PAWS Connections
A Neglected Dog
Porkchop when he arrived at PAWS on May 9, barely able to walk due to extreme neglect.
Gets a Second Chance
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orkchop the Pittopotamus immediately touched the hearts of everyone at PAWS when he arrived as “Melvin” on a May 9 transport after being seized from a neglectful home and then cared for by our rescue partner, New Beginnings For Merced County Animals. In pain and barely able to walk, his nails had grown into his paw pads and he was terribly overweight. His coat showed further neglect as it was dry and scaly, and was even cracking and bleeding in spots. He immediately caught the eye of Crystal, a wonderful animal lover who also happens to be a veterinarinary technician, and that’s when Melvin became Porkchop the Pittopotamus. His family sent this update shortly after adopting him: “…Like seriously, the best dog ever. He’s doing well on his diet and is starting to get a waist! When he finishes a meal, he has started kicking his bowl or carrying the empty bowl around in his mouth. He is SO subtle. He is PERFECT with the three cats, and two of them have their eyes on him for new BFF status.”
Upon learning how well he was doing, the PAWSwalk team asked Porkchop’s family if he would be the official spokespup for the event. Knowing his story would inspire animal lovers and help other dogs like him, they happily agreed. PAWS’ supporters followed Porkchop on his own Twitter handle @PAWSspokespup as he shared his 5k training regimen and encouraged them to fundraise. Outfitted in a spiffy rain jacket and alternating between walking and hitching a ride in his special wagon, Porkchop received a hero’s welcome at PAWSwalk on September 16 at Magnuson Park. He took the stage in recognition for his brave efforts to overcome challenges and move people to help animals who need a voice. You can continue to follow Porkchop on his popular Instagram page @porkchopthepittopotamus. He has 300 followers (and growing) who tune in to see him rolling in the grass, cuddling with his cat siblings, and — CONTINUED INSIDE
Please deliver to a friend of animals at this address. 15305 44th Ave W PO Box 1037 Lynnwood, WA 98046 paws.org
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Cover Story - continued spending time as an office dog at Northpointe Animal Hospital in Lynnwood. Finally, Porkchop has the love he deserves and access to the best medical care, including coconut oil massages and medications for a heart murmur. Crystal summed up her plan for this big hunk of love: “He is certainly going to be spoiled in the best ways for the rest of his life.”
Follow his Instagram page Porkchop’s Instagram @porkchopthepittopotamus has 300 followers. This brave pup serves as an ambassador for bully breeds and embodies the resilient spirit of adopted animals. LEFT: Porkchop stole the hearts of PAWSwalkers and later took the stage to be recognized for his role as PAWSwalk Spokespup on September 16 at Magnuson Park.
Jake’s Successful Food Truck
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hoever said “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” was likely thinking of people like Tammy and her son Jake. Jake is so moved by his love for animals that he spent a long summer day at his brother’s baseball tournament selling homemade brownies, blondies and lemonade to raise funds for PAWS. As if all the preparation, sign-making, and selling that went into “Jake’s Food Truck” wasn’t enough, he also kicked in funds from hamster-sitting for the neighbors. His philanthropic parents matched what Jake raised. And, because mom Tammy works for the Gates Foundation which triples employees’ donations to nonprofits, the final contribution to PAWS, inspired and led by Jake, was…drumroll please…$500! Did we say Jake is seven years old? Charitable giving at a young age runs in the family. When mom Tammy was 13, she requested that her bat mitzvah money go to help animals in need. Her grandpa made a donation to PAWS and Tammy kept the hilarious note that thanked her for the gift in honor of a bat named "Mitzvah." Tammy says Jake’s interest in animals was stoked from birth by his bond with Lucas, a 13-year-old dog adopted from PAWS. “PAWS is a cause that makes sense to Jake because Lucas is from PAWS, and he cares for all animals, both companion animals and wildlife.” Jake presents PAWS Education Coordinator Katie Amrhein with a check.
When Tammy added up the size of Jake’s gift,
Jake’s Food Truck sold out at his brother’s baseball tournament.
she contacted PAWS to see if he could personally present the check. PAWS Education Coordinator Katie Amrhein was honored to take the family – mom, dad, brother Nate, and Jake – on the “VIP Tour” of the PAWS Lynnwood Campus. Jake was thrilled to discover from his visit to the PAWS Wildlife Center that he raised enough money to care for a Harbor Seal for a month. After giving to PAWS, this generous family turned around and thanked us for giving Jake the opportunity to “feel that he made an impact and did something important that mattered.”
To see additional content on this story, visit paws.org/Fall18.
The rescued seal pup swims in a recovery pool at PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood.
