Paddle for PAWS
On Sunday, April 17th, two local heroes, Bob Donovan from Bothell and
Paul Zimmerman from Issaquah, will swim three and a half miles across
Puget Sound to help animals at PAWS. They will leave Vashon Island at
around 7 a.m., finishing at Lincoln Park in West Seattle around four
hours later. This is the sixth annual Paddle for PAWS, and Bob and
Paul's goal is to raise $10,000 to support programs and services at
PAWS.
"We really believe in what PAWS does," says Donovan. "They help save
the lives of thousands of animals every year. I can't imagine the
effort and resources it takes."
"What PAWS does makes what we do really, really easy. We're happy to help out any way we can," says Zimmerman.
They will be escorted by a boat of friends and supporters, who
encourage them and ensure their safety throughout their swim. At the
end of their journey at Lincoln Park, two and four-legged well-wishers
will welcome them to celebrate their accomplishment.
Help Bob and Paul meet their goal of raising $10,000 by donating online
to PAWS or by calling 425.787.2500, ext. 256. You can also help greet
them at the beach at Lincoln Park on the 17th around 11 am. We'll see
you there!
Volunteer to help local wildlife
PAWS receives thousands of orphaned and injured wild animals every year
and is gearing up for the busy spring and summer season. You can be a
part of the dedicated team that provides expert care for these animals,
helping to return them to the wild where they belong. Wildlife
Rehabilitation Center and Hospital volunteers perform a wide variety of
tasks, including making food and feeding baby mammals and birds, and
monitoring their weight and general health. Sweeping, washing dishes
and doing laundry are also a big part of the job to ensure our patients
recover in a clean environment. Besides doing the work it takes to keep
the center running smoothly, volunteering provides a special
opportunity to learn about wildlife and, best of all, participate in
the release of rehabilitated wildlife, our ultimate goal for animals in
our care.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and commit to a four or
five-hour shift once a week for three months. All necessary training is
provided. For more information about volunteering to help wildlife
please call 425.787.2500 x818 or visit the volunteer page of our website.
Seattle Goose Program flies again
Seattle Parks and Recreation, together with The Humane Society of the
United States (HSUS) and PAWS, has resumed work on the innovative
program to humanely solve conflicts between people and Canada geese. In
the past, geese were viewed by some as "nuisance" animals -- and killed
by the hundreds -- due to droppings left on beaches and park lawns. The
Puget Sound's community of animal lovers teamed up to demonstrate that
killing is not the answer, 
and that people can coexist peacefully with urban waterfowl when given the chance to implement humane solutions.
Building on 2004's successful pilot program, volunteers will mitigate
the impact of geese at targeted city parks by cleaning up and
discouraging birds from congregating at popular areas such as Green
Lake and Gas Works Park. We're also helping out at South Lake Union
Park, Madison Park and Matthews Beach.
This program will only succeed with the sustained involvement of animal
lovers. The geese need your help! Contact program coordinator Donna
Diduch at donnad@paws.org
to learn how you can help save these majestic birds while helping to
beautify our city parks. SAVE THE DATE: On Thursday, May 26, we'll hold
an event to kick-off the 2005 season. You'll have a chance to sign up
for your favorite park and find out more about what we've learned since
we launched the program last year. Email Donna at the address above to
be added to the Goose Program email list. Read more about the history of the program.
One cool cat
"Sylvester is bringing people out of the woodwork," said Kelly Dean, a
counselor at Summit Inn, a group home for about 62 individuals living
with mental illness.
In March, Kelly and 12 residents from the home went to Cat City (PAWS'
cat adoption facility in Seattle) to meet Sylvester after receiving the
suggestion from an adoption counselor. As soon as they walked in the
colony room, he immediately won over the crowd. Affectionate and
outgoing, he was just what Kelly was hoping for. Sylvester went home
with them the same day.
Isolation is a common symptom of some mental illnesses and Sylvester
has helped many at Summit Inn open up. "He's so mellow and easy going,"
Kelly described. "One resident who usually stays in her room, actually
went with me for Sylvester's vet visit."
Sylvester may not know how therapeutic his presence is for the
residents, but he is a happy cat with many cozy laps and a permanent
place to call home.
See other dogs and cats waiting for new homes.
Teach your dog (and yourself) a thing or two
PAWS is offering a seven-week dog training course for dogs, six months
and older at the PAWS main campus in Lynnwood. Caren Malgesini,
Certified Pet Dog Trainer and PAWS staff member, teaches the classes.
The fee for the class is $100, a portion of which benefits the animals
at PAWS. Dog training classes are a fun way for you and your dog to
learn different commands that are helpful in everyday life as well as
to strengthen your bond. Classes begin on Wednesday, April 13th and are
limited to seven dogs, so sign up today! Email programs@paws.org or call 425/787-2500, ext 820.
Spay Day 2005 breaks all records!
Final numbers are in for Spay Day 2005 and thanks to clinics and
organizations in the community, a record 523 spay and neuter surgeries
were performed! PAWS and its shelter partners-the N.O.A.H. Center, WAIF
and the Humane Society of Skagit Valley- encourage animal lovers to
patronize the participating private clinics for their regular
veterinary needs as a way to thank them for their wonderful support. Click here to see a list of clinics, as well as the most current update on Spay Day 2005.
All rights reserved. ©2005 Progressive Animal Welfare Society
