September 2002

PAWS
People Helping
Animals

A monthly message of great news about people and animals

PAWS Wildlife

Animal Advocacy Campaigns and Info

Report Animal Cruelty

PAWS Events Calendar

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Progressive Animal
Welfare Society
PO Box 1037
Lynnwood WA 98046

Bark in the Park featuring PAWSwalk is this weekend!

Watch a video from last year's Bark in the Park.

Just a few days are left before Seattle's biggest doggie festival, Bark in the Park featuring PAWSwalk takes over Magnuson Park on Saturday, September 14. It's not too late to come participate in PAWSwalk, a fundraiser benefiting the animals of PAWS! Bark in the Park features 100 vendor and info booths, food booths, music, games and contests, tons of speakers, and Breezy, the Beagle who plays Porthos on the UPN 11 Star Trek show Enterprise. Click on the TV link to see footage from last year's excellent Bark in the Park event, and then visit www.barkinthepark.com to learn all about this year's event.

A bald eagle is shot; now getting a second chance at PAWS
Just two days after Independence Day, the PAWS Wildlife Hospital in Lynnwood received an American Bald Eagle struggling to survive the tragic effects of being shot. Washington State Fish and Wildlife agents had brought him to PAWS because he was not able to fly. An X-ray at the PAWS Wildlife Hospital revealed that the eagle had been severely injured from gun shot wounds. His left leg, his neck, and his right wing all had damage. His left humerus bone in his wing was so severely injured that it had been completely broken, and the two bone portions had healed to each other in a side-by-side method.

But it wasn't the broken bones that was preventing him from flying. It was the lead bullet and shot fragments still found throughout his body--leeching poisonous metal into his system--that were preventing him from taking flight. "I just don't understand why anyone would do this," says Jennifer Convy, the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager. Because surgery is not an option, PAWS is treating the eagle with medicine that will help remove the lead from his system. "The fact that this bird has overcome so much already is just amazing," says Convy. If further tests reveal that the eagle's lead levels have decreased, PAWS will consider releasing the bird in the coming months. Subscribe to PAWS Wild Again, our e-mail newsletter focusing on our wildlife releases, if you would like to hear news of PAWS wild animal releases, including Bald Eagle releases. To subscribe, click on this link to subscribe to additional newsletters like PAWS Wild Again.

Spirit: the story of an inspiring puppy
"Ouch—I felt that!” the small black puppy's eyes seemed to say as Dr. Katie Steneroden, PAWS veterinarian pinched one of her toes. Steneroden was trying to discover why the puppy pulled herself along on her front legs, dragging her lifeless little hind legs behind her. X-rays revealed that one of the dog's vertebrates had probably been injured and she also had some nerve damage. The courageous puppy was named “Spirit” soon after a woman and child brought her to PAWS. The woman said she thought some youngsters had abused the puppy. They had taken the tiny pup by her back legs and swung her around their heads. After a horrible start to her life, Spirit got a second chance at PAWS. Read more about Spirit's remarkable story and how she found a loving new home thanks to PAWS.

Ringling Bros. brings their sad show to Tacoma this weekend
Ringling Bros. brings their circus to Tacoma this weekend, offering a sad view of circus life for elephants, tigers, and other wild animals. PAWS will again be at the circus, bringing our progressive, positive message to parents, reminding them what their kids already know; wild animals belong in the wild! PAWS has earned national attention for our constructive, engaging approach at the circus. PAWS still need volunteers this weekend to dress up as clowns, and hand out educational toys and brochures. It's a lot of fun and VERY empowering. To learn more about our why PAWS is opposed to wild animals in circuses, read our factsheet. To read the brochure that we provide parents at the circus follow this link. To volunteer this weekend, contact PAWS advocate Sheridan Thomas right away! Sheridan can be reached via e-mail at sheridan@paws.org or call her at 425.787.2500 extension 258.