On Tuesday October 15th, Serious Pie in Ballard hosted a Pizza & Pups night of delicious pizza and fun for Seattle Animal Foundation (SAF), Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS), and Furry 5K volunteers. It was a great opportunity for folks to come together to share stories about their experience volunteering and meet like-minded individuals. Each volunteer received a raffle ticket, and SAF gave away dog beds, gift cards, and original drawings.
This event was such a fun (and tasty) way to celebrate SAF’s expanded mission and share the excitement with many new and long-time volunteers. Huge thanks to Serious Pie for providing the perfect venue!
We’re excited to continue spreading the word about our ability to support additional organizations that are also committed to furthering the lifesaving mission of helping shelter animals find a forever home.
The 25th annual Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk was a heartwarming success! The event took place Sunday, June 9th, 2024 under beautiful sunny skies and cool summer morning temperatures, making it an ideal day for running, walking, and enjoying the company of countless adorable dogs. This year, over 1,300 enthusiastic participants registered, filling Seattle’s Seward Park with a sea of royal blue Furry 5K tee shirts, and dog tail wags and happy smiles all around.
Tracy Taylor-Turner once again excelled as the event’s MC. Seattle Animal Shelter Executive Director Esteban Rodriguez expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants at the start line. Participants, both human and canine, were eager and ready to run. We saw some incredible performances this year, with many speedy runners and their pups achieving impressive finishing times.
In the months leading up to the Furry 5K, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation volunteers, GFS Events, presenting sponsor Mud Bay, companies, individuals and teams all worked tirelessly to raise funds. In total, $133,653 was raised for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation to support programs and so many pets in need through the Seattle Animal Shelter. What an amazing success!
The event is made possible each year by the support of our donors, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors. The Furry 5K has always been powered by volunteers dedicated to supporting the Seattle Animal Shelter’s veterinary needs. This year, over 120 volunteers contributed their time and effort to make this event a success. Whether you ran, walked, donated, led a team, shared a post on social media, or participated in any other way — thank you. Your support helps the Seattle Animal Shelter continue its amazing work.
Wizard of Oz – Owners: Danah, Nick and Sagan; Dog: Riley & Fawn
Best Owner/Handler Look-alike:
Puppuccino and Puppuccino Master – Owner: Yuki; Dog: Mochi
Most Creative:
Panda – Owner: Elizabeth; Dog: Blue
SPONSOR THANK YOU
Putting on an event like the Furry 5K requires a community effort, and our sponsors are a crucial part of that community. Their invaluable resources help us create a fun and impactful event that benefits animals in need. A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Mud Bay, and to all our wonderful sponsors:
Mud Bay *presenting sponsor* Lotus Communication – HankFM & Northwest News Radio 97.7 ORIJEN Petfoods Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue Ruffwear BluePearl Pet Hospital Nintendo Animal Medical Center Seattle Just Food For Dogs Ahimsa Green Juju Petcurean Seattle Vet Assoc Open Farm Tilted Barn Metro Dog Seattle Portland Pet Food Co Red Barn Pet Products Alpha Martial Arts Animal Surgical & Orthopedic Center BarkWell Pet Boss Dog Brand Fuzzy Buddy’s Johnston Architects Natural Pet Food Group Pets Global Wellness Pet Company Lake Union Escrow Cascade Heights Veterinary Center TropiClean City Dog Club Bellevue Veterinary Emergency + Specialty Nucor
Love and Patience Win – Each year, at the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s (SASF) Furevermore Auction & Gala, we auction off our most prestigious prize, the Face of the Furry 5K. The award will be the poster pet for all of our Furry 5K material, and this animal represents all the shelter animals that the SASF Furry 5K helps every year. The Face of the Furry 5K gets an exclusive photo session with a professional photographer to capture their pet, and then a talented illustrator turns your pet into art! The Face of the Furry 5K illustration is used on that year’s banners, posters, and tee shirts worn by thousands of pet lovers who attend the Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk in Seward Park, WA.
