West Seattle Blog…

Happening now: Twin benefits for Teri Ensley, Furry Faces

At Beveridge Place Pub and Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) right now, the rescheduled two-site silent auction/raffle/benefit “mini pub-crawl” for Teri Ensley and her animal-advocacy/rescue organization Furry Faces Foundation is under way right now. It’s been almost two weeks since a fire damaged Teri’s West Seattle home and killed her beloved cat Pouncer, along with seriously injuring Jared, one of the rescue cats for whom she was caring (he’s the one getting oxygen treatment from a firefighter in a photo we published the day of the fire). A short time ago, we talked with Teri (right) briefly at BPP, where the event continues till 6 (and at FL till 7); she says Jared will eventually be ready to find a forever home. Her home, meantime, has a few months of work ahead before she can move in; she is staying with friends, but recovering from something like this still requires a lot of help, and that’s what tonight’s events are about. Dozens and dozens of auction items are available – we suspect the one on the left below is a hot ticket:

Both locations are on the west side of California SW in the block just north of Fauntleroy.

ADDED: At the Feedback, during hour 2:

From organizers via Facebook, after it was all over: “Thank you so much for everyone that came out tonight!!! The support was amazing!! I will have an official total tomorrow, and let me just tell you it is unbelievably amazing!! Thank you so much!”

Last call for silent-auction donations for Teri Ensley/Furry Faces benefits

Before we get back to weather news – two benefits are scheduled this Thursday night for fire victim Teri Ensley and the animal-advocacy group she leads, Furry Faces Foundation, at Feedback Lounge and Beveridge Place Pub. Organizers are putting out one last call for silent auction donations. From Sara Riehl at AARF:

Hey Everyone, I am still trying to collect donations for our Silent Auction this Thursday. Due to the weather, I would love to have a finalized list with items in hand by Wednesday. Anything that you would bid on an auction would make a great item. Please e-mail me if you intend on donating, sarariehl@gmail.com. You can also comment to the post on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/terisfirefund. Here is a list of current local supporters: Clementine’s, Menashe & Sons Jewelry, Pet Elements, Beveridge Place Pub, Feedback Lounge, Muttley Crew Cuts, Elliott Bay Brewery, and The Wash Dog.

Benefit cat adopt-a-thon continues Sunday; 1st day a success

At Kitty Harbor late this afternoon, the first day of a special cat adopt-a-thon wrapped up, with distinguished visitors – with KH founder Delyn Kosbab (left) and Furry Faces Foundation’s Teri Ensley (right), that’s one of them, King County Executive Dow Constantine, holding Patches the cat. Patches, an 11-year-old tortoiseshell, is one of two-dozen-plus cats who will be awaiting you at Kitty Harbor tomorrow. (By 4 pm today, more than 30 already had found new homes!) The adopt-a-thon is also a benefit on behalf of Teri, whose home caught fire this past Monday (WSB coverage here). All but one of her personal and rescue cats is OK, but she is mourning Pouncer, who didn’t make it; otherwise, Teri told us, she’s doing better, and very thankful to everyone who has reached out to help. (Even the clothes she’s wearing are thanks to folks who are helping.) Constantine is a longtime animal advocate – not to mention companion of two rescue cats – and was there not just to show support for Teri, but also for King County Regional Animal Services, which helped with the event:

As terrific as Kitty Harbor is (helping 575 cats find homes this past season!), he noted, it would be great if there was less need for volunteers and private nonprofits to shelter and help so many homeless cats – and there’s an easy way to help that become reality:

(Side note – Constantine and partner Shirley Carlson stopped at Kitty Harbor while heading back from an event at the University of Washington at which local Japanese-American World War II heroes were honored, including two from West Seattle; more on that later.)

The Kitty Harbor adopt-a-thon – which is happening outside the timeframe of the facility’s normal adoption season – continues noon-6 pm tomorrow at 3422 Harbor Avenue SW. Meantime, the latest on assistance for Teri, her cats, and Furry Faces is here (including a “mini-pub crawl” in Morgan Junction Thursday night).

