Life-Saver Rescue Program Answers Local Shelter's Call for Help

One of the flood-impacted dogs transferred to our shelter this week.

The initial call for help came from a boat. A representative of Joint Animal Services in Thurston County was trying to save a goat trapped by raging floods in the Nisqually Delta area. They'd already picked up dozens of other animals left behind in evacuated homes.

Intake Manager Jess Charlton knew immediately Seattle Humane had to help. "I cannot stress enough how valued Joint Animal Services is as a shelter partner,” Charlton said. “They are essentially one of our transfer shelter best friends."

In the days since, some two dozen animals impacted by the flooding have come to Seattle Humane. The most recent transfer came on Wednesday, Feb. 12 when 15 animals arrived, including a chocolate lab and her litter of newborn puppies.

Some animals were surrendered by their owners when they could not commit to caring for them after the evacuations, while others were already in the care of Joint Animal Services. Transferring them to Seattle Humane freed up room the shelter desperately needed for other pets rescued from the floods. The animals transferred to Seattle Humane are now in the intake process, where they will be checked for their health and behavior, then readied for the adoption floor.

If the phone rings again, Charlton says Seattle Humane's Life-Saver Program will be there. “I am so appreciative of this partnership. It’s saved a lot of lives.”

Help save even more lives and donate to our Life-Saver Rescue Program!

Join us for a Princess Party! | Feb. 23

Seattle Humane is partnering with Seattle Princesses for our magic carpet rollout of “If The Shoe Fits: A Seattle Humane Princess Party” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Children and pets can dress up and strike a pose with regal royals from some of the most beloved fairy tales of our time, including Elsa, Cinderella, Jasmine and Moana. (A suggested donation of $25 per group provides a digital copy of the day's memories.) "Princesses know the importance of giving back to their kingdoms, and we like to follow their example and give back to ours," said Deanna Eden, owner of Seattle's Princesses and the Painted Palace. "Seattle Humane does so much good for our community, and we are thrilled to be able to team up with them to support this amazing mission and to spread magic." Learn more.

Summer Day Camps at Seattle Humane

Registration for our popular summer day camps begins March 3! Each week is packed with games, guest speakers and crafts, and of course, lots of animals! To view the schedule, click here or submit a Camp Interest Form to be among the first to know when registration is available.

Tuxes & Tails | May 9

Be the first to get your tickets when they go on sale March 1! Our life-saving work wouldn't be possible without your support at this annual black tie event featuring exciting auctions, a multi-course dinner and an adoptable pet runway show! Save the date and join us for a night to remember! Learn more.

Join the Furmily!

The steady stream of funding from our monthly donors is vital to help provide expert veterinary care, safe shelter, and so many other life-saving services for cats, dogs and critters in need. As of today, 33 supporters have become new Furmily members! And we only have 67 more to go to reach our goal this month! When you join our Furmily, Seattle Humane’s monthly giving program, your gifts will give cats, dogs and critters the food, expert medical care, and loving attention they deserve while we find them a home of their own.

Chillin’ with Chinchillas

Seattle Humane has recently seen an influx of chinchillas coming through its Critter Room. These incredibly soft and fluffy rodents are easy enough to care for, provided they have enough room to exercise and the right diet. In nature, chinchillas live in colonies (or herds), so they should have roommates.

Fun Facts About These Furry Critters:

1. Chinchillas have thick fur that helps them survive the frigid temps of the Andes Mountains of South America, where they originate. Dust baths remove moisture and extra oils in their fur, and they are adorable to watch.

2. Chinchillas have a vocal range closer to humans than any other rodent, and can produce many different sounds, tones, and melodies. They’re generally quiet though, and tend to communicate mostly through body language and olfactory signals.

3. While they may be small, the lifespan of chins is longer than that of their small and furry contemporaries. Chinchillas can live into their teens, with even some recorded still rolling in their 20s!

To see all our critters available for adoption, click here.

Pet Spotlight: Indy

Much like his namesake, Indiana "Indy" Bones is on an epic quest. But he isn't in search of a gold statue. Instead, our explorer is seeking a truly priceless treasure — a home. Interested in meeting this handsome hunk? Here's a brief celebrity bio:

Indy is a 2-1/2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix who was found as a stray in rural Washington and was transferred to us in early November. Indy still has some puppy energy, and much like other Hollywood heartthrobs, he needs plenty of exercise time to maintain his peak physique. And as he likes to keep his resume sharp, he'd enjoy additional training to help him be his most confident and happy self. His foster parents say he's an "extremely sweet boy" who wants nothing more than to snack (especially on peanut butter!), cuddle, get pets, go on walks/hikes, and bask in a sunny spot. Because Indy knows he's an A-list doggie, he prefers to be the only leading man on set (i.e. he needs to be the only pet in the home and would also not do well with small children.)

Indy asks that your people call his people (i.e. our adoption team) to schedule an audition (i.e. meet and greet) by calling (425) 649-7563 or emailing adoption@seattlehumane.org.