This year it takes place on Sunday, June 9th and is the special 25th anniversary Furry 5K celebrating 25 years of helping Seattle’s pets. Everyone who registers gets a Furry 5K tee shirt featuring Fortis, the Face of the Furry 5K.
Meet Fortis, a dog who has fought hard and endured a lot to get here. Fortis was rescued from a serious case of neglect and abuse. His champion, who has been volunteering with the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) for two years, has had to learn to adapt to his traumatic past and mix of behavioral issues and medical struggles. “He’s like a lot of our dogs, where consistency, understanding who he is, and patience really helps.”
As an open admission shelter, SAS takes in any case. Whether an animal is seized, surrendered, or a stray, SAS is there to give that animal a chance. In some cases, like Fortis’, that means behavioral hurdles.
His guardian knew that adopting Fortis would come with a unique set of challenges, but was prepared to give him her all. “It’s not uncommon for some of our dogs to have a tough time once they’re adopted, for a while.” Fortis is not comfortable interacting with other people and dogs, and struggles with things like fear and separation anxiety. But he finds joy in playing with his favorite ball, barking at the TV, and hanging out with his person.
She cautions that it’s a challenge to take on a dog with these difficulties. “It’s not been easy, but I say, ‘We’re in this together, buddy. I’m not going to give up on you.’” She must set boundaries with their environment and people they meet to keep Fortis comfortable. “Love keeps me going, but if I wasn’t fortunate enough to have the resources and support system available to me, I don’t think I could’ve done this.”
Fortis’s person has learned that he will never be that dog that can walk up to someone and be pet, and that as his guardian, she has to be comfortable saying no. Taking on an animal means becoming their advocate in the world. The biggest eye-opener for her? “That this is going to be a different journey with him than it would be with another dog. And that journey takes a lot of attention to my environment, knowing in each situation how he’s going to react, and what I need to do to make that environment safe for him.”
“I love him with my whole heart, but it’s a lot of one-way relationship between the two of us,” she explains.
Managing expectations, understanding their needs, and accepting the unique journey is a big part of their story. What’s kept her going is a few crucial things. When she saw Fortis and what he went through, she knew she’d do anything to make his life better. “I thought, ‘I can do this for him.’” Having the ability and resources to give him what he needs, and knowing in her heart she was asked to do this, has helped keep her going through their ups and downs.
If it seems like a lot of work and commitment, it is. But thankfully, there are people like Fortis’s forever person willing to put her time, effort, and love into dogs like him. “I’ve been volunteering since I was very young and it’s always the dedication of the volunteers that is inspiring. It’s made me appreciate the volunteers where I work just that much more.”
It’s important to know what you’re taking on, but to also know that you’re changing a life.
To get your animal companion as next year’s Face of the Furry 5K, be sure to attend the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s Furevermore Gala later this year. Generous and passionate animal lovers bid to win the honor, all for such an amazing cause, supporting Seattle’s neediest pets.
On your mark, get set… go sign up for the 2024 Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk! Join us Sunday, June 9th at Seward Park, Seattle for a fun-filled event for dogs and humans hosted by the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF). Sign up for the Furry 5K and get ready to raise some funds for pets in need at the Seattle Animal Shelter.
Each registration includes a collectable 25th anniversary Furry 5K T-shirt, your race bib, and a digital sponsor goodie bag. Advance packet pickup location and time will be announced on SASF’s social media Facebook and Instagram so be sure to follow us. We’ll email the details to all registrants too. Sign up for the Furry 5K now so you’ll get that email!
On Sunday, June 9th, day-of registration and packet pick up starts at 10am. Take your photo in the photo booth, then head over to the start line. The Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk will begin with a staggered start: Runners line up and the gun will fire at 11:30am. Walkers start 10 minutes later at 11:40am.