Fire followup: How to help Teri, the cats, and Furry Faces

(Monday photo by Christopher Boffoli)
So many people have offered to help in the wake of yesterday’s fire (WSB coverage here) at the West Seattle home of Furry Faces Foundation‘s Teri Ensley, there’s now a coordinated list of what she, the group, and the cats (one died because of the fire) need. Thanks to Sara Riehl from AARF, another local animal-advocacy group that works closely with F3, for compiling it. We’ll link this in our BIG STORIES list on the sidebar so you can find it again later, and will add any changes in the days ahead:

(ADDED TUESDAY NIGHT) PayPal donations for emergency-relief fund: furryfaces.org/donations

(BACK TO ORIGINAL TUESDAY MORNING LIST) This weekend Kitty Harbor is hosting an adoption event for 60 cats. This event will be benefiting Teri and Furry Faces Foundation. They have 20 kittens, 20 teenagers and 20 adult cats up for adoption. It runs from 12-6 pm Saturday, and Sunday the 14th and 15th.

We will also keep you posted but are trying to put together a fundraiser for Teri and Furry Faces Foundation sometime this week at the Feedback Lounge.

Local businesses accepting donations:

Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW)
Muttley Crew Cuts (4200 SW Admiral Way)
Kitty Harbor (3422 Harbor Avenue SW)

TERI’S PERSONAL LIST

Costco Gift Cards – She purchases most of her clothes there.
Gloria Vanderbilt Jeans Size 8
Calvin Klein Jeans/Pants Size 8
Her work is Business Casual, and she wears size 8 pants, medium top. She wears a size 7 ½ to 8 shoe, she loves flip flops and has most likely lost her favorite pair of red cowboy boots in the fire. She shops at PCC and Thriftway grocery store, she currently has Mac and Cheese and Stew from the Feedback Lounge but does not have any other food (she does have pots, pans and plates where she is staying)

TERI’S PERSONAL CAT/FOSTER CAT WISHLIST

Dog houses, dog igloos, cat/dog beds

Canned cat food- I know people asked for specific kinds so see the list below:

· Anything that Pet Elements sells
· She has a diabetic cat who can only eat wet food that is high in protein
· Her cats like: Turkey, Chicken, and Beef flavors
· Wellness
· Natures Variety
· By Nature
· Nutra source
· Taste of the Wild
She does not currently need any more cat litter; she had amazing donations come in already

TERI’S WISH LIST FOR FURRY FACES FOUNDATION
· Cat trees
· Cat collars
· Cat leashes
· Dog collars
· Cat food
· Dog food
· Cat beds
· Cat toys
· Dog toys

As she has written in comments, Sara reiterates that Teri is thankful for the outpouring of support and has been heartened to read the words of encouragement both here and in direct e-mail: “She is blown away by the amount of support she has had, and is so grateful to live in such a wonderful place.”

Followup: Looks like Amy is keeping ‘Arlene’ the cat

Three weeks ago, we published the tale of Amy the West Seattleite and Arlene the one-eyed cat. Amy had contacted us to add Arlene – the name she had given her – to the WSB Lost/Found Pets page, explaining she had found the cat a month earlier, in bad shape. After Arlene healed, Amy thought she had better do due diligence to see if the original owner was out there somewhere. We checked back to see how that went:

So far, Amy has not heard from Arlene’s previous owner, nor anyone with even a lead. She said, “I got TONS of e-mails back from people, all supportive and loving, and I did get some donations via pay-pal (which were very much appreciated!) But no one has said anything about recognizing Arlene or knowing who she belonged to. I must say, I’m relieved.” (Amy hadn’t asked for donations, but in the comment section following the first story, folks asked how they could help, since it was clear Arlene’s medical bills had cost a chunk of change.) Arlene has her own Facebook page, by the way; see it here.

