Meet Karen! RASKC is very happy to honor Karen Pilarc, one of RASKC’s longest-serving foster volunteers. Karen has contributed, on average, over 450 foster hours virtually each year since 2010, in addition the foster hours she contributed in previous years. “Karen is just amazing,” says RASKC Foster Care Coordinator Lori Mason. “For many years she has been traveling all the way from Auburn to help our cats.” Karen is very generous with her time, super skilled, and really nice too.

To read an interview with Karen, go to our website or blog.    

If you are interested in becoming a RASKC volunteer, please register for new volunteer orientation in Kent here.  

Meet Tam! Tam is a first-year student at the University of Washington (Seattle), studying Environmental Science and Resource Management with a focus on wildlife conservation. Last year Tam was one of the volunteers who contributed the most time on RASKC’s Early Morning Cat Crew.

Tam’s love for animals started in Vietnam, where she grew up. Her family had five ridgeback dogs there. Tam said that ridgebacks are very common in her native country. She and her family moved to Puget Sound in 2011.

She mentioned that her family background helps a lot in her ability to speak three languages- Chinese, Vietnamese, and English. Tam said that both of her parents are Chinese, who moved to Vietnam during the civil war in China. Then on to the United States.

In her free time, Tam enjoys hiking, gardening, spending lots of time on her computer, and volunteering at RASKC. Thank you, Tam!

About 836 people contributed a total of more than 141,180 hours last year. RASKC is tremendously grateful for this service.

Special hurray to the volunteers who contributed the most hours in 2019. The volunteer in multiple roles who donated the most time was Pat Davis (3,091 hours). She donated more hours than what many full-staff worked last year. Pat fosters, works in the office, grooms cats, does Cat Meet & Greet, helps instruct new Shelter Helpers, and more. Thank you, Pat!  

Here’s a listing of the top contributors for 19 of our teams for last year. Many of the listed volunteers gave time in multiple roles, so their overall 2019 contributions may not be listed here:

Fosters (244 foster households): Karen Tyler/ Jonah Wilson (3,636 hours), Laura Weeks (2,639 hours), Linda Bowen (2,631 hours), Pat Davis (2,425 hours), Becky Rubeck (2,263 hours), and Deanna Isenberg (2,121 hours). For a listing of other fosters who donated about 1,000 or more foster hours, go here. Altogether volunteers contributed at least 110,802 foster hours last year.

Kirkland Pet-Care Team (150 volunteers): Lucy Camelia (706 hours), Teresa Rosenberg, Ellie Wightman, Mary DeCoy, Jennifer Hunt, Amy Iracheta, Lisa Anderson, Emily Deem, Sarah Hanssen, and Ana Laura Torres Zamora. Kirkland volunteers contributed at least 6,095 hours last year.

Dog Walking & related (145 volunteers): Cheri Tjoelker (271 hours), Olga Shores, Tessa Higgins, Jennifer Jewell, Megan Wood, Richard Pinches, and Wanda Kai. Dog Walkers contributed at least 5,542 hours last year.

Cat Meet & Greet (106 volunteers): David Howerton (265 hours), Brandon Groscost, Lynne Adams, Karolyn Grimes, Donna Tredway, Pam Gibbons, Mari Cormier, Pat Davis, Victoria Andrews, Leah Thomasson, Susan Coffman, Vyrna Layton, and Joyce Grajczyk. M&G volunteers contributed at least 5,019 hours last year.

Shelter Helpers (101 volunteers): Joyce Grajczyk (234 hours), Don Race, Ginny Rabago, Susan Preusse, Kelly Blaylock, and Dezoun Smith. Shelter Helpers contributed at least 2,229 hours last year.

Early Morning Cat Crew  and Cat Grooming Team (100 volunteers): Pam Morgan (201 hours), Sharon Van Hout, Tam Ta, Leisa Murray, Kirk Goldsworthy, and Shawn Lee. EMCC and Cat Grooming volunteers contributed at least 3,358 hours last year.

Covington Petco Cat-Care Team (53 volunteers): Jini Allen (177 hours), Dayle Pieper,  Tiffany Morin, and Denise Kovecs. Covington Cat-Care Team volunteers contributed at least 843 hours least year.

