PAWS will be holding an informational session on our Lifetime Care program and estate planning in early June. If you are thinking about writing a will, or wondering how to provide for your animals in your will this will be a great session for you. Call Robbin at 425.787.2500 x807 for more information.

The arrival of spring means the beginning of baby season for the wildlife of Washington state. It also means a flurry of outdoor activity for all of us who were beginning to think that the sun no longer existed. As you go about enjoying the springtime weather, you are likely to spot some of the new additions to our local community.

Squirrels and opossums are already raising their young, and soon raccoons, songbirds and others will follow suit. At times you may find babies that appear to be alone. While you might be concerned for their health and safety, usually there is no cause for concern. It is very common for wild animals to leave their young unattended for periods of time. Usually, mom and/or dad are nearby, foraging so they can supply their young with the energy they need to grow.

If you come across a baby that you suspect may be orphaned or abandoned, please leave the animal where it is (unless it is in immediate physical danger) and call the PAWS Lynnwood Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817 for further instructions. The experienced staff at the PAWS Lynnwood Wildlife Center can help you differentiate between an animal that is truly an orphan, and an animal that is simply waiting for mom and dad to bring the next meal. Enjoy the spring weather and be on the lookout for the new arrivals!

You can help PAWS through your workplace giving program! If your company supports United Way you can direct donations to PAWS simply by writing "PAWS of Lynnwood" on the form as the designated charity of your choice. PAWS is also a member organization of EarthShare and the Combined Fund Drives of the federal, state, Snohomish, King and Pierce County employees – watch for us in your giving campaign catalogs.

Paul Zimmerman and Bob Donovan went paddling for PAWS on Sunday, April 1 as they swam across Lake Washington to raise funds for the homeless animals at the PAWS shelter. Longtime shelter resident Stuart the pitbull was on hand with PAWS staffers to "bark" good luck as Zimmerman and Donovan left from Seattle's Magnuson Park.

Volunteers are needed for the YES! on I-713 campaign to place the anti-trapping initiative on the November Washington state ballot. At press time, PAWS board president Bob Stagman is approaching 2,000 signatures, which places him as one of the top signature gatherers in the state. Stagman is eager to tell potential volunteers how easy and satisfying it is to gather signatures of Washington state voters. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact PAWS's friends at the YES! on I-713 campaign office right away at 206.526.0949. They can provide you with petitions and literature. Every single signature is important and the people in the campaign office can assign you to fairs and festivals where you will be guaranteed to be able to give Stagman a run for his money.

Raven's World - Visionary Gifts and Books (Bellevue and Silverdale) raised $13,000 for PAWS in 1999 through a special promotion with Ty "Beanie Babies". Unfortunately, the Ty company doesn't want their products being used for charitable purposes and has now stopped providing the popular toys to the store. The owners, Bob and Lindi Lumens, are dedicated to raising awareness of animal issues and raising funds to support organizations with those missions, but are realizing the impact of not carrying "Beanie Babies". The stores are suffering, and may have to close. We hope any PAWS members looking for gift with an animal theme will consider supporting Raven's World, who in turn will support PAWS. Thank you Raven's World for your compassion for animals!

PAWS has enhanced the Preferred Realtor Program! Now we can match you up with a real estate agent and a mortgage lender. In cooperation with Home Loans for Hounds, the mortgage lender will make a donation to PAWS and give you a break on the closing costs. Call Robbin Peterson, Director of Development for more information at 425.787.2500 x807.

PAWS offers special thanks to Lucky Palate, a local veggie/vegan meal delivery service. Lucky Palate provided food for PAWS's Great American Meatout party. Puget Sound-area residents can visit them on-line at www.luckypalate.com.