The Wash Dog: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor

In 2012, we’re continuing the WSB tradition of welcoming new sponsors by offering them the chance to introduce themselves. Today, meet one of our newest sponsors – The Wash Dog. Here’s what they’d like you to know:

The Wash Dog has been a business fixture in West Seattle for more than 10 years, providing canine bathing and grooming services. New owners, longtime West Seattle residents Thyra DeHaven and Merry Myers, have been hard at work this past year, upgrading the staff and facility to meet the bathing and grooming needs of West Seattle’s dogs. Two examples: An on-demand hot water system was installed to lessen power usage and insure an endless supply of warm water; and the self-service shampoo was upgraded to a top-notch, environmentally friendly oatmeal shampoo produced by a local Seattle company.

At The Wash Dog there’s a grooming service for every need:
*Self-Service Dog Wash Rooms – just walk in
*Professional Bathing Service – by appointment
*Professional Grooming – by appointment
Customers can also walk in for a quick nail trim or drop by with their dog just to say “hi” and pick up a treat. We love interacting with dogs of all sorts and sizes and take great pride in providing an exceptionally friendly, clean and healthy facility. We have three professional, skilled dog groomers/stylists on staff at The Wash Dog: Laura, Kayla, and Tammy, who you might know from other West Seattle establishments. We also have two part-time experienced bathers. The combined experience of our staff exceeds 35 years, so customers can rest assured their pets are being cared for by professionals who really know and love dogs.

The Wash Dog is located at 6400 California SW, on the north side of Morgan Street Junction. Hours are Monday–Friday, 10 am to 7:30 pm, and Saturday – Sunday, 9 am to 5:30 pm. Holiday hours are always posted online at thewashdog.com or on The Wash Dog’s Facebook page.

We thank The Wash Dog for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

Update: Stella, stolen by Christmas Eve burglars, now home

(UPDATED with Stella back home – see below)

ORIGINAL 1:50 AM REPORT: The dog on the left is Stella – and her people are without her this Christmas morning, after burglar/s stole her (and more) on Christmas Eve. Chris sent this report late Saturday night:

My in-laws in West Seattle, on 31st Avenue and SW Holden St, [map] in the High Point neighborhood were robbed tonight. Their names are Mark and Jodi … and they are some of the kindest people I know. They were gone for most of the afternoon and evening delivering presents to their family around the Puget Sound area.

The thieves took all their Christmas gifts, family heirloom Christmas decorations, their electronics (TV, computer, etc).

But the BIGGEST loss, is their dog. Stella, a 3 year old female spayed Boxer (usually with a pink rope-style collar) was stolen by these heartless thieves. If you can help us to find her, it would mean the world to us all. I attached a photo of Stella, she’s on the left in the picture.

Gifts and electronics can be replaced, and heirlooms are only to remind us of the memories we already have. Their wonderful, kind, dog however is not replaceable. We’re all completely heartbroken that she was taken; my in-laws loved her like a child, and my own puppy (on the right in the photo) loved her so much.

Chris says they hope getting the word out might bring Stella home. We’ve added her to the WSB Pets page, too.

10:22 AM UPDATE: Good news! Just in from Chris:

Just to update: apparently Stella came home this morning. Not sure if she was just accidentally released by the burglars or if they let her go. Still traumatic to have the robbery have occurred, but with the only items missing being Christmas presents, I know we’ll have a much better Christmas. I’m seeing her return as the best present we could have gotten, under the circumstances. Family and friends (including the 4-footed variety) is what the holidays are really about.

Apparently she just showed up at the door – not hurt, Chris says, but “very scared.”

From the WSB Pets page: The saga of Amy and ‘Arlene’

Our usual home for lost/found pet reports is the WSB Pets page, which marks its fourth anniversary next month as the only one-stop online bulletin board if you have lost or found a pet in this area. Today, we’re spotlighting a special “found pet” report – because it’s quite out of the ordinary.

