Meet Tessa! RASKC is extraordinarily pleased to honor Tessa Higgins, who serves as a “red” Dog Walker on weekly shifts, on our new Dog Behavior Modification Team, as a Dog Walker mentor, as a Dog Skills Assessor, and as the Dog Team Co-Lead. She also contributes weekly shifts as an office volunteer. Tessa has contributed more than 520 hours since 2018. Over 10 years ago she had also volunteered by caring for RASKC cats at Federal Way PetSmart. Animal Services Coordinator Nickie Ford said, “Tessa is such a dedicated volunteer. She always has a smile on her face. She is such a pleasure to work with, and we are so lucky to have her on our Dog Team!”

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

If you are interested in becoming a RASKC volunteer, click here for information about new volunteer orientation in Kent. Click here for information, with an option to register, for a session in Kenmore on Saturday, April 4.

Meet Olivia!  RASKC is super happy to award Olivia Cowley recognition as an Exceptional Youth Volunteer. A 17 year-old senior at Kentridge High School, Olivia also attends Green River College in the Running Start program. She aspires to become an environmental lawyer.

Olivia has been volunteering as a Cat Meet & Greet volunteer for about two years, contributing almost 90 hours so far. With an upbeat spirt and outstanding communication skills, Olivia consistently impresses everyone she works with.

“Olivia is such a pleasure to work with! She sets a wonderful example for other volunteers- youth and adult- on how to provide excellent customer service to potential adopters and compassionate animal care for our adoptable cats, as well as always being mindful of following RASKC protocols. Her bright personality and friendly attitude serve her well as a great mentor to the numerous new volunteers she has helped to train. She is truly an asset to our volunteer team!” said Cat Meet & Greet Team Coordinator Sarah Stolberg.

Olivia grew up with two dogs, including her dachshund/ mini Aussie/ corgi. She describes herself as “really into fitness”- playing on a competitive soccer team, constantly running, and playing pickleball too. In fact, she works a part-time job at the pickleball station in Kent.

“My favorite part of volunteering with RASKC is being able to interact with a variety of people from our community over a common passion- helping animals. And, of course, keeping the kitties happy and healthy. I love being able to help out and assist in any way I can! I just want to say thank you to RASKC for allowing me and so many others to gain a deeper connection to our community and our pets!”

Thank you, Olivia!

RASKC extends a heartfelt welcome to Disa Emerson, who was recently hired as a shelter sergeant.* Disa brings a wealth of experience, having worked both at Seattle Humane for over seven years and also at the Nevada Humane Society for four years.

While at Seattle Humane, Disa implemented the dog playgroup program and played an instrumental role in reducing the average length-of-stay for “behavior program” dogs. She also created trainings for foster parents to work with shelter dogs with advanced behavior issues. In doing so, Disa significantly expanded the Behavior Foster program.

Disa grew up in Reno with many animals- rescue cats, dogs, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, parakeets, and a hedgehog.

Disa will share shelter sergeant responsibilities with Kate Hipol. Mike Lindquist, who had been serving as a shelter sergeant on a temporary basis, is now working as a RASKC Animal Control Officer.

Welcome, Disa!

[*The shelter sergeant position has officially been reclassified to shelter administrator].

RASKC is extremely pleased to have nominated Lori Middleton last month for the 2020 Governor’s Service Award. Lori, who is 76 years old, has been helping RASKC cats for nearly 15 years.

RASKC’s nomination described Lori in this way: “In the past year, Lori contributed approximately 300 hours as RASKC’s Reber Ranch Cat-Care Team Lead Volunteer and as a member of our Cat Brushing/ Grooming Team. As the Reber Lead Volunteer, Lori provides transportation between the shelter and the store in her ‘tabby taxi.’ Last year she did this 72 times! She did so without any reimbursement. Lori can be found at the shelter almost every day of the week. All of the staff love working with her.

