Meet Sylvie! RASKC is very honored to recognize Sylvie Wong as Volunteer of the Month. She is one of RASKC’s top foster volunteers. “Sylvie is one that is so dedicated,” said Foster Care Coordinator Lori Mason. “She rarely needs my help, but she continues to dedicate her love and home to kittens. It doesn’t matter if the kittens are sick, Sylvie will always step forward to help.”

Having started in 2015, Sylvie has contributed over 4,200 hours- both with fostering and having served on RASKC’s Kirkland Cat-Care Team with her daughter. Thank you, Sylvie!

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

Meet Yuka! RASKC is extremely happy to bestow Exceptional Youth recognition to Yuka Takahashi. She is a 20-year-old Dog Walker, who has achieved “red” status. This status means that she is eligible to work with some of RASKC’s most challenging dogs in adoptions. Since she began with RASKC in 2019, Yuka has contributed almost 50 hours before COVID-19 and has helped to train a new Dog Walker. She currently resides in Federal Way.

“I am a pre-veterinary biology student at Highline College, aiming to become an aquarium veterinarian in the future. I have been accepted by the University of California- Berkeley, so I plan to transfer there this fall to major in molecular environmental biology."

To read more about Yuka, go to our blog.

RASKC commends Doney Coe Pet Clinic, a mostly all-volunteer organization who has been providing veterinary care to companion animals of Seattle’s houseless and low-income residents since 1986. Doney Coe offers clinics on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Services include vaccinations, wellness checks, ear/eye/skin treatments, flea and intestinal parasite treatment, wound care, medication management, diagnostic testing, and some grooming services. 

Until the pandemic forced a temporary shutdown in March 2020, Doney Coe had consistently provided veterinary services two days per month of every month since 1986 with the only closures due to the earthquake in 2001 and the snowstorm in 2019.

When pets require medical care beyond what is provided during their free clinics, the Doney Coe Pet Clinic offers referrals to a partner clinic at no cost to the client. Recently, Doney Coe started offering special “Surgery Days” with local veterinary clinics and other animal welfare organizations to provide dentals, spay and neuter, mass removal, and other critical care.

RASKC recently spoke with Marti Casey, who serves as the president of the Doney Coe Pet Clinic’s board of directors. To read the interview, go to our blog.

On March 1, RASKC revived our WAGS (“Walks And Getting Socialized”) dog-walking program. About 25 dogs so far have enjoyed a morning break from the shelter to hang out with a handful of our experienced volunteers. Trips have included visiting fun places like Clark Lake Park, the Green River Trail, Hogan Park, Kent Station, the Kent Valley Loop Trail, Lake Fenwick Park, Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park, Saltwater State Park, Soos Creek Trail, and Van Doren’s Landing Park. Dog Walker Bekka Spetz takes RASKC dogs to private yards, using SniffSpot! Bekka and other volunteers sometime spoil the dogs by treating them to a Puppucchino from Starbucks.

Starting this week, feedback and photographs from these experiences are posted on RASKC’s social-media accounts. For anyone interested in adopting and seeking more feedback and descriptions of our dogs’ personalities, the WAGS updates by volunteers will be helpful and a fun read.

RASKC celebrated National Volunteer Appreciation Day last month. Volunteers were given the opportunity to name adoptable animals at the shelter and to participate in Zoom calls with staff and other volunteers.

RASKC posted appreciation messages on our website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Volunteers received “thank you” emails with a special graphic design for each volunteer team. Some RASKC volunteers raced to put together this online puzzle from another shelter. Dog Walker Heather Zager posted the winning time of one minute and 40 seconds.

Effective teamwork between volunteers and the professional staff enables RASKC’s success in taking care of about 4,000- 5,000 animals each year.

Thank you, RASKC volunteers!

 Honoring Kelsey Anderson

 Mom of Aiden, almost 17 years old

 Five pets: “Three cats (Luma, Einstein, and Nickel) and two dogs (Penny and Cash).”

 Pet care: “Hands down” Kelsey does most of the pet care, “though Aiden helps with scooping poop : )”

 RASKC roles: Cat Meet & Greet Team and fostering

 Why volunteer with RASKC? “We both have a love for animals. We started volunteering after suddenly losing our cat and Aiden’s need for volunteer hours for school. Immediately after volunteering for Cat Meet and Greet, we started fostering. We’ve added three animals to our house since then, and we love every second of it.”

Words of wisdom: “Be kind to everyone.”

 Honoring Lisa Anderson

 Mom of two: Logan (23 years old) and Justin (21 years old)

 Three pets: All cats, “plus the neighbor cat who visits regularly.”

 Pet Care: Lisa and husband Jon do all of the pet care, since their sons live in California for school/work.

