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

| How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

(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.”

amalia January 10, 2012 (10:25 am)

Are used (clean) beds, leashes, and toys acceptable?

Jessica January 10, 2012 (10:35 am)

Also, are used clothes (in good shape) acceptable? (Specifcally the pants/ jeans she requested?)

miws January 10, 2012 (10:45 am)

Thanks for the update, WSB.

Mike

K January 10, 2012 (10:51 am)

Since Kitty Harbor is closed for the winter, do we know when (other than at the adoption event) they’ll be open to accept donations?

Pet Elements January 10, 2012 (11:16 am)

Pet Elements is a year round drop off for Furry Faces. We’ve already had a pick up this morning, with all the more urgent items being picked up. We are storing anything that can be used later, including gently used (but clean) dog/cat items- beds, leashes, toys, etc. Besides food, it sounds like any clean (can be used) towels/bedding would be helpful now.

Treefairies January 10, 2012 (11:34 am)

First, let me say that this was an “ACCIDENT”. Definition of accident “an unplanned and unfortunate event that results in damage, injury, or upset of some kind”. With that cleared up, Teri is the President of an animal welfare group here in West Seattle called Furry Faces. Not only does she work a full time job, but she also runs this non profit group, basically, by herself, with the help of many F Cubers that donate their time to the cause. She has committed her time and efforts to our community for many years, not only to animal welfare issues, but also has supported many communities in their non-profit efforts. She is the first person to “show up” and help when people are in need. This is a tremendous loss to both Teri and our community. The pet supplies that were lost were destined to go to people who desperately need them, and can’t wait until the insurance paperwork gets dealt with. Being that we are in the middle of the winter, and snow is supposedly approaching, we need to make sure that no animals or their persons end up going hungry or cold because of this accident.

miws January 10, 2012 (11:36 am)

Boy, this help is needed because a very generous member of the community has suffered a loss.

It doesn’t matter if Teri has insurance or not. It doesn’t matter how this fire started. What matters is helping Teri out in her time of need.

West Seattle is, for the most part, a caring and generous community. When the need arises, many that are able will help out others who are the victim of some unfortunate incident, even if the victim is unknown to the community.

In this case though, it hurts because this is a person that is a well respected and loved member of the community, for all of the care, compassion, and generosity she has shown over the years. This is simply a community wanting to “payback” Teri in some form, as she is now the one in need.

I wasn’t going to comment, and believe me I am using great restraint to not get nasty with you, and your typical attitude in comments you post, whether as “Boy” or, and I know that I am ASSuming here, but “foyboy” as well. However, when I tried e-mailing WSB that your post suggests blaming the victim, it bounced back.

It’s really nice that you “feel bad” for Teri, but it rings hollow in comparison the rest of your comment.

Mike

WSB January 10, 2012 (11:49 am)

Sorry, that comment never should have gotten through and will be deleted – I’ve been out on another story for a while. Our rules are very adamantly against publishing comments blaming victims, of crimes, fires, whatever. – TR

Sara- AARF January 10, 2012 (11:51 am)

Amalia, used beds are of course accepted! The cats have an amazing enclosed out door space but it will be getting cold at night, so anything we can line crates with would be amazing. Used leashes and tosy are great as well, Teri works to get supplies out to animal owners that could not afford them on their own, anything is helpful!

Alternative donations locations are: Beveridge Place Pub and Muttley Crew Cuts and Pet Elements. If both of those locations don’t work I would be more than happy to pick them up, sarariehl@gmail.com I will however get back to you and see what hours Kitty Harbor will be open to accept donations.

Thank you for everyone who commented above. In the process of writing my own response and struggling with what to say and what not to say, you all respond with the support and words that again would make Teri proud she has such amazing people in her life.

I would also like to follow up and just state for clarification that the appliance that started the fire, had not been used for 5 days, and that it was accidently bumped into and turned on. Not forgotten to be turned off. A true definition of an accident.

JO January 10, 2012 (11:59 am)

Thank you Mike! I love West Seattle, I love our community and how quickly people jump in to help when there is a need. Sometimes people need to remember that accidents happen to ALL of us, no matter how conscientious or careful or responsible we are.
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Teri is amazing and this is clearly one of those times when the circumstances just don’t matter. She needs our help. Her furry family needs our help. We are here! We care! We will do what’s needed.
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If you truly “feel bad”, then get up from your computer and stop at one of the donation locations and make a donation or do something helpful. Teri ABSOLUTELY deserves nothing but her communities unconditional love and support.

Jim P. January 10, 2012 (12:14 pm)

If you could use a working laser printer in very good condition (network capable but desktop sized.) Let me know here and we can get in touch.

