Showing posts with label animals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label animals. Show all posts

Sen. Cantwell: New “Whale Desk” helps ships steer clear of Puget Sound orcas and other whales

Friday, February 23, 2024

The Coast Guard "Whale Desk" will keep ships from hitting whales
Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) joined a launch celebration for the Coast Guard’s new “Whale Desk” traffic alert system at Coast Guard Base Seattle.

"I was proud to author legislation to establish a program that ... allows the Coast Guard, if you will, to act almost like air traffic controllers -- trying to have large vessel traffic get out of the ways of our orca population," said Sen. Cantwell. 
"The whale desk will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will serve as a vital tool for protecting whale populations in Puget Sound."

"Today, we have vessel operators, scientists, and Coast Guard coming together," Sen. Cantwell added. 

"These professionals manage the entire maritime transportation system ... now they will be ready to share and disseminate information that will help our whale population including our beloved orcas. [With] this approach we can keep our economy moving and we can keep whales moving too.”

The “Whale Desk” will give Puget Sound vessel operators and mariners near real-time data about the location of whales. The desk will also field reports on whale locations from the public using a dedicated hotline. 

Residents and waterways users can report whale sightings to the Whale Desk by calling 206-217-ORCA.

The data collected will be valuable for researchers who track whale migration patterns. The program aims to reduce encounters that disturb whales, including noise pollution and ship strikes.

As chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. Cantwell leads Senate oversight of the Coast Guard. 

Sen. Cantwell authored provisions in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 to authorize the “Whale Desk” pilot program. In December 2022, the program was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The pilot program will run for four years.


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Washington State Animal Response Team members practice packing dog in carry litter

Saturday, January 6, 2024

WSART members pack Quinn, a willing participant into a litter
Photo courtesy WSART 

What you don't see in this picture is the wagging tail on the other side as Quinn, one of our member’s dogs, lets us practice with him during a training. 

We often need to pack a dog out in a litter and it's good to practice under good conditions with willing subjects so we can do our best when a dog is in pain.

We generally lay dogs sternal, so all four paws touch the litter along with their chests for comfort. The rolled foam is meant to keep him stable and in place and also keeps the webbing from putting pressure on him. 

The muzzle is standard safety protocol for us. Most dogs are fine, but a dog in pain being handled by a stranger does not behave as it would if it were safe and relaxed.

Though this is a training photo, WASART responds throughout the year to help injured dogs on hiking trails. Be safe and prepared out there, but we are ready to help should you need us.

--Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) rescues pets and livestock in emergency situations: such as dogs over cliffs, horses in wells. Emergency Phone: 425-681-5498


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Congress passes bipartisan legislation to eliminate federal mandate for animal testing for new drugs

Sunday, October 9, 2022

Laboratory animal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Animal Wellness Action and other animal welfare groups lauded U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Wash., the chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), for her crucial role in last week’s passage of the FDA Modernization Act 2.0.

The bill, S.5002, led and introduced by Senators Rand Paul, R-Ky. and Cory Booker, D-N.J., eliminates a federal mandate for animal testing for new drugs and holds the promise of delivering a dramatic reduction in animal testing by pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and government agencies in the United States.

As chair of the committee with jurisdiction over health policy, Senator Murray endorsed the legislation, signaling to all Democrats that the bill warranted their support. 

Senator Richard Burr, R-N.C. and the Ranking Member of HELP, played a similar role by orienting Republicans to support the measure. 

The measure passed by Unanimous Consent on Thursday and now heads to the House, where it is expected to pass after the election.

S. 5002 also includes language from an additional proposed reform, the Reducing Animal Testing Act, authored by Senator Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., to amend the Public Health Service Act to remove the animal testing requirement for biosimilars (biopharmaceutical drugs designed to have active properties similar to drugs that have already been licensed). 

S. 5002 mirrors provisions of the original FDA Modernization Act provision approved as an amendment to S. 4348, the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Landmark Advancements Act, taken up in June by the Senate HELP Committee. There as well, Senator Murray was instrumental in securing committee passage of that amendment, which was the template for S. 5002.

The House approved an FDA Modernization Act amendment to H.R. 7667, the Food and Drug Amendments of 2002, in June. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, strongly backed the legislation and was instrumental in that measure’s passage.

“Senator Murray and Representative McMorris Rodgers rightly recognize that the United States must lift an archaic animal-testing mandate for drug development and replace that strategy with 21st-century methods grounded on human biology,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. 
“This is the biggest policy development in Congressional history on the fight to replace animal testing with morally and scientifically superior methods, and we are grateful for the crucial roles that both of these veteran lawmakers are playing on this subject.”