After you cross the finish line, treat your pup to a dip in the kiddie pool — a fantastic photo op, be sure to tag #furry5kseattle and #furry5k if you share your photos on social. Next, wind your way through the Paws in the Park vendor booths full of fun pet products. Check out the list of sponsors below for some of the vendors that will be there for learning about products, and deals for shopping. Look for the corral at the far end next to the stage to watch talented athletic dogs race the agility course. Then turn to the stage for the Furry 5K awards and Pet Costume Contest. Awards will be given to the top 5K finishers, top individual fundraiser, top team fundraiser, and the best costumes – both human and dog costumes, of course.
100% of the Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk profits go to the Seattle Animal Shelter, including support for medical care for pets in need. The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) does so much to improve and save pet lives in our community. In 2023 alone, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation supported SAS to…
Get 521 dogs, 662 cats, and 181 critters adopted
Provide 1,383 spay and neuter surgeries
Hold 952 animal behavior sessions for shelter animals
Reunite 573 lost animals with their owners
Serve 942 Owned Animal Assistance Program animals
Serve 706 animals via the pet food bank
You can help us help even more shelter pets in the coming year — our goal is for the 2024 Furry 5K to get to 1,800 runner and walker registrations before June 9th. Invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, cat sitters, or dog-walking buddies to sign up at www.Furry5K.com and share why you’re racing on social media, tagging #furry5kseattle and #furry5k to join the fun!
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Many thanks to our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Mud Bay, who helps make the Furry 5K event possible with their support.
There’s a dog I see multiple mornings a week running with its owner. While mom has a leash strapped around her waist, the retriever prances evenly alongside her, hair blowing in the wind, undistracted by squirrels, other dogs, or the faint scent of a dropped treat.
My dog, Sandy, is not like that.
Sandy, at 11 years old, enjoys a leisurely pace during her walks, pulling me backward if she misses a “message,” stopping at length on corners to think about which way to go, and sometimes just sniffing the air. She could do with a little training and encouragement to get a move on. And it could only benefit her brain (and her waistline) to change things up a bit.
So what better opportunity to kick off a wellness routine than prepping for the Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk (register here!) coming up June 9? Supporting one of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s primary fundraisers while also getting healthier was a win-win.
To inspire humans to prep for 5K races, there is no shortage of “Couch to 5K” plans. So Sandy and I set out to get her from “Dog Bed to 5K.” But I wanted to be sure to do that in a way that was healthy and safe, and respected her inherent breed traits.
Fit with Fido volunteer Heidi Beck with one of her adoptable running companions from the Seattle Animal Shelter.
I started our journey by getting in touch with Heidi Beck, a retired Seattle real estate lawyer and the lead volunteer for Fit with Fido, the Seattle Animal Shelter program that pairs pups with running buddies to get them exercise and socialization via two-mile runs around SAS. Twenty-five years ago, Fit with Fido launched the Furry 5K to support the same values: Being outdoors and active is healthy for people and dogs.
“It gives the dogs a chance to explore their neighborhoods and really satisfy their urges to sniff and mark and see other dogs. It’s stimulating for their brains as well as their bodies,” Heidi said. “It’s also great for the humans. We get our own workouts, our time outdoors … and that’s how we get our dog fix.”
Each dog is evaluated by shelter staff before being placed in the Fit with Fido program.
“When we select dogs we work closely with the shelter staff and vets to make sure the dogs are physically able to run, and also behaviorally ready. For example, we don’t take out dogs younger than 1 year old, and we don’t take senior dogs. A couple of really athletic dogs have recently been taken off the list because they were too skinny,” Heidi said. And dogs with “smooshed” faces or potential for hip issues might not be good candidates.
So our vet was my next stop. Aside from slightly high cholesterol, Sandy’s bloodwork showed she was in great health, and overall physically good to go. Our doctor advised caution with ball-launch toys that could stress her body by doing too much too fast.
Heidi advised starting slow when introducing your dog to a more rigorous fitness regimen.
