Category: News

Furry 5K 2023 Raises Over $118,000 for Animals in Need

Posted on by JenniferW JuliaL

The 24th annual Furry 5K is in the books! The weather cooperated and was perfect for running, walking, strolling, and petting dogs. Over 1,300 amazing humans registered for the race and Seward Park was a sea of teal with the adorable face of Ezzie everywhere. 

Seattle Furry 5K 20236

Tracy Taylor-Turner, Vice President of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, served once again as the event’s MC and knocked it out of the park. The Seattle Animal Shelter Director Esteban Rodriguez gave a heartfelt thanks to the participants as they gathered at the start line. Former Seahawk Walter Jones hyped the crowd up. Then, Mayor (and Seattle Animal Shelter fan) Bruce Harrell counted down the start of the race as the crowd of participants, both two- and four-legged, were raring and ready to run.

RACERS TO WATCH

There were plenty of speedy people and pups on hand, with some truly impressive finishing times.

The fastest runners in each category were:

Seattle Furry 5K 202316

Male:

  1. Michael Stewart (20:50)
  2. John O’Hearn (21:04) + Dog
  3. Taylor Kesler (21:18)

Female:

  1. Julie Vieselmeyer (20:51) + Dog
  2. Cleo Baernstein (20:57)
  3. Ran Huo (22:15)

Non-Binary:

  1. MJ Jenkins (23:13) + Dog
  2. Vyas Savanur (25:54)
  3. Katie Lyle-Beshai (30:33)

TOP FUNDRAISERS

In the weeks leading up to the Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk, individuals and teams worked diligently to fundraise to great success! Through generous donations, they raised nearly $14,000. Commercial Industrial Ruffing was the top fundraising team, raising over $1,000. The top fundraising doggo Hector (and his human Frank Massaro!) was presented a medal at the Pet-a-Palooza celebration.

BY THE NUMBERS

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Over 4,100 miles walked or run

Over 30 vendors and sponsors

587 Runners 

737 Walkers

Countless dogs!

And perhaps most importantly of all:

$118,949 raised to help the animals of Seattle!

THANK YOU TO ALL INVOLVED 

None of this would have been possible without the support of donors, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors. 

The Furry 5K has always been run by volunteers dedicated to raising funds to cover the Seattle Animal Shelter’s veterinary needs. This year’s race was put on by more than 100 volunteers – the glue of this beloved event! Whether you ran, walked, donated, led a team, shared a post on social media, or anything in between — thank you. Your support helps the Seattle Animal Shelter keep doing amazing work. 

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It takes a village to put on a race like the Furry 5K, and a huge part of that community are our sponsors. These sponsors provide the shelter with invaluable resources to create a fun, impactful event that truly matters to the animals in need of the care that the shelter provides. Thank you to: 

A special shout out to our presenting sponsor, Mud Bay, for also donating $1 for each mile ran at the Furry 5K, for a total of $4,108! 

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Please join us at our Furevermore Auction & Gala on October 21st at Fremont Studios for a night full of fun and love for our community’s animals. Tickets are on sale now!

Check out more event day photos in our 2023 Furry 5K photo album.

See highlights of Tracy’s takeover of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s Instagram on Furry 5K day here.

Shelter diversion keeps pets happy, healthy, and with their families  

Posted on by Tom

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation financially supports programs at the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) through yearly grants. One highly impactful grant supports SAS’s “Shelter Diversion” program and its Owner Support Fund, which started in 2020 and continues today.  

In 2020, the uncertainty and drastic adjustments were tempered by the positive outcome of implemented changes at SAS. These changes included a new way of managing SAS intake requests – which is when owners contact the shelter to surrender their pet. Shelter staff began talking to families considering relinquishing their pets and working with them to find alternatives or to rehome their pets themselves.  The grant funds received from the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, which continued in 2022, made many of these new and expanded services possible.  

SAS’s initial goals included:  

  1. Reducing shelter intake  
  1. Keeping established pets in their homes  
  1. Collecting information to better inform future efforts to create programs and services that continue to address goals one and two. Specifically, to:  
  • Identify the top reasons for owner surrender to SAS and the most common needs expressed by pet owners surrendering animals.  
  • Track how often the family leaves the shelter with their pet and resources, versus how often intake was the solution.  
  • Use information obtained to better assess SAS’s ability to provide solutions for every family that needs help.  

