2017 annual report
Zuko came to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) in April 2017. He was about two years old at the time and had been living a hardscrabble life on the streets of Seattle. Zuko grew up in a world where chaos was the norm and stability was nonexistent. He was reactive and on edge, lacked socialization, had picked up bad habits and was confrontational. His guardian recognized Zuko’s need for a better chance at life and decided to surrender Zuko to the shelter. Because of his insecurities, and emotional challenges, Zuko was immediately enrolled in the Seatte Animal Shelter Foundation’s (SASF) donor-funded Behavioral Training Program. With the help of a shelter behaviorist, dedicated SAS staff and volunteers, Zuko was given the chance at a new life in a loving and supportive environment. He learned to trust humans, appreciate other dogs and adapt to situations that would have normally been overwhelming to him. Zuko had been in training for four months when Bryan Rosendale and Todd Elswick were searching for a sibling for their fun-loving dog Toby. They saw Zuko online and instantly knew that he was the right fit for their family. Toby and Zuko met at the shelter and as Bryan says, “ They danced and chased each other and acted like they had been buddies forever.” That day, Zuko found his loving and secure forever home. Bryan and Todd take him everywhere and are constantly introducing him to new people, new environments and new situations. He gets along with everyone, and loves playing with his brother Toby who has taught him how to relax and just have fun. He is now a happy, affectionate well-adjusted soul who is loved beyond his dreams.
“Thank you SAS for saving Zuko and giving him a second chance. Thank you to SASF for supporting the behavioral program. If it hadn’t been for you guys, we would have never met Zuko. We can’t imagine our lives without him. He is just an awesome member of our family. We love him so much.
”
- Bryan Rosendale & Todd Elswick, Zuko’s Forever Dads
Whitney and her faithful pal, Nico.
A Personal Message From Our President Dear Friends, Each time I talk with one of our donors, volunteers or advocates,
We provide on-site behavior counseling, support, and vet care/
I am reminded how valuable Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation
vouchers at homeless encampments. Few homeless shelters
is for Seattle’s animals. Each supporter I speak with has a story
allow pets, and people who are homeless face separating with
about a very special animal who will occupy space in their hearts
their animal companions in exchange for a warm bed.
Whitney Allen, President
We are also monitoring and enforcing public safety concerns in a
Julie Pitt, Vice President
city that is dense with people and animals. As Seattle grows, we
Heidi Beck, Secretary
face the challenge of keeping pets, wild animals, and people in
Stephanie Ko, Treasurer
As you read through this report, I encourage you to think about
close proximity safe from injury and illness, both in homes and in
Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter
the very special animals in your life, as well as the animals on
public spaces like dog parks and parks.
forever. And they, like you, donate their time, treasures, and hearts to protect and care for other very special animals who have nowhere else to turn.
these pages. Because of you, these animals are given the chance to be a very special animal for another family. Your support allows Seattle’s homeless pets to be sheltered, cared for, and find a family of their own - to occupy space in their hearts forever. It is because of your support that the stories in this report are possible.
Sue Boivin, Development Chair Funds granted from Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation help to
Tamra Strentz, Marketing Chair
support the changing needs of SAS, and allow us to invest in
Gina Bonifacino, Governance Chair
new programs and equipment to help more animals. Throughout
Brad Near, Governance
this report you’ll read several wonderful stories about how these
Laura Walker, Marketing
investments have made a difference for the animals in Seattle.
Shawna Kelley, Marketing
One story I’m excited to highlight is SAS recently celebrated
As Seattle’s landscape changes, both physically and socially,
taking their first in-house X-Ray! The new X-Ray machine, funded
Seattle Animal Shelter is presented with a new set of challenges
by SASF, allows SAS to more quickly and accurately diagnose
to care for homeless pets. Past work still continues - sheltering
medical issues. This not only provides more comfort and faster
stray and surrendered animals, and investigating and responding
treatment for ill and injured animals, but can also provide vital
to cruelty and neglect cases, often providing care to the animals
information in cruelty and neglect cases.
and support to the legal system months beyond any seizures. But increasingly, SAS responds to more nuanced and delicate issues arising from the stresses of a growing city.
Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is a notfor-profit 501(c)3 corporation governed and operated by a volunteer board of directors. Donated funds go directly towards improving the lives of animals at Seattle Animal Shelter.
Without your support, none of these improvements and programs
Our Mission
would have been possible. We thank you and the animals of SAS
Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation supports
thank you!
the programs and initiatives of the Seattle
Some of SAS’s lesser-known programs to support these challeng-
Animal Shelter by engaging our community,
es include providing a safe space for animals whose guardians are victims of domestic violence. Many victims of domestic
2017 SASF Board of Directors
For the Animals,
abuse choose to stay in their homes with their pets instead of
Whitney Allen
seeking safety.
President, SASF Board of Directors
increasing awareness and raising funds.
Lost dog brought in by Good Sam. Toe touching RR lameness. O: Temperature: 100.7, Pulse: 120 / good, Respiration: panting/sniffing Weight: 18.200 kg,
40.04 lb
Appearance: BAR, very happy and affectionate
Musculoskeletal: toe touching on RR, no palpable long bone fractures, painful on stifle flexion and extension and palpable swelling and crepitus in this area; paws appear WNL Neurological: normal Skin: normal Lymph Nodes: normal Pain Score: 2/10 BCS: A:
5/9
RR lameness - suspect stifle in-
jury - r/o CCL injury, patella abnormality, other soft tissue/skeletal abnormality Also took single rad of right leg, sent picture to consult with XX about possible fix. amb - x-rays show avulsed tibial tuberosity at the level of the growth plate (right tibia) with some bone fragments in that area - will start nsaids This dog is now under investigation for animal cruelty and at this point will have to be held at the shelter during investigation.
Your 2017 Gifts In Action
Thanks to generous donors like you, SAS can provide the highest level of care for the animals in Seattle and the people who love them. In 2017, SASF continued our support of essential animal care programs and invested in exciting new medical equipment, too. Here is what you helped us achieve in 2017.
Onsite X-ray Suite
Veterinary Equipment
$76,985
$29,554.31
SAS serves about 4,000 animals every year. Some
X-rays are also needed for forensic evidence in
To support the SAS onsite veterniary clinic, SASF
come in injured or ill, or are brought in by people
cruelty and abuse investigations. X-rays can tell us
granted $29,554.31 to SAS to cover the costs of
who can no longer care for them. Each animal that
everything we need to know about an animal’s past
new medical equipment used for diagnosing illness-
comes in is given a medical check-up, and for most
and present situation so they can then be given the
es, blood work, monitoring vitals, anesthesia and so
animals who find themselves at SAS, this is their
immediate care and attention they need. As well
much more.
very first veterinary experience.
as help prosecute those who have been party to the abuse.
Every day shelter medical staff diagnose medical
Because of you, animals now have access to the best medical care and facilities that the shelter can
issues based on how an animal is acting and what
In 2017, SASF granted $76,985 to SAS for the
offer. The new equipment eliminated the need to
they can see and feel during a medical exam.
construction of an onsite X-ray suite complete with
transport animals to other facilities for surgeries,
Animals can’t tell us what is wrong, so they tell their
state-of-the-art equipment. The X-ray suite was
diagnostic care and recovery. And, in case of
stories through their stance, their gait, their breath-
dedicated to retiring SPD K9 Ziva for her outstand-
trauma, the equipment has also enabled shelter
ing and their reaction to touch. They talk to us with
ing service to SAS, SASF, and the Seattle Community.
vets the ability to immediately diagnose the med-
their bodies and sometimes there are issues that
ical severity and administer life-saving treatment
we can’t see from the outside. In some cases, we just
Ziva’s X-ray suite opened its doors in February
don’t know the medical issue until we can visually
2018, and has served over 30 animals so far. It is
assess the situation with the help of an X-ray.
used multiple times per week and has been an
Sometimes, its a matter of life and death.
essential part of the overall onsite veterinary clinic.
Without an onsite X-ray machine, SAS animals had to be transported to outside facilities for diagnosis. This added unnecessary stress to an already uncomfortable situation, plus delaying treatment of any kind makes whatever is wrong, worse. Officers had to take time out of the field to transport animals and SAS was paying for an exam fee plus the cost of X-rays, which added up to thousands of dollars each year.
without interruption.
