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Another dog park for West Seattle? Here’s who’s actually working on it
February 9, 2022 11:33 am
|      80 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The two dogs who share Rachael Morris‘s life, Duggie and Tilly, aren’t into dog parks.

However, Morris is working to get West Seattle a second one for the thousands of peninsula dogs who are.

Right now, the only official off-leash area in West Seattle is at Westcrest Park [map]. Dog owners have long complained that another one is needed, not just for space but for geography, since Westcrest is toward the southeast edge of West Seattle. Now, an organized effort is under way toward making it happen.

Morris leads what’s become the West Seattle Dog Park Coalition (WSDPC). She tells WSB the effort began last spring but really picked up steam when the citywide Citizens for Off-Leash Areas helped connect her with other West Seattleites pursuing the idea. So now they’re working with both COLA and Seattle Parks and Recreation. WSDPC has even come up with a list of five potential sites that it’s submitting to the city for review.

Without much official dog-park space, she says, people are using various spaces as unofficial dog parks, and that creates a “public-safety issue” for both dogs and people. So WSDPC is seeking to be part of the solution rather than perpetuating the problem. The lack of an off-leash area in north West Seattle was even officially recognized almost six years ago, in a city report on the state and future of dog parks citywide (here’s our 2016 report).

There’ll be a lot of hurdles to clear, Morris says – just to get sites reviewed could take a year, and Morris says they are well aware they’ll face opposition from people no matter which site (if any) is identified as feasible, so that’s why they’re going public now, to marshal support from dog owners who like the idea. WSDPC members extensively reviewed possible sites all around the peninsula and are submitting five for potential consideration: Areas at the West Seattle Golf Course (a corner currently primarily used for “seed deliveries,” Morris says), Hamilton Viewpoint, Lincoln Park, Duwamish Head (the inland open space), and Jack Block Park (which is owned by the Port of Seattle rather than the city). The latter site could even include some of the shoreline, which Morris says is appealing because the city only has two offleash beaches.

There’s a long list of criteria that ruled out the many other sites they reviewed. And Morris says the process from here is extensive – if the city does give them a green light to pursue a certain site, much public outreach and comment would follow. (The full city process is explained here.) She stresses that her group “wants to go through all the channels” to try to reach the goal, and they’re going public now at a very early stage. If you’re interested in getting involved, you can email westseattledpc@gmail.com. The group doesn’t have a website yet but is on major social-media channels.

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BIZNOTE: New mural reveals business move in Admiral
January 28, 2022 10:57 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

We’ve had several recent questions about work at the former Muttley Crew space on 42nd SW just north of SW Admiral Way. Finally an answer arrived via this photo – thanks to Melissa for sending it with word that West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen is painting it! We went over to try to get info in person but were unsuccessful; today we got email confirmation that it’ll be the new home of DogCity. The business is currently in The Triangle but has to move because its site is part of the upcoming 2-building Sweeney Blocks project (which just finished going through Design Review in November). The photo shows the east side of the building; DogCity says Hansen will be painting the north side too.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: King County Water Taxi’s new pet policy unleashed
January 12, 2022 2:42 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Pets | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

No, the dogs aren’t unleashed, just the policy. A few canine companions of Metro employees joined King County Executive Dow Constantine at a brief Seacrest event this morning to spotlight the new policy allowing dogs (leashed) and cats (in carriers) aboard the King County Water Taxi. We mentioned the policy change on Tuesday. What about other pets? readers wondered, so we asked. Maybe down the road, Metro says. We also asked whether this really entailed more than just saying hey, guess what, you can bring your dog or cat aboard. Answer: Yes – it required U.S. Coast Guard approval, because of capacity limits. You can read the full KCWT pet policy (just one page long) here.

Side note – independent of the new policy, one dog had a backstory:

Jim is holding KC Metro, adopted after being found, abandoned, on board a Metro Route 36 bus.

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WATER TAXI: Want to take your dog or cat on board? Finally you can
January 11, 2022 11:44 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Pets | West Seattle news

While dogs and cats are allowed on Metro buses, they haven’t been allowed on the King County Water Taxi – until now. Metro has just announced the policy change to allow pets on board both the West Seattle and Vashon Island routes. The announcement says, “The new policy allowing cats (in carriers) and dogs (on a leash or in a carrier) is the result of the Water Taxi staff listening and responding to the needs of riders. A growing number of riders use the Water Taxi as an alternative to driving, but for some it only works if they can bring their pet for the trip.” King County Executive Dow Constantine plans to formally announce the change during a media event at Seacrest tomorrow.