SAS has learned a lot from administering this grant over the past few years. The initial strategy of working with owners who called the shelter about relinquishing their pets had limited success. SAS discovered that by the time people called about surrendering a pet, they had often already made up their mind and were not open to accepting support for alternatives. SAS’s initial tracking indicated that 63% of the recipients declined support and wanted to proceed with the surrender. SAS heard comments like “We’re at the end of our rope” and “I just can’t do it anymore.”  

SAS had the greatest success when their Field Officers identified recipients while working with them in the field where pet owners are being offered support before pursuing punitive measures.  

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In 2022, assistance was provided for pet medical needs, pet behavior support, and emergency short-term pet boarding. Not surprisingly veterinary care was the single greatest need requested. The cost of veterinary care is significant and represents one of the challenges of sustaining a program like this, especially as people become more aware of the opportunities for support. While parameters may need to be put in place, this often is not helpful to the pet owner in need who cannot neither afford any amount nor have any further capacity to incur debt via credit cards etc. Solutions to these challenges will exist through partnerships and collaborations that help to leverage funding and the possible expansion of SAS’s own veterinary team and the reevaluation of services they are able to provide to the public.  

“Without the help of the Owner Support Fund, I could have never kept Bella! I was having a really tough financial year with health issues when I found Bella, an 8-month-old cat abandoned next to an apartment dumpster, left in a carrier with no note or water. The apt manager where I found her saw video of a tenant bringing her out and leaving her with the trash. SAS made it possible for her to receive essential medical care, so I could keep her.  I hope the funding continues so that you can help more people keep their pets!” 

—– 

Behavioral support was the next most common need identified. Concerns included: Aggression to people and/or pets, separation anxiety, barking, and reactivity.  

“I am beyond grateful for the assistance that the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s Owner Support Fund has offered me and my dog, Koda. He is an adult husky with severe separation anxiety and has trouble walking in unfamiliar neighborhoods. So, an overall very nervous pup. The assistance fund came to me during a critical time. He was getting more destructive, and his stress and anxiety was pouring into me to the point I thought I should rehome him after the 8 years of having him. The fund helped me afford an amazing trainer that I would otherwise not have been able to afford on my own. My dog means the world to me and seeing him less stressed on our walks and unfazed when I leave home truly gives me peace of mind. This program not only helped Koda become a more confident dog, but it helped me become happier and healthier mentally. I can only hope more people get to utilize this program and get a second chance like Koda and I did.” 

____ 

Without the support provided through the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation funding this program, many pets would have been relinquished or may even have suffered through medical conditions or other substandard conditions. One of the additional benefits of this program is that it enabled SAS staff, particularly field officers, to create positive relationships in the community.  

An essential ingredient to reducing intake is shelter diversion. As the old saying goes—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And to cure animal homelessness, we must continually invest in programs that address the root causes of that homelessness. This is how we move the needle of lifesaving forward—and keep it there.  

Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s support of crucial shelter diversion programs assures our community can meet the growing needs that exist for pets and the people who love them.  By providing as many resources and services as possible, we reduce the barriers to keeping pets and people together, healthy, and safe.  

Furry 5K turns fun into funds that make a difference 

Posted on by Tom

Sign up for this year’s Furry 5K here!  

The best part of the Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk varies depending on who you ask. For many of us it’s simple: the dogs and their people. For others, it’s seeing the strength of the animal welfare community coming together to support such an important cause.  
 
But for some, the best part is that it saved their life. Although they wouldn’t be able to tell you that.  
 
In 2022, the Furry 5K made possible 226 veterinary visits for 135 animals, and many more lab tests and prescriptions in support of that.  

The event raised $115,000, which goes specifically to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) “Help the Animals” fund. 

“As opposed to grant funding for behavior or foster programs, this fund goes into the ‘Help the Animals’ fund, so it is more nimble for the SAS,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Deputy Director Jocelyn Bouchard. “That’s one way it’s different, and that’s a positive thing. If we have a large impound or an urgent medical need, we can access it right away,” she said. 

In 2022, most of the funds were used for vet costs, because the shelter was without a veterinarian so needed more external support. Some money went back into the foster program for reimbursements to foster homes for supplies, and toward the purchase of leashes and collars, and cardboard carriers to send cats to their forever homes. It also helped support the Canine Corral, where the shelter dogs are exercised.  

“This fund was invaluable this past year. There was one surgery in particular, an orthopedic surgery for Styx, who needed both his front legs splinted,” Jocelyn said. 

Styx was rescued when he was injured but thanks to multiple treatments funded by the Help the Animals Fund and the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation he was adopted and is well on his way to a full recovery. 
 
