“During the winter season, thousands of dogs are left out in the cold and rain with little or no refuge,” says Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Although we do not advocate leaving dogs to live outside, the reality is some dog owners do not allow their dogs inside their homes. We hope to gather as many doghouses and dog igloos as possible, prevent them from ending up in landfills as part of a homeowner’s fall clean-up, and provide more needy pet owners with protection for their dogs from Seattle’s rain and cold.”

New and used doghouses and dog igloos will be accepted through the winter months. The shelter will not accept any item that is either badly soiled or in a state of disrepair. Doghouses and igloos will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone in need. The Shelter will also accept airline animal carriers/crates of various sizes, if they are in outstanding condition.

The shelter will also accept monetary donations that can be designated for buying doghouses. Make checks out to the shelter’s “Help the Animals Fund” and be sure to write “doghouse fund” in the memo section. Last year, $1,000 was raised to buy doghouses for those in need.

The shelter is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing. For more information, call (206)386-PETS (7387) or visit the website at www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

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During this week, the Seattle shelter will distribute free cat and dog food to pet owners in need. With a limit of two bags per household, the food will be distributed at the shelter on a first-come-first-served basis, while supplies last. The food was donated by Whole Foods as part of its community giving program.

“We are proud to provide Seattle with a variety of services and community programs,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “We invite anyone interested in animal welfare to visit the shelter during the week of Nov. 1. (Remember we’re closed on Mondays.) Take this opportunity to visit with the animals, meet the staff and volunteers, and learn how you can help the animals. Your involvement will go a long way in saving animals’ lives.”

Jordan noted there are good reasons for adopting from shelters. “First, you give a homeless animal a second chance in life and you can choose from an amazing variety, from mixed breeds to purebreds. Second, if you’re adopting an adult animal, you already know the animal’s size, looks and temperament. Finally, by adopting from a shelter, you help reduce the suffering caused by the country’s tremendous pet overpopulation problem.”

Seattle’s shelter also appreciates its volunteers. “Volunteers perform many important tasks, including fostering cats and dogs, dog walking and training, promoting off-site adoptions, fundraising and marketing the animal shelter,” Jordan says. “Without our tireless volunteers, we would not be able to provide the many services we offer the community. Our volunteers are indispensable.”

The Seattle Animal Shelter provides services for animals and people alike: controlling dogs running at large, rescuing injured animals, returning lost pets to their owners, and adopting animals into new, loving homes. Shelter staff also offers personal guidance with animal-related issues or concerns.

Here are ways Seattleites can help the Seattle Animal Shelter:

· Donate pet supplies, such as new toys, treats, and blankets for animals at the shelter or in foster care.

· Spread the word about the importance of responsible pet ownership, including spaying and neutering.

· Become a part of the shelter’s volunteer program.

· Report animal abuse.

· Choose your next pet from among the many animals being cared for at the Seattle Animal Shelter.

For more information about the Seattle Animal Shelter or to inquire about volunteer opportunities go to www.seattleanimalshelter.org or call (206) 386-PETS (7387). The Shelter is open Tuesday thru Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. It is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W.

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Using its “Animobile,” the shelter will demonstrate the heating effect of enclosed vehicles.  The van will be at the shelter for the remainder of the week. The “Animobile” will be outfitted with a large visible thermometer to demonstrate exactly how hot a vehicle can get.

 “We may sound like a broken record, but after our officers rescued four dogs – one of whom died from heat exhaustion — and one cat from hot cars this weekend, we can’t say it often enough that pets should not be left in cars when temperatures are even in the 70s. And once again the forecast is calling for temperatures reaching 90 this week. We are sending out an urgent message to all pet owners to be especially careful to protect your pets,” says Don Jordan, director of the Seattle Animal Shelter.

In direct sunlight cars turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death. Dogs must cool themselves through panting and their systems can’t handle high temperatures.  If you must travel with your pet, Jordan advises carrying water for your pet, and avoiding trips where you have to leave the pet in the car. “It’s not worth the risk,” he says.

Jordan offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

• Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Temperatures can exceed 130 degrees in a matter of minutes. Animals do not perspire like humans;  they cool themselves through their lungs by panting. Hot air can lead to brain damage or death.

·         Also, be aware that vinyl seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevent them from perspiring through their paws. Remember, with the movement of the sun, a vehicle originally parked in the shade may soon be in direct sunlight.