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BIZNOTE: Addy’s Pet Shop opens this week in Highland Park
December 12, 2021 8:26 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Four months after we first reported that Addy’s Pet Shop was on the way to 11th/Henderson, it’s about to open. We stopped by as proprietor David Leischner worked to get everything set up this weekend.

When we spoke with him in August, he had hoped to open the shop in October, but as often happens with new businesses, things took longer than planned, including dealing with the city (if only there was a checklist for new businesses, he laments). But now everything is just about ready to go, and the shop will open Tuesday (December 14th), not too late to get in some holiday shopping (that’s an Advent calendar for dogs he’s holding in our photo above). And Addy’s is stocked with a wide variety of food – chilled/frozen, too.

Mostly for dogs and cats, although Leischner added some chicken feed at a friend’s request. Lots of non-edible merchandise, too, from dog jackets to cat towers:

Getting the store set up has involved a lot more than stocking it – heating, lighting, flooring – and then there are the routines to get used to – like answering the phone with the business name rather than “hello”!

Addy’s (named for the family pup) is just blocks from Westcrest Park, home to West Seattle’s only off-leash park, so he’s had lots of visitors peering in – “nonstop dogs,” in particular – and has been heartened to see “the neighborhood cheering me on.” Addy’s Pet Shop will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 am-7 pm, starting this week. (Online shopping will be available soon too – the shop’s website isn’t live yet.)

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YOU CAN HELP: Poogooder grows as 2nd year begins
November 30, 2021 4:57 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news

While we mentioned Giving Tuesday in our daily preview list, we otherwise haven’t emphasized it since we try to provide opportunities for EVERY day to be Giving Day. But we do have a request for help from one community-based campaign – Poogooder, described by founder Lori Kothe as an “audacious idea to launch a community dog poo bin program to help end wayward dog poo for a happier, healthier community and planet”:

In our first year, Poogooder has grown to nearly 100 active dog poo bins in West Seattle stewarded like Little Free Libraries, with a growing steward waitlist (currently almost 50!). Poogooder has become an amazing phenomenon as we collectively work to reframe dog poo from problem to opportunity for good, but it takes a village. To-date, Poogooder has been funded personally by me plus many small donations, mostly through GoFundMe and Venmo.

People can “say thanks” via the Venmo QR code on the bin lids (Venmo @Poogooder), but we need a funding boost now to fulfill the waitlist and keep Poogooder going. Consider giving to Poogooder this #GivingTuesday to help meet our campaign goal by the end of the year, regularly donating via Venmo, and giving in other ways listed at Poogooder.com. Poogooder is not currently a registered non-profit so donations are not tax deductible, but all donations go directly to support the program, as it is currently 100% donation and volunteer driven. We’re exploring additional funding models such as grants and partnerships, and welcome ideas from anyone interested in helping Poogooder sustain and scale.

Beyond monetary donations, people can do some good today and every day by doing these three things:

1. Always pick up after your dogs and carry the bagged dog poo with you.
2. Never put dog poo in private garbage cans without explicit consent.
3. Remember to tie the bag and treat Poogooder bins and public garbage cans with care (dog poo NEVER goes in recycling, food & yard waste, or personal compost bins).

Poogooder is a community project where neighbors offer to maintain the bins and transfer the contents to their personal garbage for free, not a paid service, so please show stewards you care by not overflowing the bins, being sure your bag goes entirely in, and closing the lid to keep the rain out. If a bin is full, walk your bag home or check the active bin map at poogooder.com/active-bin-map for a nearby bin. We also need volunteers to help with the program and to sign up to be “bin buddies” to support stewards as needed. Join the movement and learn more at Poogooder.com.

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READER REPORT: Dog attack on Harbor Avenue
November 24, 2021 8:23 pm
|      48 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

Jim sent this report, as an alert to other dog owners:

(Tuesday) at about 2 pm, I was walking our 12-year-old Brittany “Copper” on his leash on our daily walk on Harbor Ave when Copper was attacked by a white pit-bull dog which was dragging its leash and not under control of its owner.

