Sarah Ford | September 30, 2014

Burt the Cat Changes Dog Person’s Plans

Unlucky feline’s fortune changes on the fourth try

By Cathy M Rosenthal

You might call Burt the cat unlucky. He has had 4 homes over the past 3 years.

In 2012, he was surrendered to the Bay Area Humane Society (BAHS) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, because his family said they could no longer care for him. He was 7 years old.

He was adopted quickly, but then returned to BAHS just a year later. His second family said they were expecting a baby and didn’t want a cat around.

At 8 years old, Burt was adopted again. His third family returned him to BAHS after a year because he didn’t get along with the family dog.

None of these reasons were any of Burt’s fault. And he was certainly a charming cat, for 3 different families to adopt him. Even so, BAHS staff worried that 9-year-old Burt might have a more difficult time finding another home the fourth time around.

“People often shy away from older pets, especially ones that have had multiple homes,” said Olivia Webster, director of operations for BAHS.

But all it takes is that one special adopter to walk through the door.

>> Continue Reading

Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox

Explore More Articles

Interested in maximizing support through payroll deduction programs? Find out how your organization can benefit from nurturing payroll giving donors here.

Nurturing Payroll Giving Donors: 5 Tips to Deepen Engagement

August 4, 2025

Payroll giving donors are some of the most consistent and committed supporters nonprofits have, but they’re often overlooked in day-to-day fundraising strategies. These donors contribute…

Read Article
Company values are the foundation of your everyday work environment. Ensure you attract best-fit talent by incorporating your values into the hiring process.

How to Align Your Company’s Values with Your Hiring Process

August 1, 2025

Hiring is about more than filling roles—it’s about shaping the future of your company. Every new team member contributes to the culture you’re building, and…

Read Article

Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July 18, 2025

July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities. It’s an…

Read Article

Get Resources and Insights Straight To Your Inbox

Receive our monthly/bi-monthly newsletter filled with information about causes, nonprofit impact, and topics important for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement professionals, including disaster response, workplace giving, matching gifts, employee assistance funds, volunteering, scholarship award program management, grantmaking, and other philanthropic initiatives.

newsletter-mock