From the heart
The past few months have been exciting ones: we served a record-breaking 225 animals in our foster care program in the month of August, and reached over 3,000 children with messages of compassion and respect for animals over the course of the last school year. PAWS worked again with the City of Seattle to extend the moratorium on the killing of geese through 2006; and we enjoyed a successful, if soggy, 14th annual PAWSwalk!

But it has also been a sobering time. As I write this letter, we continue to learn of the long-term impacts of the hurricanes in the southern states. We currently have four cats in our care who were displaced by the storms and airlifted to the Northwest. Gemini, one of these survivors, is pictured opposite. I am in awe of her spirit and resilience. If there is a positive to be found in this tragedy, it is the national realization of the profound bond we have with our companion animals. I hope the articles enclosed will help you prepare your household, including the animal members of your family, for a disaster.

This holiday season as you reflect back on 2005 and look forward to what 2006 will bring, please remember the animals in our care here at PAWS. By the close of the year, PAWS will have saved close to 10,000 companion and wild animals, each one a unique and precious life. Gift support from friends like you feeds the animals, helps us give each and every one the best medical care, and keeps the lights on at PAWS’ shelter and wildlife center. Your generosity brings about positive change through PAWS and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives. Quite simply, we could not dream of achieving all we do without your support. Please consider a special gift to the animals this holiday season: it will save lives. From all your two- and four-legged friends at PAWS—thank you, and our warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Annette Laico
Executive Director

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