2017 annual report

Each time I talk with one of our donors, volunteers or advocates,

I am reminded how valuable Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation

is for Seattle’s animals. Each supporter I speak with has a story

about a very special animal who will occupy space in their hearts

forever. And they, like you, donate their time, treasures, and

hearts to protect and care for other very special animals who

have nowhere else to turn.

As you read through this report, I encourage you to think about

the very special animals in your life, as well as the animals on

these pages. Because of you, these animals are given the chance

to be a very special animal for another family. Your support allows

Seattle’s homeless pets to be sheltered, cared for, and find a

family of their own - to occupy space in their hearts forever.

It is because of your support that the stories in this report are

possible.

As Seattle’s landscape changes, both physically and socially,

Seattle Animal Shelter is presented with a new set of challenges

to care for homeless pets. Past work still continues - sheltering

stray and surrendered animals, and investigating and responding

to cruelty and neglect cases, often providing care to the animals

and support to the legal system months beyond any seizures. But

increasingly, SAS responds to more nuanced and delicate issues

arising from the stresses of a growing city.

Some of SAS’s lesser-known programs to support these challeng-

es include providing a safe space for animals whose guardians

are victims of domestic violence. Many victims of domestic

abuse choose to stay in their homes with their pets instead of

seeking safety.

We provide on-site behavior counseling, support, and vet care/

vouchers at homeless encampments. Few homeless shelters

allow pets, and people who are homeless face separating with

their animal companions in exchange for a warm bed.

We are also monitoring and enforcing public safety concerns in a

city that is dense with people and animals. As Seattle grows, we

face the challenge of keeping pets, wild animals, and people in

close proximity safe from injury and illness, both in homes and in

public spaces like dog parks and parks.

Funds granted from Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation help to

support the changing needs of SAS, and allow us to invest in

new programs and equipment to help more animals. Throughout

this report you’ll read several wonderful stories about how these

investments have made a difference for the animals in Seattle.

One story I’m excited to highlight is SAS recently celebrated

taking their first in-house X-Ray! The new X-Ray machine, funded

by SASF, allows SAS to more quickly and accurately diagnose

medical issues. This not only provides more comfort and faster

treatment for ill and injured animals, but can also provide vital

information in cruelty and neglect cases.

Without your support, none of these improvements and programs

would have been possible. We thank you and the animals of SAS

thank you!

For the Animals,

Whitney Allen

President, SASF Board of Directors

2017 SASF Board of Directors

Whitney Allen, President

Julie Pitt, Vice President

Heidi Beck, Secretary

Stephanie Ko, Treasurer

Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter

Sue Boivin, Development Chair

Tamra Strentz, Marketing Chair

Gina Bonifacino, Governance Chair

Brad Near, Governance

Laura Walker, Marketing

Shawna Kelley, Marketing

Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation is a not-

for-profit 501(c)3 corporation governed and

operated by a volunteer board of directors.

Donated funds go directly towards improving

the lives of animals at Seattle Animal Shelter.

Our Mission

Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation supports

the programs and initiatives of the Seattle

Animal Shelter by engaging our community,

increasing awareness and raising funds.

A Personal Message From Our President

Whitney and her faithful pal, Nico.

Dear Friends,

Zuko came to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) in April 2017.

He was about two years old at the time and had been living

a hardscrabble life on the streets of Seattle. Zuko grew up in

a world where chaos was the norm and stability was nonexis-

tent. He was reactive and on edge, lacked socialization, had

picked up bad habits and was confrontational. His guardian

recognized Zuko’s need for a better chance at life and decided

to surrender Zuko to the shelter.

Because of his insecurities, and emotional challenges, Zuko

was immediately enrolled in the Seatte Animal Shelter Foun-

dation’s (SASF) donor-funded Behavioral Training Program.

With the help of a shelter behaviorist, dedicated SAS staff

and volunteers, Zuko was given the chance at a new life in a

loving and supportive environment. He learned to trust

humans, appreciate other dogs and adapt to situations that

would have normally been overwhelming to him.