Tukwila Petco Cat-Care Team (46 volunteers): Carrie Driscoll (121 hours), Anne Watanabe, Jayne Roddy, Sopha Vongpanya, and Cynthia Maeda. Tukwila Petco Cat-Care volunteers contributed at least 497 hours last year.

Making Cat Blankets, Toys, and Animal Puppets (38 volunteers): Monika Delle (270 hours), Pat Davis, and Vyrna Layton. Volunteers contributed at leat 1,059 in these activities last year. Community Events volunteers contributed at least 241 hours last year.

Community Events Volunteers (38 volunteers): Sarah Stolberg (29 hours), Leah Thomason, Pat Davis, Vyrna Layton, and Leslie Wenderoff. Community Events volunteers, including work at cat off-site adoption events, contributed at least 240 hours last year.

Reber Ranch (35 volunteers): Lori Middleton (197 hours), Danielle Martin, Divinity Oliver, and Shawn Lee. Reber Ranch Cat-Care volunteers contributed at least 738 hours last year.

Social Media/ Pet Publicist Team (18 volunteers): Jennie Larson (357 hours), Tiffany Morin (356 hours), Cynthia Kelly, Dawn Gerken, and Roxie Michel. Social-media related volunteers, including Pet of the Week, contributed at least 898 hours last year.

Vet Clinic Volunteers (16 volunteers): Dalen Elenzano (142 hours), Leslie McKay, Tiffany Morin, and Kirsti Weaver. Vet Clinic volunteers contributed at least 1,036 hours last year.

Barn Cats R Us & Cat Area Stray Teams (16 volunteers): Ruth Schaefer (360 hours), Alan Gurevich, David Howerton, and Barbara Gramann. Barn Cat & CAST volunteers contributed at least 896 hours last year.

Dog Enrichment (16 volunteers): Zoie Isenthour (55 hours), Tina Barry, Jeanne Bloedel, and Melodi Keyes. Dog Enrichment volunteers contributed 249 hours last year.

Office Volunteers & Special Projects:

According to the The NonProfit Times, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports volunteers in the United States average about 52 hours each year. Hats off to RASKC’s exceptional volunteers. We dearly appreciate every one of you, regardless of the number of hours given. Thank you!

A sweet, six year-old orange tabby, Rudolph, was the first “Pet of the Week” for 2020. But now, the lucky family who adopts Rudolph won’t need to pay the adoption fee. Starting this month, RASKC is waiving the adoption fee for the Pet of the Week. Fees range for $75 for cats six months and older to $250 for puppies and dogs.

“Pet of the Week is about providing a spotlight on pets who have been at the shelter the longest or can be more challenging to find the perfect fit,” said Lluvia Ellison-Morales, Animal Services Administrator at RASKC. “It’s also an opportunity to connect and raise awareness of who we are and what we do,” she added. “Our residents may come in to adopt a pet, but then are happily surprised when they find out all the ways we can help them.”

For example, RASKC provides animal-control response, barn cats for rodent control, help with lost or found pets, pet licensing, and volunteering opportunities.

RASKC’s well-established social media presence, which includes partnerships with local media (Warm 106.9’s “Wet Nose Wednesday” or KIRO 7’s annual Project Paws event, just to name a few) have given the program regular publicity. It was time to give the program another boost.

“RASKC is constantly trying to think outside the box,” Ellison-Morales said. She added that this is an example of RASKC living the county value of customer service. “Our customers are people and pets,“ she said.

There’s also an easier way to search for adoptable pets on the RASKC website. People can now search by pet name, animal type, sex, age, ID, behavior, and location. Get information about adoptable animals through RASKC. Maybe you’ll fall in love with a cat, dog, or even a guinea pig and give someone a new home!

Is your pet named Bella, Lucy, Max, or Charlie? If so, your cat or dog is in great company. These are among the top 10 pet names for licensed animals in RASKC’s jurisdiction of 24 cities and unincorporated King County.

Last year King County residents registered 66,751 dogs and 27,301 cats with RASKC. This was reported on by several media, including the KOMO, KIRO 7, Kent Reporter, and the Covington Reporter.

