April 2024

Hey Kim!

Before arriving at Homeward Pet Adoption Center one year ago, my career was focused on kids and family, so animal welfare was new to me! I grew up with a variety of pets and later my children and I rescued three dogs and fostered chickens during COVID but none of that really prepared me for the animal welfare field.

Here is what I have learned since then!

Animal people are passionate! (in a very good way!)

There is a drive and grit that runs through this community that is unique to animal welfare. This passion drives new ideas, creative solutions and improved care for animals across the Pacific Northwest. While the pathways might be different, this joy for animals resonates across all teams.

Animal welfare volunteers give their all!

Sometimes it is difficult to find enough caring individuals that have capacity to give. HPAC volunteers are always ready to give more time, more energy, creative ideas and an abundance of animal care! They are diverse and come to the shelter with sleeves up and ready to work!

I am often asked, “How do you not take all of the animals home?”

I never knew I could fall in love with so many different personalities and breeds and still experience elation when that animal finds their new family. I keep the special ones in my work space (have you seen Wick?!) for the tough days, but I am always ready to celebrate with an adopter and their new cat or dog!

I grew up in Woodinville and was always aware of Homeward Pet but had NO idea the depth and reach this organization has! Our programs and staffing reaches animals across Washington with committed donors and supporters that give generously and often. They ensure that every animal in our shelter receives the same level of care and compassion as the ones in their own homes.

I jest that at HPAC, “I throw great parties!”

The reality is that I am tasked with creating fabulous events that invite all of you to share and connect in your love and support of the animals in our care. A place for you to celebrate the successes and honor the tough days.

The Events Team (which you are always welcome to join!) genuinely hopes to see you at our next event, the Fur Ball in May, or the 5K in late summer to hear your stories and share in your passion for the work being done by so many at HPAC.

Sincerely,

Tracy!

Events Manager

Thank you to our valued Fur Ball sponsors: Duvall Veterinary Hospital, Bella's Voice, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Duvall Family Dental, BECU, Braun Veterinary Housecalls, and Proliance Surgeons.

We’re not going to sugar coat it. This is a desperate plea. Hank has been searching for a home for almost a year now, and he keeps getting overlooked again and again. Those of us who know him can’t understand why and our hearts break for him each day that he’s still waiting.

Hank can’t stay in the shelter. To be blunt, when Hank is in the shelter, he panics. He is a shaking, panting, foaming at the mouth, mess. So, we’ve place Hank in foster. It’s what he needs stay healthy while in our care, both mentally and physically, and that is our goal and our responsibility. And we won’t be bringing Hank back to the shelter to wait for his new family. That may mean that fewer adopters see Hank in-person, but it’s best for Hank.

Because in his foster home, he’s happy, relaxed, snuggly, playful, and engaged with the world around him. And he’d be just like that in his adoptive home – he simply needs someone to give him that chance.

There are no good reasons why Hank is still searching for a home.

And whoever steps up to be the hero to this loveable, playful, silly, and cuddly pup, will not only be enriching Hank’s life, but also their own.

Name: Hank

Age: 6 years

Size: 62 lbs

Sex: male

Activity: bouncy & snuggly

Joined HPAC: 05/02/23

From Foster to Family Promotion

Are you considering adopting a dog but feel nervous about making it official on the first date?

Whether it’s the commitment, the unknowns, or the adoption fee that’s holding you back, we have an amazing opportunity for you. Foster first!

All of our dogs are currently available to go home on a trial run before adoption. And, if you choose to adopt, the adoption fee is waived.

Make an adoption appointment, or stop by the shelter during adoption hours, and take home one of our amazing dogs today!

Bobby is ready to find his best friend! This handsome 7-year-old can be a sensitive guy and is looking for a dog-experienced, adult-only home that can give him all the mental enrichment, exercise, and socialization he needs.

Bobby is our Staff Pick. Animal Care and Adoption Specialist Peter says,

"Bobby is a sweet, special boy! He likes to get out and about, is great on his walks, and loves agility! I like to visit him when he's getting some play time, and he'll run right up to me, lean into me and give me face kisses with that long nose of his. It always feels like he wants to see me and doesn't want me to leave."

Does he sound like the guy for you?

Meet Wilkie! He's bouncy, enthusiastic, and fun. And he's ready to rock your world!

Wilkie is about 1-year-old and ready to find a family that will give him lots of daily playtime, exercise, and attention. He loves going for walks, sniffing all the good stuff, and learning new tricks.

We don't know if Wilkie's ever lived with other dogs or cats, so any introductions to resident pets should be done slowly.

He can be a little nervous in new situations and will likely do best with dog-experienced, older kids who can handle him gently.

Are you ready to welcome home this bouncy buddy?

"Say hello to Fia and Cinder! The former Applebees and Olive Garden.

They are happy, healthy, and very loved. Sometimes loved a little too much by 2 little girls."

"Misha and Pasha are doing well at our house.

Misha is very much enjoying herself. Pasha is still very cautious and spent long time under the spare bed in the guest bedroom."

Celebrate with us!

So far in 2024, through March, 201 cats and kittens and 71 dogs and puppies have found new homes through our shelter adoption program.

Did you know that Event Sponsorship isn't just for businesses?

Event sponsors have their logos featured in social media, website, event signage, the Fur Ball Catalog and various emails.

Imagine honoring your beloved pet in all those locations instead of a business logo. How fun is that?!?

Are you interested in sponsoring the Fur Ball or 5k with your pet's image?

Event sponsorships helps ensure that all moneys donated during the event go directly to the animals we all love.

Contact alora@homewardpet.org for more information.

Homeward Pet Adoption Center is one of the leading non-profit, no-kill animal shelters in Washington State.

Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs in need through compassionate medical care, positive behavior training, and successful adoption while building a more humane community.



Homeward Pet is a private organization. We receive no state or federal funding. Your donations help us to grow a robust program that spans beyond simply intake and adoption. Enlisting the principles and practices of Fear Free Sheltering, the animals in our care are assessed as individuals and receive behavioral, medical, and in-home foster care as needed. Because of the generous support of donors and volunteers, we can care for animals that others may not have the resources for.

In addition, we provide free behavior consultations and low cost spay/neuter services to keep animals out of the shelter system and in their homes. We can work with owners to find a way to keep their pets. If an animal must be rehomed, we offer Home to Home to help owners match up directly with new adopters so that the animal never has to spend a day in the shelter.

Homeward Pet Adoption Center | 425.488.4444| homewardpet.org