“
We now have the capacity to instantly send the images to a veterinary radiologist for review within minutes to hours when time is of the essence. We have taken images of several small critters to check for presence of eggs, dogs and cats to check for presence of bladder stones, and lots of chest and abdomens to look for all kinds of things including fractures, constipation and heart disease. -Jennifer C. Bennett, DVM, MS Medical Director Seattle Animal Shelter
Your 2017 Gifts In Action
Day in and day out, SAS cares for Seattle’s animals and the people who love and provide for them. SASF is always proud to support existing programs that are essential for sustaining or expanding animal care services and providing support for animals in our King County communities. Last year, 5,341 animals were helped because of the generous donations of our animal-loving community. Here is how you helped make life-changing improvements in the lives of Seattle’s animals.
2017 Existing Program Support
$103,100 Spay & Neuter Program
Licensing Assistance Program
Foster Care Programs
Funds from SASF help to underwrite spay and
This program ensures that individuals who cannot
Foster care providers are an essential support:
neuter surgeries for animals whose guardians have
afford a license for their furry family member are
their compassion and unwavering dedication is
low income or are homeless. By working together
able to keep their licensing current. In some cases
only surpassed by their love for the animals. SASF
with human service organizations and building
this program can make the difference between a
supports more than 220 foster cat families, 195
relationships in underserved communities, SAS is
guardian keeping their family pet or having to
foster dog volunteers, and 67 foster crtitter volun-
able to provide services to animals that may other-
relinquish them. In 2017 we helped 48 animals
teers who care for animals who might have medical
wise never find their way to a clinic. In 2017, 1,742
and their families.
concerns, are too young to be at the shelter, have
public animals and 751 shelter animals were altered that could have possibly contributed to the home-
shelter stress, come from a hoarding situation, or
Adoption Support Program
less animal population.
are waiting for a court case to be resolved. In 2017 we helped 768 animals and their foster families.
This program supports special adoption events
Shelter Veterinary Clinic
that help animals find their perfect, loving forever
Since opening its doors in 2016, the veterinary
available shelter and foster animals and are a great
Through SASF donations all animals can enjoy
clinic has cared for more than 3,910 animals.
way to introduce SAS to new communities,
stimulating and fun quality of life improvements
Every day, clinic veterinarians provide care for
potential adopters and volunteers.
like toys, food puzzles, doggie tunnels, kitty condos, prescription food, natural wood chews for
animals in the shelter and in foster homes, many of whom haven’t received proper health care or attention during their lives. From simple basic
Quality of Life Improvements
homes. Adoption events can increase awareness of
Feline Fospice Care Program (foster-hospice)
rabbits, doggie beds, interactive feeding bowls, and even hormone therapy diffusers and a wireless stereo for soothing tunes that helps relax even the
check ups and diagnostic care to emergency situations that require immediate surgery, the
This program allows elderly, terminally ill, or other-
most excitable animal. All of these improvements
veterinary clinic was built by SASF donations, and
wise unadoptable animal companions to live out
help calm the animals, making their stay at the
it is maintained by SASF donations. It’s because of
the remainder of their lives in the comfort of a loving
shelter less stressful and improving their chances
you that all shelter animals can recieve the proper
and caring foster home. Granted funds provide
of finding a forever home. In 2017 we helped 2,847
medical treatment they so desperately need.
prescription food and specialty medical treatment.
animals feel loved and cared for during their stay at the shelter.
Staff Training Program
Behavioral Training and Assessment Program - Funded in 2016
In 2017 SASF support helped 114 SAS staff and
Even the best shelter is a scary place to be. New
This program will also have huge benefits for
volunteers attend training seminars and conferences.
sounds, hundreds of smells, and unfamiliar faces
animals who spend long periods of time in the
This allows SAS folks a chance to see how agencies
cause stress and make it hard for homeless animals
shelter due to court cases. Caring for these animals
in other parts of the country operate and to learn
to feel comfortable or be on their best behavior. And
presents a unique challenge from day one, and every
about new and innovative ways to improve the
when stressed animals show unlikable
additional day spent in the shelter resulting from a
handling of important matters such as animal cruelty
behaviors, they are less likely to get adopted.
languid judicial system compounds the challenge.
cases, crime scene processing, community outreach,
Incorporating tailored training programs into their
the national animal cruelty reporting database, lost
This ASPCA certified program helps staff,
care will help them be calm and healthy in the
and found strategies, humane education programs,
volunteers, and foster parents to not only assess and
shelter, and set them up to succeed when they reach
and compassion fatigue. Here are the training
train every dog, cat and critter that comes through
their forever home.
programs that SASF funded in 2017:
the shelter doors, but helps each animal find their perfectly matched forever home.
Dogs are not the only beneficiaries of the Behavioral
National Humane Educators Conference
Training and Assessment Program. In 2017, all
Disaster Preparedness
In 2017, all adopted dogs (472) recieved the SAFER
adopted (764) cats received the Feline-ality
Intermediate ICMS 300
training program andover 50 dogs received special-
assessment, so that each cat was able to find their
ASPCA Shelter Medicine Conference
ized behavioral training. These dogs suffered from
perfectly matched forever homes. Using the assess-
Regional Animal Welfare Summit
very challenging behavioral issues—including
ment protocol, cats who are outgoing and energetic
NACHO
separation anxiety and fear aggression—that limit
can be matched with someone who is looking for
Interview Techniques
the potential for adoption. Using behavior modifica-
those upbeat traits. Cats that are calm and mellow
Online Investigations
tion techniques learned through the Behavioral
can find quiet homes more suited to their introverted
Rabbit Training DVD
Training and Assessment Program, staff and volun-
needs. This program helps ensure every relationship
NACA Disaster Training
teers were able to help the dogs through their fear,
between kitties and new their guardians is a happy
AP Training
and change their lives and their future outcomes.
and successful one.
Yin Low Stress Handling Crisis Intervention Training Training for Professionals Across Species SAWA Conference NACA Conference Aggression in Dogs Kathy Sdao - Animal Behavior Across Species Handling Problem Behavior and Mistakes Open Source Intelligence Class PNW Vet Conference Feline Science Symposium Pet First Aid NACHO Model A
Total number of SAS volunteers in 2017:
1,438
Total number of SAS volunteers who gave of their time in 2017:
Total number of SAS volunteer hours logged in 2017:
635
40,000
SASF 2017 Financials 1%
INCOME Individual Donations Auction Event Net Income Corporate Donations Organization Donations
$105,221.81 $98,957.11 $52,569.25
In-Kind Donations
$1,200.00
$269,202.06
20%
39%
Corporate Donations
Individual Donations
INCOME
37% Auction Event Net Income
Grants to Shelter
$209,550.00
Professional Fees
$23,490.53
Printing
$5,860.60
Software
$5,876.08
Other Fundraising Expenses
$6,508.50
Marketing & Advertising
$5,272.78
Insurance
$1,656.00
TOTAL EXPENSES:
.01% Investment Income
$345.54
EXPENSES
Business Licenses & Dues
In-Kind Donations
$3,550.00 $7,358.35
TOTAL INCOME:
.2%
Merchandise Sales
Organization Donations
Merchandise Sales Investment Income
3%
$119.88
$258,334.37
3%
2%
1%
Other Fund Raising Expenses
Marketing & Advertising
Insurance
.005% Business Licenses & Dues
2% Software
2% Printing
9% Professional Fees
EXPENSES
NET INCOME: NET ASSETS: (AS OF 12/31/17)
$10,867.69 $494,259.79
81% Grants To Shelter
History of SASF Donor Funded Accomplishments Here is a summary of what you have helped accomplish over the past six years by supporting and donating to SASF. We could never have done it without you and we hope that you will continue to be an essential supporter of the Seattle Animal Shelter.