·         Never leave your animal chained or penned up directly in sunlight. Provide a shady area where the animal can retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide cool water.

·         If you must leave an animal indoors, open the windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.

·         Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.

Feathered friends:

·         Take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon.

·         Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387).

“Temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s, so we are sending out an urgent message to all pet owners to be especially careful to protect your pets,” says Don Jordan, director of the Seattle Animal Shelter. “Pet owners need to be especially mindful if they must leave pets in cars. In direct sunlight cars turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death. Dogs must cool themselves through panting and their systems can’t handle high temperatures.”

If you must travel with your pet, Jordan advises carrying water for your pet, and avoiding trips where you have to leave the pet in the car. “It’s not worth the risk,”he says.

He offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

·         Never leave your animal chained or penned up directly in sunlight. Provide a shady area where the animal can retreat, such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide cool water.

·         If you must leave an animal indoors, open the windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.

·         Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Temperatures can exceed 130 degrees in a matter of minutes. Animals do not perspire like humans; they cool themselves through their lungs by panting. Hot air can lead to brain damage or death. Also, be aware that vinyl seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevent them from perspiring through their paws. Remember, with the movement of the sun, a vehicle originally parked in the shade may soon be in direct sunlight. 

·         Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.

Feathered friends:

·         Take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon.

·         Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387).

“Whenever we have a hot spell, the animal shelter receives hundreds of calls about pets locked in cars,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Many pet owners are unaware that cars left in direct sunlight turn into lethal ovens, reaching fatal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within just a few minutes. Even dogs left locked in cars in the shade with the windows cracked on hot days are at risk of brain damage or death.”

If you must travel with your pet, Jordan advises carrying water for your pet, and avoiding trips where you have to leave the pet in the car. “It’s not worth the risk,” he says.

Jordan offers the following tips for protecting pets during hot weather:

· Never leave your animal chained or penned up directly in sunlight. Provide a shady area where the animal can retreat to such as a dog house, porch or shady tree, and always provide cool water.

· If you must leave animals indoors, open the windows, keep a fan running, provide plenty of water, and if possible, leave them in a cool location.

· Never leave dogs or cats unattended in a closed, locked car. Animals do not perspire like humans; they cool themselves through their lungs by panting. Hot air can lead to brain damage or death. Also, be aware that vinyl seats in vehicles get hot under animals’ feet and prevents them from perspiring through their paws. Remember, with the movement of the sun, a vehicle originally parked in the shade may soon be in direct sunlight.

· Avoid overexerting your animal in hot weather. Exercise is fine when taken in moderation, but obesity, old age, underlying disease and previous bouts of heat stroke can predispose an animal to the condition.

Feathered friends:

· Take caution and place the bird’s cage away from direct sunlight during the intense heat of the afternoon.

· Provide water and fruits and vegetables with high moisture content.

Pet owners can be held criminally liable for committing cruelty to animals if a pet dies, or is found suffering from heat prostration. If you see an animal that may be in need of assistance, or if you have questions, contact the Seattle Animal Shelter at (206) 386-PETS (7387)

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“Seattle is an animal loving city and we set aside this week each year to recognize the many people whose love of animals leads them to actively work to improve the lives of animals everywhere,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “This week we had a small fire at the Shelter and not surprisingly, Seattleites came through with donations for the animals and other offers of help. We appreciate this kind of generosity this week, and all year round.”

In honor of this week, the Seattle Animal Shelter encourages all families to spend more time appreciating their companion animals and offers suggestions for ways to show kindness to the animals that don’t live in their homes:

• Encourage family and friends to spay or neuter their pets

• Create a unique space for wildlife

• Report animal abuse or neglect

• Volunteer at your local animal shelter

• Speak out on the importance of respecting animals.

“Be Kind to Animals Week” is promoted nationally by the American Humane Association. Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the nation’s oldest organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is located at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The shelter is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and from noon to
6 p.m. for adoptions. You may also view adoptable companion animals at www.seattleanimalshelter.org. For more information, call 386-PETS (7387).

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Each year the Seattle Animal Shelter participates in this national observance as part of its aggressive outreach campaign to educate the community about animal cruelty and to encourage the public to report animal abuse.

