PAWS Mini Magazine Summer 2023

PAWS Connections

Owl Regains Silent Flight After 115 Days of Recovery at PAWS

In February of this year, a Seattle couple driving on a rainy highway north of Chelan spotted an injured bird in the middle of the road. Pulling over, they realized they found a great horned owl that was likely struck by a car; a visibly damaged right wing rendered the bird flightless. They decided to take action and find help for the owl, which was wrapped in a jacket for warmth while they traveled to a vacation cabin, making numerous phone calls in hopes of reaching a wildlife center or specialist to provide assistance.

After a series of unsuccessful calls, they dialed PAWS and were instructed to bring the owl in as soon as possible. The following morning, they traveled across a snowy Cascade pass and reached the PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood. The initial exam revealed that the right wing was broken and required an operation

— CONTINUED INSIDE

Shortly after release, the owl perches to assess its surroundings.

The owl spent nearly four months at PAWS recovering from a wing injury.

Youth’s Remarkable Impact: Making a Difference for Animals at PAWS

In our community, an inspiring trend has emerged that showcases the indomitable spirit and compassion of youth. Over 100 energetic and dedicated students this year have become heroes at PAWS, taking part in service projects that profoundly impact the lives of animals.

These compassionate change-makers work tirelessly on a range of initiatives, from fundraising to hands-on volunteer work. Their collective goal is to improve the lives of cats, dogs, and wildlife sheltered at PAWS. They organize events like lemonade stands, bake sales, and work parties, while wholeheartedly embracing their roles as animal advocates.

The impact of their work is awe-inspiring. Funds raised by these young philanthropists help cover the costs of caring for a diverse range of animals. Their dedication to organizing work parties brings joy and enrichment to sheltered animals, exemplified by wagging tails and warm purrs.

These projects also foster empathy, leadership, and responsibility

among the youth involved. The students learn the value of community service, empathy towards all living beings, and the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

The impressive work of youth in our community, dedicated to serving animals in need, sets a powerful example for future generations. It demonstrates that even the youngest members of society can be catalysts for change, positively impacting the lives of voiceless creatures. As these young visionaries continue to inspire us, we can confidently entrust the future of our community, both for its people and its animals, into their capable and compassionate hands.

For more content related to these stories, visit paws.org/Summer2023.

Cover Story — continued

to ensure that it would heal properly. Not only would the owl have to regain the ability to fly, but the flight would have to be completely silent so the stealthy predator could hunt effectively once back in its natural habitat.

The operation was performed successfully, but the recovery process extended the owl’s stay at PAWS to 115 days. Once the wildlife team conducted a final evaluation by monitoring for sound while the wings were in motion, they cleared the owl for a return to the wild. In early June, the now-healthy bird was transported back to the region where it was found for a nocturnal release along the banks of the Entiat River.

PAWS’ team was joined by several guests, including the owl’s finders and a reporter from a local newspaper. At 9 p.m., the carrier door was opened and the owl immediately, and silently, flew to a bare branch of a nearby cottonwood tree. A short time later, it took one last look around to assess the surroundings and quietly disappeared into the night.

For more content related to these stories, visit paws.org/Summer2023.

The PAWS wildlife team performs surgery on the owl’s wing after a suspected vehicle strike.

Students coming together for a service day to help PAWS.

Wi illow’s journey started over two thousand miles away from PAWS, in an overcrowded Texas shelter where her chance of adoption was low and the threat of euthanasia high. Her luck improved when she was picked to be one of the dozens of animals transported to PAWS, where the prospect of finding a perfect home seemed promising. Luck, however, can be a fickle thing, and Willow’s first PAWS adopter returned her to the shelter, as did the second. The PAWS team was puzzled; her personality was goofy and sweet, and her demeanor mellow – what could be the issue?

After spending more time with Willow, the PAWS team discovered that she was unable to hear. Being deaf meant that Willow could be startled by other dogs she didn’t see approaching, and her reaction was sometimes uncharacteristically intense. She was also diagnosed with cruciate disease, a ligament disease affecting her knee. Armed with this new information, the shelter team took a different approach to interacting with Willow, using visual cues instead of relying on sound. Willow had no problems quickly mastering this new language and learning several commands.