For Styx and all the other animals helped by past Furry 5Ks, there’s a lot to love about the event. And for attendees, no matter what your favorite part, you’ll find it this year. 
 
“The thing that always stands out … is everybody and their dogs. It’s just the best,” she said. “And it’s an opportunity to get together with like-minded people, support a great cause and see a bunch of cute animals.” 

Sign up for this year’s Furry 5K here!  

Face of the Furry 5K 2023

Posted on by Tom

On June 11, Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is holding the 24th annual Furry 5K at Seward Park. A chance to get outside, gather with our furry family members, and support animals in need. What’s more, 100% of funds raised on this fun day go to the Help the Animals Fund at the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). 

Every fall, SASF hosts an auction and gala called Furevermore to raise funds for SAS. Last fall, Heather and Pete made a generous donation to win the Face of Furry 5K for their dog, Ezzie. We had a chat with the two about their history with animal welfare and how Ezzie brought new energy and joy to their day-to-day lives.  

OUR CONVERSATION WITH HEATHER AND PETE 

SASF: LET’S START WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT PART… CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT EZZIE? 

Heather: We got Ezzie in 2021 at a rescue in Eastern Washington, because he fit exactly what we were looking for and there are so many dogs over there needing adoption. Someone found him on the side of the road with an eye hanging out. Our last dog had both eyes removed so when I saw Ezzie with just one eye, that caught my attention. He has some stranger danger but once he gets to know you, he is the sweetest, most empathetic little guy. 

WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN HAVING YOUR DOG BE THE FACE OF THE FURRY 5K? 

Pete: I’m on the Board of the Seattle Humane Society, we’re long-time supporters of the Seattle Animal Shelter, and we’ve been going to Furevermore for many years. Heather was also involved in the very first auctions for a number of years. We loved the idea of giving Ezzie a platform to show that one-eyed stray dogs can be amazing dogs. 

HOW DOES EZZIE AFFECT YOUR LIFE? HOW IS HE A PART OF YOUR DAY-TO-DAY? 

Heather: In the morning he likes to climb on me and we’ll have a little chat. He gets me to walk every day, we play ball, and he’s next to me all work day long. He always wants to be with us, and he’s a great traveler, he goes with us down to Palm Springs.  

Pete: He wants to be part of our lives and we want to be part of his. He’s very joyful, very athletic, and he has this way of running that is purely for fun. He doesn’t care about how fast he is, he just wants to have fun. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WITH EZZIE SO FAR? 

Pete: Our first two dogs were older and quieter dogs, and the first day we brought Ezzie home, he was about a year and a half old, he went puppy crazy and played in our backyard for hours. But of course, he was nervous being in a new situation. So first day was wild and new. We were worried about what we got ourselves into, but it’s all been awesome. He sat on the console the whole ride home, so he was comfortable with us from the get-go.  

Heather: He also has this ball he likes to play soccer with. He pushes it around with his front paws, then he jumps over it to stop it, and then pushes it back with his head.  

OKAY, LAST QUESTION. IF SOMEONE WAS INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE FURRY 5K THIS SUMMER, WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’D TELL THEM? 

Heather: It’s an amazing way to support animal welfare and any support goes a long way! 

HOW TO JOIN IN ON THE FUN 

There’s still plenty of time to sign up for this June’s Furry 5K! Check out the Furry 5K website to learn more about participating. 

And if you’d like to see your pet be the Face of Furry 5K at a future event, stay tuned for more news about the Furevermore Auction & Gala this October. 

Tips to get you and your dog ready for the Furry 5K 

Posted on by Tom

Sunday, June 11, 2023 marks the 24th annual Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk. 100% of funds raised go to the Help the Animals Fund at the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). The 2020 and 2021 Furry 5Ks were entirely virtual, but in 2022 and again for 2023 we are back to in-person! Our goal: Support pets in need while enjoying a fun and playful day outside with friends and animals. 

The Help the Animals Fund is where all of the Furry 5K profits are deposited for SAS to use where most needed to help the animals in their care. In 2022 the fund helped cover the cost of a lot of external veterinary exams and diagnostics while SAS recruited for their amazing new veterinary team who are now in place. This external veterinary care included: lab tests and veterinary visits. 

Below are our best tips for getting you and your dog ready for the event!

Before the race: 

-Check with your dog’s vet that a 5K is suitable for them 

-Slowly build up your dog’s miles 

-Don’t feed your dog before a run, to prevent bloat 

-Make sure you have the right collar/harness and leash (see the rules below) 

-Register at www.Furry5K.com beforehand  

-Make sure your dog is ready to socialize with others 

-Invite your friends/family/coworkers to join you and register at Furry5K.com too! 

