No Matter the Care, Be There for the Animals

It’s hard to believe #GivingTuesday is already here. It feels like just a few short weeks ago Washington was having one of the hottest summers on record. As we move into December and kick off the most generous season of the year, I encourage you to read the harrowing story of Homeward Pet’s sweet senior Max and the exceptional care that saved his life—all thanks to you. When Max arrived at our door, his temperature was 108, the highest our veterinary clinic had ever seen. He needed to be cooled—and quickly.
 
Thanks to donations made by animal lovers like you, we have an in-house oxygen chamber, which became Max’s refuge and gave him a shot at survival. For two hours we watched Max slowly regain his breath as his temperature returned to normal.
 
Today, Max is a lively, goofy dog, beloved by his family. Without the generosity of our community, Max would have had no chance at all for a life filled with love, bringing joy to all those fortunate enough to meet him.
 
It is only because of you that we were able to save Max. Though his story ended happily, our work is never over. Please keep your heart open for the thousands of animals who arrive at our doorstep each year, some in good health and others in extraordinary medical and behavioral need.
 
No matter the cost, no matter the care, we are committed to providing the best for all animals we shelter.
 
Give here to help us reach our goal of $26,000 this #GivingTuesday!
 
 
Gary Rubin
Homeward Pet Executive Director

A Cat for Not Just Anyone

Roxy’s journey to Homeward Pet is not uncommon. When her owner passed away in June of 2015, she found refuge at Homeward Pet. Unfortunately, the search for her new home hasn’t run smooth. While most animals move on to their forever homes after a few weeks, Roxy’s stay has been much longer. Though she’s content as a lapcat—and her soft fur lends itself to pets—she’s been in and out of our shelter since her first arrival, having been adopted and returned to us four times.

What keeps this ball of ginger fur from fully settling in? Well, Roxy has a regular laundry list of concerns: She has a history of upper respiratory infections, which cause her to become congested and sneeze all over those close to her. Pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease cause her discomfort, which we mitigate through medication and a raw food diet, but she sometimes still misses the litter box. She doesn’t get along too well with other animals, which rules out any multi-pet households. Twice, she was returned when her adopters unfortunately developed allergies. It seems like almost everything is working against this mellow kitty.

Though Roxy can be grumpy when she doesn’t feel well or becomes stressed, our Cat Behavior Team coordinator, Kimberlee (pictured with Roxy), has developed a special relationship with her. To alleviate some of Roxy’s behavioral concerns, Kimberlee and her team work every day with her as we hunt for that special adopter: someone who understands Roxy’s medical and behavioral issues and is able to work with her on her own terms. As she learns calming behaviors, her pleasant qualities are better able to shine. In return for patience and occasional space, she’ll reward you with a lifetime of purrs and play. As Kimberlee puts it, “Roxy has been one of my favorites since she first came to Homeward. She is always happy to greet you when you open her door and the moment you sit down she can’t hop up in your lap fast enough. Roxy is affectionate, lap-loving, and still has a little bit of a playful side when you bring out that feather stick toy! I know Roxy comes with her challengesdon’t we all?–but she is a fantastic cat that would make a great companion for someone who understands her needs.”

Not every adoption we do is easy. She’s not the easiest cat we’ve ever had come through our doors, but we’ll never give up on trying to help her…or searching for a home where she’ll be loved for years to come. We sum it up like this: Roxy isn’t for everyone. But just maybe she’s the one for you.

Interested in learning more about Roxy? Visit her during adoption hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 6pm.

(Pet) Food for Thought

In the Homeward Pet donation room, the bounty of food and supplies reaches the ceiling. On one side: cans in neat rows, rawhide bones the length of dachshunds, puppy training pads stacked high. The other: bags of cat food grouped by size, litter that sounds like shifting sand when rearranged. Like opening the hood of a car, at first glance its internal logic is hidden by the sheer number of parts, but there’s method to the food bank’s shelves.

Outside, in the pre-sorting area, it’s a different story. All material donations Homeward Pet receives—whether by truck, collection bin, or via mysterious nighttime do-gooder—come through our doors to be sorted by a small team: our facilities manager, Paul, and our dedicated food bank volunteers. Some donations remain; others are earmarked for other shelters and food banks when our supply outweighs demand. Each year, over 100,000 pounds of food leave our doors to serve families and pets in need throughout the community—which wouldn’t be possible without the team of food bank volunteers.