Amy e-mailed us the photo of Arlene the one-eyed cat. Arlene is what Amy calls her, anyway. And she had two eyes when Amy found her in bad shape near 34th/Holden a month ago: “I think she’d had a run-in with a raccoon or coyote.” Amy’s first note was pretty sparse, so we inquired: You’ve gotten some care for her, then? Yes, Amy replied:

She had her eye removed, along with some teeth, and flea and ear mite medicine. I didn’t post anything earlier because I wasn’t sure she would survive (she had a bad abscess in her jaw that had gone behind her eye, and she was having seizures for a while). There was also a week or two where she had fluid surrounding her heart and in her abdomen, but that’s all gone now. She’s still taking kidney medication and a diuretic. … It did cost a lot but there was no way I could have just left her in the street, so I didn’t mind paying!

(And of course they checked for a chip; there was none.) Amy has grown to love Arlene and can keep her – but says she felt she just had to post a “found cat” notice because, “I know if I lost my cat, I would want to know she was alive.” If you are, or know, this kitty’s (original) owner, you can e-mail Amy at amywms23@yahoo.com.

Happening now: Girl Scouts fundraiser with Santa pet photos

Haven’t had a chance yet to get a Santa photo with your pet? Till 5 pm today, you can do exactly that and help the Doney Memorial Pet Clinic, which treats pets whose owners are in need, by going to The Puppy Perfectors, 9629 17th SW. West Seattle Girl Scout Rainbow Troop 52698 is presenting the event; photos are by donation ($25 or more – here’s the official flyer), but you can also help by stopping by for coffee, cocoa, or a holiday Stuffed Cakes treat ($3/$2/$1 donation respectively), and/or drop off a donation of canned pet food or other pet items (Puppy Perfectors has a collection ongoing through the holiday season). Thanks to April for sending the photo!

West Seattle businesses: New owners for Stella Ruffington’s

Just got word that a Morgan Junction business has new owners: Stella Ruffington’s Doggy Playcare. The buyers own a training/boarding facility on Camano Island, and say they “have wanted to enter the Seattle market for quite some time.” Read on for the announcement they sent: Click to read the rest of West Seattle businesses: New owners for Stella Ruffington’s…

New on the West Seattle Holidays page: Santa Paws, & more Claus

So far, one of the biggest West Seattle trends this holiday season is … Santa-mania! It’s Santa everywhere. And just added to the WSB West Seattle Holidays page tonight, the return of Santa Paws, 11 am-1 pm December 10th at Windermere West Seattle HQ in The Junction … the guy in the fur-trimmed hat is there for photos with your furry friend(s). That’s our newest listing in the “Santa Photos” section. We also have a link now to the schedule at CAPERS for the bearded St. Nick we’ll call “Ex-Westwood Santa” … plus you can get a Santa photo at the Community Pancake Breakfast with the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle at the Masonic Hall (40th/Edmunds) this Saturday, 7 am-11 am (remember to bring your unwrapped Toys for Tots donation) … and the Santa listings we’ve had since the start of the season, daily at Westwood Village and the next three Sundays during Hometown Holidays in The Junction, are there too. And did you see Santa and Mrs. Claus wandering The Junction last Sunday?

(Photo courtesy David E. Perry)
They may be in the vicinity again this Sunday, we hear, perhaps even in the crowd during Saturday’s Junction Tree Lighting (5 pm, Junction Plaza Park). Then again, Santa is everywhere, anyway … has to be, to get all those presents delivered … More holiday events, info, everything, updated frequently, here (and if we’re missing YOUR holiday event, please share the news!).

West Seattle weekend scene: Diabetic-alert dogs’ Graduation Day

At the Service Dog Academy north of Morgan Junction, today was Graduation Day for the newest class of diabetic-alert dogs – specially trained to alert their owners to a potentially dangerous drop in blood-sugar levels. Six dogs graduated this time around, two from West Seattle, and that’s who you see above - Ron with canine companion Spencer, Heather with Stella. Both Spencer and Stella are pit-bull mixes. Academy owner Mary McNeight says this is the fifth class of diabetic-alert dogs they’ve graduated since she launched the program.