On the day of the Furry 5K: 

-Bring water for your dog 

-Bring extra poop bags 

-Bring a comfortable harness/leash 

-Bring treats/snacks 

-Watch for fatigue 

-Don’t be afraid to ask for help! 

Dog Safety Rules:

– No retractable leashes.
– Leashes must be no longer than 8 feet (Seattle Municipal Code).
– No dogs under 6 months of age.
– No female dogs in heat.
– No aggressive dogs.
– Dogs must be on leashes at all times.
– All dogs must be current on vaccinations.

 

Get ready for the 2023 Furry 5K

Posted on by JenniferW JuliaL

On your mark, get set… go sign up for the 2023 Furry 5K Fun Run & Walk! Join us Sunday, June 11th 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 Furry 5K T-shirt featuring scruffy cover dog Ezzie, your race bib, and a bag filled with sponsor goodies. 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 11th, 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 Pet-A-Palooza 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’s Help The Animals Fund, which supports medical care for pets in need. The Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) does so much to improve and save pet lives in our community. In 2022 alone, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation supported SAS to…   

  • Get 403 dogs, 544 cats, and 126 critters adopted    
  • Provide 747 spay and neuter surgeries    
  • Investigate 807 animal cruelty cases    
  • Hold 1,831 animal behavior sessions for shelter animals   
  • Reunite 429 lost animals with their owners    
  • Rescue 316 wild animals    
  • Perform 2,200 vet exams    
  • Serve 628 animals via the pet food bank   


You can help us help even more shelter pets in the coming year — our goal is for the 2023 Furry 5K to get to 1,800 runner and walker registrations before June 11th. 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.  

Community Outreach to Seattle’s Animals in Need

Posted on by Tom

When you think of the Seattle Animal Shelter, you may not realize what an encompassing role the shelter and its programs play in the lives of so many of Seattle’s animals, both inside and outside the shelter. Community support through outreach and engagement improves animals lives in many ways, including allowing animals to stay safely and happily in their homes, and stay out of the animal shelter. 

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF), through its grants to the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS), provides substantial funding enabling expanded community programs. In 2022, SASF granted $20,000 for owned animal support and an additional $10,000 for outreach and engagement.  

Some examples of how those critical SASF provided funds were put to good use include:  

• Over $4,500 of pet-saving supplies for SAS field officers to distribute in the field. Officers make regularly scheduled outreach efforts in targeted areas of need. Items distributed include pet food, dog leashes, pet crates, rainproof dog houses, warm windproof dog fleece coats, waterproof dog jackets, and other general supplies.  

• Rental of the on-site shipping container for secure storage and twice-weekly open hours distribution of the SAS Pet Food Bank pet food to owners who cannot afford to purchase pet food on their own. 

• Subsidizing animal licenses for pet owners in need, enabling them to redeem their pet from the animal shelter, or lawfully keep their pet. 

• Over $5,000 to stock the SAS Pet Food Bank with pet food and other essential pet supplies, which are distributed at no-cost to the neediest families with pets. In 2022 SAS distributed over 6,760 lbs. of dry food, over 1,030 lbs. of litter and over 2,350 cans of wet food to pet owners in need. The below figures show an overall increase of just over 25% in the number of households served as compared with 2021. In 2022 SAS was able to help more than twice as many cats and just over 30% more dogs with this valuable support.  

The above-mentioned are just some of the programs this SASF grant funds, allowing SAS to establish connections with pet owners and promote positive affiliations with SAS. As the shelter and the animal welfare in general adjusts focus to be more proactive in the community, these programs enable SAS to provide the education, resources, and advocacy to keep pets with their families and out of the shelters.  

Whether it is directly supporting the animals, helping to establish relationships as noted above, or ensuring that SAS staff are receiving the training and support they need to best do their jobs, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s grants touch almost every facet of the Seattle Animal Shelter’s work, enhancing and complementing Seattle city-funded programs and services, improving the lives of Seattle’s pets and the people that care for them. 

Strength, Spirit, and Determination: Celebrating Hard Work and Happy Adoptions

Posted on by Tom

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) strives to support each animal that comes into the Seattle Animal Shelter by funding programs above what the city can provide, whether it be behavioral, medical or environmental. SASF’s support helps the most in-need animals receive the care and nurturing they need in order to live their most fulfilling lives and be surrounded by love! We are happy to share these updates on animals that came through the shelter in 2022, overcame challenges thanks to the amazing Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) team, and moved on to their forever homes. 