“They are exactly like us,” Heidi said. “Even a husky isn’t naturally going to be an amazing runner. They need to get in shape,” she said. “When we take a dog out for the first time we are winging it. Jog slowly – does he keep pace? Does he run way ahead of you? We’re completely allowing the dog to show us how fast they want to run and whether they even want to run.”
Then, we had to make sure we were geared up. Being out of the house longer and managing different environments meant preparation.
Click to view Runner’s World’s 6-week 5K training schedule. The principles for this plan also apply if you’re starting a training regimen for your dog — ramp up slowly and make sure to rest!
“When you take the dogs running, bring poop bags, a collapsible water dish, reflective vests and lights on the collar in the dark,” Heidi said, and bring treats to get your dog’s attention when needed. She also noted volunteers don’t take dogs out when it’s icy or run them when it’s hotter than 75 degrees.
Since Sandy is a borderline senior, my goal isn’t to get her to come in first place at the Furry 5K. I just want her to be able to go the distance comfortably, and even to have three-mile walks be something we can do regularly together.
Whether you have a similar intention or you want to really increase your pup’s athleticism, there are a few rules, according to Runner’s World and the American Kennel Club:
Increase distance and speed slowly. Add short spurts of jogging or faster walking to walks.
Interval training or cross training can be helpful, something like chasing a ball or walking up hills (thankfully there’s no shortage of those here).
Create a fun cue for your dog so they know when it’s time to pick up the pace.
Keep an eye out for injuries. Just like in people, overused muscles can get sore or joints can act up.
So far, Sandy and I have increased our daily walk from a little less than a mile to consistently working in two-mile walks, and even walked around Green Lake recently. I’ve noticed that her pace depends a lot on time of day, too, so I try to schedule long walks early in the morning or late in the afternoon when she seems her peppiest. Sometimes she’ll be moving so quickly that I have to trot to keep up with her, and I wonder if in fact I’ve sold her short and really should be supporting her shot at a blue ribbon.
Either way, the increased time together has benefits for both of us.
“I just find it really hard to run without a dog,” Heidi said. “I find it really boring. With a dog at the end of the leash, you’re being entertained, you’ve got a companion and you share the joy of running around in the outdoors.”
Thank you to presenting sponsor Mud Bay for their incredible support of the Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk! Together, we’re making a positive impact on the lives of Seattle’s animals.
Our first annual Love Unleashed: A Valentine’s Day Fur-raiser was a smashing success! Animal lovers from all over Seattle came together to support a great cause, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Both the venue and our hearts were filled to the brim as every seat filled with our compassionate community.
Catch a glimpse of the fun in our video & photos below!
A huge thank you to everyone who attended and spent time with our adorable adoptable animals. Like Koa, a perfectly behaved Shar-Pei mix, who captured hearts with her gentle demeanor. Or Frog, an adorable 4-month-old puppy, melting hearts with his two front leg casts and happy wiggly kisses – Frog has since found his forever home! And let’s not forget the adorable bonded bunny pair, Popcorn and Breakfast, who charmed everyone with their fluffy cuteness. See all the Seattle Animal Shelter’s adoptable animals here.
We’re immensely grateful for the incredible support of Stoup Brewing – Capitol Hill, who generously donated $1 for each pint sold. Thanks also to our two very special vendors joined us to make this evening even more special, and donated their proceeds: Puddles Barkery and Power Yummies! Thanks to their generosity, many hundreds of dollars were raised for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, providing vital support for Seattle’s pets in need.
To all who attended, drank pints for pets, and supported our cause, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your presence and generosity made Love Unleashed a night to remember. If you couldn’t attend, you can still show your support here. Let’s continue spreading love and compassion for our furry friends in need!
Join us ?Love Unleashed: A Valentine’s Day Fur-raiser! ??
