Meet Sharon! RASKC is tremendously honored to name Sharon Van Hout as Volunteer of the Month.  

Since she began in 2017 until the pandemic, this Auburn resident has contributed almost 500 hours so far- performing the sweaty, arduous work on the Early Morning Cat Crew at the shelter. This includes cleaning up some very yukky messes. Sharon faithfully came to the shelter nearly every week as shift lead. She also contributed a great many fill-in shifts and trained so many new volunteers- doing it all with great skill and aplomb. Additonally, Sharon is delightful to work!  

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

RASKC commends the Feral Cat Spay/ Neuter Project, a remarkable non-profit organization with locations in Lynnwood and Renton. This terrific organization has altered more than 135,000 cats! 

FCSNP started in 1997 as a once-a-month clinic devoted only to feral/free-roaming cats. This organization now also alters tame cats from shelters, rescue organizations, and individuals. Cats from almost 60% of Washington’s counties have benefitted from FCSNP services. 

In addition to providing spay/ neuter surgeries at no cost for free-roaming cats, this organization alters tame cats from shelters, rescue organizations, and individuals too. 

The Feral Cat Spay/ Neuter Project also mentors groups who would like to launch a HQHV (High Quality, High Volume) spay-and-neuter clinic. In 2006, PetSmart Charities selected FCSNP to become a National Mentoring Organization. They awarded a generous grant to develop a website in order for other organizations to replicate FCSNP’s model across the county and around the world. 

FCSNP is listed as one of the organizations (#9154) in King County’s Employee Giving Program.  

To read an interview with Executive Director Amy Ferguson, click here.  

RASKC offers big thanks to Pet Pros, KIRO 7 News, and Nulo Pet Food for working together to help us fill the shelves of our pet-food bank! 

You may join the effort by making donations at any of the 18 Pet Pros stores in Puget Sound or through the links on the KIRO Cares webpage. 

All types of pet food are needed, including kitten and puppy food, adult cat and dog food, senior cat and dog food- canned and kibble. #welovepets 

This donation drive benefits both RASKC and Homeward Pet. To learn more about RASKC’s pet-food bank, click here. 

Cross-posted from the DES Express by Barbara Ramey 

Thanks to the new Jobs and Housing Program recently unveiled by Executive Constantine, RASKC and another county agency will be getting extra help, and people experiencing homelessness will be gaining job skills and support to transition to permanent housing. RASKC will be hiring temporary workers through the program, which is part of the pandemic recovery package. 

“We help people in the community, and this is another way to expand our hug to a different group in need with the hope that pets will help them,” said Gene Mueller, RASKC manager. 

RASKC will be hiring one to four Animal Care Technicians into temporary one-year TLT positions. People interested in the jobs need only be comfortable around domestic animals; RASKC will provide training. The new hires will help care for more than 100 cats, 30 to 40 dogs, along with rabbits and other small mammals. 

“Our interest is helping them stabilize, as they are going through their housing opportunities. We hope to provide them an opportunity to learn skills around animal handling and care that can translate well in the business environment,” Mueller said. He noted that pet businesses have boomed in the pandemic, with the increase in pets in homes. 

“This is going to be a win-win with our staff, because we’re hoping it will provide some additional time for our full-time staff to do more dog-behavior interventions,” Mueller said. He explained that staff will be able to get dogs into playgroups and focus on training. 

Over the next month, RASKC staff will be working with the Performance, Strategy and Budget office and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks to create a presentation to attract interested job applicants, Mueller said. 

For more information, click here.

As of last month, dog Romeo (pictured), other dogs, and staff began enjoying new turf that was installed in the outside area between the “tire yard” and the door to the stray-dog area. 

“We wanted to accomplish this project for a few reasons, but most importantly, for disease control,” explained Interim Animal Services Coordinator Emily Ruppert. “Almost every dog that comes to RASKC goes into that yard at least one time, so placing the turf there brings extra value. We are now able to properly sanitize the area. The turf is also appealing to look at. Another benefit is that hopefully not as much mud and bark will be tracked into the shelter, especially in the winter months.” 

The grass is always greener in our other dog yard! 

Meet Priscilla! (aka A645898) 

Sex & Type: Female Domestic Short Hair 

Age: Four years old 

Arrived at RASKC: mid-August 2021 

Temperament: “I’m a sassy lady with a lot of energy and love to give!” 

Personality color: Red 

Favorite activities: Purring and talking to humans. Playing with toys. Catnapping throughout the afternoons. 

Seeking: Cat-savvy family or individual 

Offering: “Enormous love. I’m litterbox-trained, vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance."

Adoption fee: Usually $30, but half off now during the Fall Season Special. Note: Many residents will pay $30, which includes the cost of a required RASKC pet license depending on the adopter’s address. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Schedule a time to meet!" 