West Seattle biz: Petco moves tonight, opens new store tomorrow

If you’re a customer of Petco in The Junction, you’ve probably heard they’re opening their new Capco Plaza location – 41st/Alaska, next to the new state liquor store (as first reported here in February) – tomorrow. And like its new neighbors, Petco’s making its move without missing any days of business. WSB contributor Keri DeTore just talked with store manager Ann, who says moving trucks are expected around 3 pm (that’s why the NO PARKING signs are up in front of the store). The old store will be open till 6 tonight, and Keri says they have a shelf full of free stuff they’d rather not move. Grooming is closed for today, though nail trims will resume after 3. Then tomorrow at 9, Ann told Keri, the new store will open with everything up and running: “It’s brand-spankin’ new in there. So clean, it’s lovely.” They’ll have grand-opening events this weekend including a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning just before 9. P.S. The current Petco space is still listed as available for lease.

West Seattle dog owner’s warning about a little-known illness

Amy Greger‘s dog just spent two nights in the hospital, very sick from an illness she had never even heard of till now. She wanted to make sure other dog owners are aware of it – so she contacted news organizations, once Daisy was home and on the road to recovery. You may have seen her story on KING the other night; she shared it with WSB too:

Daisy is a 4-year-old Ridgeback-Lab mix from the Humane Society. She runs with “Papa” (~10-15 miles per week) and loves to play chuck-it. She is very mild-mannered and listens very well. Her normal weight is ~80 lbs.

Daisy went from a healthy active dog, became lethargic and stopped eating completely overnight. She lost 8 pounds in 6 days, and the vet was not able to identify the cause of the problem. We went to ACCES Renton to see an internal specialist. After ultrasounds and x-rays showed no clear answers, the specialist asked if there was a chance Daisy may have eaten any salmon. Turned out Daisy was given a small piece of raw salmon at home that fell on the floor almost 4 weeks ago. The doctor began treating her with IV antibiotics. The next day her lab result also confirmed she had salmon poisoning.

Salmon Poisoning is a (potentially) fatal condition for dogs (not human or other animals) caused by a microorganism found in salmon and other fish in the Pacific Ocean from Northern California to Seattle. Heat would kill the microorganism, but it can be in cold-smoked fish also.

Daisy spent 2 nights at the hospital. She started eating and is on the road to full recovery.

Here’s more information about this illness, including its symptoms, and a reiteration that only dogs are susceptible (not even cats). Thanks to Amy for sharing that link as well as her story, and this one too.

West Seattle pets blessed in three events this weekend

“Blessing of the Animals” events are a tradition for the weekend closest to the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals – and again this year, West Seattle had three of them. We dropped by the third and final, and only outdoor, blessing event, presented by St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in the West Seattle High School parking lot next door. Order of St. Francis Brother Kris Wilder (above left) and St. John’s Rev. Peter DeVeau (above center, and below) offered the blessings;

Here’s video as everybody – people and pets – circled around:

(This weekend’s other two West Seattle “Blessings of the Animals” were at Providence Mount St. Vincent on Saturday morning and Alki UCC earlier today.) Side note: If Brother Wilder looks familiar … it may not be just because he has been featured in our previous years’ coverage of this event. He was also on WSB recently in a different kind of robe: The one he wears as a karate instructor, and author of self-defense books.

Preparedness: Make sure your pets are part of your plan

Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

While many of us have emergency plans in place for our families, most of us probably don’t have specific plans for our pets beyond grabbing them and running if disaster should strike. Members of the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART), which focuses on animal safety and rescue, gave a presentation at the West Seattle Senior Center last night, sponsored by West Seattle Be Prepared, to provide information and resource sites for getting your pets as prepared for an emergency as the rest of the family.

WASART co-founder/president Gretchen McCallum, along with volunteer Ginger Dixon (R-L in photo), noted that the human/animal bond is never more important than in times of extreme stress, and WASART was created after stories of animals abandoned during Katrina were publicized. McCallum points out, “If it’s not safe for you to stay in your house, it’s not safe for your pets.”

