PAWS Mini Magazine Fall 2023

PAWS Connections

PAWS educational programs bring youth face to face with shelter animals like Lola.

PAWS Education Team Inspiring Compassionate Action for Animals

T

he PAWS Education Team is leaving an indelible mark on the lives of 2,000 children every year in South Snohomish County. Their mission: to instill a passion for responsible pet care and respecting our wild neighbors. At the core of this mission are three distinct programs that cater to a diverse range of students.

Kids Who CareSM: This comprehensive six-week program targets 4th-grade students across fifteen elementary schools, with more joining soon. Through Kids Who Care, the team empowers young minds to become responsible pet owners, cultivate empathy towards animals, and appreciate the significance of wildlife preservation. Students are encouraged to reflect on their actions, fostering a deep sense of commitment to the natural world.

— CONTINUED INSIDE

Hands-on activities are the cornerstone of each program.

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PAWS Extends Helping Paw to Cats from Maui

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n August, the PAWS Animal Shelter in Lynnwood opened its doors to an uplifting rescue mission. In the wake of devastating wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, PAWS welcomed two transports of feline friends thanks to an enduring partnership with the Hawaii-based charity, Good Cat Network. PAWS has a longstanding history of collaboration with Good Cat Network, regularly receiving cats from Hawaii to give them a second chance at a loving home. However, the events of August brought a special urgency to do more.

The first transport brought seven precious kittens to PAWS, helping to clear Maui shelters to assist animals separated from owners in the wildfire. The second transport followed closely behind, delivering eleven more resilient cats in need.

One of our key priorities is to control the pet population through responsible spaying and neutering, and this mission was no different. Cats that arrived before undergoing this surgery received it at PAWS, ensuring that they won’t contribute to the cycle of overpopulation. The heartwarming outcome of this rescue effort was that all cats quickly found loving homes.

Welcoming Jiri, one of the new arrivals to PAWS.

The PAWS Animal Shelter and Good Cat Network exemplify the power of collaboration, extending a helping hand – or rather, a helping paw – across miles of ocean to give cats a brighter future. Through the continued partnership, more cats from Hawaii will find their way to loving homes in the Pacific Northwest, reminding us of the boundless capacity for compassion within the animal welfare community.

Cover Story — continued Summer Workshop Series: When summer arrives, PAWS Education offers a dynamic workshop series. These workshops, steeped in the value of respect, invite students ages 5 to 17 to engage in service-based learning experiences. Beyond theoretical knowledge, participants gain practical skills such as public speaking and leadership to empower them to take action and make a difference for animals in their community.

Year-Round Programs: Throughout the school year, the team conducts programs at PAWS that alternate between focusing on pets and wildlife. In an environment built on trust, participants role-play as veterinarians, create native plant habitats, courageously discuss topics related to the lives of animals at PAWS, and more.

At the heart of every program is a goal of bringing a positive attitude and behavior change in young minds while emphasizing a dedication to cultural sensitivity. The Education Team customizes instruction to resonate with each student, fostering an atmosphere of inclusion and respect for diverse values and backgrounds.

PAWS Education Manager, Bailey Serica and Wildlife Admissions Specialist, Sam Sanchez, interact with the next generation of compassionate animal lovers.

To learn more about the PAWS Education Program, or to sign up for a program, please visit: paws.org/KidsEvents.

Take Action: If you’re interested in involving the youth in your life in these transformative programs, reach out to the PAWS Education Team today. Contact us at education@paws.org to explore how a child can participate in our educational programs and make a positive impact on our planet. Join us in nurturing a generation that embodies the values of responsibility and compassion towards animals and the natural world.

Tulalip Beaver returns to the wild

“It was also a reminder that we humans have a responsibility to protect and preserve these vital creatures and the fragile ecosystem that we are also a part of.” — Anthony Denice, PAWS Naturalist

L

ast April, tribal police officers patrolling the roadways of the Tulalip Indian Reservation west of Marysville were contacted by a homeowner who observed an adult American beaver slowly limping across their backyard. The animal was clearly injured, having likely been hit by a passing car. The officers captured the beaver and transported her to the PAWS Wildlife Center for medical treatment.

