Catapalooza a “Cat-tastic” Success

Catapalooza’s two-day event ROCKED with a total of 130 cats and kittens finding forever homes. PAWS was among the nine shelters and rescues to offer cat lovers the chance to meet and interact with cats and kittens of every description.

Photo: A happy adopter with her new kitten at Catapalooza.

Our volunteers enjoyed seeing potential adopters visiting and playing with the kittens. Volunteer Marie Bailey described her favorite adoption of a feisty female kitten named Jersey. “Jersey was a small kitten with a lot of spunk” said Marie, “I was so happy to see her bond with her new family.” Jersey, it turns out, was a birthday present for Mom. The whole family came to Catapalooza to let Mom choose her gift—the best way to gift a loved one with a pet.

Whenever considering pets as gifts, PAWS recommends a gift certificate instead. Let the recipient come to the shelter and choose the pet themselves for the perfect match. You can pair the certificate with a fun gift basket full of all the things a new pet will need. PAWS has gift certificates available at our Lynnwood shelter and at PAWS Cat City in Seattle.

Cooper's Hawk Returns to the Wild

 

You may recall the story of the young Cooper's Hawk in PAWS's care that was featured in the August 13 PAWS blog.  I am happy to report that the bird is now flying free in the wild.  After she passed all of her pre-release tests, literally with flying colors, we released the hawk in a wooded area adjacent to the property on which she was found.  She was very anxious to go, and I barely managed to capture this single photo as she exited her release carrier and disappeared into the tree canopy above.  Having grown to be a strong, healthy and capable sub-adult bird during her time at PAWS, her chances for survival and a long, healthy life are excellent. 

Success for Seniors!

During our Love is Priceless adoption promotion in August, 20 senior cats found new homes! It often takes longer for senior cats to be adopted from animal shelters, so every time a feline in their golden years finds a forever home it’s very exciting for everyone at PAWS. Imagine how many celebrations we had in August when 20 senior cats went home with their new families!

Taylor was one such cat. He spent a total of 281 days at PAWS waiting for his perfect family. Taylor’s new dad reports that they are doing great, and Taylor is settling in very well – he even sleeps on the bed!

Hibiscus, a sweet 12-year-old, also found a new home during the month of August. We put together a video for her, but thankfully she found her new home before we were able to share it.  

Thanks to you, PAWS nearly doubled the number of senior cats who found homes compared to August of last year. Kudos to you for adopting, spreading the word, and otherwise supporting PAWS.

PAWSwalk is just one week away!

Walkin' Dogs: Charlie

Charlie – Golden Retriever – one year old

Charlie is the dictionary definition of golden retriever.  His tail always wagging, mouth always smiling, and eyes always wandering, he has one thing on his mind… PLAY!!! And more PLAY!!!

I always like to practice a few commands before opening a dog’s kennel door, to mostly just see what sort of pup I’ll be working with and to see how far along they are with their training. When I walk up to Charlie’s door this week he is spinning in circles chasing his tail until he notices me staring (and laughing hysterically) at him. He pauses for a second wondering what I think is so funny, but quickly realizes it’s time for a walk. As I open the door, he jumps up for a quick hug and kiss, but I ask him to keep “four on the floor”, a command he quickly obeys. It’s hard not to forgive him, as he is just a puppy after all, and his intentions were only that of love.

Once we’re out in the off-leash area, Charlie is both curious and excited about everything. He is the type of dog that just seems happy to be alive as he switches between chasing tennis balls, watching other dogs walk by and play-bowing in front of me wanting to tussle. He is eager to learn some more commands as he quickly listens to the ones he knows, and definitely has the capacity to learn quite a few more.

If there is one thing Charlie loves more than playing it’s people. Just like the dog from “Up,” once you pet Charlie a few times it’s very clear he’s thinking, “I just met you, and I loooooove you” as his tongue starts slobbering all over your arms and face. He is going to immediately give his heart to his new family, and would be a great fit for an active household willing to oblige him with the loving attention he deserves.

Sit the circus out, and pass it on!

Ringling Brother’s is back in town at Kent’s ShoWare Center September 1 – 5 and at Everett’s Comcast Arena September 8—11.  If you’ve read past PAWS blogs, you likely already know the circus is no fun for the animals. But do your friends, family and coworkers know?

Tell your family, neighbors and coworkers—circuses that use animals may seem like a family affair, but they’re actually agony for the animals! Kindly urge them to sit the circus out and pass it on.

Photo: Circus animals, like these elephants, are often forced to perform unnatural behaviors (standing upright, jumping through hoops, etc.) by use of electric prods, spiked metal hooks, and whips. 

Circuses that use animals for entertainment seem like inexpensive family fun. But life under the big top is not a wholesome, fun-loving, and educational experience as the circus industry would like you to believe. For the animals, it’s a monotonous and brutal routine of boredom, stress and pain. Transported in cattle cars or trucks in all extremes of weather, circus animals keep a grueling schedule and perform even when they are exhausted or sick.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the circus for failing to treat an elephant named Sarah who had a serious infection. Tragically, Sarah recently collapsed after a performance. Read more about Sarah, Ringling’s elephant, and her collapse in California after a performance.

Traveling animal acts perpetuate animal cruelty, inhumane care, public safety hazards and distorted images of wildlife. Together we can help these animals by not supporting the industry that abuses them. Spread the word and ask your contacts to continue to pass the message on!

Read more about why circuses are no fun for the animals on our website.

On behalf of all animals exploited in circuses, thank you!