“Lori leads a team of 35 people. She provides most of the instruction to trainees who join her Reber Ranch team. Lori sends update emails to the team several days each week. She cares so much and goes the “extra mile” in so many ways.

“Over the years Lori has also served in a variety of RASKC roles- as a foster volunteer, Cat Meet & Greet volunteer, on the Early Morning Cat Crew, as the Comcast Pets-on-Demand Lead Volunteer, and as a Shelter Helper.

"Lori also participates in lots of church activities, including as a volunteer for coffee service.  A woman of faith, Lori often describes herself as a humble servant."

For the last two years, Serve Washington Commissioners have selected RASKC volunteers for the statewide Governor’s Service Award in the animal-welfare category. Last year longtime dog walker Derek Yoshinaka was chosen. The year before, South County Cats leader Sally Halela, who is also a RASKC volunteer, was selected. Derek and Sally, along with award winners in the other categories, were feted in their respective years at Governor Inslee’s mansion in Olympia and also at Seattle Mariner pre-game ceremonies at Safeco Field in Seattle.

ServeWA and the Seattle Mariners encourage all volunteers from around the state to attend the “Salute to Volunteers Night” on Tuesday, April 28. Discounted tickets are available with a promotional code through the Serve Washingon website for the Mariners game against the Los Angeles Angels that evening. 

Every 10 years, the federal government counts every person living in the U.S. through a national census.

The results help determine how funding is distributed for the next 10 years—for things like our schools, affordable housing, hospitals, and public transportation. The count also determines how many representatives our state will have in Congress and how district lines are drawn for legislative bodies like the King County Council.

King County is participating in the “We’re Here. We Count” campaign to help organizations in our community understand why it’s critical that every person in King County and Washington state is counted during the 2020 Census. You can download these valuable resources here. For more information about the census, click here.

Important dates:

• Starting March 12, people will receive letters in the mail with instructions on how to complete the 2020 Census.
• On April 1, King County will celebrate Census Day. People all over the country will be encouraged to complete the census, and there will be community events.
• You can complete the nine-question form online, over the phone, or by mail until the end of July.

According to a U.S. Census Bureau webpage, its County Business Patterns program and the American Community Survey offer statistics on pets, including pet and pet supply stores, veterinary services, and pet-care services.

Animal Care Officer Chris Miller has been working at RASKC since 2017- always helpful with a super cheerful attitude.

Tell us about yourself. I grew up in King County. I attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Auburn, WA- the glory days when I won some awards playing soccer. My wife Tatianna and I just had our first child last August! Our family also includes pets, of course. I am proud to have completed the National Animal Control and Humane Officer Academy (NACHO) offered by Colorado State University and Code 3 Associates. This certifies me nationally as an animal cruelty investigator. Every successful cruelty investigation that results in the animal being removed from a dire situation brings me a great sense of pride.

Why did you decide to work at an agency that helps animals?  Critters have been a big part of my life since I was a child. Being able to impact the people and animals in my community is a dream come true. I really enjoy happy tails, body wags, and purring kitties. I might add that I greatly appreciate anyone who takes their time to help people and animals in need. RASKC volunteers are the light in a sea of darkness, keep doing what you do!

What does your work for RASKC involve? My work at RASKC is to enforce the state and local animal ordinances. My duties include investigating animal cruelty/dangerous animal incidents, picking up strays, and rescuing injured animals. I also do educational presentations for the public.

What did you do prior to coming to RASKC? I was an animal care and control officer at the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. WVHS provides services to Chelan and Douglas Counties in central Washington. Prior to working in Wenatchee, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from The Evergreen State College in Olympia. My degree was in the environmental sciences. 

What do you like to do when you’re not at work?  I enjoy my family, skiing, hiking, camping, attending music festivals, walking my dogs, gardening, and hanging out with my chickens.