Zuko had been in training for four months when Bryan

Rosendale and Todd Elswick were searching for a sibling for

their fun-loving dog Toby. They saw Zuko online and instant-

ly knew that he was the right fit for their family. Toby and

Zuko met at the shelter and as Bryan says, “ They danced

and chased each other and acted like they had been bud-

dies forever.” That day, Zuko found his loving and secure

forever home. Bryan and Todd take him everywhere and

are constantly introducing him to new people, new environ-

ments and new situations. He gets along with everyone, and

loves playing with his brother Toby who has taught him how

to relax and just have fun. He is now a happy, affectionate

well-adjusted soul who is loved beyond his dreams.

“Thank you SAS for saving Zuko and giving him a second

chance. Thank you to SASF for supporting the behavioral

program. If it hadn’t been for you guys, we would have never

met Zuko. We can’t imagine our lives without him. He is just

an awesome member of our family. We love him so much.”

- Bryan Rosendale & Todd Elswick, Zuko’s Forever Dads

Your 2017 Gifts In Action

Onsite X-ray Suite

$76,985

Thanks to generous donors like you, SAS can provide the highest level of care for the animals in Seattle

and the people who love them. In 2017, SASF continued our support of essential animal care programs

and invested in exciting new medical equipment, too. Here is what you helped us achieve in 2017.

SAS serves about 4,000 animals every year. Some

come in injured or ill, or are brought in by people

who can no longer care for them. Each animal that

comes in is given a medical check-up, and for most

animals who find themselves at SAS, this is their

very first veterinary experience.

Every day shelter medical staff diagnose medical

issues based on how an animal is acting and what

they can see and feel during a medical exam.

Animals can’t tell us what is wrong, so they tell their

stories through their stance, their gait, their breath-

ing and their reaction to touch. They talk to us with

their bodies and sometimes there are issues that

we can’t see from the outside. In some cases, we just

don’t know the medical issue until we can visually

assess the situation with the help of an X-ray.

Sometimes, its a matter of life and death.

Without an onsite X-ray machine, SAS animals had

to be transported to outside facilities for diagnosis.

This added unnecessary stress to an already uncom-

fortable situation, plus delaying treatment of any

kind makes whatever is wrong, worse. Officers had

to take time out of the field to transport animals and

SAS was paying for an exam fee plus the cost of X-rays,

which added up to thousands of dollars each year.

X-rays are also needed for forensic evidence in

cruelty and abuse investigations. X-rays can tell us

everything we need to know about an animal’s past

and present situation so they can then be given the

immediate care and attention they need. As well

as help prosecute those who have been party to

the abuse.

In 2017, SASF granted $76,985 to SAS for the

construction of an onsite X-ray suite complete with

state-of-the-art equipment. The X-ray suite was

dedicated to retiring SPD K9 Ziva for her outstand-

ing service to SAS, SASF, and the Seattle Community.

Ziva’s X-ray suite opened its doors in February

2018, and has served over 30 animals so far. It is

used multiple times per week and has been an

essential part of the overall onsite veterinary clinic.

Veterinary Equipment

$29,554.31

To support the SAS onsite veterniary clinic, SASF

granted $29,554.31 to SAS to cover the costs of

new medical equipment used for diagnosing illness-

es, blood work, monitoring vitals, anesthesia and so

much more.

Because of you, animals now have access to the

best medical care and facilities that the shelter can

offer. The new equipment eliminated the need to

transport animals to other facilities for surgeries,

diagnostic care and recovery. And, in case of

trauma, the equipment has also enabled shelter

vets the ability to immediately diagnose the med-

ical severity and administer life-saving treatment

without interruption.

Lost dog brought in by Good Sam. Toe

touching RR lameness.

O: Temperature: 100.7, Pulse: 120 /

good, Respiration: panting/sniffing

Weight: 18.200 kg, 40.04 lb

Appearance: BAR, very happy and af-

fectionate

Musculoskeletal: toe touching on RR,

no palpable long bone fractures,

painful on stifle flexion and exten-

sion and palpable swelling and crepi-

tus in this area; paws appear WNL

Neurological: normal

Skin: normal

Lymph Nodes: normal

Pain Score: 2/10

BCS: 5/9

A: RR lameness - suspect stifle in-

jury - r/o CCL injury, patella abnor-

mality, other soft tissue/skeletal

abnormality

Also took single rad of right leg,

sent picture to consult with XX about

possible fix.

amb - x-rays show avulsed tibial tu-

berosity at the level of the growth

plate (right tibia) with some bone

fragments in that area - will start

nsaids

This dog is now under investigation

for animal cruelty and at this point

will have to be held at the shelter

during investigation.

