Shake the winter blues—and a paw!
It's easy to feel a little stir-crazy during these dark and wet winter months. What better way to cure the doldrums and stimulate your mind than by going back to school? Dog school, that is. Dog training classes are a great way to spend quality time with your pooch, and PAWS' winter classes, hosted at The Whole Pup in Edmonds, start in February. From basic skills classes, to one tailor-made for more challenging behaviors, and even sessions to prep your pup to take the AKC's Canine Good Citizen® test—there's something for every dog, no matter his or her educational background. Learn more and register today!

Nominate a youth hero
Know a young person who has done something extraordinary for our furry, feathered or scaled friends? PAWS is happy to invite nominations for our Youth Helping Animals Award honoring a special youth, 18 years old or younger, who has shown outstanding compassion for animals. The winner will be presented the award at PAWS' Wild Night gala on April 5, and will be recognized on PAWSkids.org and in PAWS magazine. Download the guidelines and nomination form. Nominations are due on February 29, 2008.

Resolve to help animals all year long
Joining PAWS Constant Companions, our sustainer club, is a convenient and effective way to help animals all year long. When you become a Constant Companion, you elect to make a monthly or quarterly gift by credit or debit card, and your contributions are immediately put to work for the animals in our care.

Benefits of becoming a PAWS Constant Companion:

• It's a convenient way to support the animals at PAWS all year long.
• You can make a substantial impact on animals' lives, by giving regularly throughout the year.
• You can change your gift amount, or cancel your Constant Companion membership at any time.
• You help us plan ahead and provide a secure and stable financial future for the care of thousands of animals in need.

At last, Georgie is home
PAWS was buzzing with excitement a few days before Christmas when Georgie, one of our long-time dog

Shelby, Pam's son Christian, and Georgie snuggle up on the couch.

After being home for just a few weeks, Pam reports, "Georgie is adjusting to his new family very well. He is in love with Shelby, our Boston Terrier. The two of them run around the house chasing each other for hours. Our two Chihuahuas are still adjusting to him, but he is so gentle with them. Georgie is so affectionate that my three teenagers fight over who gets to snuggle with him." Congratulations Georgie, and thank you to the Dustin family for giving him a fresh start.

Coffee is for the birds
In the case of "shade-grown" coffee, it actually is for the birds. This type of coffee is grown on traditional plantations under the canopies of most of the last remaining forests in Latin America. These trees provide crucial and increasingly rare habitat for wild birds (as well as other animals and plants), several of whom migrate to the Northwest. Before you buy your next cup of Joe, learn more about how it was grown and the effect it might have had on wildlife. You can find a plethora of information from the Seattle Audubon Society's Northwest Shade Coffee Campaign.

It's not just rabbits who multiply like rabbits
On February 26, 2008, PAWS is partnering with the N.O.A.H. Center, WAIF, the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, Everett Animal Services, and dozens of local veterinary clinics to offer low-cost spay and neuter surgeries in Snohomish, Island and Skagit counties. This annual Spay Day effort helps end the suffering of unwanted and homeless animals in our community, by preventing unplanned litters. Spaying and neutering is good for the community, and a great way to help our animal friends live longer, healthier lives.

Even if your own companion animal is already fixed (thank you!), you can help by encouraging your friends and family to do the same for their four-legged friends. Share with them the myriad of benefits of spaying and neutering.

Surgeries on Spay Day cost just $40 for male or female cats or kittens, and $60 for male or female dogs or puppies—far below the actual cost of the surgery. Please note that additional charges may apply for animals who require vaccinations, are overweight, geriatric, in heat or have other medical conditions. Participating clinics will be listed on the Spay Day page on PAWS' website in early February. Mark your calendar!

Another way to support wildlife
This summer, nine-year-old Anasophia McLain Smith learned about seals, and the outstanding job PAWS did in caring for many injured seal pups. Anasophia also followed the story of an injured duck who lives in the pond across the street from her home. The duck was brought to PAWS for care, then returned to the pond once her foot was healed. For the last three years, Anasophia's art has been featured in calendars to raise funds for local wildlife organizations. She chose PAWS Wildlife Center as the focus of her 2008 calendar. If you are interested in one of these limited-edition calendars, they are $20 each and all the proceeds help PAWS care for injured and orphaned wildlife. For more information, please e-mail Janetdsmith1@comcast.net. Thank you Anasophia!

Take action for animals in 2008
Sign up to receive Actionline, PAWS' monthly e-newsletter that includes practical, effective tips for how you can create a better world for animals. If you already subscribe, then why not set a goal to sign up three friends or co-workers? Forward them a recent Actionline e-newsletter, inviting them to subscribe and join you in speaking up for those who have no voice. Thank you!

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