? Thursday, February 8th 2024 ? 5:00 – 8:00 pm ? Stoup Brewing – Capitol Hill, 1158 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
This love-filled evening is your chance to snuggle with adorable adoptable dogs and bunnies while sipping on delightful pints at Stoup Brewing – Capitol Hill. We’re thrilled to announce that Stoup Brewing, the event sponsor, is generously donating $1 for each pint sold during the event! ?
All donations from the event will go to the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, supporting programs for pets and families in need through the Seattle Animal Shelter. ??
But that’s not all! We will have two very special vendors who will be joining us to make this evening even more special. Including Puddles Barkery and Power Yummies!
Bring your friends and join us for Love Unleashed at Stoup Brewing Capitol Hill on Thursday, February 8th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm!
The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s Furevermore Auction & Gala kicked off in a new location this year but with the same goal in mind – to raise critical funds for Seattle’s pets in need. More than 300 attendees plus volunteers, SAS staff, and generous sponsors gathered at Fremont Studios on Saturday, October 21 and raised a record-breaking $250,000 for the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) to fund animal welfare programs at the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS).
Spirits and anticipation were high as guests arrived. Once inside, they put on their best face as they stopped to strike a pose at the step and repeat and entered the swanky silent auction and cocktail area – where all the fun and good energy was flowing!
As the cocktail hour began, guests were greeted with passed spirits and bites– the perfect setting for a private viewing of the sleek and sophisticated all-electric Audi Q4 e-tron from Bone-a-Fide Partner, Your Pacific Northwest Audi Dealers. The vibing live music by Marina and the Dreamboats had everyone tapping their paws.
Many unique silent auction items were on display with some very competitive (but always friendly!) bidding wars. A few highlights included a hot tub boat excursion on South Lake Union, the Ultimate Dick’s Drive-In Package, Bledsoe McDaniel’s Wine and Wine Tasting, as well as the exclusive debut of the 2023 Limited Edition Pawcasso Collection – painted with love by some SAS’s finest adoptable pups, and many more!
The SAS adoptable kitten tents drew a crowd, as did the return of the popular You As An Animal portrait artist, Michelle Lassaline, who painted guests as whimsical creatures of their choosing! Guests also enjoyed a life-size dog house photo booth (including many fun props!) and an open bar featuring the evening’s signature Meow Meow Mule, wine, bubbles and other generous in-kind donations from XOBC Cellars, Georgetown Brewing, and Jones Soda to help get the pawty started.
As the silent bids wound down, our Furevermore hosts called everyone into the large dining room illuminated by a massive wall-to-wall screen featuring adoptable pets throughout the night. Dinner was kicked off by our wonderful emcee and Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation Vice President Tracy Taylor Turner, Auction Co-Chairs Mindy Fitzgerald and Lacy Bell, followed by heartfelt thanks given by SASF President Alex Clarke, and Seattle Animal Shelter Director Esteban Rodriguez.
“It was a magical night with infectious energy and love for the animals. It really was the best mix of humans – from our committed and generous donors and volunteers who give their whole hearts to our incredible auction committee (Dorothy Gorman, Josh Herrington, and Justin Taft) who were invaluable champions and doers for the event, as well SASF board members who supported the event. I’m proud to work alongside everyone involved and am so appreciative of our generous animal loving community. The funds raised will ensure SASF can continue to enhance critical programs at SAS and provide all the animals their Best Chance at a healthy, safe, and happy life. I am grateful to you all, Furevermore! Until next year!”
Mindy Fitzgerald, SASF Board Member and Auction Co-Chair
“Furevermore 2023 was truly a celebration of the Seattle Animal Shelter community! I love that so many volunteers, staff, long-time donors, and new supporters were all able to enjoy the evening’s festivities while generously giving to provide the Best Chance for so many of the animals that are in need right now. The mission of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation resonates with everyone making Furevermore not just another request but an event that is highly anticipated! Plus, kittens and the appearance by Koa the Shar Pei mix made this year unforgettable!”
