PAWS takes in 34 dogs from Kennewick puppy mill
On Saturday, PAWS took in 34 of the more than 370 neglected dogs seized from a suspected Kennewick, Washington puppy mill operation. With hearts beating rapidly, staff met the kind volunteer who drove the dogs across the state, and welcomed the small, frightened creatures to our shelter.

Watch the story of the dogs' arrival at PAWS on KOMO TV.

This week, the dogs and puppies, all American Eskimo dogs, minis, or mixes of the breed, are receiving much-needed medical attention, thorough grooming, and behavior evaluations. Most are going to experienced and loving foster homes to spend time in a quiet, home environment to recuperate and receive crucial socialization. After spending their entire lives in cramped cages with little or no positive humane interaction, it will take time for these pups to adapt to every day life, such as being inside a home or walking on grass.

The earliest the dogs will be available for adoption is the middle of June. If you are interested in adopting one of these special needs dogs, first read more about the reality of providing a home for a dog rescued from a puppy mill. Interested adopters must come to PAWS in Lynnwood and talk to an adoption counselor in person.

How can you help?
If you are not ready to adopt one of these puppy mill dogs, there are still plenty of ways you can help:

• Adopt another dog or cat already in our shelter. This will help open up space for other animals in need.
• Drop off supplies. PAWS needs small dog toys, small dog collars, canned dog food, and towels of all sizes. Hours of operation and directions to PAWS.
• Become a foster parent. While these puppy mill dogs are going to already trained foster homes, that means those foster families aren't available for other animals in need. PAWS is always in need of loving, attentive foster volunteers to provide temporary care for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens in their homes.
• Donate today. At a time when our services are being used more than ever, PAWS is stretching our dollars to help care for these new arrivals, and ensure that they are placed into permanent, loving homes.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion for animals in need!

A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (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