-Jennifer C. Bennett, DVM, MS Medical Director Seattle Animal Shelter

We now have the capacity to instantly send the images to a veterinary radiologist for review within minutes to hours when time is of the essence. We have taken images of several small critters to check for presence of eggs, dogs and cats to check for presence of bladder stones, and lots of chest and abdomens to look for all kinds of things including fractures, constipation and heart disease.

“

Your 2017 Gifts In Action

2017 Existing Program Support

$103,100

Spay & Neuter Program

Funds from SASF help to underwrite spay and

neuter surgeries for animals whose guardians have

low income or are homeless. By working together

with human service organizations and building

relationships in underserved communities, SAS is

able to provide services to animals that may other-

wise never find their way to a clinic. In 2017, 1,742

public animals and 751 shelter animals were altered

that could have possibly contributed to the home-

less animal population.

Shelter Veterinary Clinic

Since opening its doors in 2016, the veterinary

clinic has cared for more than 3,910 animals.

Every day, clinic veterinarians provide care for

animals in the shelter and in foster homes, many

of whom haven’t received proper health care or

attention during their lives. From simple basic

check ups and diagnostic care to emergency

situations that require immediate surgery, the

veterinary clinic was built by SASF donations, and

it is maintained by SASF donations. It’s because of

you that all shelter animals can recieve the proper

medical treatment they so desperately need.

Licensing Assistance Program

This program ensures that individuals who cannot

afford a license for their furry family member are

able to keep their licensing current. In some cases

this program can make the difference between a

guardian keeping their family pet or having to

relinquish them. In 2017 we helped 48 animals

and their families.

Adoption Support Program

This program supports special adoption events

that help animals find their perfect, loving forever

homes. Adoption events can increase awareness of

available shelter and foster animals and are a great

way to introduce SAS to new communities,

potential adopters and volunteers.

Feline Fospice Care Program (foster-hospice)

This program allows elderly, terminally ill, or other-

wise unadoptable animal companions to live out

the remainder of their lives in the comfort of a loving

and caring foster home. Granted funds provide

prescription food and specialty medical treatment.

Foster Care Programs

Foster care providers are an essential support:

their compassion and unwavering dedication is

only surpassed by their love for the animals. SASF

supports more than 220 foster cat families, 195

foster dog volunteers, and 67 foster crtitter volun-

teers who care for animals who might have medical

concerns, are too young to be at the shelter, have

shelter stress, come from a hoarding situation, or

are waiting for a court case to be resolved. In 2017

we helped 768 animals and their foster families.

Quality of Life Improvements

Through SASF donations all animals can enjoy

stimulating and fun quality of life improvements

like toys, food puzzles, doggie tunnels, kitty

condos, prescription food, natural wood chews for

rabbits, doggie beds, interactive feeding bowls,

and even hormone therapy diffusers and a wireless

stereo for soothing tunes that helps relax even the

most excitable animal. All of these improvements

help calm the animals, making their stay at the

shelter less stressful and improving their chances

of finding a forever home. In 2017 we helped 2,847

animals feel loved and cared for during their stay

at the shelter.

Day in and day out, SAS cares for Seattle’s animals and the people who love and provide for them.

SASF is always proud to support existing programs that are essential for sustaining or expanding

animal care services and providing support for animals in our King County communities. Last year,

5,341 animals were helped because of the generous donations of our animal-loving community. Here is

how you helped make life-changing improvements in the lives of Seattle’s animals.

Staff Training Program

In 2017 SASF support helped 114 SAS staff and

volunteers attend training seminars and conferences.

