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.

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!

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!

Keeping your pets safe on Halloween doesn’t have to be tricky. Here are some common sense tips for keeping your pet safe and stress-free on Halloween:

NO TRICKS, NO TREATS

• Candy is dangerous to pets. Keep it out of reach. Chocolate in all forms can be dangerous, even lethal, for cats and dogs. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous.
• Cats love to play with candy wrappers, but eating aluminum foil or cellophane can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.
• Sticks on caramel apples can be swallowed and cause damage to internal organs or block airways.
• If your dog or cat accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products, consult your veterinarian, or contact the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 (a fee applies) or online at aspca.org/apcc.

DECORATIONS CAN BE DANGEROUS

• Popular Halloween plants, like pumpkins and decorative corn, are considered to be relatively non-toxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset or intestinal blockage if swallowed.
• A carved pumpkin is festive, but use caution if you add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and start a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by a candle flame.
• Keep wires and cords for electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets.

DRESSING UP

• Keep pet costumes safe and comfortable. Make sure the costume does not limit your pet’s movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Make sure the costume doesn’t have any small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could become a choking hazard.
• A simple, decorative collar or bandana is a great alternative to a full-body costume!

BETTER SAFE THAN SCARY

• Keep pets inside and in a safe room away from the front door when trick-or-treaters are visiting. Too many strangers, especially those bizarre-looking Halloween visitors, can be scary and stressful for pets.
• When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take extra care that your cat or dog doesn’t dart outside!

ID, PLEASE!

• Make sure you pet is wearing up-to-date identification and that the microchip company has current contact information. If, for any reason, your pet escapes and becomes lost, a collar, tag and microchip increases the chance that your pet will be returned to you.

Information provided by www.aspca.org.