A Special Event for Auntie Kathy

Our Auntie Kathy, with two of her foster kitties

We rarely stray from focusing on the cats of PAWS here at Animal Shelter Volunteer Life, but this post will be an exception.  Those of you who have been following our blog for a while probably remember when our beloved and amazing Auntie Kathy lost her battle with cancer on September 2, 2012.  You may also recall we mentioned that she was a passionate animal advocate, who along with her daughters (our cousins Mari and Alysa) fostered countless kittens over the years for the Seattle (WA) Animal Shelter.

There's a special event being held this month by the Seattle Animal Shelter in honor of Auntie Kathy.  Now though December 22nd, the shelter is waiving all adoption fees for foster care animals.  The free adoption package includes initial vaccinations, de-worming, FeLV testing, a certificate for a free health exam at a local vet, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.  When considering the shelter's normal adoption fee for a kitty is $150, this is an amazing event, indeed.  To read more about the promotion, and Auntie Kathy's legacy, check out the official news release issued by the Seattle Animal Shelter.

If you are in (or near to) the Seattle area, and are looking for a new best friend, please consider adopting a foster cat (or two, or three) from the Seattle Animal Shelter.  We have no doubt that Auntie Kathy is smiling in Heaven at the possibility of so many kitties finding their very own happily-ever-afters.

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open Wednesday through Sunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The phone number is (206) 386-7387. Foster animals available for adoption can be viewed online at http://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/adopt.

500 Posts on Thankful Thursday

Wow … 500 blog posts.  It always sort of surprises us whenever we reach a “milestone number” blog post. That’s because when Tracey first started Animal Shelter Volunteer Life, we never dared to imagine that our little blog would ever have such staying power or any kind of influence. Nor could we know that we would make so many amazing, animal-loving friends from around the globe.

Thank you, everyone. We wouldn’t have made it to 500 without you. Your love, support and encouragement are incredible sources of strength and joy, and we are so blessed to have you sharing in our journey, and in the stories about the amazing cats who pass through the doors of PAWS. And in the adventures of some “graduates” of the shelter - including our very own Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and Angel Sammy (who made his trip to the Rainbow Bridge earlier this year).

We're also abundantly grateful for animal advocates everywhere, and compassionate and caring places like PAWS, where animals can wait until they find their very own forever homes.

With love and thanks, and headbonks for all,

Kevin (meowmeowmans) and Tracey, Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and all the PAWS cats

Sunny on Sunday

This is our adoptable friend Sunny. Even though this beautiful medium-haired ladycat is still pretty new to PAWS, she's already proven herself to be sweet, friendly and playful.  Sunny is about 5 years old, spayed, micro-chipped, and current on her vaccinations.  She's also tested negative for FIV and FeLV.

Have a SUNNY Sunday, everybody! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gracie, Zoe and Moosey are thankful for turkey

We are thankful for so many things.

We are thankful for those who adopt shelter animals and/or take in homeless pets ... you recognize just how special these wonderful creatures are, and you've opened up your hearts and homes to them.  Thank you also to those who help shelter animals, donate time and resources, serve as fosters, care for feral cats, and/or participate in trap-neuter-return programs.  You are all saving lives.

We're also incredibly thankful for the many friends -- around the globe -- we've made through blogging.  Thank you for sharing your lives and your animals with us, for your constant support, and for sharing in our joys (and even in our sorrows when stories have less than happy endings).

There are, of course, many other things in our lives for which we are grateful. But because we love animals so much, the things above are high on our list.

Thank you all again, and for everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving ... we hope yours is happy.

Hugs and headbonks,

Moosey, Gracie and Zoe, and Tracey and Kevin (meowmeowmans)

Easy Like SUNday - Moosey :)

Here's our sweet boy Moosey, taking it easy and enjoying a Sunday sunpuddle. 

Here's hoping happiness finds you today, too. :)

Photobomb Friday :)

It's time for a Friday Photo Shoot with our pretty calico friend, Patches...

Patches: Okay, I'm ready!  How's this pose?

Patches: Hey!

Patches: Excuse YOU, Snow White!

Snow White: WHAT?

Beautiful Patches and silly Snow White are both waiting at PAWS for forever homes.  Wouldn't it be great if these wonderful girls could find their own happily ever afters in time for the upcoming holidays? :)

Truffle on Tuesday

We always enjoy visiting our pal Truffle, but she's been at PAWS for way too long.  We first posted about her in January of 2009, so you can do the math.  Like we said, she's been waiting (patiently) for way too long.

Truffle isn't exactly a lapcat, but she IS affectionate.  All of the volunteers and staff have to be careful not to trip as she weaves happily in and out of our legs.  She also enjoys being pet on the head and behind her ears, but will let you know when she's had enough.  Her coloring and markings are strikingly unique, and her fur is extra downy soft.  And she enjoys sunpuddles and playing! 

We'd be remiss if we didn't mention that Truffle does have a condition called stomatitis - inflammation in her gums that flares up every so often.  But she hasn't been on medication for a while, and is doing very well.  She is also on a wet food only diet (but that's a good thing, as it helps her maintain her girlish figure ... MOL).  Truffle is 10 years old, up to date on vaccinations, and has tested negative for FIV and FeLV.  She's also microchipped.

Won't you please give Truffle the happily ever after she's been waiting for?  And even if you can't, perhaps you can help us find her a forever home by sharing her story on Facebook, Twitter and/or other social media?  Thanks (from Truffle and all of her pals)!