This allows SAS folks a chance to see how agencies

in other parts of the country operate and to learn

about new and innovative ways to improve the

handling of important matters such as animal cruelty

cases, crime scene processing, community outreach,

the national animal cruelty reporting database, lost

and found strategies, humane education programs,

and compassion fatigue. Here are the training

programs that SASF funded in 2017:

National Humane Educators Conference

Disaster Preparedness

Intermediate ICMS 300

ASPCA Shelter Medicine Conference

Regional Animal Welfare Summit

NACHO

Interview Techniques

Online Investigations

Rabbit Training DVD

NACA Disaster Training

AP Training

Yin Low Stress Handling

Crisis Intervention Training

Training for Professionals Across Species

SAWA Conference

NACA Conference

Aggression in Dogs

Kathy Sdao - Animal Behavior Across Species

Handling Problem Behavior and Mistakes

Open Source Intelligence Class

PNW Vet Conference

Feline Science Symposium

Pet First Aid

NACHO Model A

Behavioral Training and Assessment Program - Funded in 2016

Even the best shelter is a scary place to be. New

sounds, hundreds of smells, and unfamiliar faces

cause stress and make it hard for homeless animals

to feel comfortable or be on their best behavior. And

when stressed animals show unlikable

behaviors, they are less likely to get adopted.

This ASPCA certified program helps staff,

volunteers, and foster parents to not only assess and

train every dog, cat and critter that comes through

the shelter doors, but helps each animal find their

perfectly matched forever home.

In 2017, all adopted dogs (472) recieved the SAFER

training program andover 50 dogs received special-

ized behavioral training. These dogs suffered from

very challenging behavioral issues —including

separation anxiety and fear aggression—that limit

the potential for adoption. Using behavior modifica-

tion techniques learned through the Behavioral

Training and Assessment Program, staff and volun-

teers were able to help the dogs through their fear,

and change their lives and their future outcomes.

This program will also have huge benefits for

animals who spend long periods of time in the

shelter due to court cases. Caring for these animals

presents a unique challenge from day one, and every

additional day spent in the shelter resulting from a

languid judicial system compounds the challenge.

Incorporating tailored training programs into their

care will help them be calm and healthy in the

shelter, and set them up to succeed when they reach

their forever home.

Dogs are not the only beneficiaries of the Behavioral

Training and Assessment Program. In 2017, all

adopted (764) cats received the Feline-ality

assessment, so that each cat was able to find their

perfectly matched forever homes. Using the assess-

ment protocol, cats who are outgoing and energetic

can be matched with someone who is looking for

those upbeat traits. Cats that are calm and mellow

can find quiet homes more suited to their introverted

needs. This program helps ensure every relationship

between kitties and new their guardians is a happy

and successful one.

Total number of SAS volunteers in 2017:

1,438

Total number of SAS volunteers who gave of their time in 2017:

635

Total number of SAS volunteer hours logged in 2017:

40,000

39% Individual

Donations

.2% In-Kind

Donations

3% Merchandise

Sales

INCOME

37%

Auction

Event

Net Income

20% Corporate

Donations

1% Organization

Donations

.01% Investment

Income

NET INCOME: $10,867.69

NET ASSETS: $494,259.79(AS OF 12/31/17)

SASF 2017 Financials

INCOME

Individual Donations

Auction Event Net Income

Corporate Donations

Organization Donations

Merchandise Sales

In-Kind Donations

Investment Income

TOTAL INCOME: $269,202.06

$105,221.81

$98,957.11

$52,569.25

$3,550.00

$7,358.35

$1,200.00

$345.54

EXPENSES

Grants to Shelter

Professional Fees

Printing

Software

Other Fundraising Expenses

Marketing & Advertising

Insurance

Business Licenses & Dues

TOTAL EXPENSES:

$209,550.00

$23,490.53

$5,860.60

$5,876.08

$6,508.50

$5,272.78

$1,656.00

$119.88

$258,334.37

3% Other Fund

Raising

Expenses

1% Insurance

2% Marketing &

Advertising

81%

Grants

To Shelter

9% Professional

Fees

2% Software

.005% Business

Licenses &

Dues

EXPENSES

2% Printing

History of SASF Donor Funded Accomplishments

Here is a summary of what you have helped accomplish over the past six years by supporting

and donating to SASF. We could never have done it without you and we hope that you will

continue to be an essential supporter of the Seattle Animal Shelter.

