Say your peace for geese
Seattle Parks and Recreation is currently gathering public input to help develop their Strategic Business Plan that will guide their decisions over the next five years. As Parks says: "Public comment will be used to assess what Parks does well, what it could improve, and its strategic opportunities, and to inform the overall vision."

This is the perfect opportunity to thank Parks for the positive work they have done over the last four years through the Seattle Goose Program in choosing humane methods of managing conflicts with Canada Geese over lethal removal. It's also a great time to encourage Parks to keep up the good work and continue these efforts, urging them to permanently integrate effective, non-lethal practices of managing geese into their standard operations. Here's how you can help:

• Complete their short online survey by December 16. At the end of the survey you can add your personal message. Please remember to thank Parks for what they've already done.
• Attend and comment at a public meeting. There are several options, but only through December 8. See the schedule and locations of meetings.
• Read more about the Seattle Parks and Recreation Strategic Business Plan.

Please take action right away, as the comment period will be over soon. Thank you for your continued help in ensuring both people and geese can enjoy the beauty of Seattle's parks!

Georgie needs a home for the holidays
Georgie is literally growing up at PAWS. He arrived in August aged five months old and is going to be 10 months old at the end of December. With the loving care of our staff and volunteers, Georgie is receiving the important training and socialization that every young dog needs, but shelter life is still not a replacement for home life. He came close to finding a new home in October after he joined the PAWS booth at a Cesar Milan book signing (a famous dog trainer known as the "dog whisperer"). Milan himself invited Georgie to join him onstage at Benaroya Hall for a sold-out seminar the next day. Georgie showed off his star personality and his good manners, dispelling the myths that pit bulls are inherently bad dogs. After the event, audience members engulfed him in hugs, took photos and asked about adopting him. Everyone at PAWS thought this would be his big break and he would finally get the home he deserves. It wasn't so.

Clipped to Georgie's kennel are four double-sided pages of notes made by our volunteer dog walkers, with descriptions such as "Sweet, gentle and enthusiastic," "Great on a leash," and, "This guy is a gem." So if you are looking for a handsome, spirited dog to join your family this holiday season, take the time to get to know Georgie. He's ready for any adventure with you from making new friends, to hiking, to exploring the comforts of the couch. If Georgie hasn't met his new family by this Saturday, December 8, you can visit him at the PAWS booth at Smiley Dog in Edmonds for their annual open house.

The holidays are a time for families---so this year make a homeless animal, like Georgie, part of yours, and experience the joy of unconditional love.

Give a gift of compassion
Need a unique stocking stuffer? Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one who seems to have everything? Don't forget to visit PAWS Store where you'll find just the right thing for every animal lover on your list. With apparel, calendars, adoption gift certificates and more, we've got your holiday shopping all wrapped up.

A Hairy Woodpecker looking for insects in a snag.

Ways to help wildlife this winter
There are many easy ways to be a good friend to your wildlife neighbors this winter. Consider the following tips:

• Clean bird feeders weekly. When animals gather in one area, they can easily pass diseases to each other. In the winter, some birds may visit more often, so it is even more important to keep feeders clean.
• Check the perimeter of your house for holes that may provide easy access for animals and seal them properly (after making sure no animals are inside). Animals may look for refuge inside attics, crawl spaces and basements.
• Get a cap for your chimney to allow smoke to escape, but keep animals from getting in.
• Securely cover garbage cans, as hungry animals may be tempted by your food waste which can be very harmful to them.
• Prune your trees now before prime breeding season gets underway in late winter/early spring.
• Keep that brush pile and any standing, dead trees (also called snags). They provide excellent habitat and food sources for a variety of wild creatures.
• Get help for injured wildlife right away. If you find an animal you think needs help, call PAWS at 425.787.2500 x817 for guidance.
• Before disposing of your Christmas tree, call PAWS at the number above, to see if we can use it in caring for our wild patients. Please do remember to call before bringing in the tree.

Thank you for your compassion for wildlife!

Get a photo of your canine kids with Santa Paws
Visit the Buster & Sullivan store in Seattle's University Village on Sunday, December 9, and for $20, your dog can be photographed with Santa for the holidays. The price includes a whole photo package and all proceeds will benefit the animals at PAWS. Santa will be on site from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., so be sure to stop by and get your photos before he takes off to see all the other good little puppies and kittens in the world. University Village is a busy shopping area, so be sure to bring your dog on leash or in a carrier for safety. For more information call Buster & Sullivan at 206.524.6825.

Happy Birthday to PAWS
In December 1967 the Progressive Animal Welfare Society was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. We are now officially 40 years old! And we are here because of the compassion of everyone in our community who volunteers, brings in food and supplies, supports us financially through gifts, gives new homes to companion animals, and spreads the word about humane living. As our fortieth year comes to a close, we want to thank you for all you do to help animals---the wildlife in your neighborhood, your family pets, and those animals in need. Together we are creating a better world for animals.

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