Linguists might note that half of the names have a “long e sound” as the last syllable.

Compare RASKC’s list to national research conducted by Rover.com, as reported by abc7news.com.

When the plug-in broke on one of RASKC’s vacuums recently, an enterprising volunteer engaged the King County’s Fix It program to give the machine new life. Early Morning Cat Crew/ Cat Meet-&-Greet volunteer Amanda Radak tapped one of her sons to help us out. He volunteers at King County sponsored repair events.

King County’s Solid Waste Division sponsors a number of free repair events to encourage residents to re-use their items that might otherwise be tossed in the garbage. Click here to read about the next King County repair event in Des Moines on Monday, March 16, and the South King County Tool Repair Café event on Saturday, January 25.

"Back in 1999, I adopted a dog from King County. His name at the shelter was Tipper. I renamed him Seattle after Chief Seattle and Seattle Slew the racehorse. He is long gone but the shelter went to extra lengths to find him a home and I just want you to know Seattle was the first dog that I owned as an adult and he was greatly loved. I learned a lot about dogs from Seattle. There was a lot of learning and training in the beginning. Most of what I know about dogs is because of Seattle. After his death, I started volunteering at my local county shelter as well as fostering dogs for a rescue group that pulls dogs from there in honor of Seattle. Seattle was the beginning of an on-going love affair with large, powerful dogs. Because of him, I am comfortable with all large dogs. That comes in handy both as a volunteer and foster. I know from my own experience how good it is to know what happens to the dogs that you care for. You always hope and imagine they have bright futures but knowing is even better. Seattle was the beginning of an adventure that is still going on. Because of him and in honor of him, I have worked with so many dogs and fostered a number of dogs. Thank you for fighting for him and going the extra distance for him.”  Michele Labout dogs is because of Seattle. After his death, I started volunteering at my local county shelter as well as fostering dogs for a rescue group that pulls dogs from there in honor of Seattle. Seattle was the beginning of an on-going love affair with large, powerful dogs. Because of him, I am comfortable with all large dogs. That comes in handy both as a volunteer and foster. I know from my own experience how good it is to know what happens to the dogs that you care for. You always hope and imagine they have bright futures but knowing is even better. Seattle was the beginning of an adventure that is still going on. Because of him and in honor of him, I have worked with some many dogs and fostered a number of dogs.Thank you for fighting for him and going the extra distance for him. -Michele L."

Animal Care Technician Lindsey Watts has been working on a short-term temporary basis, off and on, at RASKC since 2018 with a consistent cheerful and helpful demeanor.

Tell us about yourself.   I'm originally from East Hampton, New York, and I have lived in Washington state for about five years. I have driven across the county eight times and have been through every state except Alaska. And I have visited most national parks. Dog Calli has been my co-pilot for three of those cross-country trips. country trips. My family is most important- Dog Calli and Abe, Cat Nelly, Bunny 1 and 2, and my person David.  I have a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, though my working background is equine related. I trained with the deLeyers throughout my childhood. Check out the book or film about Harry deLeyer and his horse Snowman. I was first in my region and zone, and tenth in the nation in 2004 for intercollegiate, intermediate division over fences.  I was very lucky my college considered horseback riding a varsity sport. I received scholarships and was flown to nationals to complete with all expenses paid for. I am an introvert, who loves to bake bread.

Why did you decide to work at an agency that helps animals?  I think it is extremely important in life to be the voice for those without one, including animals. It is also very important for me to have flexibility in the workplace. My short-term temporary position at RASKC offers me exactly the type of flexibility that I want.

What did you do prior to coming to RASKC? I've taught competitive hunter/jumper riding lessons since the late 1990s. Many of my former students now work in the equine industry or at least still participate in the sport.  One is a blacksmith who works along the show circuit in Florida, another owns her own barn now and several are instructors, as I was to them.  In my eyes, one’s greatest accomplishments are those where you share your passion for something and, in turn, it becomes someone else's passion.