2014 • Support for Development of

the Fospice Care Program

• Support for Development of the Owner Support Program

• Completion of the Critter Room, Cat Rooms, and Meet & Greet Room

2015 • Construction of the In-House

Veterinary Clinic

• Event Tent

• Inception of the Licensing Assistance Program

2016 • Launch of the Behavioral

Training and Assessment Program

• New Dog Walking Area

• Spay & Neuter and Licensing Assistance Program

• Feline Fospice Care Program (foster-hospice)

2011 • Inception of the Animal

Health and Safety Program

• Inception of the Sponsored Adoption Program

• Inception of the Outreach

and Training Program

2012 • Construction of the Dog

Kennel Doors

• Construction of the Cat Kennels

• Professional Digital Camera for Cruelty Investigations

2013 • Construction of the Cat and

Critter Rooms

• Construction of the Meet & Greet Room

• Inception of the Quality of Life Improvements Program

2017 • Purchase of Medical Equipment

and Supplies for the Shelter Medicine Program

• Funded the construction of an in-house X-ray Suite named in honor of Ziva, retiring Seattle Police K-9 patrol dog.

472

DOGS ADOPTED

INVESTIGATED

947 ANIMAL

CRUELTY CASES

2017 Seattle Animal Shelter in Service

PERFORMED 2,493 SURGERIES IN OUR SPAY & NEUTER CLINIC

764

CATS ADOPTED 271 CRITTERS ADOPTED

885 SHELTER VET EXAMS

1,137 SHELTER VET CHECKUPS

RESCUED 467 INJURED WILDLIFE

REUNITED 649 LOST PETS WITH

THEIR OWNERS

www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/adopt

http://petango.com/Seattleanimalshelter

For animals currently available for adoption visit:

SAS Volunteer Profile

Fospice Cat Foster

SANDY HANSEN

Sandy and her husband started fostering dogs and cats in March of 1999, and a few months later

they started volunteering as Adoption Assistants. That October Sandy joined Arlene Ehrlich as the

co-team lead of the cat foster program. In August of 2000 she became an employee of the Seattle

Animal Shelter, working directly with the animals as an Animal Care Officer. In May of 2002 she trans-

ferred, within the shelter, to a position that supported Animal Control Officers. Sandy retired from City

service in November of 2017, and has now come full circle by fostering senior and/or fospice cats.

SASF: You’ve been part of the SAS family for over nineteen years; in your

view, how has the shelter changed in that time?

SANDY: When I started fostering dogs and cats in 1999, there were absolutely

no faciilities or funds to support the amount of care needed for animals coming

through the shelter. Back then we had over 8,000 animals per year and all

were in need of love, care, and a soft place to land. The foster program was in

place, but it was small and the support for foster families was not as robust as

it is today. In fact, most foster care expenses fell to the foster family, including

food, medical treaments, vet visits, etc. Every foster parent was so dedicated

to saving as many animals as possible and making sure that they were adopted

into loving forever homes. That dedication hasn’t changed, but the support that

SASF has offered over the last 8 years, has completely reshaped how we care

not only for foster animals, but all animals in our community.

SASF: Can you describe how those changes have impacted the kind of work

you did as part of the shelter staff?

SANDY: Funds from SASF have made a life-changing impact for all the SAS

animals. When I first started, we had cats kept in small individual cages and

dogs were kept in one open fenced area. Because of SASF, we now have a

wonderful cattery, cat condos, individual dog kennels with quiet glass doors,

funds for medical treatments, an onsite vet clinic and so much more. More to

the point, SASF funds helped the shelter grow from a typical city pound into

the animal welfare organization it is today. We are an integral part of the Seat-

tle community and can now be proactive in how we deliver the best care and

hope for all those animals that find themselves at SAS.

As a foster mom, SASF has made it easier to care for animals that are in need of

special care, or have shelter stress or need to be in a home. The Behavorial Training

program has helped so many dogs overcome issues and get adopted into the right

forever home for their specific needs. SASF funds help with medication, toys food

and vet visits are also ways that SASF has made fostering so much more enjoyable.

SASF: You’ve fostered so many animals over the past nineteen years. Do you

have any special memories that you can share?

SANDY: There have been many but Thomas and Linus are the two fosters I

most often think about. Thomas was a handsome cat found on the streets of

Seattle just before Thanksgiving with an infected head wound. He was taken

to the SAS by a good samaritan, where he received medical care before recov-

ering in our foster home. Thomas was a patient, gentle soul who sat quietly and

stoically while we cleaned his wound and gave him medicine twice a day. When

finished with his treatment, Thomas would silently look up at us with knowing

eyes, then rub against us to say thanks. Thomas found his forever home once

he was healthy, and we received yearly phone calls from his new family thank-

ing us for bringing him into their lives. We were always happy to hear from

them, but deep down it was us who silently thanked Thomas for coming into

our lives. He was one of those special animals you never forget, and we were

blessed for having known him.

