Category: News

The Quiet Force Behind Lost Dogs of King County

Every day in King County, a dog slips out a door, spooks at a loud noise, or follows a scent a little too far from home. For the families left searching, panic sets in quickly. For many of them, there is one place they turn first, Lost Dogs of King County.

Behind that page, posting sightings, coordinating tips, and keeping chaos at bay, is Lily Burns.

Lily began volunteering with Lost Dogs of King County (LDKC) in 2018 and became a moderator about a year later. Today, she runs the Facebook page and website almost entirely on her own. It is not a paid role. There is no official title, no office, and no clocking out. What there is instead is an extraordinary daily commitment.

Lily is online by 7:30 a.m. and often remains active until 2:00 a.m., responding to posts, verifying sightings, coordinating next steps, and helping worried pet owners stay focused and hopeful. She does this up to 16 hours a day, every day, without weekends off. Holidays, she says, are often even busier. The only breaks she reliably takes are twice a day to walk her two dogs, intentional moments where she tries, briefly, not to think about lost dogs at all.

“I do it for the dogs,” Lily shared. “I can’t not.”

A System Built on Precision and Care

Lost Dogs of King County has grown dramatically since Lily started. What was once 10 to 12 posts a day is now 30 to 50 daily posts, totaling roughly 12,000 to 14,000 dogs each year. Approximately 80% of the dogs posted are reunited with their families, a success rate Lily describes simply as “really, really cool.”

Behind that success is an astonishing level of organization.

Every dog posted to LDKC is logged. Lily screenshots each post and creates a file that includes the date, location, and identifying details. Those records now total more than 63,000 individual files, forming an invaluable archive that helps match dogs to sightings days, weeks, or even months later.

That persistence matters, especially in cases that stretch on far longer than expected.

One of the most powerful examples is Abby, a dog who escaped from a walker in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood on November 11, 2019. Abby’s owner was in Seattle temporarily for an internship and had already moved out of state when she went missing.

Still, Lily stayed in contact with Abby’s family, tracking sightings and coordinating with volunteers as reports continued to come in. Some sightings began just two days after Abby disappeared. Others placed her nearly seven miles north, including multiple reports of her running along the freeway months later. For almost a year, Abby survived on her own.

On November 2, 2020, just nine days shy of a full year since she went missing, Abby was finally safely trapped. That night, she slept in a warm home for the first time in nearly twelve months. Her owner drove up from Oregon that weekend, GPS collar in hand, ready to begin the long road ahead together.

For Lily, Abby’s story is a reminder of why no file is ever closed too soon, and why hope, organization, and patience can change an ending.

Her work does not stop there. Lily actively monitors more than 250 other websites and sources, checking area shelters up to 20 times a day. She regularly posts found dogs from Seattle Animal Shelter, Burien CARES, Shoreline, Kenmore, PAWS, King County, Everett, Bothell, and others, centralizing information so families don’t have to search everywhere at once.

Leaders across the region recognize just how critical Lily’s work is. As one staffer from a county shelter commented, “If we didn’t have Lily Burns, every shelter in King County would need to add at least one additional head count just to keep up with the number of dogs Lost Dogs of King County keeps out of the shelter system each year.” By reuniting dogs with their families before they ever enter a shelter, Lily’s work doesn’t just change individual outcomes, it meaningfully reduces strain across the entire animal welfare network.

Why Lost Dogs of King County Works

There are many lost pet pages online, but Lost Dogs of King County stands apart, and Lily is clear about why.

The page is intentionally clean, focused, and drama free. One post per dog. All relevant information in one place. No speculation. No judgment. No piling on.

As moderator, Lily spends a significant amount of time removing unhelpful or harmful comments, slowing down comment threads when needed, and enforcing a strict rule; the focus stays on finding the dog and keeping them safe.

Other groups, she notes, allow clutter and commentary to take over. LDKC does not. Negative comments are not allowed. Emotional speculation, especially posts that spread fear without helping, are quickly addressed or removed. While often well intentioned, those posts can go viral and do real harm.

What people value most, Lily says, is that she helps them stay grounded and optimistic during one of the most stressful experiences a pet owner can face.

Community, Coordinated

Although Lily is the constant presence behind the scenes, Lost Dogs of King County is very much a community effort. Volunteers frequently help search neighborhoods, follow up on sightings, and share posts across platforms like Nextdoor. Lily coordinates those efforts, mapping sightings, connecting people, and channeling goodwill into action.