“It’s no small matter for the U.S. Senate to approve this major animal welfare and health-policy measure, and Senator Murray was at the center of the effort,” said Jennifer McCausland, senior vice president for corporate policy for the Center for a Humane Economy. 

“Her seniority has been pivotal in this major outcome to reboot our drug development paradigm.” McCausland is based in Seattle.

“Senator Murray’s support for reducing animal testing in the United States has been instrumental in the progress of this legislation,” added Muriel Van Housen, chair of the board of the Center for a Humane Economy. Ms. Van Housen is also a Washingtonian.

This groundbreaking legislation has the potential in the coming years to reduce the use of millions of animals and to deliver safer, more effective drugs to patients.

Data show that it typically takes 10 to 15 years and an average investment of $1 billion and up to $6 billion for a new drug. Animal tests are typically non-predictive of the human response to drugs, failing in 90 percent of human trials.

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) organization with a mission of helping animals by promoting legal standards forbidding cruelty. We champion causes that alleviate the suffering of companion animals, farm animals, and wildlife. 



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Carter Subaru Loves Pets - with Pasado's Safe Haven - Saturday 1 - 3pm

Saturday, October 24, 2020

The annual Carter Subaru Loves Pets Event will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 1 – 3pm at the Carter Subaru Shoreline location 17225 Aurora Ave N.

Damon is up for adoption
Photo courtesy Pasado
The event is in support of and in collaboration with Pasado’s Safe Haven.

The first 10 visitors / households will receive a certificate for a free adoption of any dog or cat at Pasado's Safe Haven. Damon, a beautiful Husky, will be on site and available for adoption!

Donate pet food as part of the Pet Donation Food Drive.

Free microchipping for your pet.

Visitors will be able to tour the Pasado’s Mobile Spay Station which is sporting its new wrap donated by Carter Subaru.

This vehicle is a mobile wellness clinic for pets from generally lower income communities that can’t afford general wellness visits for their pets. 

We’re excited to share it with the community!
Carter Subaru donated the wrap for the Pasado van
Photo courtesy Pasado Safe Haven

Pasado’s will be collecting donations for their Pet Homelessness Prevention programs at the event.

Pasado's Safe Haven has an 85 acre sanctuary in Monroe which is home to over 200 animals – most of whom have been rescued as victims of cruelty or neglect.




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How to watch an animal livestream at home

Wednesday, May 6, 2020



From the Weekly Wellness Tips of the Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Senior Center 5-5-2020


How to watch an animal livestream at home

If there’s one group that seems to be thriving during this unfortunate time, it’s animals. Dogs and cats have never been happier that their owners are spending hours-on-hours at home.

But whether you have a pet or not, zoos, farms, and animal sanctuaries around the world are here to help by livestreaming their most adorable animals right into your living room. 

Might we suggest tossing one of these bad boys up on your TV and, well, never turning it off?



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Attorney General Ferguson garners first conviction under animal trafficking act

Friday, November 15, 2019

Genetic testing proved the figure
contained ivory
Photo courtesy Atty General's office

Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Thursday that Donald Frank Rooney of Everett has pleaded guilty to trafficking in species threatened with extinction under a voter-approved initiative banning the sale or transfer of products made from certain endangered species.

Rooney’s plea and sentencing in Snohomish County Superior Court represents the first-ever conviction under the Washington Animal Trafficking Act (WATA). Rooney was sentenced to 15 days in jail, 30 days of electronic home monitoring, and will pay a $10,000 fine and a $4,000 criminal wildlife penalty paid to the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to help fund future enforcement.

In addition to three items Rooney sold to Fish and Wildlife detectives that genetic testing confirmed contained ivory, he will also forfeit over 1,500 similar items found in his home.

Ferguson filed the criminal charges against Rooney under WATA in April.

The charges against Rooney were among the first brought under WATA, which was created by voter-approved Initiative 1401. More than 70 percent of Washington voters approved I-1401 in 2015. The law took effect in 2016. 

It is a felony to sell ivory objects
Photo courtesy Atty General's office

WATA makes it a felony to sell, purchase, trade or distribute parts of specific endangered or vulnerable species of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, pangolin, marine turtle, shark or ray.

In late 2017, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) detectives contacted Rooney after reviewing online listings for items they believed may contain elephant ivory.

