We’re often the go-to shelter for pets with significant behavior challenges, including dogs and cats that are so fearful they avoid all human touch. Even through the worst of the pandemic months when many shelters weren’t taking in tough cases, we made sure we made room and continued to help the pets who really needed us.

Usually, our goal is always to get each pet to the point where they trust at least a couple of people at the shelter before we send them to their new home, but sometimes we spend months and months and still can’t make that much progress. In those cases, we look for very special fosters and adopters who can continue the important work of building a strong relationship and showing their new pet that humans are kind and can be trusted. These adopters are truly one-of-a-kind – they have so much love in their heart that they take home a pet that doesn’t want to be pet or cuddled, trusting that they will get there someday.

Aurora is one of these special dogs.

When we work with fearful dogs like Aurora, the best thing we can do is… nothing! It sounds funny, but letting Aurora observe us in a low-pressure way proves to her that we are not a threat and there’s no reason to be anxious or scared. We don’t want to try to touch her or interact with her before she’s ready.

Next, we start to toss treats when we walk by. This helps her form a positive association with our presence and gives her something to look forward to when we approach (instead of dreading being looked at or touched).

Over time, we start to look for tiny bits of progress that show she’s feeling more comfortable. This could include more eye contact, changes in body language (more relaxed body, tail not tucked, softer eyes), moving around the space more, eating in front of us, etc.!

With more challenging cases like Aurora, we have to celebrate even the TINIEST signs of progress so we know we’re moving in the right direction. Depending on the progress she makes, our Behavior Program Manager creates a specialized plan for staff or her fosters and future adopters to use to help her make bigger steps towards being approached and pet by people.

Aurora has been in foster with us for four months now and has made a bit of progress, but isn’t quite ready to be touched yet. We’ve had so many successes with shy pets getting adopted lately that we’re hoping that special, one-of-a-kind adopter will step up for Aurora soon too.

She has shown signs that she likes to play, eat treats, and she’ll likely be fine in a home with other calm dogs and cats. All she needs is a home with a lot of love and patience to allow her to blossom when she’s ready. If you think you’re the person Aurora has been waiting for, our Behavior Program Manager is ready to support you 100% of the way. No experience necessary, just a big heart!

Former PGA Pro Rick McDonald tees up to help homeless animals

Our inaugural Homeward Pet Open Golf Tournament will be Friday, August 27 at 1:30pm. We are so pleased to host an event which gives golfers the opportunity to connect their love of the game and their love of pets! Perhaps no one was more enthusiastic about the idea of hosting a golf tournament to help raise funds for Homeward Pet than our Board Vice President, Rick McDonald. 

Rick comes to Homeward with both a rich background in professional golf and an engrained love of animals, the perfect combo for this event.  He grew up playing basketball and baseball but discovered the game of golf at 12 years old and was hooked! Rick went on to win a Washington state championship at 16 years old and to receive a golf scholarship to California State University East Bay soon thereafter.  After college, he qualified for the PGA TOUR’s international tours, having playing privileges in Canada, Latin America, and China.  Rick retired from professional golf in 2016 due to the intensive travel requirements and pivoted to his second passion and now works in investments and wealth management.  You’ll still find him out on the local courses as often as he can carve out the time. 

Rick has always been an avid animal lover.  He was introduced to Homeward Pet by a former colleague, and attended our annual Fur Ball to learn more. Drawn to our mission and programs, he now serves as Vice President on our Board of Directors and is thrilled that he can use his time and talents to help pets in need find their loving homes. 

Our upcoming tournament will be held at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge.  Rick has golfed there many times and touts it as one of his favorite courses in Washington, as it offers beautiful holes with water and elevation changes, and is a course that allows every golfer, regardless of experience, a fun golfing experience.  That is exactly what we’re hoping for those of you who join us that day! 

When asked for his best golf tip (we assume he has many), Rick answered: 

“The best golf tip I could provide someone, outside of make sure you are having fun, is it all begins with fundamentals – Good grip, stance, posture will give you the necessary foundation to start off the right way.” 

Rick will be at the course on August 27 prior to the 1:30 start to give you tips on your form and game – just another benefit of joining us that day to help the animals and programs of Homeward Pet. 

Sarah Taylor / Winnipeg Free Press

Are you ready to join us for a fun day?   

Register as an individual, couple or a foursome. 

Not a golfer?  Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available so that you can still be involved without hitting a single ball. 