Meet Maya! (aka A501386) 

Sex & Breed: Female Dogue de Bordeaux Mastiff 

Age: Seven years old 

Arrived at RASKC: November 2020 

Temperament: “I’m the biggest sweetheart. I tip the scales at 103 pounds. Very affectionate and friendly to adults.” 

Personality color: Red 

Seeking: “A home where I am the only animal, where I can lavish my affection on grown-ups and receive love in return.” 

Offering: “Wholehearted devotion. I’m vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance."

Adoption fee: Usually $250, but only $125 now during the Fall Season Special. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Schedule a time to meet!"

Meet Duva! (aka A648744) 

Sex: Male 

Age: Two years old 

Arrived at RASKC: early October 2021 

Favorite activities: Playtime with humans, mini-obstacle course, and finding hidden treats. 

Seeking: Someone to love! 

Offering: “Tons of affection. I’m vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance.” 

Adoption fee: Usually $5, but only $2.50 now during the Fall Season Special. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Contact my scheduler for a time to meet!"

Meet Dennis Hopper! (aka 646846) 

Sex: Male 

Age: One year old 

Arrived at RASKC: late August 2021 

Favorite activities: Chomping on timothy hay. Exercising. Having fun with humans. 

Seeking: A loving home. 

Offering: “Forever friendship. I’m vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance.” 

Adoption fee: Usually $30, but only $15 now during the Fall Season Special. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Contact my scheduler for a time to meet!"

Meet Carrot! (aka 648746) 

Sex: Male 

Age: Two years old 

Arrived at RASKC: early October 2021 

Favorite activities: Chasing mini-toys. Hanging out with humans. Listening to music. 

Seeking: Loving kindness. 

Offering: “The biggest heart! I’m vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance.” 

Adoption fee: Usually $4, but only $2 now during the Fall Season Special. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Schedule a time to meet!" 

Meet Princess! (aka 640936) 

Sex & Type: Female Domestic Short Hair 

Age: Two years old 

Arrived at RASKC: late August 2021 

Temperament: “I am ready to get on with life. I gave birth to and breastfed a litter of kittens earlier this year. Now I’m spayed and ready to find a human parent to take care of me.”

Personality color: Red 

Favorite activities: Exploring, sleeping, and eating. 

Seeking: "Someone who understands when to give me love and when to give me space."

Offering: “Companionship, but on my terms. I’m vaccinated, spayed, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance.” 

Adoption fee: Usually $30, but half off now during the Fall Season Special. Note: Many residents will pay $30, which includes the cost of a required RASKC pet license, depending on the adopter’s address. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Schedule a time to meet!"

Meet Ox! (aka 649487) 

Sex & Breed: Male Pit Bull 

Age: Five years old 

Arrived at RASKC: late September 2021 

Temperament: “I am a big guy- a lot of dog with a lot of personality.” 

Personality color: Red 

Favorite activities: “Eating. Fetching. Showing off how smart I am.” 

Seeking: “Lots of walks. Lots of food. Gentle guidance to help me be the best dog I can be.” 

Offering: “Tons of love. I’m vaccinated, neutered, and microchipped. I come with a free visit to the veterinarian of your choice, in addition to 30-days free opt-in Trupanion pet insurance."

Adoption fee: Usually $100, but only $50 now during the Fall Season Special. 

Next steps: "Learn more about me here. Let’s get to know each other. Schedule a time to meet!" 

RASKC loves to receive updates from adoptive families. Here’s one from a happy pet parent: 

"Loki is adjusting very well! He listens so well and is great with dogs of all sizes and ages. He is still learning some manners. Loki has a bit of separation anxiety. He’s very good at finding treats (and the cat food) on the counter tops, but we are working on that. Overall I couldn’t have found a more perfect match. Loki is a darling, and we are so happy he is part of our family now! ️" 

You may read many more Happy Tails on RASKC’s Facebook page, Twitter account, and on Instagram. 

#HappyTails 

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. 

Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day 

What we now know as King County is the ancestral land where Indigenous peoples have lived since time immemorial. On the second Monday of October  and every day, King County celebrates the rich heritage, culture, contributions, and resilience of Indigenous communities throughout our region. 

King County exists on the ancestral lands of many Indigenous people. Use this map to learn more: www.native-land.ca 

Celebrating 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month 

As we observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month every October, we celebrate the many contributions of people with disabilities to our workforce at King County, our community, and our country as a whole. This proclamation recognizes the hard work by activists with disabilities to break down barriers, so people of all abilities can share their unique abilities, perspectives, and talents in the workforce and in our community. 

Celebrating Latinx/ Hispanic Heritage Month 

We’re proud to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month/ Hispanic Heritage Month in King County. The dates coincide with national independence days in several Latin American countries. In our community, more than 224,000 people of Latinx/ Hispanic ancestry call King County home.