The detective went to Rooney’s home, and observed dozens of items that possibly contained ivory. The detective purchased three items believed to contain elephant ivory, which genetic testing confirmed. Officers later executed a search warrant on his home, and, as a result, confiscated more than 1,500 additional items.

The Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the cases at the request of the Snohomish county Prosecutor’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office generally does not have original criminal authority, and cannot prosecute crimes without a request from a county prosecutor or the governor.
Assistant Attorney General Scott Marlow and AAG Brad Roberts with the Attorney General’s Counsel for Environmental Protection handled the case for Washington.

Attorney General Ferguson created the Counsel for Environmental Protection in 2016 to protect our environment and the safety and health of all Washingtonians.



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Blessing of the Animals at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church Sunday

Wednesday, October 2, 2019


Blessing of the Animals at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church
Sunday, October 6

In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals service on October 6th at both 8am and 10am services.

Animals will be welcomed into the sanctuary with worshipers to be blessed and anointed.

This is a joyful celebration of God’s creation and love. After the service, you are invited to stay for fellowship and snacks.

All are welcome at St. Dunstan’s, The Church That Feeds People.

(Please plan to keep animals safe and controlled with leashes or cages, as appropriate.)

St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church 722 N 145th St Shoreline 98133



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Mark Your Calendars for Animal Day at the LFP Farmers Market Sept 8

Thursday, August 29, 2019



Mark your calendars now for Sunday, September 8, 2019 for Animal Day at the Lake Forest Park Farmers Market.

It will be a day of family friendly fun with some very special four-legged friends including the Heart of Dreams alpacas, who are always a hit with young and old alike. Stop by their pen to visit and feed these sweeties a few carrots.

Heart of Dreams alpacas are waiting for carrots


Kids are invited to stop by the crafts tent where their grown-ups can help them create their very own animal masks to wear around the market and take home with them.

Plus, from 10am to noon, the Seattle Humane Society will be onsite for a kitty cat meet and greet with adoptable cats looking for their furrever homes. Whether you’re in search of a new feline family member or just want to visit, be sure to stop by and give these precious kitties some well-deserved love.

As always, you can also count on the LFP Farmers Market to have all your favorite fresh, seasonal produce, plus a tasty selection of meat, fish, hot eats, sweet treats, and locally produced specialty items. And don’t forget about the always gorgeous flowers!

SNAP benefits, Senior/WIC vouchers, and Market Bucks are always welcome, and the LFP Farmers Market is proud to participate in the Fresh Bucks matching program for SNAP recipients.

The LFP Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 10am to 3pm through October 20th in the parking lot of the Town Center at Lake Forest Park, located at 17171 Bothell Way NE. It is presented by Third Place Commons, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering real community in real space.



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Toss the Tusk

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

On Saturday, April 6, the Woodland Park Zoo is hosting an event in conjunction with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to offer a secure and legal way to donate items made from endangered animal parts.

WDFW officials will be on hand at the zoo between 10am and 2pm to accept donated items covered by the Washington Animal Trafficking Act.

Drop off your items at the Woodland Park Zoo's South Gate entrance (Hippo lot). You will not need to enter the zoo to reach the drop-off area.

You can part with items made from endangered animal parts that you no longer wish to own, such as trinkets, trophies and household decor. 10 of the world's most illegally traded endangered species include: elephants, rhinos, tigers, lions, leopards, cheetahs, pangolins, marine turtles, sharks and rays.

Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N, Seattle 98103.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed the state’s first-ever criminal charges under a voter-approved initiative banning the sale or transfer of products made from certain endangered species.

Ferguson separately charged Donald Frank Rooney of Everett and Yunhua Chen of Seattle with one count each of first-degree unlawful trafficking in species threatened with extinction for allegedly selling items containing elephant ivory using online listings.



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LFP native, soccer superstar Michelle Akers goes from goals to foals

Saturday, August 25, 2018

The Seattle Times has a story about Lake Forest Park native, Shorecrest superstar soccer player Michelle Akers and her current passion - rescuing horses.

A member of the first U.S. National team in 1985, she led the U.S. to victory in the first Women’s World Cup in 1991, scoring 10 goals, including five against Taiwan in a quarterfinal match. She also led the U.S. to victories in the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup, despite battling several injuries and dealing with chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome.
In 2000, she was named FIFA women’s player of the century, and in 2004, she and Mia Hamm were the only two women on FIFA’s list of the 125 greatest living soccer players. 

Now she is living another passion, with an animal rescue ranch in Georgia, taking in abused horses and bringing them back to health. She is trying to involve the soccer community in her new work.

