A message of great news about people and animals.

Celebrate and protect migratory birds
Chances are that a good deal of the chirping you've awakened to the last few weeks can be attributed to migratory birds, returning from their wintering spots in South America. International Migratory Bird Day on May 12 is a celebration of these beautiful, melodious creatures who make incredible journeys across the globe every year. Migratory birds—like the Wilson's Warbler photographed outside PAWS Wildlife Center (pictured here)—are not only symbols of spring, but provide many benefits including insect pest control, and recreational opportunities for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Wilson's Warbler on PAWS' campus.

• Observe the birds around you. Teach and show others what you have discovered.
• Create or improve habitat in your yard, at work or at school by adding native plants. Learn more about naturescaping.
• Take a class on migratory birds to learn more about them.
• Keep your cat safely confined to keep him from harming birds. That doesn't mean she has to always be inside. Try an outdoor play enclosure, walking your cat on a leash, or simply supervising your feline when she's outside.
• Reduce your use of pesticides in your yard and garden. Check out Northwest Natural Yard Days.
• Buy shade-grown coffee which helps preserve trees that birds need.
• Use recycled "green" home paper products to conserve forest habitat.
• Participate in a bird count or study to help experts learn more about birds.
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper about migratory birds and the importance of protecting them.
• Attend the Puget Sound Bird Fest in Edmonds, May 18 and 19 for birding trips, seminars, art and crafts, kids' activities and more. PAWS will be there, too!
• Learn more about International Migratory Bird Day.

Penelope at home with Elijah.

• Children should not hug or kiss dogs on the face, even well-known neighbor or family dogs. Many dogs don't like this, even if they have tolerated it before. Teach kids to pet dogs gently on the chest or the side of the neck instead.
• Teach your child to be safe around dogs. Not all dogs—even those with a person—are comfortable with strangers. If your child is approached by a strange dog, your child should stand still like a tree, with arms straight down at his sides, and fingers tucked under. A strange dog will most likely loose interest and go away. This also works for a family dog who is hyperactive and getting too rough with a child. Children should never run or scream as this will heighten the dog's interest in them.
• Teach your children never to tease a dog or disturb one who is eating, sleeping, playing with a toy, tied up, or behind a fence.

Kids practicing how to be safe with a puppet dog at a PAWS humane education class.

• Always supervise your children when they are around dogs, even your own. It takes only one time for your dog to run out of patience or translate a seemingly harmless action as a threat. Because humans interpret body language differently than dogs, you may not even realize what is happening until it is too late.
• Take your dog to training classes using positive reinforcement to learn more about dog behavior and communication, to socialize your dog, and to enhance your relationship. Include older children in the training to help your dog and your kids understand and respect each other. (Positive reinforcement works well for all members of the family!)

• Spay or neuter your dog. Altered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
• Starting when they are young, gradually expose your dog to new situations, new people and other dogs, and be proactive about socializing them throughout their lives. Training classes are a great avenue.
• Always supervise your dog—never think that your dog won't bite.

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