Besides having enough food, water and medical supplies for your pet, McCallum focused on being able to identify your pet.

Click to read the rest of Preparedness: Make sure your pets are part of your plan…

Blessing of the Animals: 2 in West Seattle this weekend

(WSB photo from St. John’s 2010 “Blessing of the Animals”)
This weekend is the closest one to the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi – patron saint of animals – so it’s time for West Seattle’s traditional “Blessing of the Animals” events. On Saturday, you’re invited to the lobby of Providence Mount St. Vincent at 10:30 am. Then on Sunday, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church will offer blessings in the West Seattle High School parking lot next door (3000 California SW) at noon. As The Mount’s announcement put it, it’s simply an occasion “to give thanks for all creatures great and small.” (And that means even the smallest of pets, if someone brings ‘em – check out the guinea pigs in our report on St. John’s event last year.)

Kona the dog, found! ‘That karma will last you a lifetime’

That’s Kona, a Husky/Lab who is home tonight, two weeks after she was reported lost (her photo has been on the WSB Pets page all that time). Kona’s family says an incredible outpouring of help in West Seattle this afternoon brought a joyful conclusion to their dog’s odyssey. Claire writes:

I wish everyone in the world could have been there today to see the amazing kindness of every person and dog in Westcrest Dog Park today. We got a call about 1:30 that Kona (the black husky lab female who has been missing since 9/12) was spotted in the dog park with an injured leg. We sped there from work and I think every person there, and especially a couple with an amazing Malamute, helped lead us to her in the woods.

She ran out right between my husband and I and he caught her in his arms–she was frantic and running from the voices–but when she realized who it was I think we were all crying. (Well, Kona and I were anyway!) THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for staying with her and making sure she was contained so we could get her home. We took her to the vet and she has a fractured foreleg, and will go into surgery tomorrow, but I don’t know if she could have been caught if she didn’t have the injury to slow her down.

If I could lasso the moon for all of you, I would. She means the world to my husband, 4 year old son, our other dog Ernie, and me. “Thank you” doesn’t begin to express the depth of my gratitude. Blessings on each of you, and that karma will last you a lifetime.

West Seattle See Dogs celebrate Guide Dog Month

Got room in your heart and home for a puppy who will grow up to do great things – namely, serving as a Guide Dog? If so, you need to meet West Seattle See Dogs – one of the guide-puppy-raising group that was on hand at Petco in The Junction today in honor of National Guide Dog Month. From left, above, Ruth Oldham, McKenna Kormanik with Guiness the puppy, and Heather Gilbert. Here’s a closer look at Guiness:

You can catch up with West Seattle See Dogs on Facebook.

Happening now: Dog-swimming fundraiser in Arbor Heights

After the first mostly gray day in some time, the sun came out just in time for the first day of the “Dog Days of Summer” fundraiser at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club – as explained here last week, the AH pool is closed to people for the year, so they’re opening it to dogs only, for a special session daily through Saturday, as a fundraiser for the water-polo team. Tonight’s session is on till 7; we were there in the early going, and a half-dozen or so dogs already were having a blast dogpaddling and ball-chasing around the pool.

AHSTC is at 11003 31st SW; tomorrow’s session also runs 5-7 pm.

Friday afternoon cute-pet break: CityDog’s West Seattle winner

(CityDog photo by Tabitha Headrick, used with permission)
Before we get to the next wave of serious news … a quick break for a cute pet photo. West Seattle-headquartered CityDog Magazine has just announced Matisse as the winner of the West Seattle round of its Cover Dog Model Search, which involved afternoon photo sessions at West Seattle Thriftway three weeks ago. You can see all the West Seattle contenders on the CityDog site – the photo viewer starts with Matisse, and you can click on to the others. Didn’t get to enter your dog? CityDog still has three more “model search” events, plus an online contest, and in the end, eight dogs (including Matisse) will go before CityDog readers for the final cover-choice vote.