As we passed the Marination patio and walked north on the path a man was standing there and a dog was coming from the bushes. It approached Copper and then almost immediately attacked him, pinning him to the ground and holding him down with his mouth. It took both myself and the man to get the dog off and away from Copper.

I took Copper to South Seattle Veterinary Hospital immediately and he was taken in for surgery. Copper has multiple deep puncture wounds and we are glad that he is alive. The clinic and its doctors and employees deserve our thanks.

I am filing reports with Animal Control and the Seattle Police Department. I want this information to be out there for all to see. This dog attacked Copper without provocation. This dog was not being controlled. The owner was not remorseful. He left the scene telling me that this was the fault of my dog having “bad energy.”

I see so many West Seattle dog owners walking their dogs along the water all day every day. They need to know to be careful and always aware that this can happen to them. Copper has never been in a dog fight, much less provoked an attack, and he did not deserve to suffer this fate. If you are the owner of this dog, you should be very ashamed and you should take responsibility for your dog’s actions.

The Seattle Animal Shelter case number is C06730536; you can contact Animal Control with any info at 206-386-7387.

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2 ways to show your holiday spirit for residents at The Kenney: Videos, pet parade
November 24, 2021 12:36 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | Pets | The Kenney | West Seattle news

The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) has two invitations for you if you’re interested in sharing your holiday spirit with their residents (and others). First, something you can do at home:

Feeling the holiday spirit? Looking for a unique and creative service project for your kiddos or group organization? Help us #BringTheJoy to The Kenney residents this holiday season by sending in a video! Whether it’s of you and your family singing Christmas carols, your school orchestra playing a song or just wishing them a Merry Christmas, or reciting poetry, we want to hear from you!

For more information and to submit your video, please visit heritage1886.org/joy-video!

The Kenney is a part of the Heritage Ministries family of retirement communities, so not only do our local residents see your video, but also at our properties back east. It’s a great way to make the season shine for many others! Join us!

They’ll be accepting videos through mid-December. In the nearer term, how about a pup parade this Sunday? Here’s that announcement:

The Kenney announces its first-ever “Holly-paws Dog Parade”! Walk off your holiday meal, give your pup some exercise and bring some joy to our residents! Dog moms and dads are invited to come brighten the day of our elders and walk their well-behaved dogs around the block of The Kenney. Holiday attire for all is encouraged! Residents will be gathered in two areas to watch.

Sunday, November 28 – 1:30-2:00 PM
-Meet on the corner of Othello and Fauntleroy, to proceed north on Fauntleroy at 1:30 PM.
-Feel free to dress your dog up in costume or holiday attire!
-Each pooch will receive a goodie bag of homemade dog-biscuits made by our residents.
-People-masking and physical distancing is highly recommended/strongly encouraged for the safety and enjoyment of all.
-If your dog is social and enjoys exuberantly greeting people, please exercise great caution with our residents.

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FOLLOWUP: Miss Starla finds a new home – in West Seattle!
November 4, 2021 10:33 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

That’s Miss Starla the guinea pig. You might recall our story last month on the Seattle Animal Shelter reporting that she was the last pet still in need of a new home one year after she and hundreds of other animals were rescued from a house in Delridge. SAS told us she had been adopted by a West Seattle family – and we heard from them today.

Kaj and Janet – with rescue pup Niko – are Miss Starla’s new family. Kaj says they read about her here on WSB and got their application in fast to beat the rush. “We brought her home this weekend, and she’s been quickly adapting to her new environment, showing off her personality.”

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FOLLOWUP: Changes for Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area users as drainage project begins
November 3, 2021 6:09 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Changes for Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area users as drainage project begins
 |   Highland Park | Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Three weeks later than originally announced, the drainage project at Westcrest Park has begun. We had been checking on it after reader reports that the work wasn’t happening, even though the city had announced it would begin in mid-October. Today a reader texted that the main off-leash area is closed and the temporary OLA is open. The work is expected to continue until spring of next year.

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BIZNOTE: Delridge Grocery Co-op plans pet-treats pop-up Saturday, annual meeting next month
October 27, 2021 10:21 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Two news bites from the Delridge Grocery Co-op (5444 Delridge Way SW):

DGC Annual Meeting on November 13, Special Dog Treat Pop-up on October 30

The Delridge Grocery Co-op annual meeting is going virtual again this year — taking place on Saturday, November 13 at 3 pm. Please consider spending some time with us that Saturday as we’ve got a lot of news to share about our volunteer-run, community-focused co-op. It’s open to everyone in our community — from owner-members who have paid their ownership share to West Seattle neighbors near and far.

