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.

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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.

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.