“I am changing the focus, inviting the soccer community to partner with me and the animal welfare community to provide adoptions, and resources and money for these animals because the soccer community is a family, all over the country,”
“It would be great if the Seattle Sounders, the Seattle Reign, the youth soccer associations and all the clubs and the fans found a way to partner with the animal welfare organizations, like King County animal control, or even the private ones like mine.

Read the article here



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Happy ending - Stolen goat returned to owner

Monday, May 21, 2018

Rescued kid
Photo by Jens Melin
At 5am Monday, Seattle resident Jens Melin found a baby goat tied to a pole at a school near where he lives.

"It was shaking and terrified." He said the rope was long enough that it could graze but since the owner reported that it hadn't yet been weaned, that probably wasn't helpful.

Jens took it home, put it on his deck, and started asking friends on Facebook what he should do with a goat.

It didn't take long to discover our story.

Jens tried to call the number provided but it was blocked. So he and the goat got in the car.

"We only had the cross streets. When we got out to start knocking on doors the goat started yelling. The owner heard him and there was a satisfying reunion."



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Updated: Goat stolen from owners' back yard in middle of night

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Stolen
UPDATE: Kid found and returned. See story.


This beautiful little kid was stolen from a home at NE 145th and 6th Ave NE around 3am Sunday morning.

The owners heard him screaming and looked out the window to see him being carried to a car by what might have been a girl, wearing a hoodie.

He is likely crying from not only being alone but also because he was not yet weaned from his mother.

If you see him or have any information or if you notice that one of your neighbors suddenly has a goat, please call 206-483-5439. There is a $1,000 reward for his safe return.



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Help make a local impact by Giving Big for All on May 9

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Seattle Foundation’s GIVEBIG:
Eighth Annual Giving Day Returns
Wednesday, May 9

Seattle Foundation’s annual giving day, GIVEBIG, returns in May. The online event, now in its eighth year, raises funds for more than 1,500 nonprofit organizations serving the Greater Seattle area.

Participating nonprofits based in or serving Shoreline / LFP.

Animal welfare
Audubon Society
PAWS Progressive Animal Welfare Society
Puurfect Pals
Seattle Area Feline Rescue
Seattle Humane Society
Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition
Whisker City

Arts
Choir of the Sound
Creative Dance Center
Edmonds Driftwood Players
Northwest Girl Choir
Seattle Chorale Company
Shoreline - Lake Forest Park Arts Council

Children and Education
Northwest School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Shoreline Community College Foundation 
Shoreline Public Schools Foundation
Wonderland Developmental Center

Religion
CRISTA Ministries (includes education and social services)
St. Luke School
St. Mark Parish Church / School

Social Services
Banchero Disability Partners
Center for Human Services
Compass Housing Alliance
Mary's Place
North Helpline
Parkview Services
Provail
Sound Generations (Senior Centers)
Turning Point Seattle

Other
Friends of the Shoreline Library
HistoryLink
Third Place Commons (includes arts, children)
Washington Cease Fire


The one-day online giving event takes place from midnight to midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, May 9 with the theme “Give Big for All,” reflecting the urgent need to support nonprofits working to create greater equity and opportunity, helping make our region a healthier and more vibrant place for all.

To donate, simply visit GIVEBIGseattle, select the nonprofits you want to support and enter the donation amount. Add your donations to the Giving Cart and conveniently check out all at once with your credit card payment. You can also schedule donations ahead of time beginning April 26.

As an added incentive, Seattle Foundation will conduct 100 drawings throughout the day for an added. If your name is drawn, the nonprofit you donated to will receive an additional $2,500.



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Lake Forest Park partners with King County for pet licensing and animal control

Monday, October 23, 2017

The City of Lake Forest Park contracts with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) for animal control and pet licensing services.

While police officers will always respond to complaints or issues involving domestic animals, RASKC is responsible for follow-up and investigations.

In order to pay for these services, pet licensing fees are diverted to the City to help offset the overall cost to our taxpayers.

Did you know licensing your pet is required by law for all dogs and cats over eight weeks old? Licensing your pet also helps to fund the life-saving work that RASKC performs. Each year, RASKC gives thousands of animals a second chance by providing quality care while at the pet adoption center.

For pets, getting lost is a frightening experience. With a current pet license from Regional Animal Services of King County, your cat or dog can easily be returned to you.

In addition, for those that have strayed off for the first time, your pet may receive a free ride home prior to being impounded at the shelter. Licensing your pet is easy, you can go online, go in person to the many locations in King County, or you can send the application via email.

