November 11, 2002

The Blazers new mascot, Blaze the Trail Cat, was out helping pets at his former home, the Oregon Humane Society, and is encouraging the public to help, too. Blaze brought 300 pounds of clay cat litter to help his friends in the cat colony, where the Blazers forward Scottie Pippen adopted him earlier this year.

The Oregon Humane Society (OHS), which finds homes for nearly 9,000 pets a year, is in need of emergency donations from the community for high quality dog food, cat food and clay cat litter. The adoptable pets at OHS go through 2,200 pounds of dog food, 1,200 pounds of cat food and 9,000 pounds of clay cat litter in only one month, and supplies are running low.

The public is encouraged to bring a donation of clay cat litter and high quality dog/cat food to the shelter, 1067 NE Columbia Blvd. Those who want to help can also make a donation to the food fund at www.oregonhumane.org, where the funds are used to purchase the food in bulk. OHS is also looking for volunteers to help with the emergency food needs, call 503-416-2995 or e-mail volmgr@oregonhumane.org

Celebrating its 133rd anniversary, the Oregon Humane Society is the leading animal welfare organization within the region. Founded in November 1868, the Oregon Humane Society is dedicated to helping animals and people. Each year, over 16,000 animals are served by the Oregon Humane Society, more than 1100 reports of animal abuse and neglect are investigated, 26,000 children are taught humane education, and hundreds of nursing home residents are visited by animal assisted therapy volunteers and their animals. Visit the Oregon Humane Society on the web at www.oregonhumane.org.