In 2024, 19 pets—including 16 cats and three dogs—were placed in new, loving homes thanks to the Friends Forever™ program at Oregon Humane Society. So many special bonds were fortified when these precious animals were given the gift of a planned future.
Five of these cats belonged to longtime OHS volunteer Joanne Hodgdon. When Joanne needed to move into a new home due to unforeseen circumstances, her crew of kitties weren’t able to come with her. Joanne’s heavy decision was made a bit easier thanks to her forethought to enroll her cats in Friends Forever™.
Colin’s Special Plan
Joanne’s estate planning included a gift to support OHS and ensured all five of her cats were guaranteed a safe landing pad at OHS to find new homes, should the day come when she couldn’t care for them. When that day came, there was a sense of relief—her sweet kitties would be cared for.
One of the cats, Colin, had flourished under Joanne’s tender care, but the transition back to OHS was hard on him. He was shut down and avoidant of people—even the gentle touch of loving OHS staff and volunteers. To ensure that this cherished boy found the right new home, Colin was enrolled in our Behavior Modification (BMOD) program for extra support.
Within the Behavior Modification program, Colin worked closely with training experts to rebuild his trust and confidence, particularly around new people. It was slow to start, with Colin preferring to hang back in a cat tree, looking out the window.
Wonderfully, Colin and another cat in the BMOD program, named Cilantro, became fast friends. Although they came to OHS from different homes, Colin and Cilantro became inseparable and together they grew more confident around humans.
Soon the duo captured the attention of a new family who chose to adopt both Colin and Cilantro, bringing the new friends home together. Because Joanne made a plan to safeguard Colin’s future, he received the care and support he needed to renew his spirit, grow his confidence, and find a new loving home.



Your Best Friend Deserves a Plan, Too
Our pets are family. Although it is hard to imagine our lives without them, the best gift we can give in return for their unconditional love, is a planned future. Learn how to enroll in Friends Forever™.
Contact Us
Planned Giving Team
(503) 802-6743