Meet Karen Holt, designer of The Homeward Pet Open logo

On August 27, 2021, Homeward Pet Adoption Center will hold the first Homeward Pet Open at Redmond Ridge Golf Course.  To celebrate the inception of this event, we wanted to have a special and unique logo created.  We knew who to ask immediately to take on the project: Homeward Pet volunteer and whiteboard artist, Karen Holt.

Karen started doing the whiteboard art here at Homeward Pet a few years ago because she heard that the whiteboards were going to be taken down because they weren’t being used.  She did her first drawing that day as a bit of a joke to show that the whiteboards did have value.  She then started doing weekly drawings, which attracted more attention as she went. She did them quietly during her Dog Feeder Cleaner shifts on Tuesday mornings. So, for most, the whiteboard art became this magical bit of joy that appeared out of nowhere each week.

Karen has been a volunteer here since 2006 and has done everything from walking dogs, to cleaning kennels, to fostering, to sorting laundry, to silent auction and rummage sale help. Her favorite task, however, is all the little things she does on her shifts to make the world extra special for our pups.  She’ll sit quietly with one who needs company to eat, or arrange toys thoughtfully for a dog who needs to learn how to play, or simply talk to the ones that just need to hear a reassuring voice. She truly is an example of the charitable heart that many of our volunteers gift us with every single day.

Karen’s first dog as a child was a 10 day old Chihuahua that her family saved from uncertain circumstances.  Karen helped to bottle-feed little Pepper, who not only survived but thrived in her young care. Karen is a Homeward Pet adoption alumnus multiple times over.  Her father adopted two dogs, Baker and Lil Girl from Homeward Pet, and she adopted Louie and Gypsy.

Karen spent most of her professional career as a graphic artist for Boeing, doing all of her artwork in pen and ink. She has since moved into digital artwork for most graphics. Whiteboard art, she says, is actually one of the more challenging mediums she’s worked in.

Art and animals have always been a part of her spirit.  She won a contest at age four with a drawing she did of cats. In her adulthood, she has kept busy doing artwork for a number of non-profits and small organizations, designing t-shirts, logos and posters.  We are truly blessed that she lends her talent to Homeward Pet as well.

Our events team had reached out to her for the Fur Ball to create the one of a kind artwork that was behind our hosts, Jim and Fred, during our Fur Ball livestream.

With our upcoming Golf Open on the horizon, we knew exactly who to approach for a unique logo!  She did not disappoint.  Her inspiration for this logo was, of course, the Woodinville Bassett Hound mascot which she seemingly effortlessly transformed into an athletic golf pro for our event.

We are thrilled to be able to have this very custom logo which incorporates so many of the elements that will make our upcoming golf tournament shine.

If you are interested in putting together a foursome for this event, you can find out more on our registration website.

Is golf not really your thing?  We have multiple opportunities for sponsorship.

Some of Karen’s Fun Whiteboard Artwork.  Consider volunteering or adopting for a chance to see her most recent artwork in person.

Shower them with food and formula during our Kitten Shower 

Every year Homeward Pet shelters and finds homes for hundreds of kittens. While irresistibly cute, most kittens require weeks or months of foster care until they are old enough to be adopted. Those just days old require bottle-feeding every few hours. As they grow, kittens want to snack on three or four meals a day: keeping their bowls full is a top priority! Our most urgent need right now, in addition to great foster homes, is your gifts of kitten-friendly canned food and formula.

Sending your Kitten Shower gifts is easy

We greatly appreciate all donations to help our kittens! There are several easy options for making donations:

• Chewy wish list (all items marked High Priority are kitten-related)
• Amazon Wish List (kitten supplies are at the top of the list)
• You may also drop off donations at any of our partner retail stores (click here for bin locations).A downloadable list of all items needed is available here.

Your exclusive Kitten Shower party gifts

Made your kitten shower gift? We’ve got two shower gifts just for you! Send an email with your name and phone number to our Events Team to receive two kitten shower gifts:    

• An exclusive, by-invitation-only link to our upcoming Homeward Pet Behind the Scenes of Kitten Season virtual event on June 23^rd @ 7pm via Zoom. Our staff will be on hand to answer all your burning questions related to kittens and chat about adoption and care of our littlest residents. You’ll get the chance to meet and greet with a few of the kittens currently in our shelter. 

• A chance to win a custom, hand-painted pet portrait. Our talented artist and Homeward Pet volunteer, Sue, has graciously offered to create a one-of-a-kind painted portrait for one lucky kitten shower guest. We will announce the winner live on our Facebook page on June 29th!  No need to be present to win.    

Be sure to send an email with your name and phone number to our Events Team to claim your kitten shower gifts!