From the heart
Dear Friends,

As we approach the winter holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the year so far, and everything we have to be thankful for.

2008 has been a year full of highlights. It began with hundreds of cats and dogs finding new loving homes during our Home for the Holidays campaign, and draws to a close with our preparing for the release of four orphaned bear cubs in PAWS' care since summer. We expanded our humane education program to include summer camps, reached a milestone of caring for 100,000 wild animals since beginning wildlife rehabilitation in 1981, hosted a number of veterinary students—providing them with invaluable hands-on experience and guidance, expanded our low cost spay neuter program, and made needed repairs and enhancements to our facilities with the help of many friends in the community.

This year PAWS also enjoyed unprecedented levels of support at our two signature events—Wild Night, our gala celebration, and the 17th annual PAWSwalk. The outpouring of compassion filled us with gratitude as a not-for-profit organization that relies on gifts for the majority of our operating budget. Thank you for making our life-saving work possible through your financial investment.

On behalf of PAWS' staff, I give a tremendous thank you, too, for the many hundreds of passionate volunteers who make our work possible, including PAWS' incredible board of directors, who give so much of their time, energy and expertise. They are dedicated and passionate animal advocates whose leadership is inspiring to us all.

As you give thanks for the gifts in your life, consider for a moment the special place that animals hold in your heart. Whether it is your own companion animal who is the perfect lap warmer, exercise partner or therapist; or the native wildlife with whom we share our neighborhoods, parks, and wilderness areas. Life wouldn't be the same without them. In their honor, and for those in our community who are increasingly facing the unbearable choice of relinquishing their animals for financial reasons, please consider making a special gift to PAWS this holiday season.

Thank you for entrusting PAWS to advocate and care for the Northwest's animals. We are honored to be here for all the animals who need our expert and loving care. And we couldn't do it without you.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyous holiday season,


Annette Laico
Executive Director

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