You're invited
It's an anniversary party! Next Wednesday, July 18, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., please join PAWS in celebrating our 40th anniversary, at 15305 44th Ave W, Lynnwood (directions). What would a party be without fun-filled activities and animal-friendly refreshments? The line-up is as follows:

Sit happens – learn new tricks at a Good Dog! training class.
Free as a bird – witness a rehabilitated songbird's release.
School's in – join a mini-workshop (no homework, we promise).
Neuter is cuter – discover the solution to ending pet overpopulation.
Wildlife ER – go behind-the-scenes at our wildlife hospital.
Learn what's new – celebrate PAWS' recent accomplishments.

Please RSVP by July 13 to Brian Thurston, 425.412.4027 or e-mail BrianT@paws.org. Space is limited. Rain postpones.

Seattle Goose Program pilot a success
The Seattle Goose Program wrapped up its three-year pilot project last September, and we're pleased to report that our efforts toward humanely solving human-goose conflicts at select public beaches and parks around Seattle have been deemed a success. The program—a partnership of PAWS, The Humane Society of the United States, and Seattle Parks and Recreation—laid a firm foundation for a program to be integrated within Seattle Parks operations, with continued support from members of the community.

Thanks to the hard work of phenomenal volunteers, the moratorium on the "lethal removal" of Canada Geese from Seattle's parks continues through at least the end of 2007. As progress is made on a multi-year program, we are confident Seattle will make the moratorium permanent. PAWS will continue to support the city's non-lethal efforts while working with Seattle Parks and Recreation on a long-term, humane plan.

This year, we'll hold work parties throughout the summer to clean popular areas of goose poop. If you can join us, all you have to do is show up and equipment will be provided. See below for details on the first work parties. E-mail Mary Leake Schilder if you have questions. No RSVP required.

Where: Green Lake Community Center
7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N.
Info and directions
When: Saturday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Where: Matthews Beach Park
9300 51st Ave NE
Info and directions
When: Saturday, July 21, 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

We hope to see you there!

Changes in King County
Some inaccurate information has recently been distributed regarding PAWS' stance on new ideas for animal care in King County. To set the record straight, PAWS is very much in support of the proposed changes that King County is looking to enact to improve protection and care, and reduce euthanasia of companion animals. At recent council meetings, PAWS also expressed the importance of ensuring resources are in place, and receiving recommendations from the King County Animal Care and Control Advisory Committee before setting timelines and goals. With a seat on this committee, PAWS is looking forward to helping King County achieve success, as we have done over the course of our history.

We love a parade
Always wanted to be in a parade? Love pirates, kids or dogs? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then PAWS has just the event for you! Join PAWS at the Greenwood neighborhood Seafair Parade on Wednesday, July 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. To help celebrate our 40th anniversary, we want to have 40 people (or more!) join the PAWS contingent. Dogs must be dog- and people-friendly—it's a parade after all. For more info, call PAWS' programs line at 425.787.2500 x820 or e-mail programs@paws.org. Don't let the parade pass you by!

Raccoons on the rampage?
If you caught the story on Seattle's King 5 TV last week, you might have an image of raccoons marching in mass with combat gear and night-vision goggles looking for a fight. But before you panic, consider the facts about Raccoon behavior and the ways in which you can humanely and safely handle potential encounters.

It may seem there is a boom in Raccoon populations this time of year, because babies are old enough to now follow mom around learning the skills of survival. With increasing development and loss of wild habitat, there are generally more encounters between humans and wild animals. But Raccoons have always been a part of the urban wildlife scene.

Although Raccoons are cute with their black masks and dexterous hands, they are still wild animals. They will protect their territory, their babies and their food sources. Never feed or attempt to pet Raccoons. They are opportunistic omnivores who will eat just about anything. Even leaving food outside for pets or keeping a bird feeder in your yard will encourage wild visitors to partake. Once Raccoons recognize a location as an easy food source, they will visit repeatedly, and may become more demanding. Feed pets inside or bring in any leftover food right away. Remove bird feeders and clean your yard of fallen fruit. Secure garbage cans with tightly fitting lids or bungie cords. Talk to your neighbors too, and encourage them to take the same measures.

Raccoons have been known to tangle with pets while protecting their babies or defending themselves from a perceived or real attack. This can lead to serious injuries for all involved. As meat-eaters, Raccoons may even consider some small pets like ducks or fish as food. Please take precautions to protect your companion animals by keeping them indoors at night and creating a secure pen for outdoor pets, such as ducks and chickens. Read more about co-existing with Raccoons or call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817.

It's heating up
The next few days in Western Washington will be scorchers as we reach the 90s. There are many simple ways to help your companion animals cope with hot weather: take walks in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler, provide plenty of fresh water and shade, and keep an extra eye on older, overweight and short-nosed animals (i.e., Bulldogs or Persian cats). Here are some other tips to consider:

• For pets with short, white/light fur or pink noses and ear tips, apply sunscreen to the exposed skin areas. Some veterinarians will recommend baby sunscreen with fewer additives and irritants, but some recommend specialized pet sunscreen which can be found at pet supply websites and stores. Check with your veterinarian on what is best.
• Good, regular brushing and grooming can help keep your companion's skin in good shape and less irritated by the heat, especially for dogs joining summer activities like camping and swimming. Always rinse your dog after a dip in a lake or the ocean.
• Be careful about open or unscreened windows and doors that could be tempting for a pet to jump from or accidentally fall through, especially ones that are a few stories up.
• Small animals, like rabbits and guinea pigs are particularly susceptible to extreme temperatures. Be sure their enclosures are not in direct sun and have good ventilation—a circulating fan can help. Freeze a liter bottle full of water and place it in the cage where your pet can lean against it to cool off. (Refer to the House Rabbit Society for more tips for rabbits.)
• Resist the temptation to bring your pet with you on outings and errands. Instead leave her home where it's cool.

Come bark in the park!
Join hundreds of dogs and thousands of people at Seattle's Magnuson Park for the 16th Annual PAWSwalk on Saturday, September 8, presented by 98.9 Smooth Jazz KWJZ. There's no better way to help animals!

Register online for PAWSwalk – it's fast, easy, and guaranteed to make your fundraising more fun and successful. After you register, you'll be able to send e-mails asking your friends and family to support you at the click of a button.

Then, on September 8, hit the trail for the 5K walk through Magnuson Park with your best canine friend or in honor of your favorite animal. You'll also find animal-friendly shopping, veggie refreshments, canine agility demonstrations, tips on coexisting with wildlife, free doggy treats, an interactive Kid's Zone, and more! Don't delay, join in the fun and register for PAWSwalk today!

Wait before you "rescue"
You may have noticed birds hopping around the ground lately, birds who seem awkward and gangly, and appear to have a difficult time flying and landing. These are fledglings, just taking their first adventures out of their nests. A fledgling is usually less wary of danger, and may be easier to approach than an adult bird.

Although fledglings are often not quite savvy enough to fully avoid danger, they may not need rescuing. Keep an eye out for the parents who are likely nearby. In addition, keep companion animals confined and away from the area. Politely ask your neighbors to do the same. If you've found a bird you suspect is injured or needs help, call PAWS at 425.787.2500 x817.

Read all about it!
The latest print edition of PAWS' Kids Helping Animals newsletter is now available. Read about cool animals, how kids can help them, and heroes who have already made a difference. You can get your copy at PAWS in Lynnwood, Cat City in Seattle, or e-mail Riley@paws.org to have a copy mailed to you.

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