Lacy Bell, SASF Board Member and Auction Co-Chair
Then on to the amazing live auction! Energetic auctioneer Joel Schenfeld and the ever-entertaining emcee, Tracy Taylor, presented live auction items including unique local experiences like a one of a kind cocktail reception and dinner at the exclusive Smith Tower Penthouse (donated by a very generous SAS volunteer!), a private wine cellar dinner for ten at Ethan Stowell’s Staple & Fancy, and a trip to soak up Italy with friends Under the Tuscan Sun. In addition to the big screen, every table featured an adoptable pet display complete with a description, photo, and QR code to learn more about each animal.
In addition to the animals on display looking for their furever homes, one pup star of the show was SAS foster dog Koa, who made a surprise appearance on stage with her foster parent. She and her foster parents enjoyed a well-deserved night out on the town! This amazing Shar-Pei Mix is available for adoption here. And to learn more about foster an incredible pet like Koa here.
During the 2023 SASF Fund-A-Need portion of the evening, guests watched an inspiring video narrated by SAS Foster Coordinator Sagan Lain, about their new position that was funded by last year’s Furevermore Fund-A-Need. Sagan shared how they have been able to improve the fostering experience which helps volunteers, adopters, and shelter pets.
Next was a video about SAS’s new Best Chance Program. For the Fund-A-Need this year, guests were encouraged to raise their paddles to support this critical program that will provide veterinary access and education to keep pets safe with their families in historically underserved communities. The Best Chance Program will give pets their best chance at living healthy lives by establishing accessible wellness and vaccine clinics. It will also give pets and their owners their best chance at a healthy human-pet bond by providing necessary pet supplies including pet food, crates, leashes, collars, and more. Its primary goal is to keep more animals with their owners and out of the shelter – creating space for animals that truly need to be there.
Closing the night was the always-amusing Dessert Dash. Each table and its guests had a chance to be the highest bidders for their place in line to select and then share one of a wide variety of exquisite desserts donated by a selection of Seattle’s most talented bakers and bakeries.
Supporters helped raise a record $250,000 by the end of this memorable night. We are beyond thrilled and grateful for these donations to further enhance Seattle Animal Shelter programs and enrich the lives of Seattle’s pets! To our donors, sponsors, and volunteers – we could not do this without you. Your commitment and generosity for the animals is overwhelming.
Special thanks to the 2023 Furevermore Auction & Gala sponsors! Your support and commitment to the cause are paramount to our success and ability to continue to fund critical programs at SAS. We hope to see you all again next year for another successful event!
Bakery Nouveau Bell’s Cookie Co Ben’s Bread Company Cait’s Bakes Cake it Nice Columbia City Bakery Cookies with Tiffany Dough by Moon Kaspar’s Catering
Little Free Bakery Ballard Macrina Bakery Madison Park Bakery Megan Nadan Metropolitan Market (Magnolia) Nothing Bundt Cakes, Bellevue Pie Love Seattle Raised Doughnuts and Cakes Rosellini’s Fine Cakes & Baked Goods
Sea Wolf Bakers The Collection Bakery The Confectional The Essential Baking Company The Sweet Stuff Bakery & Confections by Gwen Feher Wallflour Cake Studio
Funds raised at the Furevermore Auction & Gala allow us to continue supporting animal welfare enhancing programs for pets at the Seattle Animal Shelter and in our community.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to our email newsletter, and return to this website for updates on how the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is improving the lives of our most vulnerable pets.
In December 2022, Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation board member Jeana Chaffin was on a ride-along with Seattle Animal Shelter Animal Field Officer Kevin – a ride-along she successfully bid on at the Furevermore Auction & Gala a few weeks earlier! The exciting day included a follow-up to a dog bite incident, a raccoon chase, and a chicken rescue from a hoarding situation. Recently, Jeana talked with us about her experience out in the field.
What was your experience like at Furevermore?
Jeana: It was fun! It’s always good to engage with the community of people who share the same passion and interest for animal welfare and show their support for the shelter.