 RASKC role: Kirkland Cat-Care Team

 Why volunteer with RASKC? “We are touched by the AMAZING work that RASKC does to help animals (and their people) in our community. We feel thankful to be a part of it through volunteering.”

Words of wisdom: “Be kind to everyone!”

 Honoring Elizabeth Betz

 Mom of four: Laura (28 years old), Nick (24 years old), Alex (21   years old), and Zoe (14 years old)

 11 pets: “Six cats, two chihuahua dogs, and three hens.”

 Pet Care: Elizabeth does most of the pet care “and Zoe helps too.”

 RASKC roles: Dog Walker and Cat Meet & Greet Team

 Why volunteer with RASKC?  “We love animals and want them to be well taken care of and happy.”

 Words of wisdom: “Be yourself. Follow your own dreams and heart. Be passionate about life.”

 Honoring Carrie Driscoll

 Mom of seven: Jacob (17 years old), Ethan (14 years old), Maya (12 years old), Joe (7 years old), Joelina (6 years old), Reina (5 years old), and Joenella (3 years old).

 Four pets: All dogs – “two standard Poodles named Bailey and Logan, one Poodle/ Terrier mix named Riley, and one Havanese/ Shih Tzu named Parker.”

Pet Care: Carrie’s two oldest sons- Jacob and Ethan- do most of the pet care.

RASKC roles: Tukwila Petco Cat-Care Team

Why volunteer with RASKC? “Jacob originally wanted to start volunteering, as he wanted to become a veterinarian. He was too young to volunteer by himself, so we started doing the parent-youth team. After years of volunteering for RASKC, we just love it. There is no better organization to volunteer for.”

Words of wisdom: “Every decision you make has consequences. It might be good, or it might be bad.”

 Honoring Angela Hayes

 Mom of two: Ian (17 years old) and Gianna (15 years old)

 Ten pets: “Seven cats- all from RASKC! Three dogs- all adoptions: Izzy (a German Shorthair Pointer), Boz (Golden Retriever), & Abbey (Staffordshire Bull Terrier).

 Pet care: Angela does most of the pet care!

RASKC roles: Covington Petco Cat-Care Team and fostering

Why volunteer with RASKC? “Because we love animals and want to do our part to find homes, spread awareness, and think of something other than ourselves. Also, RASKC and the people working the program are amazing and dedicated.”

Words of wisdom: “We are humans and fallible. Be honest and clear in communication and your intent. Own your role in conflict. There are always more perspectives than your own. Assume positive intent and set boundaries. Pets are living, breathing entities and are a lifetime commitment. Commit to it.”

 Honoring Jodi Hurley

 Mom of a 20-year-old

 Three pets: “Two rescue dogs and a rescue rabbit.”

 Pet care: All three family members do the pet care.

 RASKC roles: Shelter Helper and Tukwila Cat-Care Team

 Why volunteer with RASKC? “Because it feels wonderful to give back.”

 Words of wisdom: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

 Honoring Cathy Lehman

 Mom of Riley, 18 years old

 Two pets: Both are cats.

 Pet care: Cathy “definitely” does most of the pet care!

 RASKC roles: Early Morning Cat Crew and fostering

Why volunteer with RASKC? “We love volunteering. The people are friendly and fun. It’s super rewarding to work with the cats.”

Words of wisdom: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. You usually find out later- it’s all small stuff. Be kind!”

 Honoring Olga Marochko

 Mom of son Klim, 11 years old

 One pet: “A very special cat named Mars. We adopted him four years ago. Mars has poor sight in one eye and suffers from FIV. He is a red tabby with white paws and chest. Mars loves playing, walking with us, and studying with our son online. He is the soul of our home.”

 Pet care: All family members take care of Mars. “For example, Klim feeds and plays with him. I buy cat food and treats for Mars and brush his fur. Klim’s dad cleans the litterbox and gives Mars belly rubs.”

RASKC role: Kirkland Cat-Care Team

Why volunteer with RASKC? “I am a pet lover and want to share my love with creatures in need. Also, I would like my son to feel compassion, empathy, and responsibility for pets.”

Words of wisdom: “Be generous and patient in sharing your love, and any pet will open its heart to you. Its unconditional love is a real treasure in our world.”

 Honoring April Nava

 Mom of two boys: 14 years old and 15 years old

 Seven pets: “One dog, three cats, one hermit crab, one bearded dragon, and one leopard gecko.”

 Pet care: April does most of the pet care.

 RASKC role: Covington Cat-Care Team

 Why volunteer with RASKC? “To give back to our community; to help animals in need; and to teach my boys responsibility and he value of helping others.”

 Words of wisdom: “Always be kind. Help those in need. Love and respect yourself and others. No home is complete without a furry (or scaly!) friend to share it with!”