Lara Prado, four year volunteer, is one such face you can find strong-arming bags of food between shelves. Happy owner of one Homeward Pet alum, Millicent, Lara tackles the food bank one day a week and dog-walking shifts another. Her double-duty was not accidental: she knows, as she puts it, that “our shelter runs on all volunteers,” no matter where their daily tasks are located. Though the donation room is a less popular volunteer area, it’s essential to continue operations, both at Homeward Pet and beyond.

Take Edmonds Food Bank, Lara says. With our assistance, they’re now able to have a specific pet food area. Reaching families in need with food donations is one way to make sure pets stay in their homes—and out of shelters.

Despite our efforts, we’re still a busy adoption center. When there’s the possibility to spend time directly with animals, the food bank’s shelves are a harder role to sell to those interested in volunteering. Though there are fewer wagging tails in the donation room, it’s not without its own, less slobbery draws. There is, of course, the satisfaction of a job well done—of seeing stacks of food turn into orderly lines and know that it’s because of you and your team’s effort. There’s also recognition of the big picture: because of the food bank’s efforts, more than 1800 cats and dogs will receive quality meals. Beyond that is something even more profound.

“I love seeing people’s generosity,” she says. “We get donations from everywhere: regular deliveries from pet supply stores are most common, but there are also people who have lost their pet and want to make sure their supplies go to help another animal. It’s a time of grieving, but they still want to help.”

One of the most moving memories she has is when a child’s donation made it through our doors. “Along with the usual bags of food we once got a piggy bank full of coins and dollars. You see really good things like that all the time.”

Is there anyone who couldn’t use a little reminder of the world’s goodness?

It’s a reminder that we all need, occasionally. When Lara tells people how she spends her Monday mornings at an animal shelter, there’s a common reaction: listeners think that volunteer shifts at an animal shelter are filled with heartache.

“Often, whoever I’m talking to will say, ‘That must be so sad, working at an animal shelter,’ and I just tell them that the animals come in, and they’re getting the best care possible – maybe the best care they’ve ever gotten, period. That doesn’t leave me feeling sad. They have much better lives ahead of them, and I’m so happy to be a part of that.”

Learn more about volunteering with our food bank and accepted donations here.

2018 Calendar on Sale

Start the year off right with the 2018 Homeward Pet calendar! Filled to the brim with Homeward Pet alumni, events and important dates, this is a great way to support the homeless cats and dogs in our care.

Order one for you or a friend today!

Adopt a Senior Pet Today

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month at Homeward Pet Adoption Center, when we focus attention on our more mature, more experienced, often more easygoing animals.  Frequently overlooked during summer’s kitten and puppy season, an older dog or cat can make the perfect companion.  Consider the following reasons to adopt a senior pet.

Six great reasons to adopt a senior cat:

  • Older cats are easier to take care of – their calmer character is perfect for a senior citizen, someone with a quiet home, or even a busy professional who’s worried about their kitty getting into trouble while they’re at work.
  • Senior cats’ personalities are well-established, so you know what temperament you’re getting.
  • Older cats are often more tolerant, and better with small children.
  • Adopting a senior cat makes a statement about compassion and the value of life at all ages.
  • Homeward Pet senior cats are 8 years of age and up, so they’ve still got plenty of life ahead of them and may well live another decade or more!
  • Most importantly, every cat regardless of age deserves a good home.

Seven great reasons to adopt a senior dog:

  • Older dogs are often calmer and have usually had some training, both in obedience and housetraining.
  • Senior dogs have been socialized and have already learned what it takes to be part of your “pack.”
  • With a senior, what you see is what you get– you don’t have to guess how big they’re going to get or what their personality will be.
  • Senior dogs are less demanding of your time, content to just hang out while you read a book or get a good night’s sleep (try doing that with a puppy!). But these instant companions are also ready to go when you are – hiking, car rides, fetch and more.
  • Adopting a senior dog makes a statement about compassion and the value of life at all ages.
  • Homeward Pet senior dogs are 8 years of age and up, so they’ve still got plenty of life ahead of them!
  • Most importantly, every dog regardless of age deserves a good home.

Find out How Sweet It Is to be loved by an older cat or meet your distinguished Hound Dog today! A heartfelt thank you to Sno-Wood VCA Animal Hospital for sponsoring us and allowing discounted adoptions through this month!

Adoption Hours:
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By Appointment - Wed-Sun, noon to 5:00 pm
425.488.4444
P.O. Box 2293
13132 NE 177th Place
Woodinville, WA 98072

91-1526803
Homeward Pet's mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs in need through compassionate medical care, positive behavior training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community.
Regular open hours are Tuesday-Sunday 11:30am-5:30pm for questions about adopting, donation drop-offs and other services. Adoptions are by appointment, Wednesday-Sunday. Click here to learnHow To Adopt