PAWS Mini Magazine Spring 2024

Casper’s Transformation:

Shy Stray to Laid-back Lap Cat

In the heartwarming tale of Casper, a 6-year-old, 14-pound former stray cat, the journey from recluse to beloved lap cat is nothing short of enchanting. Casper’s remaking began when he found his way to the PAWS Companion Animal Shelter in September of last year. He arrived as an unclaimed outdoor cat, although he was not famished due to feedings by area homeowners who regularly left food out for him. Caper’s intake evaluation describes his shy and bolty demeanor, which is understandable given the drastic change in his environment.

Throughout the initial part of his shelter stay, Casper remained timid, but beneath that reserved exterior laid his sweet nature waiting to be discovered. Those who took the time to connect with him witnessed the emergence of

Cat room volunteer, Craig Johnson, giving Casper extra attention to help the former stray overcome his nervousness.

Casper enjoying a cozy blanket while patiently waiting for his future adopter at PAWS. This once fearful feline quickly became a staff favorite.

Registration Open for Youth Programs

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable educational journey this summer? PAWS has what you’re searching for! As educators deeply passionate about fostering both academic growth and a love for animals, we are thrilled to share the exciting opportunity for middle and high school-aged children to participate in our summer educational programs.

At PAWS, we believe in the power of experiential learning, and there’s no better way to engage young minds than through handson experiences with companion animals and wildlife. Our programs are designed to blend learning with service, instilling valuable life skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the animals.

Imagine your child spending their summer days immersed in a world of wildlife wonder, learning about animal behavior, care, and conservation in an interactive and fun environment. From participating in educational workshops to engaging with the diverse array of animals under our care, every moment at PAWS is an opportunity for growth and discovery.

However, it’s not just about academics; it’s about creating lasting memories and forging connections that will shape your child’s outlook of the world. Through service-learning projects and animal

interactions, participants develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards all living beings.

Why wait? Register your child or the special young person in your life for an enriching summer experience at PAWS today! Together, let’s inspire a new generation of animal lovers and conservationists while creating unforgettable summer memories that will last a lifetime.

Cover Story — continued

a potential cuddler. A significant part of this transformation is credited to the dedicated efforts of the PAWS Cat Team, a group of individuals committed to the behavioral well-being of shelter cats. What made Casper a standout favorite among this group was his unparalleled sweetness that required a bit of clever coaxing. Often overlooked due to his withdrawn nature, Casper thrived in the company of those who took time to interact with him. This not only restored his trust of human interactions, but also showcased his charms to potential adopters.

Craig Johnson, a long-time Cat Team volunteer, became a crucial figure in Casper’s journey. Craig recalls, “I made him a personal project and I spent a lot of time with him, which is what was required.” Casper’s progress was a testament to the patience and dedication invested by Craig during multiple weekly shifts. For example, Casper’s reluctance to eat was met with a personalized approach, including hand feedings to gain trust and build confidence. Craig states, “confidence is key to getting cats adopted, and addressing eating habits is equally crucial for their well-being.”

As Casper’s story unfolded, the entire Cat Team contributed to his progress. Their collective efforts ensured that Casper not only found his way into the hearts of those who cared for him, but also into the forever home he deserved. Casper, once a shy stray, was adopted in December and is now a living testament to the transformative power of love and dedication found at PAWS.

A confident Casper popping out from his cozy cat bed to tease the photographer.

PAWS educational programs mix learning and fun; it’s a recipe for success!

Bald eagles, once on the brink of extinction in North America, have made a remarkable comeback that demonstrates the power of unified conservation efforts. While no longer threatened, they face numerous humancaused perils, including car strikes, the ingestion of rodenticides and lead, and illegal poaching. On July 5th of last year, PAWS admitted a female bald eagle that was victim to a senseless act; she was shot on July 4th and discovered flightless by a Burien homeowner the following morning. Vanessée Lindo, the finder, recalls the moment she saw the eagle in a corner of her back yard, “When she raised her wing, I could see blood on her, and I knew she wasn’t going to leave. She needed help.”

In addition to the gunshot wound which

Tragedy to Triumph:

Shot Bald Eagle Soars Again after 83 Days of Rehabilitation

“She few out close to the ground, gradually gaining altitude up and into the forest trees, where she perched and looked back to us all grinning with joy.”

