PAWS Companion Animal Veterinarian Dr. Katie Steneroden participated in a recent Safeway-sponsored microchipping clinic in Shoreline. 1237 companion animals were microchipped in Washington state so far this year through this program.

Positions are available weekday mornings and afternoons for dog and cat care. All that is required is a 3-month weekly commitment and a willingness to help. Duties include cleaning, feeding and socializing with the dogs, cats and rabbits. PAWS Companion Animal Shelter is busy and full until late fall, so if you have some time to give, then don’t miss the chance to help the homeless animals at PAWS feel more comfortable during their temporary stay. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. For more information about volunteering for the Companion Animal Shelter, call 425-787-2500 ext. 838 or janeth@paws.org.

Keith Amberson of Amberson Egg Farm in Everett will be going to trial on August 21st in Snohomish County Court. Mr. Amberson faces charges of animal cruelty for starving thousands of hens to death in his failing egg operation. This is the first time that charges of animal cruelty have been brought against an egg farmer. PAWS staff helped Pasado’s Safe Haven rescue and rehabilitate close to 1,000 of the hens. PAWS advocate Jennifer Hillman encourages people to contact Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney James Krider at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Mail Stop 504, Everett, WA 98201, call him at 425-388-3572 or email to prosecuting.attorney@co.snohomish.wa.gov. and urge him to convict with the maximum sentence of 1 year in jail and $5,000 fine. If you have questions, please call Jennifer Hillman, PAWS Farm Animal Campaign Coordinator at 425-787-2500 ext. 259 or email jenniferh@paws.org.

PAWS advocate Diane Venberg is looking for outgoing individuals interested in participating in PAWS’ campaign to educate the public about animal-based entertainment. “We have a variety of volunteer opportunities for citizens who want to spread the word about the reality behind the big top,” says Venberg. Please contact Diane Venberg directly at PAWS at 425-787-2500 ext. 257.

Would you like information about some of the most unique volunteer opportunities around? The PAWS Wildlife Department receives over 7000 injured and orphaned wild animals a year. Would you like to be a part of the dedicated team that cares for them so that they can be released back into the wild to live out the rest of their lives?

PAWS Wildlife Volunteers do a wide variety of work. There is plenty of cleaning to be done so that all our patients live in clean cages with clean bedding and eat and drink out of clean food and water dishes. Volunteers feed the baby mammals several times daily and most of the animals in the center are weighed. Besides doing the work it takes to keep the PAWS Wildlife Center functioning, being a PAWS Wildlife volunteer provides a special opportunity to educate other community members about wildlife whether they are calling in to report a “nuisance” animal or are bringing in a baby bird that has fallen from the nest. And best of all, you will also be able to participate in releases which is the ultimate goal of all our work here!

All of the necessary training is provided and the only requirement is a minimum once-a-week committment for three months. For information on becoming a Wildlife Care Assistant call 425-787-2500 ext. 808 in Lynnwood or call 360-495-3337 ext. 13 in Olympia. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

On Saturday August 26, Whole Foods in Seattle will be hosting the “Dog Days of Summer”. This all day event will offer a variety of activities and educational opportunities for dogs and the people who love them.

The staff at Whole Foods will be offering their services to the general public as amateur dog groomers. Proceeds from the doggy wash will go to the animals at PAWS. Dogs and cats available for adoption will also be attending.

Cooking demonstrations by Anne Abrams from Bow Wow Meow will be featured for the discriminating dog, along with a Vegan cooking demonstration for the discriminating dog lover.

Whole Foods is at 6400 Roosevelt Way NE in Ravenna. For more information about this event, please call Holly Anderson at 425-787-2500 ext. 812 or by email at holly@paws.org.

Donate your running automobile, boat or motorcycle to PAWS and receive the maximum value. PAWS is looking for vehicles that are running and will take little or no work to resell. If interested, please call 425-787-2500 ext. 879. PAWS will coordinate a pick-up time. Please have your title and registration ready. PAWS will provide a receipt for you based on the value of the donation. As with any non-profit gift, it is wise to consult with an independent tax advisor.

The annual PAWS walk-a-thon, PAWSwalk, has been incorporated into a giant festival for dogs and the people who love them, called Bark in the Park. Bark in the Park will be held this September 16 at Gasworks Park in Seattle. Check out the back page of this issue for more information!