Home for the Holidays Goal Surpassed
The results are in for the Home for the Holidays campaign and we
surpassed our goal! Between November 8th and January 2nd, PAWS found
homes for 548 companion animals (124 dogs and 424 cats). During the
same period, 65 lost animals were reunited with their families.
One of the many happy endings this holiday season was of a big black
dog. For about two months, Tommy, an eight-year-old black lab waited
patiently for a new home.
PAWS staff and volunteers watched people pass him by because of his
size and age. But one day before Christmas, Kaler Wise came in looking
for a new companion. He shared his life for 10 years with another PAWS
dog who had recently passed away.
"I wasn't ready for a rambunctious, young puppy," said Kaler. "I was
looking for a well-behaved, quiet dog." Coincidentally, Tommy was in
the same kennel that Kaler's previous dog had been in, so Kaler had a
good feeling. His feeling was right. They made a perfect match. In the
short time they've been together, Tommy has gone swimming, hiking and
boating with Kaler and even attended the big family Christmas party--
proof there is still a lot of life left in Tommy. Kaler summed up their
relationship with, "We like to have a good time."
Even though the holidays are over, there are still animals looking for caring homes like Kaler's. Click here to see animals for adoption.
Spread the Seeds of Compassion
In recognition of the tremendous value of education, PAWS is
co-sponsoring with Pasado's Safe Haven, the Sowing Seeds Humane
Education Workshop, February 12th and 13th in Seattle. The workshop is
presented by the International Institute for Humane Education (IIHE),
which created the first humane education training and certificate
program in the U.S. Sowing Seeds offers teachers, activists,
educational administrators, humane educators, and parents the
opportunity to learn new approaches for teaching about animal
protection, environmental preservation, human rights, and cultural
issues.
What is humane education and why is it so important? It is the practice
of teaching compassion, respect and responsibility to individuals so
that they in turn will make positive choices on behalf of other people,
animals and our environment. Participants at Sowing Seeds workshops
learn how to:
- present accurate information and teach critical thinking about relevant issues of our time.
- teach about consumerism and media, environmental preservation,
social justice, animal protection and the connection between these
issues.
- improve their communication skills.
- develop a series of presentations and activities for schools, camps, or community groups.
For more information or to register, please visit www.IIHED.org or email: sowingseeds@iihed.org. Read about PAWS Humane Education Program.
Healing the Body and Soul
Last month, Cleo arrived at PAWS with a broken leg and a dampened
spirit. It was obvious she had puppies close to weaning age, but no one
knew where her puppies were, where she lived or what caused her injury.
As the PAWS veterinarian examined and splinted her leg, this sweet dog
accepted care gently and calmly.
Since then, she has been in foster care with a PAWS staff member. This
foster care not only provides her with a home atmosphere to heal,
but
also the important socialization, training and love that every dog
needs. Marnie, her foster mom, says she is silly and cuddly and gets on
well with her children (ages 8 and 10), her cats, rabbits and other
dogs. Cleo bonded quickly with the family and in just a few weeks has
settled into the household routine (even making herself comfortable on
the sofa). She does still need someone to help her build confidence and
with continued socialization, crate training, obedience classes and
compassion, she will get there.
In a few more weeks, after she has fully healed, Cleo will be available
for adoption. With the excellent care and kindness she has received at
PAWS, her days on the streets, alone and afraid are over.
Interested in helping save lives by becoming a foster parent? Find out more.
A Busy Year for Wildlife
Preliminary statistics from the PAWS Wildlife Center show that in 2004
we cared for approximately 4,512 wild animals. You may recall some of
our more famous patients such as a bear cub released back to her native
habitat in Oregon,
a river otter hit by a train in Edmonds who made a full recovery and
three cougar cubs who now reside at the Memphis Zoo. Many others, like
crows, eagles, raccoons, deer and a snake (just to name a few) received
expert care in the center.
The New Year already brought new patients to PAWS, including:
- Spotted Towhee
- Glaucous-winged Gull
- Thayer's Gull
- Band-tailed (native) Pigeon
- Rock Pigeon
- Mallard
- Northern Flicker
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Cooper's Hawk
Make Animal-Friendly New Year's Resolutions
Here are a few simple ways to make 2005 a more compassionate year for animals:
- Spay or neuter your companion animal to help alleviate companion
animal overpopulation and help your animal friend live a healthier,
longer life.
- Make your yard wildlife friendly. You can enjoy their beauty while
they benefit from natural sources of food, water and shelter. Click here to learn more.
- Sign up for the PAWS Email Action Line to keep updated on animal issues and how you can help. Sign up here.
- Take walks with your dog or play with your cat, guinea pig, rabbit
or other indoor companion. This will give both of you the exercise you
need.
- Go vegetarian. Skipping meat even one day a week makes a big difference in animals' lives.
- When driving, slow down and save a wild life.
- Support our efforts in helping wild and companion animals by becoming a PAWS member. Join now!
Thank you for your support of the animals at PAWS. Happy New Year!
All rights reserved. © 2005 Progressive Animal Welfare Society