Good Intentions
Put Seal Pup in Danger
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ur latest success story out of PAWS Wildlife Center comes with a sincere thanks to donors who provide the resources to help animals in need, and a warning to well-intentioned beach goers. They may look vulnerable, but the Harbor Seal pups you see on our Washington beaches don’t need your help; in fact, your help can cause harm. “This is pretty common. Every year, we get orphaned animals that have had some sort of human disturbance,” explains Jeff Brown, PAWS Wildlife Naturalist. It usually doesn’t go as far as what happened to a days-old seal pup transported to PAWS in mid-June. A tourist spotted him on the beach in Ocean Shores, picked him up, and placed him in a hotel room bathtub. Without proper care by a licensed rehabilitator, both the seal and the public were put at risk.
The tiny seal at his initial exam.
Fortunately, authorities were contacted and the seal was brought to PAWS. “The pup came in very dehydrated because of being away from mom for so long and unable to get the nourishment he needed," explains Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen, a PAWS veterinarian who worked to rehabilitate the seal. “It was a little touch-and-go in the beginning—he had wounds on his back and metabolic imbalances that were concerning,” Rosenhagen says. But the little fighter hit his stride during his two-month stay at PAWS - eating up a storm of fish and putting on a very healthy 40 pounds. The extra pounds are additional insurance for acclimation back to the wild.
PAWS veterinarians examine the pup’s wounds and deliver medicine to combat seizures and dehydration.
On a sunny summer day at the end of August, Brown, a wildife intern, and a reporter from KIRO News loaded up the juvenile and headed out for the three-hour trip from PAWS Lynnwood Campus to a secluded beach in Ocean Shores. As the reporter wistfully noted, “He stuck around for a while and then he was gone.” Harbor Seals spend about half their life on land. They “haul out” (move to land) to rest, warm up, digest food, or avoid predators. Please be mindful of our marine mammal friends on beaches and give them at least 100 yards of space, especially during the pupping season between April and October. Harbor Seals don’t move very fast on land and can’t always get away from curious or excited pets. Call NOAA at (866) 767-6114 if you are concerned the animal is in distress.
After 75 days in care, the healthy seal pup was released August 30 on a beach at Ocean Shores.
Thank you for making
this wildlife release possible with your support of PAWS!
To see additional video footage related to this story, visit paws.org/Fall18.
From the heart Dear Friends, Welcome to the new PAWS mini magazine! Change can be wonderful, and in the case of PAWS mini magazine we hope you agree our new format is a refreshing update. Our goal is to share several compelling stories about the work you’ve helped make possible as a PAWS supporter. Should these stories draw you in to learn more, we will always direct you to the website for additional videos, photos and content. Each issue will demonstrate the impact you are helping to make possible in the three areas of our mission: companion animal adoption, wildlife rehabilitation, and education. You can expect to find our colorful PAWS mini magazine in your mailbox three times a year, starting with this inaugural issue. A nice bonus: going from 16 pages to four will save trees and reduce waste.
PAWS’ Mission PAWS is a champion for animals — rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people.
PAWS
mini magazine Issue 1, Fall/Winter 2018 Editor in Chief: Laura Follis Associate Editor: Amanda Van Kleeck Writer: Laura Follis Graphic Designer: Lynn Jefferson Photographers: Adam Householder, Chris Burch, Laura Follis, Jeff Brown PAWS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies on community support to carry out our work to help animals. PAWS, PAWS Cat City, PAWSwalk, and Bark in the Park are service marks owned by the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). © 2018 Progressive Animal Welfare Society. Privacy Policy: PAWS respects our donors’ and friends’ confidentiality. Although on rare occasion we may send you materials from another organization, 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 425.787.2500, x261.
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Ann-Marie Archer, Christy Cheever, Jennifer Evans, Jill Jones, Damian King, Leila Kirske, Strom Peterson, Jaime Puracal, Jennie Warmouth
Chief Executive Officer Annette Laico
PAWS
15305 44th Ave W PO Box 1037 Lynnwood, WA 98046 paws.org Contact PAWS: 425.787.2500 Adoption Information x435 Animal Cruelty x861 Donations x652 Foster Care Program x822 Hours and Address x410 Lost and Found Pets x565 Volunteer Information x230 Wildlife Center x817 PAWS Cat City: 206.782.1700 5200 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite B Seattle, WA 98105
With gratitude,
Annette Laico Chief Executive Officer
PAWSwalk 2018
Board of Directors
Leslie Chandler, President Batur Oktay, Vice President Karen Trujillo, Secretary Dora Leung, Treasurer
With Thanksgiving around the corner, I’d like to express our deep appreciation for generous supporters like you who allow us to help even more animals in need. This new PAWS mini magazine is for you, so please let me know what you think of it. You can reach me at alaico@paws.org.
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undreds of animal lovers— and nearly as many dogs— cheerfully braved heavy rainfall at the 27th annual PAWSwalk, held September 16 at Magnuson Park in Seattle. More than $156,000 was raised for animals in need. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated and Sherrill Miller, Client Manager at Vivacity, takes a special shout out to our a break from her PAWSwalk booth to get a Bulldog-sized kiss from her dog Katie. major sponsors.
Presenting sponsor
Give Them A Home For The Holidays Your gift today will give a fresh start and a new future to homeless and orphaned animals this holiday season. Donate at paws.org/HomeForTheHolidays