Although deaf and dealing with a leg issue, Willow was an absolute superstar with other dogs at PAWS. She was patient and tolerant yet playful, and brought out the best in her canine playmates. Her favorite shelter game became chase, but when her leg slowed her down, she would seamlessly transition to wrestling on the ground with her new buddy.

After weeks at the shelter, new adopters undaunted by her special needs came in looking to bring a friend home to their existing dog. They immediately fell in love with Willow’s charm and followed up with an on-site introduction to their dog, Hercules. That meeting was an immediate success, and the two dogs hit it off like old pals. Willow was adopted that day and spoiled ever since.

Willow

Family falls in love with a special-needs dog with an unlucky past.

Her new family says, “Willow doesn’t let her deafness or cruciate disease keep her from enjoying life, whether that’s snuggles in bed or on the couch, zoomies at the beach, walks around downtown, or car rides to get a pup cup from Starbucks.” You can now say she’s one lucky dog!

For more content related to these stories, visit paws.org/Summer2023.

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

Willow enjoying an adventure in the woods.

Her inability to hear never slows her down.

Willow finally enjoying the comforts of home.

Third time’s a charm for

From the Heart

Dear PAWS Friends, PAWS was founded on a simple yet profound belief: every life is precious and deserving of love, care, and respect. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife, nursing them back to health and ultimately returning them to their natural habitats. Through wildlife rehabilitation, we play a critical part in preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems, fostering biodiversity, and ensuring future generations can witness the beauty of our planet’s native species.

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 14, Summer 2023

Editor in Chief: Mick Szydlowski

Writers: Mick Szydlowski, Bailey Serica

Graphic Designer: Lynn Jefferson

Photographers: Anthony Denice, Lynn Jefferson, Elliot Ralph

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

PAWS, PAWS Cat City, PAWSwalk, Kids

Who Care and PAWS Academy are service marks owned by the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). © 2023 Progressive Animal Welfare Society.

Privacy Policy: PAWS respects our donors’ and friends’ confidentiality. We never release our mailing list.

PAWS is a member magazine. Membership is available with a donation of $35 or more. For change of address notification, call (425) 412-4041.

PAWS Cat City: (206) 782-1700

5200 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite B Seattle, WA 98105

Beyond our wildlife rehabilitation efforts, PAWS also plays a crucial role in rescuing and rehoming domestic animals. Thousands of cats and dogs find themselves in overcrowded shelters in other states, facing uncertain futures. Through our extensive network of partnerships, we transfer these animals to our shelter, where they are provided

Board of Directors

Jen Evans, Chair Joe Grube, Vice Chair Kris Tsujikawa, Secretary Bob Mahon, Treasurer

Josh Amato, Norm Arkans, Rich Finlay, Joanna Grist, Heather Hager, Steve Hall, C. Han Kim, Jill Jones, Katie Jordan, Damian King, Ju Lee, Ammon McWashington, Eddie Pasatiempo, Strom Peterson, Jim Soriano, Chuck Stempler, Rebekah Strausbaugh, Karen Trujillo, 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

Volunteer Information x230

Wildlife Center x817

with the care they need to thrive. Finding loving homes for these animals not only saves their lives but also enriches the lives of the families who adopt them, creating bonds that last a lifetime.

None of this work would be possible without the unwavering support of individuals like you. Your advocacy, generous contributions, and volunteer efforts, enable PAWS to continue our mission and make a meaningful impact on the lives of countless animals. Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Together, we can create a world where every creature is cherished, and the bond between humans and animals is celebrated with compassion and understanding.

Sincerely,

Heidi Wills Yamada CEO

Give your old vehicle a new purpose and an abandoned animal a second chance! Donating your vehicle to PAWS is easy, convenient, and lifesaving. Avoid costly repairs and the hassle of selling, and get a deduction on your taxes. In return, you will help provide compassionate care for abandoned, injured, and orphaned animals.

Learn more at paws.org/vehicles.

Register online at paws.org/KidsEvents

9/14 | Caring Creatures: Ages 5-7 9/29 | PAWS for Cats and Dogs: Ages 7-9

Our Wild World: Ages 9-11

PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada