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Issue 86: Fall 2013 All Roads Lead Home The Case of the Runaway Feline Simulated Siblings what’s inside:

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Issue 86: Fall 2013

All Roads Lead Home

The Case of the Runaway Feline

Simulated Siblings

what’s inside:

MissionPAWS is a champion for animals — rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, sheltering and adopt-ing homeless cats and dogs, and educating people to make a better world for animals and people.

Board of DirectorsMark Gross, President, Lisa Grimm, Vice President, Jan Hurley, Secretary, Janet Straus, Treasurer, Tonjia Borland, Jason Brotman, Robert Cundall, Karen Davis Smith, Brian DeFoe, Doug Dorton, Joanna Glickler, Dora Leung, Nancy Pasternack, Joanna Poleszczuk, Mary Renouf, Cindy Spodek Dickey

Executive DirectorAnnette Laico

PAWS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizaion and relies on community support to carry out our work to help animals.

Privacy Policy: PAWS respects our donors’ and friends’ confidentiality. Although on rare occasion we may send you materials from another organization, we never release our mailing list. We know that, like unaltered animals, junk mail multiplies rapidly!

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: while hugely rewarding, animal welfare is not glamorous work. Though our staff puts up a good front (just take a peek through this magazine!), the work of our direct care crew consists of poop scooping, deep-cleaning, and endless loads of laundry much more often than it does cuddling kittens and puppies—or reuniting young birds with their families in the wild (see page 8).

Yet, every day, dozens of staff and volunteers continue to make their way to PAWS, ready to begin the morning clean-ups, feedings, walks, medical rounds, and answering of calls for help (see page 6 for an idea of what these calls can entail). Clothes get ruined, the elements must be braved no matter how cold or soggy, and the animals do not take holidays. I think it’s safe to say that the demands of working at PAWS are incomparable.

Despite the challenges, the tenure and expertise of PAWS’ staff is truly admirable. More than a quarter of our staff have been at PAWS for ten or more years, while another quarter are at five or more years. The commitment of our volunteers isn’t

far behind, as dozens of them have been donating their time for more than five years.

To all of the dedicated, patient, amazing staff and volunteers who work the frontlines each day, I want to say thank you—on behalf of the animals, on behalf of those of us who couldn’t do what you do, and on behalf of the thousands of families whose lives are happier because of the love they found in a cat or dog you nurtured at PAWS.

In the end, the key to the tenure of PAWS’ staff is no secret—all you need to do is look into the eyes of an animal like Brenda (pictured with me to the left). To our supporters, thank you for enabling PAWS to be such an extraordinary force for animals. Whether we are adopting or releasing an animal, or just cleaning a kennel, everything we do is for them—and none of it could happen without you.

Sincerely,

Annette LaicoExecutive Director

PAWS MagazineIssue 86, Fall 2013

Editor in Chief: Mark Coleman

Copy Editor: Rachel Bishop

Graphic Designer: Edwina Cusolito

Photographers: Tiphanie Anderson, Merina Burda, Kevin Mack, PAWS Companion Animal Shelter Staff, Keila Yonker

Writers: Whitney Allen, Rachel Bishop, Tana Feichtinger, Kay Joubert, Valerie Leonard, Kevin Mack, Amy Webster

PAWSPO Box 1037, Lynnwood, WA 98046 | paws.orgfacebook.com/paws | youtube.com/pawsvideo

Contact PAWS 425.787.2500

Adoption Information x435Animal Cruelty x861Cat Behavior Help x605Dog Behavior Help x852Donations x255Foster Care Program x822Hours and Directions x410Lost and Found Pets x565Wildlife Center x817Volunteer Info Line x838

PAWS Cat City 206.782.1700

From the heart

Dear Friends,

Executive Director Annette Laico spends a little time with Brenda, a friendly and playful 1½ year-old pug mix. Brenda came to PAWS from the Everett Animal Shelter thanks to the PAWS Placement Partner Program. (More on this program on page 6.)

PAWS is a member magazine. Membership is available with a donation of $35 or more. For reprint requests, additional copies, change of address notification, etc., write to: PAWS Magazine, PO Box 1037, Lynnwood, WA 98046.

Printed locally on recycled paper using soy-based inks. PAWS, PAWS Cat City, Bark in the Park and PAWSwalk are service marks owned by Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). ©2013 Progressive Animal Welfare Society.

PAWSmagazine

Also Inside: 4 Off the Top 5 PAWS Gear 7 The Case of the Runaway Feline 9 From Homeless to Happy 11 Gift of a Lifetime 12 Muddy PAWS at PAWSwalk

6 The CallPAWS reaches out to other shelters to lend a hand when lives are on the line.

10 Abstract GivingA brushstroke of genius by two youngsters raises money for animals.

13 Dangerous CatchA seemingly harmless piece of fishing line can have tragic consequences for wildlife.

14 Simulated SiblingsPAWS helps to rehabilitate wildlife by creating unconventional “families.”

ReunitedWith hard work, a little ingenuity and a touch of luck—PAWS keeps birds of a feather together.

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COVER For Bud, the road home began when

he arrived at PAWS as a stray. Today, he has

a loving new home. Inside this edition,

you’ll find several other roads home for both companion animals

and wildlife.

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off the top Sometimes it’s Good to Litter

When PAWS got a call from The World’s Best Cat Litter, it sounded too good to be true. The company was giving away one pound of litter for every vote cast by fans of PAWS. A few weeks later, a truck showed up with 15,000 pounds of cat litter! According to shelter staff, the litter will last more than four months and will save PAWS between $5,000 and $8,000!

As an on-air personality for Click 98.9 FM, Brad Nolan was manning the radio tent at PAWSwalk when an “adoption parade” changed his life.

“When we met Chopper, he leaned into us, and it was all over,” says Brad. The “we” in this case was he and his girlfriend, and they had no plans to bring home a new dog.

“We had talked about it and decided to wait until February,” says Brad, “but here’s the thing: when a dog finds you, you just can’t wait.”

Today Chopper makes himself at home with Brad and his girlfriend. The friendly pooch already has his favorite spots, favorite toys and a favorite activity (taking up the entire bed).

While it may be a perfect match for everyone involved, there’s still one issue.

“Separation anxiety,” says Nolan. But it’s not Chopper with the problem. It’s Nolan.

“I have a hard time leaving him at home when I leave to do my radio show,” he says with a smile, “but I’m working on it.”

A Match Made at PAWSwalk

A Step At A TimeWhen PAWS needed steps installed at the end of our dog-walking trail, we received a hand from four very unlikely volunteers. These men are from the Canaday House, a transitional housing center managed by the Downtown Emergency Services Center. They are participating in a work training program that provides them with much needed work, while benefitting non-profit organizations like PAWS. In four hours, this hard-working crew installed five new stair steps at the end of the trail, making it safer for dog-walkers and other staff, especially during foul weather.

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New PAWS gear just in time for the holidays!

All availble now at paws.orgAll proceeds support the animals at PAWS.

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Shelter Manager Lisa Hockins is used to getting urgent calls, and while it makes her insides churn, it also sets the team into action.

“Our Placement Partners know they can reach out to us when they are in need of help, especially when it’s critical,” explains Hockins.

On June 14, Hockins received one of those calls. Metro Animal Services, a small government agency in Puyallup, was overflowing with animals and called PAWS for help.

“We knew the animals had to get out; otherwise, they were facing potential euthanasia,” says PAWS Board Member and Kennel Attendant Volunteer Janet Straus. Straus was asked to make the urgent pick-up for five adult cats and a Pomeranian.

“It was a rewarding trip. Metro’s staff was so appreciative of our help, and it really exemplified just how strong the connection is between PAWS and other local shelters,” explains Straus.

Other calls from PAWS Placement Partners, however, are more routine, says Animal Behavior Lead Kristi Binau.

“We work very closely with the Everett Animal Shelter, communicating about their population levels, and discussing which dogs are appropriate for transfer.”

On June 24, Binau made her weekly trip to the Everett Animal Shelter to finalize the dog selection. Claire, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever mix, was one of six lucky dogs to be transferred to PAWS. This would prove to be lucky not only for Claire, but lucky for a family in North Everett.

When the Hagers met Claire a few days later, it was her sweet brown eyes, luxurious wavy coat and quiet demeanor that caught their eye.

“The PAWS staff knew we were looking for a companion for our older Golden Retriever Kellan, whom we adopted from the Everett Shelter a few years earlier,” shares Hilary Anne Hager. “Kellan is a rear-leg amputee who was missing his sister, who passed away last year, and staff knew we were looking for a mellow companion for him.”

With Claire (now known as Barley), Kellan has re-discovered his energy, and the Hagers couldn’t be more pleased with the “kismet.”

“Since Kellan came from the Everett Shelter, and Barley started there too, we think it was fate that she now lives in our north Everett home.”

The PAWS team agrees, and though our stom-achs might churn a bit when our Placement Partners reach out in critical situations, we can’t help but rejoice when these calls allow us to provide second chances for so many deserving animals.

The Call

Lisa Hockins holds one of a litter of kittens that arrived at PAWS though the Placement Partner Program. Thanks to your support, we’ll find a happy home for this youngster.

Claire now plays an important part in

her wonderful new home, thanks to

PAWS Placement Partner Program.

Every day, the program gives an avenue to animals across the region

who may be out of options.

Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and the PAWS staff—do you know what they all have in common? If you guessed super sleuthing abilities, you’d be right! Just like the fictional detectives, the PAWS staff goes to great lengths to solve the mystery of missing pets—and to make sure the animals find their way back home whenever possible.

Case in point: the mystery of the swan-diving feline.

On Sunday, July 21, a small black cat arrived at PAWS without a name or identification. PAWS’ staff scanned the young feline and found a microchip, but it hadn’t been registered. Unsure of her real name, we decided to call the cat Grimm and began a search for her real identity, and her family.

PAWS’ staff tracked the microchip number to Purrfect Pals, another local animal shelter in Washington State, who were able to provide the name of Grimm’s guardians. One quick Google search later, and we had an address,

Loving the View

He was simply sitting there waiting. Each day she would see him as she went by, his green eyes meeting hers, and then disappearing in the rearview mirror. Relationships often start with

the smallest of things—a look, a touch, or a few kind words. For Buddy Boy, it started with a bus route, a room with a view—and a fortunate glance in the right direction.

Buddy Boy spent his days in the big front window of PAWS Cat City, enjoying a busy view of Roosevelt Way. What would prove to be more important for this sweet feline, however, was his view of the bus stop across the street. When he

arrived in March, with spring bringing leaves to the trees outside his window perch, a Metro Bus Driver on route 66/67 spotted Buddy Boy for the first time. As she picked up passen-gers, she would routinely glance over to check traffic, and on this day, she noticed Buddy Boy.

It became part of her routine while driving the 66/67, looking at the big windows to see the cats awaiting adoption. She found herself always looking to find Buddy Boy’s green eyes and white fur glistening in the sun. With the days growing shorter and milder, it soon dawned on the driver that he had been there all through spring and summer, and with fall fast approaching, she decided it was time to meet him.

“I just couldn’t stand seeing him in the window any longer,” says the driver, “and he seemed to be waiting for that right person to stop and notice him. I guess it was just meant to be.”

Today, Buddy Boy shares his new home with the driver, a nine-year-old cat and a small poodle. While no stranger to a little mischief, he’s happy to spend his afternoons purring and watching the seasons change out the living room window.

although we didn’t know if it was the right one. We sent off a note and hoped for the best.

Meanwhile, Anthony Rogacki’s cat Guen had been missing for two months after brazenly jumping off a third floor balcony at his mother’s house.

“We plastered the neighborhood with posters, checked websites, called and searched for more than a month,” recalls Anthony’s mother Susan, “but we found no trace of her.”

Then they received a postcard in the mail from PAWS.

“We were shocked and cautiously hopeful that it was really her,” recalls Susan, and it was!” After a lot of brushing, tasty food, and bushels of love, she is her curious, playful and

happy self again—and it’s all because of PAWS!”

Thanks to the perseverance of the PAWS staff, Guen the cat is finally home with her family—right where she belongs. Case closed.

The Case of the Runaway Feline

Maybe they get bumped out of the nest by their larger, stronger siblings. Maybe they get a little too adven-turous, take a misstep, and tumble to the ground on their own. Or maybe they take their first flight and land in a less than ideal spot. Whatever the initial cause for their predicament, dangers abound for young birds of prey who end up on the ground in urban or suburban settings.

Nearly every spring and summer, a few of these wayward youngsters are scooped up by concerned citizens and brought to PAWS. This year’s contin-gent of “jumpers” included one young Great Horned Owl, two nestling Barn Owls, one Merlin chick, and one fledg-ling Peregrine Falcon.

When we receive young birds of prey who are uninjured and healthy, we

make every effort to reunite the chicks with their families as soon as possible. There are a variety of different approaches to these family reunions, and we used several of them this year.

The Great Horned Owl chick whom we received in April was returned to his parents via an artificial nest. He was placed in a laundry basket lined with twigs and leaves, and the basket was hoisted up into a tree on a rope. It didn’t take long for his parents to hear him calling for food, and they promptly took him back into their care.

Two nestling Barn Owls who were brought to us in May had fallen off a ledge in a Woodinville horse arena. After inspecting the ledge and finding that two other nestlings were still present, we simply returned the two fallen chicks to the nest. Arena staff attached boards along the edge of the ledge to prevent the chicks from falling again.

Things were a little more compli-cated with a young Merlin who came to us in July. His nest was more than 50 feet up in a tree. Reaching it would

have been difficult, and it also might have caused his siblings who were still in the nest to jump out. We kept the Merlin in our care until he began to fly, then we returned him to the neighbor-hood from which he came. His parents quickly found him.

Reunited (and it feels so good)

Barn Owl nestlings sometimes become adventurous and end up falling from their nest ledge. If they are uninjured, they can simply be returned. Such was the case with two wayward nestlings who were brought to PAWS in May. PAWS Naturalist Kevin Mack climbed a very long ladder to reunite the birds with two siblings who were still in the nest. The owners of the barn also nailed boards along the edge of the nest site to prevent future falls.

Even if the original nest is destroyed or inaccessible, young raptors can be reunited with their parents by placing them in an artificial nest close to the original nest site.

The mid-summer sun beat down on the parked car, leaving the two animals stranded inside at the mercy of the sweltering heat. These two gentle, green-eyed felines were living with their guardian in the squalor of a beat-up vehicle, suffering excessive temperatures during the day and cold temperatures at night.

When their guardian was arrested for a traffic violation, the cats were discovered by police and immediately taken to PAWS. Upon intake, PAWS’ staff and veterinarians were appalled at the cats’ physical condition. Spike, one of the two brothers, was wearing a harness which had become so tight that it was cutting into the skin under his leg. The ingrown harness had created a large, infected wound which was causing Spike a great deal of pain.

“We don’t know how long Spike and Angel were living in that car,” says PAWS Shelter Manager Lisa Hockins, “but we know that Spike’s condition could have gotten much worse had they not been found and brought to PAWS for medical attention.”

PAWS’ veterinarians removed Spike’s harness by cutting it away with a pair of scissors, then cleaned and stitched the injury. Once out of surgery, Spike and his brother Angel were able to recuperate from their traumatic ordeal in the safe and loving environ-ment at PAWS.

Even after enduring such a traumatic experience, Spike and Angel were still sweet, loving and playful—exactly the kind of cats for whom Andrea Morrison was looking. So, after a short stay at PAWS, Spike and Angel now have a new home with Andrea, and this time, it’s a real home.

From Homeless to Happy

In August, a fledgling Peregrine Falcon took a swim in Seattle’s ship canal after an awkward first flight. This bird simply needed to dry off at PAWS before we took her back to Seattle and set her free where she could easily fly back up to a ledge on the ship canal bridge.

At PAWS, we firmly believe that caring for wildlife should be left to the experts. Although we

have the necessary knowledge and skills to raise young birds of prey to the age of independence, we are acutely aware of the fact that the birds’ parents can do a better job than we can. By reuniting healthy raptor chicks with their families, we can ensure that these birds receive the best possible care from the true raptor-rearing experts.

A young Merlin who fell from his nest in July was cared for at PAWS for several days until he was able to fly. He was then returned to his parents.

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It has all the makings of a Manhattan art opening—walls covered with colorful works, art patrons sipping wine and noshing on appetizers. The

artists, both dressed in sequined evening wear, move from room to room, politely fielding compliments while explaining the finer points of creating a work of art. Suddenly, you notice that neither artist is wearing shoes, and that one of them may be up past her bedtime.

“Have you seen this one?” says five-year-old Emerson King, a little yawn escaping her smiling face. “This one is my favorite.”

Emerson and her sister, seven-year-old Harper King, are the stars of this show. On the walls are several works you might be surprised to find out were created by a pair of grade-schoolers. Even more surprising is why these two young ladies are throwing this well-attended art show.

“It’s important to take care of animals,” says Harper. “All the money from tonight goes to the animals at PAWS.”

Every artist needs an inspiration, something that moves them or challenges them. For Harper and Emerson, that inspiration is helping others.

“They came up with the idea all by themselves,” says mom, Meg King. “They just really like to help.”

If you hang around long enough, you’ll even get a lesson in art theory.

“I like abstract art,” says Harper, before pointing to an unsuspecting family cat to explain why this is her favorite art form.

“So if I’m painting a picture of my cat, and I get one of the hairs wrong, it’s really all right, because it’s abstract!” says Harper—an explanation that would make even Jackson Pollock blush.

Yet, there’s nothing abstract about the envelope the two girls deliver to PAWS after the show. Inside is $1,410. It’s a wonderful gift from two amazing young ladies with a flair for painting, and a love for animals.

Abstract Gift

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Frank Placek’s compassion for

animals spanned his entire life, and

beyond.

Gift of a LifetimeFrank Placek left everything he owned to PAWS. Frank did well for himself in life, but like many people, his home and property comprised the bulk of his assets. So, through a visionary gift to PAWS in his will, Frank created a legacy of compassion for animals.

In 2012, bequest gifts accounted for nearly 20% of PAWS’ total revenue. Year after year, the support of visionary donors like Frank helps provide food, shelter, and medical care to injured and abandoned animals. We act as careful stew-ards of their gifts, using a portion of these funds to meet the immediate needs of animals in our care, and placing the rest aside to help foster a brighter future for the animals in our community.

Many people not only trust PAWS to carry out their legacy of compas-sion through a bequest gift, but designate PAWS in their will to act as a guardian for their own cats and dogs should they not outlive them. Known as PAWS Lifetime Care Program, this note from one of our members explains why they chose to enroll in the service:

“Because of our experience with PAWS, we have complete confidence that PAWS will find our two cats a loving home.”

PAWS is honored by the trust that our Lifetime Care Members, and all of our visionary donors, place in us. Their kindness and generosity truly lives on through our daily work. In the case of Frank, by having left his home to PAWS, he is helping thousands of animals find a home of their own.

If you would like more informa-tion on how you can leave your own

Your Holiday Guide to Help the AnimalsGive the gift of life and love this holiday season by sending a donation in honor of a family member, friend or special animal companion. You can make your gift online at paws.org, or complete the donation envelope inside this magazine. Your gift’s recipient will receive a beautiful card in the mail, personalized with your greetings.

Go to paws.org for great ways to support the cats, dogs and wildlife at PAWS!

• Make monthly or quarterly gifts for the animals through automatic credit card donations.

• Sponsor an animal. Wildlife sponsorships, as well as cat and dog kennel sponsorships are available throughout the year and make great gifts.

• Include a gift drive for the animals at your holiday party by asking guests to bring something from our Wish List.

As far back as 1946, Frank Placek was a friend to animals. At the end

of a fruitful life, Frank made a gift to PAWS that continues to make a

difference today.

legacy of kindness for animals, please contact our Executive Director’s office at 425.412.4036.

More than 1,100 dedicated PAWS fans and their pups turned out for

PAWSwalk 2013 at Marymoor Park on September 7. Despite the showers and the mud, our passionate supporters raised more than $165,000 for the animals!

After a soggy, yet celebratory strut through the park, PAWSwalkers and their canine cohorts enjoyed doggie games, Kid Zone activities, free giveaways and exciting contests.

The Pours for PAWS beer and mimosa garden was a huge success again this year, with walkers wetting their whistles with local microbrews—while food trucks kept everyone fueled up.

Taking home the top PAWSwalk prize was Cindy Spodek Dickey, raising a remarkable $9,100 for the animals at PAWS. Taking home the Top Team prize was the amazing Cat City Bobcats, bringing in more than $5,690! It wasn’t just the grown-ups making a splash in the PAWSwalk puddles; Top Youth Walker Jake Reid raised $630!

Thanks again to everyone who helped the animals by participating in PAWSwalk. The animals at PAWS are lucky to have you! Check out the PAWS Facebook page for more photos of the event, including shots from the photo booth!

Muddy Paws Make for an Exciting PAWSwalk!

Thank you, PAWSwalk Sponsors Presenting Sponsor VCA Animal HospitalsDefendersP2 Solutions GroupSeattle WeeklyProtectorsBow Wow Fun TowneCanine Behavior CenterCowbelly PhotographyWhole Foods MarketGuardians1st Security Bank Boehringer IngelheimBrightLight ConsultingPemco InsurancePooper TrooperWBL ServicesFriendsACCESAll The Best Pet Care Alyssa Rose Photography

Cowbelly PhotographyDowntown Dog LoungeDynamic ChirosING Financial ServicesJogs for DogsPaws and SavePima Medical InstituteSeattle Veterinary ServicesValue Pet Clinic

PAWSwalk Top FundraisersCongratulations and thank you for your fantastic

fundraising for the animals at PAWS!

• Top Walker Cindy Spodek Dickey raised $9,100!

• Top Team Cat City Bobcats raised $5,690!

• Top Youth Jake Reid raised $630!

Thanks to our PAWSwalk photographers: Blue Sapota Photography and Merina Burda

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In the center of the beautiful community of Klahanie, Washington, is a serene, breathtaking lake that is host to wildlife and recreational activi-ties, including fishing. Bonnie Anderson, a resident of Klahanie for many years, became concerned after seeing the dangers of derelict fishing line firsthand. “Over the years,” Bonnie recalls, “I witnessed the impact discarded fishing line was having on the wildlife and natural environment. A mallard was found entangled in fishing line, a Pied Billed Grebe was discovered entangled in fishing line, and an American Coot was strangling and close to drowning when she was ensnared in fishing line.” Bonnie knew she had to do some-thing to help stop this devastation and began researching the extent of damage caused by aban-doned fishing line.

Discarded monofilament fishing line poses a serious threat to wildlife and is a hazard to swim-mers, divers, boaters, and even domestic animals. Wildlife often become caught in discarded fishing line, resulting in strangulation, drowning, starva-tion, amputation of limbs, and infections.

All too often, PAWS’ staff sees the sad results of derelict fishing lines, as we care for many birds, ducks and seals who are injured by abandoned fishing gear—not to mention those animals who don’t make it to PAWS.

You might recall reading about seal #11-2225 (dubbed “Sandy” by the community and media) in last summer’s edition of PAWS Magazine. After receiving months of life-saving treatment at

Dangerous CatchPAWS, seal #11-2225 was released back into the Puget Sound, where sadly, she met her demise two months later. Her body was found by a scuba diver off the Edmonds fishing pier. Seal #11-2225 had drowned after becoming entangled in abandoned fishing gear.

Bonnie Anderson is asking you to help.

“Please give the problem of fishing line pollution the atten-tion it deserves. Install monofilament fishing line collection bins and appropriate signage at fishing sites and marinas, including means for maintenance and disposal, and educate the public about the problems caused by monofilament line that is left in the environment.”

To learn more about the dangers of dere-lict fishing gear and how you can help, visit: DerelictGear.org. Together, we can work to help protect each other, wildlife, and the environment from the dangers of discarded fishing line and equipment.

Above His wing entangled in monofilament fishing line, this juvenile Glaucous-winged Gull was suspended in the trees for several hours until an arborist was able to climb up and free him.

Far left This Great Blue Heron became so entangled in derelict fishing line that he was no longer able to extend his wings to fly.

Left When fishing line tightens around the legs of waterfowl like this Canada Goose, it can cut off blood flow and cause serious injury.

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Since 1981, PAWS has worked with more than 260 species of wild animals, each with their own unique set of physical and behavioral needs. Through the years, we’ve found ways to fulfill most of the needs of our captive patients through creative enclosure setup, enrichment, specialized

Simulated Siblingsdiets and other means. No matter how creative we get though, the need for normal social interaction is one thing for which we can find no substitute.

Even animals who are solitary as adults usually grow up with one or more siblings in the nest or den, so for most of the species with which we work, social interaction is especially important during the early stages of life. For that reason, whenever possible, we combine orphans who arrive singly and raise them together.

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Raising wild orphans in pairs or in groups bene-fits the animals in many ways. It may reduce stress, encourage feeding behavior through competi-tion, and help animals cement their species identity through constant contact with others of their kind. In addition, many young animals develop strength and coordination by playing with their siblings. Play behavior may serve an especially important purpose for predatory species, as stalking and pouncing on a sibling is excellent practice for later stalking and pouncing on prey.

Most importantly, raising young animals together allows them to bond with one another instead of with their human caregivers. This helps ensure that they do not become tame or habituated during their rehabilitation, and that improves the odds that they will enjoy a full, wild life after their release.

Housing individuals of the same species together provides companionship, reinforces species identity, and provides many other benefits. Here we see (clockwise from top left) Black Bear cubs, Harbor Seal pups, Barn Owl chicks, Mallard ducklings, Dark-eyed Junco chicks, Otter pups, and Black-tailed Deer fawns growing up together at PAWS. Even if the individuals are not blood relatives, they behave as if they are siblings while in care.

15305 44th Ave W PO Box 1037 Lynnwood, WA 98046paws.org

Non-profit OrgU.S. Postage Paid PAWS

Please deliver to a friend of animals at this address.

The PAWS staff loves a happy ending. We enjoy getting emails, letters, and the occasional visit from adopters sharing the next chapter in a story with a happy ending.

Like many dogs, Coco’s story started with a mystery. The little Chihuahua mix arrived at a nearby shelter as a stray with no history, and no background to share. She was transferred to PAWS where she spent time in our Foster Care Program to overcome a case of kennel cough. That’s where her foster family began to document her story.

“While she was shy at first, we quickly learned that Coco loved children, sitting on their laps and hopping onto their beds for snuggle time. She enjoyed time with other dogs and the resident cats too,” shared foster parent Susan Rushing.

Recently, Coco’s adopters, Eddie and Karen Locker, shared the next chapter of her story with us.

“She has her own blanket that moves from the foot of our bed to the couch each morning, as Coco loves to curl up under a blanket. She has accompanied us on all of our camping trips and is always ready to hit the trail. Coco has, of course, stolen our hearts.”

The PAWS team is so happy to know that Coco’s travels have led her to that special place!

Coco

From Lonely to Loved