Linus was humorous-looking dog living on the streets of Seattle with a group

of homeless teenage boys. He came to SAS dehydrated, emaciated, and was in

desperate need of medical attention for cherry eye. Within the first few days in

our home it was clear that Linus had been eating food wherever he could find it.

He received multiple eye surgeries funded by generous SASF donors. It took him

months to recover and although it had to be tough on him, he never complained.

Once healthy, he was quickly adopted into a loving home. He was one of the

sweetest dogs I have ever met and I was so honored to have been the person

who helped change his life for the better. He deserved nothing less.

Sandy Hansen

Retired Seattle Animal Shelter

Animal Humane Officer,

Intake Manager,

Communcations Team Member

Over the years at SAS, my husband and I fostered well

over 100 dogs and cats. Our Mastiff and three cats

helped with socialization of our foster animals. Our

surviving cat, Quinn, will be 19 this year. We found him

the same year we started fostering, as a one-week-old

kitten hidden in the wood pile behind our house.

“

Most of us have been touched by the unconditional acceptance, compassion,

love, and companionship a pet offers. While every pet is special, there are also

animals who discover a higher purpose to impact a life and give in ways we

don’t expect.

Barney was that sort of cat. But you wouldn’t have guessed that. As a sickly

stray with a matted auburn coat and skinny frame, he waited patiently at the

Seattle Animal Shelter for another chance. Another chance to be with a family,

share a home and perhaps make a difference during the time he had left.

Struggling with hyperthyroidism (thyroid, kidney & heart issues), his own

prognosis wasn’t good, which made finding a forever home a challenge.

Fortunately, a program at SAS called Fospice got a kick-start in 2016 with a

grant from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Fospice--foster hospice--of-

fers ill and elderly animals an opportunity to live in a home with a caring SAS

foster family that is ready to support such animals.

On a fateful day in May of 2016, Barney’s fospice mom Gwen would arrive.

Gwen wasn’t necessarily a cat person, but her husband Alec was. And Gwen

knew the joy cats could bring him with their quiet nature. Years prior a stray cat

showed up at their home in Ballard and adopted them. Jade became a gateway

cat of sorts who made it possible for Barney, years later, to be welcomed into

Gwen’s heart and their home. Through Alec’s bond with Jade, Gwen started to

understand why people loved cats so much as quiet, gentle companions. She

was inspired to foster and help be a bridge to a cat’s forever home. She fostered

two cats before Barney would enter their hearts and it was hard for Alec to let

them go, while Gwen was content to serve as an interim home.

When Barney came home with Gwen, Alec opened the cat carrier and Barney

head butted him for what seemed like hundreds of times. It was instant love

and Alec said to Gwen “you are not going let this one go.” This bond would

become extraordinary as Barney the fospice cat would take on the role of daily

companion which included being an emotional support animal, grief counselor,

receiver of countless kisses, and more. Alec had been diagnosed with ALS in

2012 and the disease was progressing, turning his arms weak and non-respon-

sive. ALS confiscates the body in different ways for everyone and affects each

person in its own way. Alec retained the ability to walk and speak, but since his

diagnosis, cats had become more than valued companions; they were a lifeline

and comfort.

As Gwen needed to go to work during the day, Barney stepped up to keep an

eye on Alec throughout the day, putting aside his own struggles to contribute

to Alec’s wellbeing. Alec, the once strong, 30-year veteran of the California Life

Guard community, was challenged as ALS continued to steal his strength and

mobility. He cried a lot. Barney was the only one who could console him, stop

the tears and bring a smile to his face. Alec would kiss Barney’s head repeatedly

and give Barney the best pats he could with arms and hands that had been

robbed of dexterity and replaced with wet limp gestures.

Unfortunately, Barney had his bad days and nights, too, where he cried out and

could not be comforted. Gwen knew she needed some extra help and through

the fospice parent network at SAS, foster team lead Lisa helped Barney get a

little respite at a vacation home helmed by an experienced fospice volunteer,

Sarah, who was also a human hospice doctor. After a few weeks, Barney returned

to Gwen and Alec.

