News and Notes

Puppy mill dogs find forever homes

The 34 American Eskimo Dogs PAWS rescued from a puppy mill raid near Kennewick, Washington earlier this summer, were scared, filthy, undernourished, in need of medical attention and very unsure about people.

It was heartbreaking to see such fear and witness their condition after years of neglect and living in cramped cages. After receiving medical attention and lots of loving care in the hands of PAWS' foster homes, staff and volunteers, a very different story of love, patience and care can now be told. Only a handful of the dogs still await their forever homes while all of the others have been adopted. These dogs are now fluffy and snowy white, playing and bonding with their new human families.

PAWS' role in the Federation expands

In October, PAWS' Executive Director Annette Laico was elected incoming president of the Washington State Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies. Annette has been on the board since 2006 and has served as the vice president for the last two years. PAWS' Director of Companion Animal Services, Kay Joubert, and Scott Chandler, Cowlitz Humane Society, were elected to the board.

The Federation is comprised of more than 60 animal care and control agencies from around the state, dedicated to humane treatment of animals in
Washington State through legislation, training, programs and support services. Board members assist colleagues with shelter design, program development, training, and animal care and control resources.

2010 legislative preview

The 2010 Washington State legislative session begins in January and will last for 60 days. PAWS has already been busy preparing for work on a bill that would ban the public from feeding certain wild animals, and another that would help low-income people get their pets spayed or neutered. We will also continue to monitor activity on other legislation impacting animals. You can prepare for the 2010 session by visiting paws.org to sign up for PAWS' Actionline e-newsletter to receive alerts on animal-related legislation that needs your voice.

PAWS to host NWRA Symposium

The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) Symposium will be hosted by PAWS Wildlife Center March 9-13, 2010 in Bellevue, Washington at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This five-day educational event attracts hundreds of rehabilitators from across the country to learn the latest in wildlife care and rehabilitation techniques, veterinary medicine, behavior and natural history, caging, enrichment, educational tools
and administrative ideas. PAWS invites you to participate in this incredible educational and networking opportunity. Visit paws.org or nwrawildlife.org for more information.

Educating Circus Goers

Sadly, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus was back in town this September at Kent's new Showare Center and Everett's Comcast Arena. Thanks to a group of compassionate volunteers, PAWS was able to again educate circus goers about the inherent cruelty circus animals endure, giving them a different perspective on supporting entertainment that uses animals. We handed out more than 1,600 educational cards to circus
goers in both locations that directed people to more in-depth information about circus animal exploitation.

Vaux's Swifts return to Monroe

PAWS participated again this year in Swift Night Out in Monroe on September 12. More than 1,000 visitors came to watch the amazing, acrobatic performance of more than 3,000 migrating Vaux's Swifts. The swifts roost in an elementary school chimney twice a year in preparation for their spring and fall migrations.

PAWS Kids Workshops are here!

Do you know kids who love animals? PAWS' workshops were made just for them. Choose from two exciting workshops filled with interactive games
and crafts. Crazy about Cats and Canines emphasizes an appreciation of cats and dogs, an understanding of pet behavior, and includes a visit from a furry PAWS ambassador. Wild Wonders emphasizes an appreciation of wild animals in Washington State and ways kids can help them. PAWS can also arrange a workshop for a private group of 10 to 15 young people (i.e., a girl/boy scout troop). For more information, go online, e-mail education@paws.org or call 425.787.2500 x258.

Do you know a champion for animals?

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond for animals? If your answer is yes, we invite you to nominate that person for the PAWS Champion of the Year award. The winner of the award for outstanding service and compassion toward animals will be honored at PAWS'
annual gala, Wild Night, held in March.