Beckham's a True Athlete!

Beckham is a young (about 8 months) and handsome blue merle Australian Shepherd mix looking for an active home.

He would love to have your attention in the form of some basic obdience classes, as well as LOTS of playtime with other dogs to help burn off his energy. If you're always on the move, and looking for a pal to join you, Beckham might just be your guy!

He is neutered, microchipped and current on his shots. If you think Beckham might be a good match for you, come in to PAWS in Lynnwood to meet him.

A Return to the Wild for Lesser Scaup 11-0012

We featured Lesser Scaup 11-0012 as an animal in care back on January 21. I am happy to report that he has since completed his treatment and has been returned to his home in the wild.

On January 25, PAWS Wildlife Facilities Caretaker Jim Green and I drove the scaup to Silver Lake in Everett, WA. As we approached the shore, we could see the lake was teeming with waterfowl. Best of all, there was a raft (the scientific name for a flock of ducks in water) of eight or so Lesser Scaup about 100 yards offshore.

Standing on a floating dock, Jim removed the scaup from his transport carrier and placed him in the water. The bird swam away slowly at first, taking in the sights and sounds of the lake around him.

He soon noticed the other scaup nearby and took to the air, making a beeline for the small flock. He landed close to the flotilla, and immediately swam into the middle of it. Within a few seconds, Jim and I could no longer distinguish him from the other birds he had just joined.

Having successfully completed our task, we left the scaup to enjoy his newly restored freedom.

A Moving Letter from a Past Adopter

We love to hear updates on the animals we adopt out, and often have photos and letters mailed and e-mailed to us. Recently, we received this e-mail from Leslie that left tears in our eyes:

Dear PAWS,

I adopted a black kitten, Ebony, from your Lynnwood facility in July of 2004 as a first birthday present for my other cat, Brando. For over 16 years, sweet Ebony was by my side through the ups & downs of life. From a serious car accident, to Brando's death from FIP at age 4, to moving from Seattle to Arizona (just her & me), to getting married and adding another cat, two dogs, and kids to our family.

Sadly, Ebony crossed the rainbow bridge last night after battling kidney disease for over a year. I am volunteer cat caregiver at Friends For Life in Gilbert, AZ and often wonder what becomes of the cats in my care who find forever homes. I'm sure there are some at PAWS who wonder the same thing so I hope this letter answers one of those questions.

Ebony had a good, long life with me and was a wonderful companion. She will be missed greatly by the many whose lives she touched. Thank you for enriching my life with this adoption and for all that you do for these animals.

-Leslie

Our condolences go to Leslie and her family on their loss, but we also send our thanks. Thank you, Leslie, for giving Ebony a loving home her entire life. We do indeed wonder about the animals that were once in our care, and always strive to make such a wonderful match and enrich two lives (human and animal) in the process.

Wildlife in Care: Common Goldeneye 11-0052

On January 19, a woman in Everett spotted this young Common Goldeneye walking down the sidewalk in her neighborhood. The bird was clearly out of his element, and he was being pursued by a cat. She rescued the goldeneye and brought him to PAWS. During his intake examination, our wildlife rehabilitator on duty found that the duck had several lesions on his feet and lower legs.

Since there was no body of water near where the goldeneye was found, we suspect this bird was what we refer to as a “road-strike.” From the air, the surface of wet pavement looks very much like the surface of a body of water. Waterfowl are often fooled by this appearance and attempt to land.

They expect to hit the forgiving surface of water, so they come in fast and end up hitting the pavement hard. Their feet and legs suffer lacerations and abrasions, they are stunned and they occasionally suffer broken bones as well. In addition, if they are a species that can only take flight by first running on top of the water, they may not be able to get airborne from dry land.

Young, inexperienced birds are especially susceptible to becoming road-strike victims, and this goldeneye is a male that is less than a year old. So far he is alert and feisty, and doing well in PAWS’ care.

Cat City Felines Go Hollywood at The Seattle Weekly

After a wonderful grand opening this month, our Cat City residents are still putting on a show in the University District.  Check out these wonderful pictures taken by Weekly photographer Joe Dyer!

The Seattle Weekly Cat City Slide Show

Walkin' Dogs #3

Mr. Max. Labrador Retriever.

He's a good guy who loves attention, and with that face, knows how to get it.

 

Finn. Husky/Canaan Dog mix.

This guy loves to jump. HIGH! Bounce a tennis ball in front of him and watch him catch it mid air on the drop. I have a feeling he could be a frisbee champion.

Canaan Dog

Wildlife in Care: Anna’s Hummingbird 11-0050

A woman in Seattle found this male Anna’s Hummingbird sitting on her doorstep January 20.

The bird seemed to be in shock and didn’t attempt to fly away. She brought him to PAWS where the hummingbird was examined by our wildlife rehabilitator and veterinarian on duty. They discovered some hemorrhage and swelling in his left eye. He likely suffered the injury by colliding with a window.

Despite his injury, the hummingbird was doing well as of this writing. Although he was still a little bit lethargic, he was able to fly and feed himself.

If all goes well he should be released back into the wild within a week or two.

Wildlife in Care: Evening Grosbeak 11-0046

On January 18, a man in Bothell discovered this Evening Grosbeak sitting on the ground in his yard. When he moved in closer to investigate, the bird attempted to evade him on foot rather than flying away. The man easily captured the bird and brought him to PAWS Wildlife Center.

At PAWS, a wildlife rehabilitator examined the grosbeak and discovered that both the radius and ulna (bones) in his left wing were fractured, while dried blood was present in his nares (nostrils). The cause of the injuries was unknown, but was most likely a collision with a house or car window.

We gave the bird supportive care and medication to reduce the swelling in his broken wing. His wing was then wrapped to immobilize the fracture and allow it to heal. As of this writing the grosbeak was doing well, and as you can see by the food on his beak in the accompanying photo, he has maintained a hearty appetite despite his ordeal.

Have you signed up for 2011 Humane Lobby Day yet?

Sign up today to attend Washington's Humane Lobby Day on February 17 and help preserve important protections for animals in 2011.

Given our current Washington State budget crisis, this year will be a defensive one for policy impacting animals. Your help preserving past victories, while gaining support for future animal protections, will be paramount this year.

PAWS and the Humane Society of the United States invite you to join us at Humane Lobby Day this year on February 17. Come together with other animal advocates in making a difference for animals in 2011.

At Humane Lobby Day you’ll learn about 2011 legislation that impacts animals. You’ll also get tips on meeting with your legislators. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to meet directly with your elected officials and their staff about important animal-related bills that matter to you.

Legislators tell us they want to hear more from you—the people who put them in office! You’d be surprised to know that a handful of citizens can literally change the course of a bill by simply connecting with their legislators about what matters to them.

Now is your chance to talk to your newly elected officials and incumbents in person. RSVP for Washington's Humane Lobby Day for a chance to meet your legislators and help shape future policy that impacts animals.

Wildlife in Care: Lesser Scaup 11-0012

On January 7, this male Lesser Scaup was found huddled alongside a road in Everett, WA. He was captured by Everett Animal Control who brought him to us at PAWS Wildlife Center.

The rehabilitator that performed the initial examination of the bird found two deep lacerations on the his neck. The wounds were consistent with the duck having been attacked by a predator.

PAWS Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. John Huckabee cleaned and dressed the duck’s wounds and has been monitoring the bird closely. Although he was severely depressed at admission, the scaup has shown marked improvement, and it is hoped that he will make a full recovery.