PAWS Magazine

Issue 68, Fall 2007

Speak Up for Animals!

Youth Heroes Making a Difference

Mari Tom, a student at the International School in Bellevue, had already developed an ambitious plan to learn about and help companion animals for her senior project. All she needed now was a mentor, an adult in her field of interest to advise her throughout the year. So Mari contacted PAWS in the fall of 2006 looking for assistance, and PAWS' Foster Care Coordinator, Sheri LaVigne agreed to help.

During the school year, Mari took on an impressive number of activities. She led gift drives to collect vital supplies to help the animals in PAWS' care, interned at her family's veterinary clinic, provided in-home foster care for PAWS cats and kittens, and created a brochure about safely handling animals.

Sheri was impressed by how much Mari achieved, "It's always wonderful to meet someone of any age who is committed to making a change in the world. Mari's obvious enthusiasm is surpassed only by her admirable level of maturity regarding the sensitive nature of animal care." Mari made such an impression on PAWS that she was selected as a runner-up for the annual Youth Helping Animals Award. Thank you, Mari, for being a passionate advocate for animals in need!

Youth Action Guide
Every year PAWS receives dozens of requests from young people who want to make a difference for animals in their community. In response to this demand, we created a new Action Guide, jam-packed with project ideas for which students can receive community service credit. Project ideas include hosting movie nights for friends to showcase movies with animal-friendly messages, such as Babe or Happy Feet; and organizing a dog cookie bake sale to raise funds to help a local wildlife center or shelter.

You can read about these ideas, what local teens have to say about being kind to animals, and more in your own free copy.

The Action Guide is available at PAWS Cat City in Seattle and PAWS in Lynnwood. Or, e-mail Riley@paws.org and we'll be happy to send you a copy.

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