2011
2012
2013
•
Inception of the Animal Health and Safety Program
•
Construction of the Dog Kennel Doors
•
Construction of the Cat and Critter Rooms
•
Inception of the Sponsored Adoption Program
•
Construction of the Cat Kennels
•
Construction of the Meet & Greet Room
•
Inception of the Outreach
•
Professional Digital Camera for Cruelty Investigations
•
Inception of the Quality of Life Improvements Program
and Training Program
2014
2015
•
Support for Development of the Fospice Care Program
•
Construction of the In-House Veterinary Clinic
•
Support for Development of the Owner Support Program
•
Event Tent
•
Inception of the Licensing Assistance Program
•
Completion of the Critter Room, Cat Rooms, and Meet & Greet Room
2017 •
Purchase of Medical Equipment and Supplies for the Shelter Medicine Program
•
Funded the construction of an in-house X-ray Suite named in honor of Ziva, retiring Seattle Police K-9 patrol dog.
2016 •
Launch of the Behavioral Training and Assessment Program
•
New Dog Walking Area
•
Spay & Neuter and Licensing Assistance Program
•
Feline Fospice Care Program (foster-hospice)
2017 Seattle Animal Shelter in Service
472 DOGS ADOPTED
764 CATS ADOPTED
INVESTIGATED
947
ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES
PERFORMED
2,493
SURGERIES IN OUR SPAY & NEUTER CLINIC
For animals currently available for adoption visit:
www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/adopt http://petango.com/Seattleanimalshelter
REUNITED
649 LOST PETS WITH THEIR OWNERS
271
CRITTERS ADOPTED
RESCUED
467
INJURED WILDLIFE
885
SHELTER VET EXAMS
1,137
SHELTER VET CHECKUPS
SAS Volunteer Profile Fospice Cat Foster
Sandy and her husband started fostering dogs and cats in March of 1999, and a few months later they started volunteering as Adoption Assistants. That October Sandy joined Arlene Ehrlich as the co-team lead of the cat foster program. In August of 2000 she became an employee of the Seattle Animal Shelter, working directly with the animals as an Animal Care Officer. In May of 2002 she transferred, within the shelter, to a position that supported Animal Control Officers. Sandy retired from City service in November of 2017, and has now come full circle by fostering senior and/or fospice cats.
SANDY HANSEN SASF: You’ve been part of the SAS family for over nineteen years; in your
forever home for their specific needs. SASF funds help with medication, toys food
view, how has the shelter changed in that time?
and vet visits are also ways that SASF has made fostering so much more enjoyable.
SANDY: When I started fostering dogs and cats in 1999, there were absolutely
SASF: You’ve fostered so many animals over the past nineteen years. Do you
no faciilities or funds to support the amount of care needed for animals coming
have any special memories that you can share?
through the shelter. Back then we had over 8,000 animals per year and all were in need of love, care, and a soft place to land. The foster program was in
SANDY: There have been many but Thomas and Linus are the two fosters I
place, but it was small and the support for foster families was not as robust as
most often think about. Thomas was a handsome cat found on the streets of
it is today. In fact, most foster care expenses fell to the foster family, including
Seattle just before Thanksgiving with an infected head wound. He was taken
food, medical treaments, vet visits, etc. Every foster parent was so dedicated
to the SAS by a good samaritan, where he received medical care before recov-
to saving as many animals as possible and making sure that they were adopted
ering in our foster home. Thomas was a patient, gentle soul who sat quietly and
into loving forever homes. That dedication hasn’t changed, but the support that
stoically while we cleaned his wound and gave him medicine twice a day. When
SASF has offered over the last 8 years, has completely reshaped how we care
finished with his treatment, Thomas would silently look up at us with knowing
not only for foster animals, but all animals in our community.
eyes, then rub against us to say thanks. Thomas found his forever home once
SASF: Can you describe how those changes have impacted the kind of work you did as part of the shelter staff?
