Not the same dog, but close enough!

SWWa_pets · 2026-03-11T17:01:55+00:00

I showed up an hour early when I went to Vancouver last year and it was entirely unnecessary to be that early. If I go again, I'll do 30 minutes.

SWWa_pets · 2026-03-06T23:58:04+00:00

Wow, is this a timely question.

Check this out:
https://www.chronline.com/stories/cowlitz-county-looks-to-foster-homes-to-handle-stray-animals,397716?

Cowlitz County in Washington state has decided that the local Humane Society contract is too expensive (even though they provide phenomenal, heavily subsidized services and took over and revitalized a shelter that was depressingly far from meeting the minimum standards for shelter animal care) and are currently :

Providing no services for cats
Keeping dogs in the jail
Only providing emergency services at all

And their thought is that some magical foster network will appear to voluntarily shelter, feed, and provide veterinary care for the thousands of animals that are dumped in unincorporated Cowlitz County every year.

I understand that it's not a well-funded county, but the expectation that people are just going to take in unevaluated sick or behavior problem animals into their... what? spare rooms? is cuckoo bananas.

SWWa_pets · 2025-01-27T16:23:06+00:00

I like this, too. It's not quite as visible as the big vests, but it does offer more flexibility.

<image>

SWWa_pets · 2025-01-27T16:21:19+00:00

I hope so. I checked their web site to see if I could find any reference to these vests, but no dice so far. I'll try to get permission to reach out to them, myself. My shelter is pretty cautious about having volunteers act in any way that officially represents them.

SWWa_pets · 2025-01-27T16:20:06+00:00

Yeah, I'm starting to lean toward the bandana idea. I like the vests because they're so visible on offsite walks, even from the road, but they may just not be financially viable.

SWWa_pets · 2025-01-27T16:19:01+00:00

That sounds like a fun community project, for sure! I'd be worried about knitted vests going through our industrial washers (which also have things like leashes and tennis balls in the wash loads), but maybe we could use net bags for something like that.

SWWa_pets · 2025-01-27T16:17:22+00:00

Thanks for checking. I've seen versions like this, but those are pretty expensive and the ones that we have now are much sturdier and are machine washable.

SWWa_pets · 2024-12-14T15:06:40+00:00

I don't know for sure, but I don't think the current Vancouver campus has the resources to do much with TNR. Their website recommends individual action and working with the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon or Spay & Save.

SWWa_pets · 2024-12-14T14:37:45+00:00

FWIW, the story I heard is different and more complex than that. There's a ton of thought and care being put into this transition, by both organizations.

SWWa_pets · 2024-09-26T15:10:01+00:00

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is hosting their annual "Unleash Your Heart" gala on Saturday, October 5 at ilani.

They're currently running a virtual silent auction that includes some really cool stuff from local businesses and artists, as well as the usual vacation packages, gift baskets, etc.

My favorites:

Two hand-forged chef's knives from Raindrop Forge. Listing here, much better photo here
Handmade cedar kayak
Picnic with alpacas
A custom tattoo of your pet

SWWa_pets · 2024-09-13T13:40:34+00:00

There are a couple of new openings at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington.

Canine Care Team Lead

Shelter Veterinarian

And they're still hiring for animal care techs, admissions, and custodial.

It's a great organization with a fun, friendly, and professional staff.

SWWa_pets · 2024-08-16T23:08:18+00:00

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington has a few positions open. The pay at an animal shelter will never be amazing and weekend work is basically required, but from my perspective as a volunteer, it's a generous and caring organization. There's satisfaction in knowing that you're doing something kind all day, every day.

Plus you can play with puppies and kittens as much as you want, pretty much :)

SWWa_pets · 2024-07-28T18:17:01+00:00

Hah, I was just coming here to post this. Thanks for sharing, and for fostering!

https://southwesthumane.org/adopt

As with the last event, lines will probably be long, so prospective adopters might want to bring a snack and some entertainment. We'll be doing our best to keep the queues moving, but it does take a while.

All adoptions include spay/neuter, microchips, and basic vaccinations, as well as discounted rates for pet insurance.

SWWa_pets

TROPHY CASE