Zip the Cat

Little Zip lost his namesake for a while. When he came to the shelter at 5 years old he had a prolapsed rectum that was inhibiting his zest for life. He came in very fearful and not comfortable with people. Seeing that, the behavior team and cat volunteers spent time getting to know Zip and bringing out his personality, and getting him used to being around people.  

Zip!

Thankfully, a simple “purse string” surgery from the Seattle Animal Shelter vet team fixed him up and he moved right into foster. His foster parents continued to work on his socialization, and when he was ready he was able to find his forever home! His adoptive family named him Charlie and he is thriving with lots of love around him.  

Toast

Sweet Toast was struggling to pop out of her shell when she came into the shelter. This beautiful gray-and-white cat came to the shelter very shut down and displaying avoidant behaviors, making it hard for anyone to really get to know her.  

The SAS team stepped up to help Toast by spending time with her to get her comfortable enough to sniff around a bit and feel more at ease around people. She was adopted but it wasn’t successful, leaving Toast reverting to her old behaviors. The vet team evaluated her and decided medications might help, she was moved to a roaming room, and together those changes brought Toast to a new level of happiness.  

Toast is now in a loving home with people who are thrilled to have her as part of the family.  

Bubba

Bubba was in a tough place when he came to the shelter. This sweet but overwhelmed Shih Tzu was non-responsive, wedged with his face in the back corner of his kennel, and he refused to eat or drink. Because of his serious stress, he was moved to foster for more holistic support.  

After spending time in a foster home environement, Bubba’s personality re-emerged and he started eating and dogging again! His foster-to-adopt mom, Laura, took advantage of the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s offer for Ahimsa training (funded by a behavior grant) and says it’s been so helpful! We are confident that Bubba has a bright future ahead of him.  

Rubiana

This pretty pitty struggled with trust when she came to the shelter, and that created an ongoing challenge for her. As the longest in-shelter dog available for adoption, Rubiana needed some help.  

Thankfully, the SAS team only saw potential in her. Rubiana spent some time in the spay/neuter office to overcome her stranger reactivity, and though she took a little while to warm up she was soon a wiggly happy girl! From there Rubiana kept expanding her “circle of trust” by spending time with volunteers, and from there Rubiana’s world just continued to open up. She was soon added to the Dog Behavior Team’s roster for ongoing support.   

And to no one’s surprise, this shining little gem found her forever home and is doing amazing.  

Mei

Mei’s journey with the shelter started at a pretty dark time for her. This darling girl was picked up by field officers on a warm day in October with a mesh muzzle on, limiting her ability to pant and drink.  

When she got to the shelter she was shut down and growly in her kennel, which might have been partly due to the massive bladder stones the vet team found. After removing them, the SAS team kenneled Mei in a doctor’s office to help work on her reactivity to people. The SAS behavior team worked with her five days a week and SAS Animal Care Officers supported her the other two.  

Gradually her reactivity subsided, so the next step was to give her the opportunity to be adopted. She soon had a meet-and-greet with a potential adopter who already had a dog. But it was meant to be for Mei. The two pups hit it off and the adopter understood Mei’s need for space and time to come around.  

Mei is now living her happiest life out on an island, accompanying her new mom daily for walks on the beach. 

A total of 750 animals were supported by the Seattle Animal Shelter Behavior Team in 2022. In recent years, the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation has been able to fund the expansion of the program, including hiring a full-time behaviorist and working with animals other than dogs. The program is foundational to the success of animals leaving care and has a profound impact on their overall wellbeing.  

The longevity of the Behavior Program and other shelter endeavors is dependent on the generosity of donors like you. If you are interested in donating, please visit https://seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/donate-today.  

Mr. Tibbs – From Lost to Forever Home 

Posted on by Tom

Mr. Tibbs, a miniature Schnauzer/miniature poodle mix, was picked up by one of the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) field officers after a Good Samaritan reported finding him abandoned in an apartment lobby. At intake he was so matted from nose to tail that he could not stand or walk well on his own, and he was dirty and soaked in his own urine.  (Note: attached is a video of how he looked when he arrived in our care.) 
 

Video: clip of him matted & trembling on the exam table:

Once in the care of SAS, he was evaluated by a veterinarian, then clipped, bathed, and groomed. Once the mats were removed, SAS could see that he was thin and had some muscle weakness from being so matted and not being able to stand and move. He spent time in staff offices initially and quickly became a staff favorite…and he loved them as much as they loved him. 