SANDY: Funds from SASF have made a life-changing impact for all the SAS animals. When I first started, we had cats kept in small individual cages and dogs were kept in one open fenced area. Because of SASF, we now have a wonderful cattery, cat condos, individual dog kennels with quiet glass doors, funds for medical treatments, an onsite vet clinic and so much more. More to the point, SASF funds helped the shelter grow from a typical city pound into the animal welfare organization it is today. We are an integral part of the Seattle community and can now be proactive in how we deliver the best care and hope for all those animals that find themselves at SAS. As a foster mom, SASF has made it easier to care for animals that are in need of special care, or have shelter stress or need to be in a home. The Behavorial Training program has helped so many dogs overcome issues and get adopted into the right
he was healthy, and we received yearly phone calls from his new family thanking us for bringing him into their lives. We were always happy to hear from them, but deep down it was us who silently thanked Thomas for coming into our lives. He was one of those special animals you never forget, and we were blessed for having known him. Linus was humorous-looking dog living on the streets of Seattle with a group of homeless teenage boys. He came to SAS dehydrated, emaciated, and was in desperate need of medical attention for cherry eye. Within the first few days in our home it was clear that Linus had been eating food wherever he could find it. He received multiple eye surgeries funded by generous SASF donors. It took him months to recover and although it had to be tough on him, he never complained. Once healthy, he was quickly adopted into a loving home. He was one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met and I was so honored to have been the person who helped change his life for the better. He deserved nothing less.
Sandy Hansen Retired Seattle Animal Shelter Animal Humane Officer, Intake Manager, Communcations Team Member
“
Over the years at SAS, my husband and I fostered well over 100 dogs and cats. Our Mastiff and three cats helped with socialization of our foster animals. Our surviving cat, Quinn, will be 19 this year. We found him the same year we started fostering, as a one-week-old kitten hidden in the wood pile behind our house.
Fospice Cat
HONORING BARNEY
The SASF-funded Fospice program was created in 2016. Since that time foster parents have taken in over 31 te live out the rest of their lives in peace and comfort. SASF funds provide much needed support, medicine and Here is one story that highlights the depth of commitment and the life-changing experience of a special cat
Most of us have been touched by the unconditional acceptance, compassion,
and Alec said to Gwen “you are not going let this one go.” This bond would
love, and companionship a pet offers. While every pet is special, there are also
become extraordinary as Barney the fospice cat would take on the role of daily
animals who discover a higher purpose to impact a life and give in ways we
companion which included being an emotional support animal, grief counselor,
don’t expect.
receiver of countless kisses, and more. Alec had been diagnosed with ALS in 2012 and the disease was progressing, turning his arms weak and non-respon-
Barney was that sort of cat. But you wouldn’t have guessed that. As a sickly
sive. ALS confiscates the body in different ways for everyone and affects each
stray with a matted auburn coat and skinny frame, he waited patiently at the
person in its own way. Alec retained the ability to walk and speak, but since his
Seattle Animal Shelter for another chance. Another chance to be with a family,
diagnosis, cats had become more than valued companions; they were a lifeline
share a home and perhaps make a difference during the time he had left.
and comfort.
Struggling with hyperthyroidism (thyroid, kidney & heart issues), his own prognosis wasn’t good, which made finding a forever home a challenge.
As Gwen needed to go to work during the day, Barney stepped up to keep an eye on Alec throughout the day, putting aside his own struggles to contribute
Fortunately, a program at SAS called Fospice got a kick-start in 2016 with a
to Alec’s wellbeing. Alec, the once strong, 30-year veteran of the California Life
grant from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Fospice--foster hospice--of-
Guard community, was challenged as ALS continued to steal his strength and
fers ill and elderly animals an opportunity to live in a home with a caring SAS
mobility. He cried a lot. Barney was the only one who could console him, stop
foster family that is ready to support such animals.
the tears and bring a smile to his face. Alec would kiss Barney’s head repeatedly
On a fateful day in May of 2016, Barney’s fospice mom Gwen would arrive. Gwen wasn’t necessarily a cat person, but her husband Alec was. And Gwen
and give Barney the best pats he could with arms and hands that had been robbed of dexterity and replaced with wet limp gestures.
knew the joy cats could bring him with their quiet nature. Years prior a stray cat
Unfortunately, Barney had his bad days and nights, too, where he cried out and
showed up at their home in Ballard and adopted them. Jade became a gateway
could not be comforted. Gwen knew she needed some extra help and through
cat of sorts who made it possible for Barney, years later, to be welcomed into
the fospice parent network at SAS, foster team lead Lisa helped Barney get a
Gwen’s heart and their home. Through Alec’s bond with Jade, Gwen started to
little respite at a vacation home helmed by an experienced fospice volunteer,
understand why people loved cats so much as quiet, gentle companions. She
Sarah, who was also a human hospice doctor. After a few weeks, Barney returned
was inspired to foster and help be a bridge to a cat’s forever home. She fostered
to Gwen and Alec.
two cats before Barney would enter their hearts and it was hard for Alec to let them go, while Gwen was content to serve as an interim home.