It was a welcomed return as Barney’s presence had been greatly missed, but

there wouldn’t be much time left together. Alec died on September 10, 2017, at

home. On that day, Gwen brought Barney into Alec’s room and he immediately

nuzzled into the crook of Alec’s arm and stayed there for hours and didn’t want

HONORING BARNEY

The SASF-funded Fospice program was created in 2016. Since that time foster parents have taken in over 31 terminally ill cats who needed a loving secure home to

live out the rest of their lives in peace and comfort. SASF funds provide much needed support, medicine and care for these cats and their incredible foster families.

Here is one story that highlights the depth of commitment and the life-changing experience of a special cat named Barney.

to leave. With Alec’s passing, Sarah stepped in to care

for Barney. He hung on for a few more weeks before

heading across the rainbow bridge in October, no doubt

to be with his friend Alec. While Gwen wasn’t with

Barney at the end, his spirit was and always will be close.

Gwen was grateful she had the caring and committed

SAS fospice community’s support for Barney’s care

during this crucial time of need.

After a little time and with Lisa’s support, Gwen brought

her next foster cat home. Gobi was quickly adopted and

Hunter would be next. Following her experience with Barney,

who proved to be a magic little companion as life threw

out many challenges, Gwen will continue to provide

cats with hope, love and a bridge to their future family.

SASF thanks Gwen for sharing her and Alec’s experience

with Barney and for being a part of SAS’ fospice and

foster programs. SASF is honored to help fund these

heroic efforts, made possible thanks to generous and

committed donors.

To learn more about the fospice program and foster

volunteer opportunities, please visit:

http://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/volunteer/foster-care/

foster-cat-program

Fospice Cat

SASF 2018 Brewery Events

Please raise a glass to the animals of SAS

again in 2018! For every pint purchased

during the brewery events, Urban Family

Brewing, Peddler Brewing Company and

Populuxe Brewery will donate $1 to the

Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation. Last

year we raised enough funds to help

augment the cost of new medical equipment

and medical supplies for the homeless

animals of Seattle. Check for dates and

times on our site starting in May 2018.

SUNDAY JUNE 3rd, 2018

Urban Family Brewing 1:00PM - 10:00 PM

4441 26th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199

Come enjoy the first ever SASF sponsored

beer named Furevermore! For every beer

purchased Urban Family will donate $1 to

SASF! We hope to see you and your furry

canine family members there!

Mr. HugpawsOUR COVER MODEL Kobe was surrendered as a puppy to the shelter by loving guardians who were not able to give

him the attention he needed. At the time Karen A. and her family were looking for a furry family

member. A SAS volunteer and friend was told to keep a look out for a dog that met Karen’s criteria.

The dog had to be young, easy going, a pit bull and great with kids, cats, dogs, and adults.

“I have had good experiences with pit bulls, my grandmother had one and my friends have them

and they make the most wonderful family pets”.

Kobe popped up on the radar and Karen went to meet him at the shelter. She instantly fell in

love. “He was just so loving and happy and kind. He just wanted to cuddle and be petted. You

could tell he had come from loving circumstances.” Karen immediately adopted Kobe and

took him home to meet his new family. He instantly took to her son and husband. They renamed

him Mr. Hugpaws due to his big paws and constant need to cuddle.

As Karen tells it, he totally knew where to find the couch and the beds. She is an early riser so Mr.

Hugpaws and Karen have their morning ritual. They curl up on the couch, with coffee and cuddle

for about an hour. After which her son takes over but he likes to drape himself over Mr Hugpaws

so they can have maximum body contact. Mr. Hugpaws loves his morning cuddle rituals and

looks forward to them everyday.

He loves long walks and berry picking and likes to gorge himself on raspberries and blackberries.

Actually any berry will do. He takes dainty bites and picks off the berries one by one managing to

avoid the thorns and he seems to know which are ripe or not. He can spend hours berry picking.

He is a gentle giant that adores puppies and the neighborhood kids. If he doesn’t see anyone or

meet another dog on his walk he starts to get mopey. He definitely likes his doggy friends and

likes his social time. He is great at stepping on toes and gives the full 85 pound body wag when

he meets people. He’s a big-headed, big-hearted gentleman. Karen often thinks of the folks who

surrendered him. “It must have been really tough to give him up and we are so thankful and

incredibly blessed to have him as part of our pack.”

