From the heart

Dear Friends,

Wouldn't it be wonderful if every time you turned on the news it was good news?

That's how I feel working at PAWS. Day after day there is an inspiring story of survival and triumph for an animal in our care.

It's not that we are exempt from the bad news. We see many animals who suffer in various ways. A sweet dog comes to us neglected and abused, a yearling bear cub loses his mother, a litter of tiny kittens is abandoned behind a dumpster, a goose is painfully tangled in discarded fishing line.

When these things occur, PAWS' compassionate, expert staff and dedicated volunteers step into action. We give each animal needed medical care, enrichment and attention, and work diligently to provide the second chance they so deserve. We feel joy when we see the wagging tail of a dog as she goes home with her new family, or an eagle fly away as we release him healthy and strong back to the wild. That's what keeps us going.

In the first three months of this year, we've cared for close to 900 animals. I often share the animals' stories with you - like the many different species of wild baby birds we care for at PAWS, or the older dog we match with a senior who longs for companionship.

In this issue, read about Buckley on the back cover who got his new beginning when PAWS took him in from another shelter where he'd lingered for six long months without finding a home. And Charlie (now Tigger) who has found his forever home with the Stantons (page 6).

All of our success stories have one thing in common - you. They are made possible by you, and others who continually support PAWS in our life-saving work. Because of you, I have the honor of hearing good news every day, and in this issue I am pleased to share some of that good news with you.

With gratitude,

Annette Laico
Executive Director