It was a welcomed return as Barney’s presence had been greatly missed, but there wouldn’t be much time left together. Alec died on September 10, 2017, at
When Barney came home with Gwen, Alec opened the cat carrier and Barney
home. On that day, Gwen brought Barney into Alec’s room and he immediately
head butted him for what seemed like hundreds of times. It was instant love
nuzzled into the crook of Alec’s arm and stayed there for hours and didn’t want
erminally ill cats who needed a loving secure home to d care for these cats and their incredible foster families. t named Barney.
to leave. With Alec’s passing, Sarah stepped in to care for Barney. He hung on for a few more weeks before heading across the rainbow bridge in October, no doubt to be with his friend Alec. While Gwen wasn’t with Barney at the end, his spirit was and always will be close. Gwen was grateful she had the caring and committed SAS fospice community’s support for Barney’s care during this crucial time of need. After a little time and with Lisa’s support, Gwen brought her next foster cat home. Gobi was quickly adopted and Hunter would be next. Following her experience with Barney, who proved to be a magic little companion as life threw out many challenges, Gwen will continue to provide cats with hope, love and a bridge to their future family. SASF thanks Gwen for sharing her and Alec’s experience with Barney and for being a part of SAS’ fospice and foster programs. SASF is honored to help fund these heroic efforts, made possible thanks to generous and committed donors. To learn more about the fospice program and foster volunteer opportunities, please visit:
http://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/volunteer/foster-care/ foster-cat-program
SASF
2018 Brewery Events
Please raise a glass to the animals of SAS again in 2018! For every pint purchased during the brewery events, Urban Family Brewing, Peddler Brewing Company and Populuxe Brewery will donate $1 to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Last year we raised enough funds to help augment the cost of new medical equipment and medical supplies for the homeless animals of Seattle. Check for dates and times on our site starting in May 2018. SUNDAY JUNE 3rd, 2018 Urban Family Brewing 1:00PM - 10:00 PM 4441 26th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199 Come enjoy the first ever SASF sponsored beer named Furevermore! For every beer purchased Urban Family will donate $1 to SASF! We hope to see you and your furry canine family members there!
OUR COVER MODEL
Mr. Hugpaws
Kobe was surrendered as a puppy to the shelter by loving guardians who were not able to give him the attention he needed. At the time Karen A. and her family were looking for a furry family member. A SAS volunteer and friend was told to keep a look out for a dog that met Karen’s criteria. The dog had to be young, easy going, a pit bull and great with kids, cats, dogs, and adults. “I have had good experiences with pit bulls, my grandmother had one and my friends have them and they make the most wonderful family pets”. Kobe popped up on the radar and Karen went to meet him at the shelter. She instantly fell in love. “He was just so loving and happy and kind. He just wanted to cuddle and be petted. You could tell he had come from loving circumstances.” Karen immediately adopted Kobe and took him home to meet his new family. He instantly took to her son and husband. They renamed him Mr. Hugpaws due to his big paws and constant need to cuddle. As Karen tells it, he totally knew where to find the couch and the beds. She is an early riser so Mr. Hugpaws and Karen have their morning ritual. They curl up on the couch, with coffee and cuddle for about an hour. After which her son takes over but he likes to drape himself over Mr Hugpaws so they can have maximum body contact. Mr. Hugpaws loves his morning cuddle rituals and looks forward to them everyday. He loves long walks and berry picking and likes to gorge himself on raspberries and blackberries. Actually any berry will do. He takes dainty bites and picks off the berries one by one managing to avoid the thorns and he seems to know which are ripe or not. He can spend hours berry picking. He is a gentle giant that adores puppies and the neighborhood kids. If he doesn’t see anyone or meet another dog on his walk he starts to get mopey. He definitely likes his doggy friends and likes his social time. He is great at stepping on toes and gives the full 85 pound body wag when he meets people. He’s a big-headed, big-hearted gentleman. Karen often thinks of the folks who surrendered him. “It must have been really tough to give him up and we are so thankful and incredibly blessed to have him as part of our pack.”