 Honoring Chunyan Tinder

 Mom of two: A 12-year-old and a 19-year-old

 One pet: A cat.

 Pet care: Chunyan and her daughter do most of the pet care.

 RASKC role: Kirkland Cat-Care Team

 Why volunteer with RASKC? “We love animals and our community.”

 Words of wisdom: “Be well, do good work, and stay connected.”

 Honoring Alison Weber

 Mom of Jasper

 Several pets: Too many to list! A beloved pup, some wonderful kitties, fishies, and mystery snails.

 Pet care: Alison is the "designated feeder," but the family shares in doing pet care.

RASKC roles: Kirkland Cat-Care Team and fostering

Why volunteer with RASKC? “My child Jasper wanted to volunteer with animals, so we found RASKC after a few trips to Kirkland Petco. We love the kitties and the people, and it’s really important to give back to the community. At our first training session, we met a beautiful senior cat named Oliver, who got us into fostering and opened our hearts to the wonderful world of senior pets and hospice fostering.”

Words of wisdom: “Our pets are our family.”

 Honoring Pei Yuen

 Mom of two: Ella (18 years old) and Ava (15 years old)

 One pet: A dog named “Kokoro (‘heart’ in Japanese), but we call her Koko for short (which translates as ‘here’ in Japanese).”

 Pet care: Pei is in charge of the pet care. “I buy her food, take her to the vet, take her for walks, cut her hair and nails, and everything else. Of course, that means I am her nearest and dearest. Koko is my shadow and loves to snuggle with me whenever I am sitting down.”

RASKC role: Kirkland Cat-Care Team

Why volunteer with RASKC? “We began volunteering for RASKC when we discovered that parents and younger children could work together as a team with the animals. Our family loves animals, but my husband is allergic. Volunteering for RASKC is the perfect way for to get our cat ‘fix.’ The kids have learned so much over the years- from taking care of the cats and the facility, to interacting with nervous new arrivals, as well as building up their confidence in customer service.”

Words of wisdom: “Always try your best at everything you do. As long as you’ve put in your best effort, that’s all that matters. Life is not always easy or fair. It’s okay to be disappointed, but then brush yourself off and look for a new positive to focus on. Aim for happiness.”

If you would like to make a special donation to support RASKC’s efforts with the pet-food banks, please donate gift cards.

If you would like to make a special donation to RASKC, please click here for our wish list on Amazon.

Our dog program would love to receive long leads, about 20- 50 feet or longer. 

Our foster program would love to receive meat-based Gerber baby food; kitten playpens at least four feet across with zippers (not Velcro); snuggle kitties with a battery-generated heartbeat; Miracle Nipples, both sizes; and pet food or cat litter for our Pet Treasure Chest.

For more information about donations or in-kind gifts, visit the Donations page on our website.

Meet Raider! He is an eight-year-old German Shepherd (A565258). Raider is tan and black. He weighs 107 pounds.

Raider was brought to RASKC, because his previous owners could no longer care for him.

This dog loves the water. Raider’s favorite activity is to go for walks on the beach, head straight for the water, then splash around! Raider would also love a yard to sniff around in and to lounge in the sun. He enjoys playing fetch, being brushed, and receiving butt scratches.

Raider does well with cues, and he knows how to “sit,” “down,” “paw,” and “stay.” Raider takes treats gently. Volunteers have praised his demeanor and suggest that he would make a great family pet in a home with older children.

While Raider lived in a home with other dogs, he has been described as “independent.” His caregivers have noticed that Raider may not do well with other dogs, so he would benefit with a slow introduction.

Raider has a RED personality. This means he is a spirited dog with a fun-loving personality. Raider is still working on his manners, so ideally a family who would work with him to help him be the best dog he can be.

Raider has an infection in both ears, which is being treated with a topical medication. Raider may need more frequent veterinary care. He is vulnerable to chronic ear infections, as he has a malformation of the ear pinna and ear canals.

Because Raider was nominated for Pet of the Week, his adoption fee has been reduced. He is neutered, current on vaccinations, and microchipped. His adoption also comes with 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 Raider at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Scroll down the page and insert his name. You may meet Raider and up to two other animals by scheduling an appointment through our website. If you need assistance, contact us at 206-296-7347 (PETS), pets@kingcounty.gov.

RASKC encourages everyone who can to receive their free COVID vaccines. Go here to receive information on how to access these shots in six cities in King County, including “drop in” sites (no reservations needed) at the Kent ShoWare Center and the Auburn Outlet Collection from 9am- 4pm, Mondays through Saturdays.

Free and low-cost transportation is available to vaccine clinics for veterans, seniors, and to people who are low income and/or have a disability. Contact Hopelink’s Vaccine Helpline at 425-943-6760 (press 5 for language assistance), mobility@hopelink.org, or visit their Find a Ride website.