-Karen A.Mr. Hugspaws forever mom

I have to give a shout out to SAS, SASF, and the family who had to give him up. I am grateful to you everyday. Every cuddle, every look, every happy prance, every moment with him fills our lives to the brim. I want everyone to know that we are truly blessed to have him in our lives. Cleary Mr. Hugpaws was well loved and cared for before he was ours.

“

NEW NAME. NEW VENUE. SAME GREAT MISSION!

Please join us for the our SASF Furevermore Annual Fundraising

Gala which will take place Saturday, October 13, 2018 at The Foundry,

located at 4130 1st Ave South in Seattle, 98134.

This high energy, fun-filled event will kick off with three silent

auction collections followed by a catered dinner by Herban Feast

and a live auction. Along with many fabulous auction items, there

will be a chance to win having your furry family members be the face

of the 2019 auction and 13 chances to win a photo placement in the

SASF 2019 Calendar!

Last year we raised $190,00 towards the care and comfort of SAS

animals. Like all funds donated to SASF, funds raised at this event

are critical and essential so that every animal that walks or is

carried through SAS doors can have the very best care. We

couldn’t do it without you! Come join the fun and raise your bid

card high for the animals. Check for early bird deals and tickets

sales on our site starting in June at:

seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org We hope to see you there!

SEATTLE ANIMAL SHELTER FOUNDATION

2018 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA

The Making Of The

SASF 2018

FUREVERMORE

Auction Rebrand

SASF decided to shake things up for 2018 and rebrand our biggest

fundraiser of the year. After seven years of Raining Cats and Dogs, we

were ready to make a change. To make sure we were doing it the right

way, we enlisted the help, expertise and creative powerhouse of

Edelman, a global communications marketing agency. On our search

for an agency to provide pro bono support, we knew tapping into the

love of animals was key. We found their Seattle office’s creative team

full of compassionate dog, cat and critter people and they offered to

donate all their hard work. We are so grateful to them for their dedica-

tion and support of SASF. It was an exciting process and the creative

team had so many great ideas that at times it was difficult to decide

on which creative exploration was the best for SASF and our generous

donors. We are very happy with the results and we hope that you are

too. The new auction name, “Furevermore” incorporates our collective

mission; to care for every animal to the best of our ability and to make

sure every animal finds their forever home. The new name also includes

all animals of SAS even the ones with scales and feathers. The sentiment

is the same. Everyone who donates to SASF can rest assured that

because of their generous donations, all shelter animals will find their

“Furevemore” home.

Last year at the 7th annual auction event, we had a live auction item

“Make Your Pet a Star” that gave the item winner the opportunity to

have their pet(s) be the face of the 2018 SASF rebranded auction. At

the time we did not know what it might look like, but we did know

that the winner was going to be very happy with the results. Thanks to

Edelman and photographer Alyssa Rose, the winner Michelle Lanker

will have her pets, Arnie and Bing all over Seattle and SASF collateral.

Look out for postcards, Facebook and Instagram posts, Seattle City

bus side ads, posters and all sorts of other media where Arnie and Bing

will be featured.

We hope that you will enjoy seeing Arnie and Bing promote this fun

filled event throughout the summer and join us for the Furevermore

event on October 13th at the new venue, The Foundry. Tickets go on

sale on June 25. Who knows, maybe your pet(s) might be the next

face of the SASF Furevermore Fundraising Gala in 2019!

We hope to see you there!

DONATE AT:

www.seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org

All gifts to SASF are tax deductible. Your funds stay

local and make a difference for Seattle animals.

JOIN THE TEAM

Our talented, dedicated, passionate

volunteers are at the heart of what we do.

Apply to become part of our team today.

All photos courtesy of:

bestfriendphoto.com

raindogphoto.com

westergardphoto.com

Brandon O’Conner

All photos are of SAS animals currently

in foster care, at the shelter or who

have found their forever homes.

Seattle Animal

Shelter Foundation

PO Box 99006

Seattle, WA

98139-0006

info@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org

http://petango.com/Seattleanimalshelter

ADOPT.

DON’T SHOP.