
	Spring 2009

For Kids Only

Are you crazy about cats and dogs? Do you ever wonder about the wildlife here in Washington? PAWS is introducing two new workshops just for kids! You'll learn interesting animal facts, why animals do the things they do and how you can help them. Each half-day session is filled with hands-on activities, games, crafts and fun. Join us at the PAWS campus here in Lynnwood, Washington. We hope to see you soon! Learn more today.

Photo of students from Seaview Elementary

Associated Student Body Representatives Elliot, Jaymie, Kyle and Ana

Youth Spotlight

Dancing with the stars! The Seaview Elementary Associated Student Body held a school dance to raise money and help the animals at PAWS. Their Snowflake Ball was a huge success, and they presented PAWS with a generous donation of $393.75. Thank you to all the students and faculty at Seaview Elementary School!

Know some cool kids helping animals? Tell us about them at PAWSkids.org!

Dear Riley,

Is it ok to leave my dog in the car on a hot day if I have the windows rolled down?

From,
Sara, age 9

Hello Sara,

It is never a good idea to leave a pet in a car on a warm day. It doesn't even need to be that hot outside for a pet to get overheated. Temperatures inside a car can reach up to 120 degrees very quickly, even with the windows partially open. An animal can get very sick or even die. If you see a pet in a hot car and he seems to be in distress, please have your parent or guardian call animal control or the police for help.

The best place for your pet on a hot day is in an area where there is plenty of shade outdoors, or in the coolest room of the house indoors. Also, it is important to make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water to drink. Thank you for asking a very important question!

Your friend,
Riley Raccoon

Have a question for Riley? Send him your question and he will try to answer it. You can e-mail him at Riley@paws.org.

Feature Story: A Love for All Ages

Photo of Poppy

Poppy was a 10-year-old Spaniel mix who should have been spending her time in her own home on a warm bed or by a cozy fireplace. The last place she belonged was the cold and snowy streets of Seattle. Sadly, just before the holidays, Poppy's former guardians decided that they no longer wanted Poppy. But instead of finding her a new home, they chose to abandon her in a strange neighborhood, and tossed Poppy from their car as they sped away.

Imagine being suddenly left homeless, cold and alone. It would be very scary and upsetting. Thankfully, a caring citizen saw what happened and rescued Poppy by bringing her to an emergency veterinary clinic in Lynnwood, Washington. The clinic gave her a health check to make sure she was okay, and then took her to the PAWS Companion Animal Shelter so she could find a new home.

Poppy waited day after day, wondering if anyone would take her home. It seemed like all the younger dogs got adopted first. Luckily, a caring individual came in one day looking for a calm and sweet older dog. Poppy was exactly the kind of dog she was hoping to find. Poppy is now safe, warm, and living with a kind lady who plans to provide her with a forever home.

Unfortunately, older dogs like Poppy often have a harder time getting adopted because many people don't realize what a true treasure an older dog can be. Older dogs are often calmer, and many times already house trained. In most cases, adult dogs are still active and playful, but they are also happy to just stay in and watch a movie at home with their guardian and forever friend.

Older animals love living with families. If you or a friend of yours is looking for a new companion animal for your household, don't forget to check out the older dogs and cats at the local shelter! Check out some of the currently available adoptable animals at PAWS waiting for new forever homes.

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page

This interactive book is a cool and fun way to help you learn more about the similarities and differences between animals. Did you know that each body part on an animal has a special purpose? Animals use their tails, eyes, noses, and mouths in very different ways, some in ways you would never guess. For example, some animals use their noses for digging and others their ears for seeing! Read What Do You Do With a Tail Like This to discover how special animals can be!

Got a favorite animal book?
Tell Riley all about it. We may review it in the Kids Helping Animals newsletter.

A young coyote being released to his home in the wild after being treated at PAWS.

Fun Facts: Coyotes

Coyotes are natural wanderers, often traveling up to 40 miles in a single night.
A male and female Coyote mate for life. They hunt together, sing howling duets, and show affection by pawing and nuzzling.
Coyotes recognize each other's voices. Mated Coyotes keep in touch by howling when they are not together.
Coyotes have powerful legs and can leap up to 14 feet and reach speeds up to 38 miles per hour.

Learn more about wild animals at PAWSkids.org!

Career Spotlight: Dog Walker

Photo of Dog Walker Dog walks are more than just taking your dog out to go to the bathroom. A good walk provides a chance for a dog to explore, exercise and most importantly, spend some quality time with you! In most cases, daily exercise prevents a lot of common problems like chewing the wrong things, whining and digging. Dogs often do these things when they are bored and full of energy. Many responsible pet guardians know that exercise is important, but may not have the time to take their dogs for daily walks themselves. That is why dog walking is such an important career.

A professional dog walker does more than just put on the leash and take a dog out. He or she can help teach the dog good leash manners such as heeling and not pulling. A good dog walker will also allow the dog a little free time to sniff and smell the fresh air and surroundings. And most importantly, a great dog walker will make sure every walk is a fun time for the dog.

If you love dogs and being outdoors, begin by learning as much as you can about dogs and how they behave, especially the proper way to walk them on a leash. Then ask your parents if they would join you in offering dog walks to people in your neighborhood you know who might not always have time to take their own dogs out everyday. You will be providing a great service to people and their dogs!

Vocabulary

Did you notice the green words in this newsletter? These are vocabulary words that may be new to you. Below you can find each word with its definition.

Citizen: A person who belongs to a community.
Distress: To be in pain or upset.
Guardian: A person who is responsible for the care and protection of another living being.

Want more ideas? Check out PAWSkids.org!

Kids Helping Animals is published by the Humane Education Program of the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, PAWS shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

All Rights Reserved. ©2009 Progressive Animal Welfare Society.
PAWS, P.O. Box 1037, Lynnwood, WA 98046
425.787.2500