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I have to give a shout out to SAS, SASF, and the family who had to give him up. I am grateful to you everyday. Every cuddle, every look, every happy prance, every moment with him fills our lives to the brim. I want everyone to know that we are truly blessed to have him in our lives. Cleary Mr. Hugpaws was well loved and cared for before he was ours. -Karen A. Mr. Hugspaws forever mom
SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER FOUNDATION
2018 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA
NEW NAME. NEW VENUE. SAME GREAT MISSION! Please join us for the our SASF Furevermore Annual Fundraising Gala which will take place Saturday, October 13, 2018 at The Foundry, located at 4130 1st Ave South in Seattle, 98134. This high energy, fun-filled event will kick off with three silent auction collections followed by a catered dinner by Herban Feast and a live auction. Along with many fabulous auction items, there will be a chance to win having your furry family members be the face of the 2019 auction and 13 chances to win a photo placement in the SASF 2019 Calendar! Last year we raised $190,00 towards the care and comfort of SAS animals. Like all funds donated to SASF, funds raised at this event are critical and essential so that every animal that walks or is carried through SAS doors can have the very best care. We couldn’t do it without you! Come join the fun and raise your bid card high for the animals. Check for early bird deals and tickets sales on our site starting in June at:
seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org We hope to see you there!
The Making Of The SASF 2018
FUREVERMORE Auction Rebrand
SASF decided to shake things up for 2018 and rebrand our biggest fundraiser of the year. After seven years of Raining Cats and Dogs, we were ready to make a change. To make sure we were doing it the right way, we enlisted the help, expertise and creative powerhouse of Edelman, a global communications marketing agency. On our search for an agency to provide pro bono support, we knew tapping into the love of animals was key. We found their Seattle office’s creative team full of compassionate dog, cat and critter people and they offered to donate all their hard work. We are so grateful to them for their dedication and support of SASF. It was an exciting process and the creative team had so many great ideas that at times it was difficult to decide on which creative exploration was the best for SASF and our generous donors. We are very happy with the results and we hope that you are too. The new auction name, “Furevermore” incorporates our collective mission; to care for every animal to the best of our ability and to make sure every animal finds their forever home. The new name also includes all animals of SAS even the ones with scales and feathers. The sentiment is the same. Everyone who donates to SASF can rest assured that because of their generous donations, all shelter animals will find their “Furevemore” home.
Last year at the 7th annual auction event, we had a live auction item “Make Your Pet a Star” that gave the item winner the opportunity to have their pet(s) be the face of the 2018 SASF rebranded auction. At the time we did not know what it might look like, but we did know that the winner was going to be very happy with the results. Thanks to Edelman and photographer Alyssa Rose, the winner Michelle Lanker will have her pets, Arnie and Bing all over Seattle and SASF collateral. Look out for postcards, Facebook and Instagram posts, Seattle City bus side ads, posters and all sorts of other media where Arnie and Bing will be featured. We hope that you will enjoy seeing Arnie and Bing promote this fun filled event throughout the summer and join us for the Furevermore event on October 13th at the new venue, The Foundry. Tickets go on sale on June 25. Who knows, maybe your pet(s) might be the next face of the SASF Furevermore Fundraising Gala in 2019! We hope to see you there!
ADOPT. DON’T SHOP. http://petango.com/Seattleanimalshelter
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All photos courtesy of:
Seattle Animal
www.seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org
Our talented, dedicated, passionate
bestfriendphoto.com westergardphoto.com
Shelter Foundation PO Box 99006 Seattle, WA
Brandon O’Conner
98139-0006
All gifts to SASF are tax deductible. Your funds stay
volunteers are at the heart of what we do.
local and make a difference for Seattle animals.
Apply to become part of our team today.
info@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org
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All photos are of SAS animals currently in foster care, at the shelter or who have found their forever homes.