Once in the care of the PAWS team, the weakend beaver was assessed for injuries.

This process included radiographs that revealed a fractured rib and fibula, as well as a cracked tooth and several soft tissue wounds of the head. With this knowledge, a treatment plan was set and the beaver spent four weeks undergoing rehabilitation and

PAWS wildlife staff examine a radiograph of the beaver’s injured leg.

The rehabilitated beaver takes to the water moments after release.

monitoring. During her stay at PAWS, she displayed a fondness for an occasional apple treat that complemented her steady diet of branches and greens.

In early May, after a month of expert care, PAWS Wildlife Naturalist Anthony Denice drove the healthy beaver 20 miles north to the release site on the Tulalip Reservation where she was found, but in a natural location away from dangerous roads and other human-made hazards. Anthony was joined by PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada, as well as two Tulalip Beaver Project biologists and Tulalip Tribes Council Member Melvin Sheldon, Jr., who has served on the Tulalip Tribes Board of Directors for over fifteen years.

When the animal carrier was opened, the beaver confidently returned to the wilderness without a trace of her past injuries. Anthony Denice recalls the mood at the release, “Working with the Tulalip Tribe to return the rehabilitated beaver back to her natural habitat was an inspiring experience for our entire team. It was also a reminder that we humans have a responsibility to protect and preserve these vital creatures and the fragile ecosystem that we are also a part of.”

Beaver dams are an important resource for wildlife and plants in Washington state, creating nesting sites for birds and fostering the growth of shrubs where trees are cut

Tulalip Tribes Council Member, Melvin Sheldon, Jr., helps PAWS naturalist, Anthony Denice, position the carrier before the release.

down. While these ecosystem engineers can live up to 12 years in the wild, sadly beavers are one of the most sought-after furbearers in North America and their population was decimated by trappers in the 1800s.

Legislation protecting furbearing mammals and penalizing unlawful traps has helped the species to rebound across most of its historic range.

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!

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From the Heart Dear PAWS Friends, I’d like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for the unwavering dedication of those who help the animals at PAWS. We could not do the life-saving work we provide every day without support from our community, especially from our generous donors and amazing volunteers.

We are fortunate to have over one thousand volunteers who are essential to our mission-based work. Their commitment is awe-inspiring. From ensuring the cleanliness and maintenance of our facilities to providing direct animal care, their hard work sets the standard for excellence.

PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada

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 15, Fall 2023 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.

Time is valuable resource, and so is funding. With inflation, our costs are increasing in order to provide basic medical care and food for animals who are in need. We sincerely appreciate every donation which allows PAWS to continue to serve the

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

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.

CEO

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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

people and animals in our community who rely on our services.

If you know of anyone interested in volunteering at PAWS, we need more help. There are a variety of duties, such as walking dogs, maintaining kennels, and nurturing hatchlings in our baby bird nursery. Foster volunteers can help PAWS from home by taking in dogs and cats for a temporary period, making it possible for PAWS to serve more animals. We also need assistance with our fundraising events including PAWSwalk, PAWS Wild Night, and dozens of community events.

Volunteer and donor support are crucial to PAWS. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of countless animals.

Sincerely, Heidi Wills Yamada CEO

Mark your calendars for

GivingTuesday on November 28, 2023!

This GivingTuesday, become a lifeline for a homeless animal. Don’t want to wait? Your early gift can help save animals like Nutmeg. Kick off the holiday season by making tails wag and hearts purr at paws.org/givingtuesday.

You play a pivotal role in transforming their future into one filled with hope.

Make your gift today at paws.org/givingtuesday

Don’t Miss These Events PAWS Youth Programs

Register online at paws.org/KidsEvents Creatures: 11/4 | Caring Ages 5-7 for Cats and Dogs: 11/15 | PAWS Ages 7-9 Wild World: 12/7 | Our Ages 9-11

Capture the holiday spirit with

Santa P ws PHOTO CONTEST

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Share your festive photos of your furry companions starting December 1st for a chance to win!

PAWS.org/SantaPAWS