Dog days of summer: Arbor Heights opens pool to pooches

(Photo courtesy Cori Roed)
Since our late-arriving summer shows no sign of letting up – people with dogs will want to know about this: Cori sends word that the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) is opening its pool for the second annual water-polo team fundraiser “Dog Days at the Arb.” 5-7 pm next Monday-Friday (Sept. 12-16) and noon-2 pm next Saturday (Sept. 17), you are welcome to bring your dog for a swim. No people in the pool – this comes after it’s been closed for the year – just dogs (but owners have to be there to keep an eye on them). Suggested donation $10/dog; money raised goes to buying new caps for the AH water-polo team. There are other caveats, too – all listed on the official flyer.

West Seattle coyotes: A warning, a sighting, and reminders

Haven’t received many sighting reports lately, but that doesn’t mean coyotes aren’t out there. It may actually mean people are doing a better job of encouraging them to keep their distance, by not leaving out food, or trying to spook them when spotted. Outdoor pets remain at risk, as evidenced by a sad (and slightly graphic) note just received from Clay, one of two reports ahead: Click to read the rest of West Seattle coyotes: A warning, a sighting, and reminders…

Happening now: CityDog in West Seattle, seeking a cover dog!

West Seattle-headquartered CityDog Magazine is back at WS Thriftway right now for the annual “Cover Dog Search” photo shoot ($10, benefits Doney Memorial Clinic), and would-be cover dogs are lined up for their chance at stardom. This is one of several shoots citywide; at least two past winners have come from West Seattle (starting with Cohen). The photo shoot is scheduled to continue till 2 pm (SE corner of California/Fauntleroy) – but if you miss it, they’re taking online entries this year, too. (Note in our photo, the Humane Society’s big bright-yellow MAXMobile is in the background – there for an adoption event.)

Pets & people, right now: Furry Faces @ WS Nursery; Lien’s 60th

At West Seattle Nursery, the Dog Days of Summer started with Furry Faces Foundation‘s Teri Ensley and King County’s Rebecca Cleveland-Diel tapping a donated keg of Manny’s. Till 4 pm, it’s a beerfest, with hot dogs, but it’s also a pet-adoption-fest:

That’s volunteer Kory with two dogs hoping their new forever homes might be found today – the little white one he’s holding is a “special needs” pet, with eye trouble. Or if you’re looking to add a kitty to the family, here’s one in classic nonchalant cat mode:

West Seattle Nursery is having a sale, too. Meantime, your dog (leashed) and/or cat (carrier) are welcome to join you at Lien Animal Clinic till 2 pm, for the 60th anniversary open house – we found a few visitors there this morning:

And of course, there’s anniversary cake!

Lien is on SW Alaska between 37th and 38th, in The Triangle.

West Seattle wildlife: Two reader alerts for pet owners

First, from LT:

We’ve been hearing some very persistent howls of what I believe are coyotes. We’re at 46th Ave SW and Erskine, and it’s quite loud. Just might be a good time to remind pet owners to keep animals indoors and just keep an eye out.

And from Dave:

Another reminder to be careful about your outdoor pets.

I live on the 3700 block of SW Webster Street, and sometime (Sunday) night a raccoon or coyote killed our next-door neighbor’s cat and left the remains in our backyard. It was a horrifying way to find out that your pet had been killed.

I’m sure our proximity to the Orchard Ravine green belt makes us more likely to see this sort of activity, and raccoons are always around. We haven’t seen a coyote around here, but it was something of size, because the scene was macabre.

West Seattle 4th of July: Pet reminder – keep ‘em inside

Reminder before night gets closer … pet experts say keeping your cats and dogs inside tonight is the humane thing to do – fireworks are not only a direct danger, the noise also scares them to the point where they might run out of home territory. Already today, after a night with hours of illegal fireworks, we’ve added five new lost/found pet listings to the WSB Pets page. It’s here if you need it, but better yet, just don’t run the risk.