She used to go out in the field herself. After a deeply traumatic experience involving a dog that had been hit by a car, Lily made the difficult decision to step back from field work. After taking time to reflect, she realized she could be more effective, and more sustainable, by staying behind the scenes and coordinating efforts from home.

A Labor of Love

Lily does not receive a salary for her work. She and her husband live primarily on his Social Security income, supplemented occasionally by small Venmo donations from grateful families. Despite the long hours and emotional weight, she continues, quietly, consistently, and without fanfare.

Lost Dogs of King County has reunited thousands of dogs with their families over the years. For those families, the relief is immediate and unforgettable. For Lily, it is simply the work.

“I just want to help people get their dogs home,” she says.

Thanks to Lily Burns, and a community built on care, focus, and compassion, thousands of families each year have been able to breathe that sigh of relief and welcome their dogs back where they belong.

At the Seattle Animal Foundation, we exist to support and elevate the people and programs that quietly sustain animal welfare work across our region. Lily Burns’ leadership of Lost Dogs of King County exemplifies the behind-the-scenes dedication that saves lives, reunites families, and strengthens our community.

Lost Dogs of King County is entirely volunteer run, and Lily receives no salary for the countless hours she dedicates to this work. Those who wish to support her efforts directly can do so via Venmo at @Lily_Burns, helping sustain the work that has brought thousands of dogs safely home.

We are excited to announce that thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our attendees, sponsors, and donors, the gala raised an incredible $412,000 to support animals throughout the greater Seattle area.

Celebrating Hope, Healing, and Home

The Furevermore theme was inspired by the many stories of resilience we see each day. These include injured pets receiving the care they need, timid animals gaining confidence, and shelter pets finally experiencing the fairytale endings they deserve in loving homes.

Emcee Leah Pezzetti from King 5 kept the energy high and encouraged lively bidding. After a live auction that featured trips to Ireland and cases of wine paired with original pet artwork, guests turned their attention to the raise the paddle portion of the evening. A powerful video highlighted our partnerships, longtime supporters, and the many animals who rely on the foundation. Following the video, guests contributed $117,000 during raise the paddle alone. The evening wrapped up with an after-party featuring DJ Abbie from KEXP who kept guests on the dance floor late into the night.

Behind every wagging tail, purring cat, and joyful adoption story at the Seattle Animal Shelter stands a network of compassionate volunteers. At the center of it all is Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Bandy. With more than 300 active volunteers caring for animals, greeting visitors, and supporting staff in every corner of the shelter, Jeff’s role is both demanding and deeply rewarding.

From Primatology to Pet Welfare

Jeff’s journey to the Seattle Animal Shelter is as unique as it is inspiring. He holds dual degrees in Primatology and Applied Behavior from Central Washington University and spent years working with chimpanzees at the Fauna Foundation in Montreal. There, he led their summer apprenticeship program, an experience that shaped his understanding of just how powerful volunteer support can be.

“The staff could meet the animals’ basic needs,” Jeff recalls. “But it was the volunteers who provided the special attention, the enrichment, and the engagement that made their lives better.”

A Day in the Life

At Seattle’s only open-admission municipal shelter, no two days look the same. Jeff might walk in to find six people waiting for his help before he’s even taken off his helmet and locked his bike. Between responding to five overflowing inboxes, coordinating schedules, and assisting volunteers across programs like dog walking, cat socialization, and vet support, Jeff connects daily with 25 to 30 volunteers who keep the shelter running smoothly.

The Unsung Heroes

While the work can be emotionally challenging, Jeff finds constant motivation in the dedication of volunteers.

“There are some really tough days,” he says. “But what keeps you going is the people who bring positive energy, those who show up on their own time to help. It’s a reminder of how much the community cares.”

That spirit shines brightest in moments of crisis. Jeff recalls a Friday when an already full shelter suddenly received 33 dogs from a single home. “We had dogs in offices, little dogs in cat kennels. It was all hands-on deck,” he says. After Jeff sent an email plea to volunteers and fosters, 27 of the dogs were placed in foster homes within 24 hours.

“It was an incredible response,” he says. “It showed how deeply people care, not just about the animals, but about supporting the animal care staff too.”

Where Volunteers Make the Biggest Difference

When asked where help is needed most, Jeff doesn’t hesitate: dogs. The shelter’s canine program includes 150 volunteers who support everything from the Fit with Fido running program to the Dog Behavior Team and Adoption Assistance.

But the need extends beyond the kennels.