—Peter Gros, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

caused a fracture in her left wing, the subadult eagle also tested positive for elevated levels of lead, necessitating a regimen of chelation therapy. Chelation is a medical process that uses special medicine delivered via food to remove heavy metals and minerals from the body. These agents bind to metal ions in the bloodstream, forming stable, watersoluble compounds that can be excreted through urine.

During care, the PAWS wildlife team performed two separate surgeries to remove fragments of bone and projectile from the wound area, and implemented a weekly regimen of physical therapy to extend the injured left wing through its normal range of motion to ensure both wings would move with symmetry once the bird healed and resumed flights. After two and a half months of care and recovery at PAWS, the eagle was cleared for release back to the wild.

The PAWS team was joined by a film crew from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom television show, which returned to NBC in October, 60 years after its original network TV debut. The show’s hosts, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae WynnGrant, were present during the final days of preparation before the September 26th release date and ventured to the release site along Puget Sound. Peter Gros summarized the moment the eagle was set free back to her natural home, “She flew out close to the ground, gradually gaining altitude up and

into the forest trees, where she perched and looked back to us all grinning with joy.” Dr. Rae added, “The trip was a success, our eagle is back circling over Seattle, and our episode is guaranteed to warm your heart.”

Watch this eagle’s remarkable journey at paws.org/WildKingdom

Thank you for making these success stories possible with your support of PAWS!

You can help save another animal in need with a gift today!

paws.org

Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen and vet extern AJ Frank bandage the anesthetized eagle’s wounded left wing.

The female bald eagle healing and regaining her strength inside a flight pen at the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

The bald eagle perches in a tree shortly after being released.

From the Heart

PAWS’ Promise

PAWS helps cats, dogs and wild animals go home and thrive. We do this by rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals.

PAWS

mini magazine

Issue 16, Spring 2024

Editor in Chief: Mick Szydlowski

Writers: Mick Szydlowski, Bailey Serica

Graphic Designer: Lynn Jefferson

Photographers: Anthony Denice, Lynn Jefferson, Elliott Ralph

PAWS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies on community support to conduct our work to help animals.

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Dear PAWS Friends,

I am thrilled to share a momentous announcement with you. After 15 years and a $47.5 million investment, we are ecstatic to reveal the grand opening of the new PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Snohomish, just off Highway 9. This transformative project, initiated in 2009, marks a significant milestone in our mission to rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals. Our new 25-acre campus is a testament to the incredible support from our staff, board members, volunteers, and PAWS supporters who have made this vision a reality.

The new facility is equipped with features designed to enhance the care and rehabilitation of wildlife. Moving the wildlife center from our 3.5-acre site in Lynnwood to this expansive Snohomish location has allowed us to introduce a state-of-the-art hospital, innovative recovery enclosures, including a circular flight track for raptors, spacious outdoor

Board of Directors

Joe Grube, Chair

Jen Evans, Vice Chair

C. Han Kim, Treasurer

Katie Jordan, Secretary

Josh Amato, Norm Arkans, Joanna Grist, Heather Hager, Steve Hall, Jill Jones, Damian King, Ju Lee, Bob Mahon, Eddie Pasatiempo, Strom Peterson, Jim Soriano, Peter Schrappen, Chuck Stempler, Rebekah Strausbaugh, Karen Trujillo, Kris Tsujikawa, Muriel Van Housen, Jennie Warmouth, Erica Wolf

CEO

Heidi Wills Yamada

PAWS

15305 44th Ave W

PO Box 1037

Lynnwood, WA 98046 paws.org

Contact PAWS: (425) 787-2500

Adoption Information x435

Animal Cruelty x861

Donor Relations x441

Foster Care Program x822

Hours and Address x410

Lost Pets x567

Found Pets x580

areas for medium and large-sized carnivores, and a dedicated aquatics complex. These improvements mimic natural habitats, providing a more enriching rehabilitation experience for our patients.

The new PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is opening this spring, ushering in a new era of compassionate care. PAWS will continue to operate the companion animal shelter and offer educational programs at the existing Lynnwood campus. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of animals.

Sincerely,

Heidi Wills Yamada CEO

PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center 13508 State Route 9 SE Snohomish, WA 98296

Spring into action for animals in need during GiveBIG on May 7 and 8! Kickstart your impact with early giving beginning April 23. Join us to transform lives like Koko’s and make a life-saving difference. Every dollar counts.

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PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada (center), PAWS Board Member Steve Hall (left), and Mario Campos (right) of Jones & Jones Architects, visit the new PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Snohomish.