From the heart

Dear friends,

It's that time of year again—the sky is clearing, tulips are appearing—and babies of all shapes, sizes and species begin fl owing through PAWS' doors.

This year, PAWS will be able to respond to the infl ux of babies more efficiently and effectively than ever. In January we celebrated the opening of our new PAWS Cat City location in the University District. This new space is larger and brighter, and has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of cat and kitten adoptions. In January and February alone, PAWS Cat City found homes for 109 cats, which included seven seniors and 34 kittens—a more than 30% increase over the same time period last year!

At PAWS Wildlife Center, the diversity of baby animals arriving at our doors—and their varying environmental, dietary and medical needs—is dizzying. Last year, our wildlife center cared for more than 153 different species. Many of these animals were admitted to PAWS because they were orphaned at a young age. Sometimes, however, well intentioned individuals bring babies to us believing them to have been abandoned, when in fact their parents were simply out foraging. Be sure to read our tips about how to determine whether a wild baby is truly in need of help.

More than two-thirds of the many thousands of animals we care for each year are babies. We nearly double our workforce with dedicated volunteers to provide the most basic needs for these young ones, and many others. From bear cubs to kittens, 40 or more different diets are prepared each day, lifesaving surgeries are performed, little ones are bottle-fed and kept warm—it's a whirlwind of activity and a responsibility we don't take lightly. If you have the desire to work alongside our staff and help us care for these little ones, please take a moment to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for being a part of this important work of saving lives.

With gratitude,

Annette Laico
Executive Director