Shelter Helpers: “They’re the backbone,” Jeff says. “They might not interact directly with the animals, but they’re the unseen engine, handling laundry, dishes, and enrichment prep that keeps everything running.”

Shelter Greeters: Often the first face visitors see, these volunteers guide guests through the adoption process and help them find what they need. “They’re like our air traffic controllers,” Jeff explains. “When we don’t have a greeter, the whole     operation feels it.”

A ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Opportunity

For anyone considering volunteering, Jeff says there’s something for everyone.

“It’s choose your own adventure. Dogs, cats, critters—whatever speaks to you, there’s a role that fits.”

Beyond helping animals, volunteering provides a deep sense of purpose and belonging. “People really look forward to their shifts,” Jeff says. “It’s that dopamine hit, knowing you made a difference that day.”

Pride and Purpose

For Jeff, the job is about more than coordination, it’s about connection.

“My favorite part is facilitating the interaction between humans and animals,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to help and give back every single day.”

As a Seattle native, Jeff takes special pride in serving his city.

“I grew up here. Having that seattle.gov email address feels good. It’s a way to give back to the place that raised me.”

Interested in Volunteering?

Volunteers are the heart of the Seattle Animal Shelter, and there is always room for more compassionate hands and hearts.

When an animal arrives at the Seattle Animal Shelter, the path to adoption does not always start with wagging tails or soft purrs. Many arrive carrying fear, stress, or trauma. That is where Anna Sernau, the shelter’s animal behaviorist, steps in. Her work helps animals heal, rediscover trust, and prepare for loving homes. The program is made possible through the Seattle Animal Foundation’s Behavior Program grant.

A Lifelong Calling

Anna’s passion for animal welfare started early in South Bend, Indiana. She was the kid who always stopped to rescue animals, volunteered at her local Humane Society, and even worked with children with disabilities through an equine therapy program. That commitment carried her into higher education: a BS in Animal Behavior from Indiana University and an MSc in Applied Animal Behavior and Animal Welfare from the University of Edinburgh.

A Day in the Life

Each morning, Anna checks in on every animal in the shelter. Dogs are often the first priority, but cats and critters also receive her dedicated care. New arrivals often begin with a behavior needs assessment, which evaluates their physical, behavioral, and emotional well-being. From there, Anna designs individualized plans that may include enrichment activities, stress management, medication, or targeted training.

These plans are created in collaboration with staff, volunteers, foster families, and sometimes even the people who surrendered the animal. The result is a shared roadmap that gives each animal the best chance to succeed.

Creating Calm, Building Trust

The shelter can be overwhelming. As Anna explains, “Training a stressed animal is futile. Stress reduction has to come first.” Her work often focuses on patience and gentle exposure, as well as providing the right enrichment and giving each animal the time they need to feel safe.

Foster care is especially powerful in this process. Even a short stay in a quiet, loving home can make an enormous difference. It allows animals to relax, reveal their true personalities, and practice the behaviors that will help them succeed in adoption.

Mama Rose’s Transformation

One of Anna’s recent success stories is Mama Rose, a Cane Corso who arrived at the shelter completely shut down. She was avoidant, growly, and too fearful to even go on walks; a concerning combination for such a large dog.

With patience, counter-conditioning, and gentle encouragement, Anna and her team slowly helped Mama Rose leave her kennel. She began walking regularly, spent time in Anna’s office, and eventually went on an overnight stay. From there, she blossomed in foster care and soon found her forever family.

For Anna, transformations like these are the most rewarding part of her work. “Often all that is required is a little bit of grace and a little bit of empathy,” she says.

Looking Ahead

If Anna could expand the program tomorrow, she would add more staff to ensure animals receive consistent care even when she is away. Strengthening the Dog Behavior Team would also make a big difference. For community members who want to help, donations of high-value treats such as hot dogs, cheese sticks, or deli meat provide the jackpot rewards that are vital for training.

Why It Matters

Behavior support is not just a “nice to have.” It is lifesaving. Without it, many animals would face barriers to adoption or risk losing their homes. With it, they gain the tools and confidence to thrive in families where they truly belong.

The program also extends to owned animals, with SAF grants supporting behavior planning and training for volunteers and foster families. Thanks to donor generosity, the Seattle Animal Foundation can continue to fund this critical safety net. Every gift makes it possible for animals like Mama Rose to overcome their challenges and find the loving homes they deserve.

To support high-impact programs like the Behavior Grant, see our donation page.