Or if you know another worthy charity that could use it. You or they’ll have to come pick it up (West Seattle) as I do not drive.)

miws January 10, 2012 (1:15 pm)

Thanks, TR. No Need to apologize. These things just slip by sometimes.

JO, well said.

Mike

keden January 10, 2012 (1:40 pm)

Just a note, the Kitty Harbor link is incorrect. Their website is http://www.kittyharborseattle.org.

Thanks!

Sue January 10, 2012 (1:41 pm)

Can we send financial donations through the paypal link on the F3 page? I didn’t know if those donations were earmarked for certain funds, or if it can be used for assistance with expenses after the fire too.

amalia January 10, 2012 (1:51 pm)

Teri, do you need household items or furniture? And if so, can they also be dropped off at Pet Elements or Beveridge Place? If not, where can they go (ditto clothes)?

goodgraces January 10, 2012 (2:28 pm)

Yes, I second amalia’s comment with a question of whether Teri needs any household items or furniture. I’d be happy to help with those. Chairs?

BJ White January 10, 2012 (3:09 pm)

I visited Teri this morning and words do not exist to cover the loss.

Being near the house hurts your throat. So if someone can pick up a case (or a few) of bottled water it won’t go to waste.

Also, we know how important the plant sales are to Teri. This probably sounds trivial, but maybe go by, and remove the potted plants outside. take a picture first in case she needs it for insurance purposes.

Yes, you can make donations through the website. I will put a note on there now.

enviromaven January 10, 2012 (3:30 pm)

I’m relieved to see that Boy’s mean-spirited and self-serving comment has been removed. Thanks to all ( Mike, Treefairies, JO, and WSB) for keeping this discussion on track. And thanks also to everyone else for organizing assistance for Teri. This could happen to any of us at any time…

Gina January 10, 2012 (3:55 pm)

I have plenty of room for the outdoor potted plants on my backyard patio (faces west) if a spot is needed to keep them off site.

cameron January 10, 2012 (4:24 pm)

I saw there was a diabetic kitty. Is it diet controlled or insulin dependent? I don’t have insulin anymore but I have other supplies that are still good.

Liberty Bell January 10, 2012 (6:20 pm)

Amaelia, Teri will need new furniture and household goods, but it will be a while. The damage to the house is extensive. It looks like at least the whole first floor and basement will have to be redone.

I visited Teri today and in her usual style, her concern is not for the house or herself, but the animals. She is heart broken over the loss of her beloved Pouncer (as are a lot of us). However, the loss of the donations that Furry faces would use to help other animals is at the top of her concerns.

Teri is very appreciative and overwhelmed by all the care, love and support that are coming her way. While I was there, Ventana Construction showed up to help her secure the house. Just one of many business and people stepping in to help and show she is appreciated.

This why West Seattle is simply the best place to live: People who care about each other (and animals).

Thanks to everyone who is helping!!!!!!!

Michael

WSB January 10, 2012 (6:45 pm)

Here’s the direct link to the donations page mentioned about on the Furry Faces website, where PayPal can be used to make donations to Teri’s emergency-relief fund. (Note that you do NOT need to have a PayPal account to use it – credit cards are processed by PP – I mention that only because we use PP for WSB sponsor payments and sometimes have to reassure people about that!):
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http://www.furryfaces.org/donations.
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I am adding to the main story too.

PamEvelyn January 10, 2012 (8:52 pm)

I cannot believe that I am just now learning about this tragedy! I am so choked up by this I can hardly type! This woman is a gem in our society and we need to help her in any ways we can. Please keep us posted as to what she needs…I have housewares, etc… that I would love to pass on to her. West Seattle Blog U R the best for keeping us informed!

mehud7 January 11, 2012 (6:54 am)

Could someone who is in contact with Teri, or in the know about her cats let us know if any of them are missing? There are two apparently stray cats several blocks from Teri’s house.
(206) 719-4864

munchkin22 January 11, 2012 (8:43 am)

mehud7: Last night I left her a voice mail about the strays mentioned in the forum.

munchkin22 January 11, 2012 (9:25 am)

Just talked to Teri. The cats in question are not hers. She appreciates the help though.

Ash January 11, 2012 (10:31 am)

I don’t cry at much, but this got me choked up, both the tragedy and the amazing response to it. I found my darling Pomeranian, Teddy Bear, at one of her adoption events last summer, and have bought many plants in the past. You can bet I’ll be going through some of Teddy’s things and what I can pick up to donate, so he and I can give back to her that brought us together!