After a short time in their care and after having his medical and grooming needs met, Mr. Tibbs blossomed into the sweetest dog! He quickly gained strength and was soon running, jumping, and playing. He then went to foster care with one of their awesome volunteers.  

Notes from Mr. Tibbs’ foster family: 

Mr. Tibbs was easier than most of the other dogs my husband and I have fostered. It was surprising given his history that he still had so much love to give. He was really sweet and cuddly, loved his walks and his food and treats.  

Mr. Tibbs enjoying his first “pup cup” treat in foster care
Mr. Tibbs enjoying his first “pup cup” treat in foster care 

Mr. Tibbs had a tendency to pee out of excitement and he didn’t seem to be potty trained. It can be frustrating when that happens but it’s something we expected to get better once he was fixed. I took him out several times a day to get him started on house training. He was also an attention seeker, probably because of his fear of being left alone. I sometimes had to do my office work with him napping on my lap.  

I was told he resource-guarded food so I worked on training him to sit calmly at a distance while I put his food down. He seemed to learn that pretty quickly and I never saw any resource-guarding. While he did have separation anxiety, he was comfortable if left in his crate; that was his safe space. He also slept through the night in his crate which he loved. I highly recommend crate training for dogs. 

I personally felt that he was very happy in foster care. I never saw any aggression towards me or my husband. His real fun personality came out which is always wonderful to see. It was very noticeable that he’s a smart dog and will respond positively to training if given proper resources. He loved his people and said hi to all dog friends on the walk. He even started playing with toys which was a good sign to me. Given proper care and routine, I could see that Mr. Tibbs was the perfect dog for anybody who’s willing to commit. 

Mr. Tibbs on a walk with his new family 

Mr. Tibbs has since been adopted by an amazing family who loves and cherishes him. They say that he is a “happy hiker and a big snuggle bug.” His favorite place is on the couch, and they’re considering another dog as a friend for him when he is ready. Cheers to Mr. Tibbs, the SAS team of staff and volunteers who had the honor of being part of his journey, and to the family that he now calls his own. 

The Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is proud to support animals like Mr. Tibbs so that he and every other animal in need has the opportunity to be nourished back to health and well taken care of till they find their forever family. This financial support includes veterinary care, foster care support, and behavior support. Thanks to generous donations, SASF is able to give that support to SAS, helping give animals like Mr. Tibbs a second chance at a happy ending. 

New Development Director ready to start connecting with community

Posted on by Tom

If you want to get to know more about the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, Josh Herrington definitely wants to get to know you.  

As the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation’s new Development Director, Josh brings people who care about the shelter’s work together with the right opportunities for contributing, whether financially or with their time or through another mechanism.   

“I look at myself as more of a connector of people in the community to a nonprofit organization’s mission. I help connect people to a mission through philanthropy, and I’m a steward to help people learn more.”  

Josh’s philosophy focuses on deepening donor relationships to help them achieve their own goals, which means really getting to know them.  

“It’s about learning who they are, learning what motivates them. If you can reach someone’s head and their heart, that’s success. Show them it’s a smart investment in the community.”  

Josh came to this role having worked in nonprofit development for 20 years, in public radio, the arts and an organization working to end  homelessness.  

“I couldn’t do this work at an organization where I didn’t feel a strong connection to the mission,” he said. “I always had a passion for animals. I’ve always had a dog or rabbits or birds.” 

And almost something more exotic. 

“My mom worked part time and also volunteered as a docent (guide) at the local zoo. She came home one day and said, ‘I would love it if we could adopt an orangutan.’ We would have had to convert half the house into an orangutan enclosure! I was around 9 or 10 years old, so maybe that was her answer to me getting older. Needless to stay, my dad put a stop to adding a primate to our family!” 

While the shelter focuses on taking care of more … approachable animals, Josh is focused on supporting the “amazing” volunteers, committee, and board members he’s working with. Currently, the Development Director is the Foundation’s only staff position.  

Josh’s vision is to both expand the donor base and strengthen donor relationships, which in turn will support an increase in revenue. He also wants to emphasize different channels of fundraising opportunities: monthly giving, stock, planned giving, events and one-time gifts, which can diversify the Foundation’s donor base. 

“These funds will help the Seattle Animal Shelter accomplish what they do best: provide care and homes to our community’s most vulnerable animals.”  

You can reach Josh Herrington at jherrington@seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org. If you are interested in making a contribution to support the Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation, visit https://seattleanimalshelterfoundation.org/donate-today.