What interested you to bid on the Ride-Along Prize?
J: I’ve been a longtime volunteer at the shelter but being in the field is something that I’d never experienced. I’m much more familiar with the Animal Care Officers (ACO1s) at the shelter because I’ve volunteered as a Greeter and a Dog Walker. But spending time with the Animal Control Officers (ACO2s) in the field was something I’d never done before. This gave me a full understanding of what the shelter does. A lot of times we think about the animals, but the people who work there, the staff and volunteers, are not only caring for the animals but also our community. This involves interacting with the public, which can be difficult. Whether you’re working with the ACO1s or the ACO2s, you gain a better understanding of what they do, and more empathy and respect for them. That work can be very emotional, so I gained a lot of admiration for what they have to go through. The officers are all very skilled at negotiation, compassion, and communication.
Can you take us through your Ride-Along day?
The day starts with dispatch who gives you the cases for the day, however there can be emergencies, delays, and new situations that pop up that change the plans. The first task of our day was to follow up with a dog bite incident – this meant talking with the dog’s owner and the person who was bit. The owner of the dog was very upset when we called to follow-up. Officer Kevin very calmly and compassionately talked with them about options to work with the dog’s needs and behaviors, such as walking the dog with a muzzle, containing the dog in another room when there are visitors, working on slow introductions. As it turned out, they’d recently moved, and the dog was under stress. After the talk, the owner was relieved and considering the other options.
After we spoke with the other person involved and came to a resolution of next steps, we got a call about an injured raccoon in someone’s backyard. This was an emergency call, so we headed there next. Officer Kevin got on his gloves, I held a giant container, and after some chasing we were able to get the raccoon safely into the shelter vehicle.
Next, we got a call about two chickens in a hoarding situation involving a missing person report. It was a bad hoarding situation, but thankfully after a while the chickens were found in the kitchen. This was the end of the day so we headed straight back to the shelter and into the vet office. The vet did a health check, and luckily, they were in pretty good shape. A couple weeks later in January they had new names, Chips and Ice Cream, a new home, and were very happy.
Chips and Ice Cream foraging in their new home
What was your biggest takeaway from your experience?
J: It was an emotional, exciting, and illuminating experience – all kinds of animals and people and situations. It was extremely valuable for understanding what the shelter does in its entirety in supporting the community and Seattle’s animals. It demonstrated the staff’s commitment to animal welfare and the betterment of our community. That’s the purpose of the shelter. The shelter is there to help and support Seattle’s animals and the community.
What would you say to people interested in Furevermore and the Ride-Along experience?
J: Spending time with the shelter staff is always a rewarding experience and the field ride along will show you first-hand the work that the shelter does in the community – you’ll have a unique experience that will leave you in awe of the work that the shelter staff does every day.
You could win your very own Furevermore Ride-Along Prize while helping Seattle’s pets in need! Get your October 21, 2023 Furevermore Auction & Gala tickets here now. Thank you for your support!
2023 marks the 12th annual Furevermore Auction and Gala! This year will be bigger than ever before.
We welcome hundreds of amazing donors to the beautiful Fremont Studios to partake in:
Cocktail Hour with live band, raffle, photo booth, and more
Live and silent auctions
A full course dinner
Sports tickets, local restaurant tastings, pet gear, and one-of-a-kind travel opportunities are just some of the items ready to go to the highest bidder. Plus, there’s the chance to make your pet the star of next year’s Furry 5K and Furevermore!
Join us for a night of meeting other animal enthusiasts and bidding on items to support the vital work at the Seattle Animal Shelter! Your donations directly impact the quality of lives for the dogs, cats, and critters in shelter and foster care.
Tickets and seating are limited, so please buy tickets here as soon as you can. There is an Early Bird ticket discount this year until September 15.
Unable to join but want to contribute to the cause? Donate directly to help the animals of Seattle.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in October!
