about a scam targeting people with missing pets. The Humane Society of Catawba County says someone is calling people who've recently lost a pet claiming the animal has been found and needs emergency surgery. The agency says it's received several calls from victims who were contacted by the scammers. Dog Aging Project enrolls 50,000 dogs to study longevity They say many of the pet owners are vulnerable after posting online about their missing animals, which provides the scammers with the information needed to make the calls. The caller ID shows the number as belonging to the Humane Society of Catawba County. The scammers ask for $1,000 to be sent through Chime or PayPal for the supposed surgery. 'The fact that they are calling these specific people and giving them false hope and also asking them to give money when they would feel obligated to do anything for that animal is inhumane,' said Emily Buckland with the Humane Society Catawba County. The Humane Society urges people not to pay the money and has posted information on its Facebook page about the scam. VIDEO: Action 9 warns of online puppy scam after woman is tricked out of $1,000