For more information, click here to go to the City’s Pet Licensing page.



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Goats at Saltwater Park

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Taking a break
Over the next six months, the City of Shoreline will employ goats periodically to help manage vegetation at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park.

The animals will primarily work the bioswales near the bottom parking lot.

Using goats allows for a lower environmental impact while keeping costs under control.



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Photos: Otter Pops

Monday, December 26, 2016


Photos by Martin De Grazia

Martin De Grazia calls the top photo "Otter Pops". Ronald Bog had a thin covering of ice in last week's cold weather. Martin, who lives near the Bog, enjoyed watching the otters pop up through the ice.

December is apparently a good time to otter-watch. Martin laments the photos he didn't get, but these are the best I've seen in the years I've been collecting photos of local wildlife.

Otter at Ronald Bog

These are fresh water otters, cousins to the salt water variety. They live in Ronald Bog, Echo Lake, McAleer Creek, and probably every local body of fresh water.

Otter at Ronald Bog

Otter at Ronald Bog

Usually these guys are quite elusive, which is why these photos are so special.

--DKH



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Runaway wallaby found in Lake Forest Park - returned to owners

Thursday, June 2, 2016

LFP Officer Gross with Wally and his owner
Photo courtesy LFP Police

From the Lake Forest Park Police

Well that’s not something we see every day. Wally the Wallaby escaped from his owners Wednesday in Lake Forest Park, but he’s safely back home now. Officer Gross responded to the call but Wally was already in custody so they posed for this “booking photograph”.



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Going to the dogs to raise money for animal cancer research

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Butters with friend in kennel at Shoreline Petco

Butters the dog, whose alter ego is a human named Shea Fitzpatrick (get it? Shea Butter), is spending time in a kennel for a good cause.

Shea works for Blue Buffalo and is going to spend four hours in a kennel at the Shoreline Petco in Aurora Village, collecting money for Blue Buffalo's Pet Cancer Awareness project.

He will be at the Aurora Village Petco in Shoreline on Thursday, June 2, from 2pm-6pm or until he raises $200.


Butters gives Ollie a dog treat


The folks at Blue Buffalo Company created the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research and the Pet Cancer Awareness Program (PCA) in 2003 with three important goals in mind:

  1. Raise Awareness. Cancer is the #1 disease-related killer of our dogs and cats. By generating greater awareness of the early warning signs we're helping pet parents take the first steps toward protecting their furry family members.
  2. Provide Information. As with almost anything, information is power. The more pet parents know about how to minimize the cancer risk to their pets, and what to do if their dog or cat does contract cancer, the more they’re empowered to help.
  3. Find a Cure. Research is expensive. Pet Cancer Awareness helps fund universities and clinics that study the causes, prevention and treatment of canine and feline cancer. We also raise funds to support organizations that help needy families cover costly pet cancer treatments they otherwise couldn’t afford.


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Easter Pet Tips from Seattle Humane

Friday, March 25, 2016

Benji, a 5-month-old big-eared Flemish Giant rabbit,
 is available for adoption at Seattle Humane in Bellevue

The Seattle Humane Society reminds pet owners of some Easter-related perils for pets

Food Precautions
The foods we enjoy cooking and eating can be a problem for your pet. Rich, spicy or fatty food can cause problems ranging from stomach upset to severe pancreatitis. Make sure they have healthy treats and reduce their food at mealtime accordingly.

Additionally, don’t leave candy out. Chocolate can be fatal to animals, especially cats and small dogs.

Easter Grass
This common Easter basket filler is tempting for our pets, particularly cats. When ingested, Easter grass can cause irritation or obstruction of your pet’s intestines. These digestive problems can result in a decrease in energy level and appetite, vomiting and diarrhea and could require several days in the vet hospital.

Easter Lilies
Although these flowers are beautiful and festive, they are poisonous plants if ingested by our pets. Common symptoms are vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite. If you suspect your pet has eaten a lily, seek veterinary care. Instead of chancing a trip to the vet, try faux lilies for the same look, but without the risk!

Pets are curious by nature and their noses are much more sensitive than a human’s nose – they can’t resist all of the delicious smells. Keep a close watch on your pet to ensure a safe holiday for everyone.


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The runaway bunny

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Are you missing a bunny?

Are you missing a bunny? A cute bunny has been hanging out at N 190th and Burke Ave N.

Neighbors are worried for the bunny’s safety, so, if you have information about this golden, light tan bunny, contact the Shoreline Area News with details.

With Easter coming, it would be great to reunite the bunny with its home.



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