Dine out for animals
Gather a crew of your friends, coworkers or family members for PAWS for a Bite on Tuesday, October 18th, to eat, drink and help animals (which makes you merry). Participating restaurants will donate 25 percent of the night's proceeds to PAWS. Please join us at one of the fabulous partner restaurants and be sure to tell them you are there in support of PAWS! Click here to see names, locations and phone numbers of restaurants.

A little help from our friends
Among mud, sweat and smiles, teams of volunteer groups rolled up their sleeves last month to help PAWS with several campus projects. Through the United Way's Day of Caring almost 60 people came from Microsoft, Frontier Bank and Wright Runstad and Company. The Space City Mixers and the sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln pitched in on other days. They accomplished so much, including spreading bark on our quarter mile dog walking trail in preparation for winter, making huge strides in completing the last of our raccoon cages, and painting our spay/neuter clinic building. After they worked, we shared with them the variety of things we do at PAWS each day. Thanks to every one of them for their time, enthusiasm and hard work!

Record-breaking news
In August, PAWS' Foster Care Program broke its record of placements within a one-month period. We placed 225 animals into foster care homes, surpassing the previous record of 201 animals in July of 2001. With the support of wonderful volunteer foster families, PAWS is able to save so many more fragile lives. Learn more about becoming a foster parent.

Education in full swing
School is back in session and, accordingly, PAWS' humane education programs are ramping up. Classes for the Kids Who Care program, an in-depth, six-week program for fourth graders, are already scheduled and will begin later this month. After taking a summer break, students at Spruce Primary in Edmonds are again composing creative and inspiring stories of adoptable animals for the homepage of PAWS' website. (You can read about new animals every week at www.paws.org). Requests for educational tours and one-time classroom visits are coming in every day!

In the last year, PAWS has reached over 3,000 children through our humane education programs. As we bring messages of compassion and respect for animals to future generations of caregivers and leaders, PAWS hopes to make a better world for animals. Learn more about the variety of humane education programs PAWS offers.

Love at first sight
 Kelli spent her whole life shackled to a chain in a backyard, left outside in the drenching rain and sweltering heat. One day this summer, her fate finally turned when her owners moved and left her behind. Neighbors brought her to PAWS.

 At first, Kelli didn't fare well in the kennels, having probably never known the experience of being inside. A couple of months had gone by with little interest from potential adopters. This cuddly, sweet girl became a staff favorite. When Kelli got kennel cough, PAWS volunteer Steve Sabathie agreed to give her foster care for the weekend.
 "My intention was to clean and pretty her up, fatten her up, as she was underweight, and give her a weekend of pampering," said Steve. "Half way through my giving her a bath at a local grooming parlor, one of the owners said, 'By the look on your face - she's not going back is she?' 'Nope,' I said. 'She's not going back.'"

 PAWS staff person Kelly Konicki describes them as the happiest "couple" around. Kelli has permanently left her life on a chain behind, now frequenting dog parks, taking hikes and sometimes going to work with Steve.

 "Kelli is the smartest and most intelligent dog I've ever known," Steve said adoringly. "She is devoted to me and I am devoted to her."

Rescue efforts after the hurricanes
As evidenced by news reports, the efforts to rescue stranded animals in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita continue in the Gulf Coast region. PAWS is communicating with national and Gulf Coast animal organizations as well as local Washington organizations to coordinate plans in the event more animals are airlifted to our state.

We are currently gathering resources and putting emergency response plans into action: this means transportation, emergency medical care, vaccines, extra volunteers, food, crates, new foster homes everything needed to make the process as smooth as possible. (Click here to learn more about becoming a PAWS foster care volunteer.) or call 425/787-2500, ext. 822.)

Whether we are caring for animals of the Northwest whom we have served for nearly four decades or those displaced from the Gulf Coast region, your gift will help us provide them with the basic necessities. To support PAWS' efforts donate now or call 425.787.2500, ext. 255.

PAWSwalk: successful and wet!
Despite some torrential rain and winter-like temperatures, hundreds of PAWS' heartiest supporters joined us for the 14th annual PAWSwalk on Saturday, September 10th. Under the cover of umbrellas and waterproof gear (dogs and humans alike), walkers tackled the trail around Seattle's Magnuson Park, enjoyed animal friendly vendors and celebrated the day with fellow animal lovers.

Who knew that the smell of hundreds of wet dogs would exemplify the love and support PAWS receives from our community? Through the dedication of the individuals who made it to PAWSwalk and the generosity of those who sent in (and are still sending in) their donations, we raised over $120,000! Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers who made PAWSwalk possible. We'll see you next year!

Winter hours begin
Now that the busy summer season is coming to a close, PAWS' Wildlife Rehabilitation Center returns to winter operating hours. As of October 1st, the center is open from 8 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. If you find a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal, please call PAWS to find out the best course of action for the animal at 425/787-2500, ext. 817.

All rights reserved. ©2005 Progressive Animal Welfare Society

A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.