Please share a notable experience working here. Every week seems to have some notable experience!  A cockfighting investigation I conducted a few months ago, along with Officer Fowler, resulted in the seizure of 60 birds. Collecting and documenting all of these birds and their condition was quite a task. Shelter staff member Emily Ruppert and I were the only two staff members who seized the birds. This was quite an effort! Emily was a rock star. I could not have asked for a better partner to help with this task. When we brought the birds back to the shelter, many other RASKC employees helped set the birds up. You all are very much appreciated! I am impressed with the staff and their willingness to assist.

Fun facts:  I can crochet, play the piano, and whistle with my hands.

Meet Dapper!  He is almost two years old, a Pit Bull/Akita mix. This affectionate lovebug would be thrilled to cuddle up with you at home. He is full of energy and loves to play. Dapper tends to calm down when the people around him are calm. He does best when he gets lots of exercise and something to keep his mind busy. Dapper doesn't seem to get along with other dogs, so he may do best as the only dog in his new home. Or he would need to meet any current dogs in the home first. Dapper would do best in a home with children who are comfortable with a jumping, high energy pup like himself.

Dapper has a RED personality. He is a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality. He is still working on his manners. Dapper would love a family who is willing to work with him to help him become the best dog he can be. He is a very smart boy who is practicing how to "sit" and "down," and he knows how to "shake." Staff and volunteers have described Dapper as a sweetie who walks well on a leash and listens well to commands. He is very treat motivated and highly trainable! Dapper has a soft mouth when taking treats.

Dapper is currently being treated for diarrhea, which is suspected to be a stress related colitis. He may require specialized care including a special diet or prescription food, prescription or over the counter medication.  Regular veterinary visits are always recommended for any pet.

Dapper is neutered and microchipped. As Pet of the Week, Dapper's adoption fee has been waived!  A pet-license fee may still be required, however. Included with Dapper's adoption is 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 Dapper on RASKC's website, www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Click the filter link, select "dog," click "See my selections," and look for Dapper's name.  You can also meet this dog and other animals available for adoption, seven days a week (except not Presidents’ Day, February 17) 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.

February is National Spay/ Neuter Month. RASKC partners with Pasado’s Safe Haven and Northwest Spay Neuter to offer low-cost animal spay and neuter surgeries for King County pets. Financial assistance may be available to residents who qualify. Microchips, parasite control, and vaccinations will also be available at the time of surgery for an additional fee. For more information or to set up an appointment, click here.

RASKC Dog Walker Shelley Perry, who grew up in Australia, is heartbroken as to the ecological disaster with the fires and especially the harm to the animals. She recommends contributions to Wildlife Emergency Relief and the south Australia branch of the RSPCA (somewhat like the ASPCA).

Animal Care Conference. If you’d like to learn more about animal sheltering by taking a trip to sunny Long Beach, California, consider attending the California Animal Care Conference from March 22- 24. RASKC Volunteer Program Manager Sarah Luthens will be presenting a workshop on Volunteer & Staff Appreciation: Applying the Research of Dr. Paul White and Dr. Gary Chapman.”

The South King County Hiring Fair is taking place in Tukwila on Wednesday, March 11, from 9am- 11:30am, sponsored by King County’s Department of Community & Human Services. The event is free and open to all. Language interpreters are available upon request. For more information or to register, click here.

It is important to wear gloves when washing dishes, litterpans, and related items at our Kent and Kirkland locations. This helps protect you against potential hazards.

Please do not enter the cat stray area when a volunteer or staff member is working with a cat, unless you’re processing a “lost cat” inquiry. Even when you’re quiet, the walk through is likely to disturb the connection between the timid cat and the CAST volunteer or staff member.

Presidents’ Day Holiday Volunteer Schedule: Most volunteer shifts will be scheduled as usual for Presidents’ Day, this Monday, February 17, except for Cat Meet & Greet, Vet Clinic Volunteers, and the Covington Petco Cat-Care Team. Shifts for those teams are cancelled on Monday.