Please share a notable experience working here. Sure, helping someone find that special pet to take home is very uplifting. The unconditional love of an animal is something every human should know. The love of a four-legger bridges the gap between us humans and our endless diversities.  When it comes to what crazy thing our cat did last week or what our dog did the other day all we see is the love of an animal.  

But relating just for a second with the person who has truly fallen on hard times or dealing with a death or abuse or some other aspect of their life they are struggling with, this is the reason places like RASKC exist.  For me, these moments are the most notable. They are also the reason I enjoy my flexible schedule. Kudos to those who do it four days a week.   

The moments when a connection is built with a stranger and either myself or that stranger's life is changed for the better because of that moment, this is not just a notable moment but also a humbling one. 

What do you like to do when you’re not at work? I like to bird.  Have you heard of the movie "The Big Year"?  That's the kind of birding I do. I like exploring new areas that are off the beaten path or venturing out somewhere random and remote to find a “lifer,” which is a bird that you are viewing in person for the first time.  I enjoy gardening, searching for hot springs, finding pretty agates / gems / stones, and being in the woods with no roads, houses, or people in sight.  

Fun fact: I see the sunrise almost every day. I am naturally an early riser. In the summer, however, I often will not see the sunset, because I’m already asleep. 

Meet Rudolph! Rudolph is a 1.5 year old male orange tabby, available for adoption at RASKC’s location inside of Kirkland Petco, 12040 NE 85^th Street. He was brought to RASKC by a good samaritan on December 2, 2019.

Rudolph is a sweet cat, who may need extra time and attention to warm up to new situations and new people.  Once he gets to know you, Rudolph will be a very devoted friend! He met another cat at the shelter, and they seemed to get along well. So Rudolph may enjoy being in a home with another cat. When meeting any other pets in my new home, he would do best with a slow introduction.

Rudolph’s personality color is BLUE. He is a gentle and loving cat who likes to take things slow. He may get nervous in new situations, so Rudolph is looking for a family who understands that he might need some time to warm up.

Rudolph was nominated as the Pet of the Week on January 7, 2020. This means that his adoption fee is waived. However, a pet license is a required, so a fee may be applied. This helps his safe return home should he become lost. The pet license comes with additional benefits such as Vacation Pet Alert, Free Ride Home and more.

Rudolph is neutered, current on vaccinations and microchipped! His adoption includes a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, and 30 days of opt-in pet insurance through Trupanion.

You can find out more about Rudolph on RASKC's website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. 

You can also meet other animals available for adoption every day (except holidays) at RASKC's King County Pet Adoption Center in Kent, located at 21615 64th Ave S; Monday - Friday: 12 noon - 6 p.m., Saturday - Sunday: 12 noon - 5 p.m. Phone: 206-296-7387 (PETS), email pets@kingcounty.gov.

Help restore habitat along the Snoqualmie River. King County’s Parks Department encourages you to assist the Snoqualmie Tribe in this effort on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. in Fall City. For more information, contact Outreach Coordinator Alex Harwell, 425-229-2120. Learn more about the Haffner-Barfuse Floodplain Restoration Project on the Snoqualmie River.

Help celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day this Monday, January 20. An event in Kent taking place on the holiday at 6 p.m. at the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship. Closer to north King County is the MLK Day Morning Celebration in Edmonds taking place on the holiday from 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m..

RASKC Dog Walkers invited to assist Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS) at the free healthcare clinic at the Seattle Center on one or more shifts from Thursday- Sunday, February 13- 16. If you are a green, blue, or red Dog Walker who is interested in helping out, please contact SAS’s Stephanie Renaud.

Volunteers are not expected to come in when roads are icy. Your health and safety is most important. When these situations arise, please take yourself off the online calendar and notify your team leaders and shiftmate(s), if any.

Please place dirty plastic cat-toys with soiled litterpans (not in the laundry). The dirty plastic cat toys will get cleaner when they are washed and placed in the sanitizer, rather than being included with laundry in the washing machines.   

MLK and Presidents’ Day Holidays Volunteer Schedule: Most volunteer shifts will be scheduled as usual for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, January 20, and on Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 17, except for Cat Meet & Greet and Vet Clinic Volunteers. Shifts for those teams are cancelled for those holidays.