A good samaritan found Santi with matted fur, a limp and sores.  After examining Santi, the veterinarian had to shave off large mats of fur only to find that the sores were actually gaping wounds needing immediate attention. Santi received life-saving medical care and healed quickly, all covered by the “Help the Animals Fund.” Shelter volunteers taught her how to walk on a leash and she was adopted into a loving forever home.

“The Seattle Animal Shelter has always taken animal abuse and welfare very seriously,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Educating the public about preventing and reporting abuse is a high priority for our staff and volunteers. The more knowledge the community has, the better chance we have to improve the lives of animals in our community.”

Cruelty can range from simple neglect — failure to provide food, water, shelter or necessary medical care, to intentional abuse, torture or death. Violence against animals may also be part of a pattern of violence against people.

“We realize that a large number of cruelty cases go unreported” says Jordan. “We offer the following advice to make life more humane for the animals in our community:”

·        If you witness or hear about a possible case of animal cruelty, report it to your local humane organization, animal control agency or call your local police.

·        Learn about animal-friendly legislation pending in the state of Washington. You can actively help in passing laws by writing letters of support to your lawmakers. The advocacy center at www.aspca.org allows you to automatically send personal letters to state or federal officials.

·        Teach future generations to respect animal life. Make sure schools in your area include humane education as part of their curriculum or lesson plans. Contact the Seattle Animal Shelter to arrange for a staff representative to speak to your class or contact the ASPCA at education@aspca.org for classroom resources.

·        Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter. You can view pictures of available animals at www.petfinder.com. Local shelter listings can also be found under “Humane Societies” or “Animal Shelters” in the Yellow Pages.

To report animal abuse, please call (206)386-PETS (7387).  Callers can request confidentiality when filing a complaint.

To volunteer with the Seattle Animal Shelter or be involved in its anti-cruelty campaign, call (206) 615-0820 for more information.

To make a donation to the “Help the Animals Fund” to save animals like Santi, please make your check payable to HTAF and send to Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15^th Ave W., Seattle, WA  98119 or make a donation on-line at www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

“People often don’t think about these cute little animals growing up into adult animals who require a commitment to provide daily care for the rest of their lives,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan. “Rabbits, for example, are not so easy to keep. They require a lot of socialization and time and can’t just be left stuck in a cage. Bringing any animal into your home places demands on your time and financial resources and should be done only after carefully assessing your family’s ability to meet the animal’s needs.”

Unfortunately, each year after Easter, animal shelters are inundated with bunnies, ducklings, and chicks relinquished by people who bought them on a whim. Many must be euthanized due to a lack of available homes. Some animals given as Easter gifts are released into the wild when people tire of them. Unable to fend for themselves, the hapless creatures usually die of starvation or exposure to the elements, or are preyed upon by other animals.

In lieu of a live animal, the Seattle Animal Shelter encourages purchasing plush toys to give to children as Easter gifts. The Humane Society of the United States recommends consumers check to determine whether the item was made from real rabbit or other animal fur so the consumer can make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase the product.

Gift certificates are also available at the Seattle Animal Shelter and may be applied towards the adoption of a companion pet.  To purchase a gift certificate, talk with an adoption counselor or preview animals for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter at 2061 – 15th Ave. W., approximately one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The shelter is open every day noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions, and from 9 a.m. for licensing.

For more information, call (206)386-PETS (7387). Information and photos of animals currently available for adoption are posted on the shelter’s web site at www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

“This is the time of year when many people are spring cleaning and clearing out unused items from their garages and basements. If you have a dog igloo that you no longer need, we hope you’ll consider donating to ‘Habitat for Hounds.’ With the rainy season upon us, we would like to prevent dog igloos from ending up in the landfill and provide as many dog shelters as possible to needy pet owners so they will be able to provide protection for their dogs all year,” says Seattle Animal Shelter Director Don Jordan.

The Seattle Animal Shelter will accept new and used dog igloos through April 30, 2009. The shelter reserves the right to refuse any item that is either badly soiled or in a state of disrepair. Dog igloos will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis to anyone who is in need.

“Although we do not advocate leaving dogs to live outside, the reality is that people are losing their homes and ending up in housing situations which now force them to keep their dogs outside.  Dog igloos are useful year-round, providing shade from the sun and protection from the rain,” adds Jordan.

The shelter is located at 2061 – 15^th Ave. W., one mile south of the Ballard Bridge. It’s open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for licensing, and noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions. For more information, call (206)386-PETS (7386) or visit the website at www.seattleanimalshelter.org.