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CASA Mission Statement:
The mission of CASA is
“Bringing together animals in
need and caring people,
forever enriching their lives”.
Volume 13
Issue 1
Winter 2019
Camano Animal Shelter Newsletter
Message from the Shelter Manager
Recently I had to say goodbye to my cat that I rescued as a kitten. My last two cats that
passed lived happily each until the age of 24, so having to make an end of life decision for my
cat at just 15 years old was incredibly hard. Regardless of whether the choice is the right one
or the only one left, it is still always the hardest one. I knew there was no coming back for my
cat. I had already been treating her slow organ failure. Are we really ever ready for this
though?
“How do I know when it is time to help them go?” people ask a lot. I am a firm believer that
every pet is unique and a pet owner knows their pet best, but even the best homes can have
a very hard time letting go which may lead to a pet suffering more. I don’t feel that it’s any
easier for me, but I guess I have guides which I use professionally that help me review facts
and put aside my emotions. Is discomfort outweighing the animal’s joy? Is care and
medication easing enough of their discomfort? Is this something they can recover from and
have good quality of life? If I know what the end of the road looks like, do I need to keep
driving just to see it? Is it fair for my pet to be on that road with me simply because I myself
am having an inner struggle? Our pain is inevitable when we lose a pet, but their pain doesn’t
have to be. We can help them by making sure that their final days are still happy for them and
not allow their final days to be miserable or painful - if we can help it. The vet asked me if I
was sure I was ready and I said “I will not prolong her suffering.” I do tell myself this, even at
the shelter, and I think saying it out loud helped me that day too.
The time after your pet passes can be the hardest. There is an emptiness even if you still
have other pets. That day I took my cat in to end her suffering I had a hard time getting out of
my car to go into work afterwards. I went straight to the bathroom where four terrified and
unsocialized little dogs were and locked myself inside. I sat on the floor among them and
slowly I gained a lap full of scared, yet curious little snugglers. They needed something from
me and I needed something from them. We soaked in each other’s company - in silence.
Have you lost your pet recently? Do you want to try some pet therapy? You are always free to
visit our shelter and sit with the animals. You could even join our volunteer team if you wish,
but you’re more than welcome to just come interact with them. As much as you think you may
need their closeness, they really could use yours too.
Tegan Locker - Shelter Manager
In This Issue:
• Message from Shelter Manager 1
• Hard to Adopt 1
• Hard to Adopt (cont.) 2
• Glass Quest 2
• Business Members 3
• CASA Alumni 3
• Shelter Wish List 3
• Happy Tails 4
• Happy Tails (continued) 5
• Donation Boxes 5
• Legacy of Love 5
• CASA - State and National Org. 6
• 2018 Animal Statistics 6
• Paws for Applause 7
• Is Your Dog Legal? 7
• Pet Memorials 7
• Donation Form 7
• CASA News 8
CASA Website:
www.camanoanimalshelter.org
CASA E-Mail:
casa@camanoanimalshelter.org
FOREVER HOME
See more on page 2 - Hard to Adopt
Hard to Adopt
CASA is a no-kill shelter, but what does that really mean?
By definition, we never euthanize for space or convenience.
This means we have to work even harder to find homes for
all of the animals, including those who are harder to adopt.
Since they will be with us longer than others, we strive to
make their stay with us a pleasant one while marketing
them more frequently to the public.
Two of our residents certainly fall into the “hard to adopt”
category. Facebook followers will recognize their stories, but
we want to share them with you so that you realize what the
words “no-kill” mean for these dogs and for the shelter.
Bruno, a stocky pit bull/Australian cattle dog mix was
featured with his friend, Mac, in last year’s winter newsletter
as an example of dogs that were bonded. Since then we
spoke at length with their previous home and found that they would probably be fine apart
despite how much they cared for each other. Mac has since been adopted and Bruno is
CASA Vision:
A world in which every animal
has a voice, proper care,
safety, security and is free from
abuse and neglect.
Join CASA on Facebook!
We love to share photos of
our animals and updates on
events. Post your photos too
with our 6,700+ Facebook
friends!
www.facebook.com/
camanoshelter
NEW - CASA is now a
Facebook Charity -
Select CASA as a Fundraiser
Bruno is a big loveable
dog waiting for a home.