We’ll be looking back on the last year, when we began to be open for limited market hours on weekends while continuing to offer our weekly Essentials produce box. We’ll also provide updates on some of our food access initiatives, including working with the West Seattle Food Bank on a new voucher program, our continuing partnership with Fresh Bucks Seattle, and our gifted produce box program (funded through kind donations from our community).

Turning our eyes to the next year, we’ll talk about the challenges and opportunities we have with opening the store more fully — from more volunteer staffing to funding for more equipment like refrigerators.

DGC owner-members who have paid a full $100 ownership share can also vote on up to three Board of Director positions.

Reserve your spot for the DGC’s annual meeting on Zoom by signing up on our Signup Genius page.

We’re also excited to start a series of pop-up events at our store, where we’ll be highlighting a variety of local producers and focusing on women- and BIPOC-owned businesses. Our first pop-up will bring Puddles Barkery to the DGC on Saturday, October 30, from 9:30–1:30. Head chef and owner Kari Kalway and her pup Kora will be showcasing her handmade, natural dog treats, including biscuit treats, pupcakes, and creamy doggy cannolis!

You can reserve your Puddles Barkery order to pick up next weekend (Oct. 30-31), or place an order for an Essentials produce box delivery and the dog treats will be included.

Questions? info@delridgegrocery.coop

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One last rescued pet from Delridge raid, still seeking a home, one year later.
October 20, 2021 11:12 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Pets | West Seattle news

One year after the Seattle Animal Shelter seized more than 200 pets from a house in Delridge, one last rescuee is still seeking a home. We heard from SAS this morning calling our attention to their search for someone who will adopt Miss Starla the guinea pig:

SAS says that of the seized animals, “175 were transferred to other shelters (and) SAS managed adoptions for 59 pets, including five chickens, eight rabbits, 40 guinea pigs, two chinchillas, and one dog.” SAS has details about Miss Starla here (and of course has many other pets you can adopt, too).

P.S. After SAS’s note about Miss Starla, we looked up the status of the criminal case against Matthew Hazelbrook, charged with 17 counts of animal cruelty in the case. Court records show his trial is set to start November 29th.

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Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club’s Dog Days return
October 15, 2021 11:47 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Arbor Heights | Pets | West Seattle news

(2017 photo by Jamie Kinney)

A post-summer tradition is back – before draining and cleaning its pool for the off-season, Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club is opening it to dogs. Here’s the announcement we just received from a club member:

Monday 10/18 through Friday 10/22, 4:30-6 pm
Saturday 10/23, 11 am-1 pm

Per day per dog $5, or $20 per dog for a full week pass – CASH ONLY

Dogs only in the pool – no people
No lifeguard on duty
Owners must remain at the club and in control of their dogs
Dogs must be healthy, up to date on shots, and well socialized to people and other dogs
Come prepared to pick up your dog’s poop!

The club is at 11003 31st SW.

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IN THE DOG HOUSE: Student-made shelter for your pup, for sale
October 15, 2021 9:04 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We often announce school-related fundraisers, but this one is the first of its kind – student-crafted dog houses for sale! The photos are from Chief Sealth International High School career/technical education teacher Mario Martinez, who sent photos of some of the dog houses made by woodshop students.

The teacher explains, “The prices range from $75 to $150. The money raised is used to buy more materials for the woodshop.” If you’re interested, email mmmartinez@seattleschools.org.

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FOLLOWUP: Long-planned Westcrest Park work starting soon, city says
October 6, 2021 7:15 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Another long-planned Seattle Parks project is about to get started. Here’s the announcement we received late today:

Seattle Parks and Recreation awarded the construction contract for the Westcrest Park Off-leash Area Drainage Improvements project to OMA Construction Inc. The contractor will mobilize and set up construction fencing the week of October 18.

The main off-leash area and the north parking lot will be fully closed during construction. In response to community input in 2019, SPR will construct a temporary off-leash area to the north of the existing site and west of the small/shy dog area in a space that is currently lawn. It will be set up prior to closure of the existing off-leash area for public use. The existing shy/small dog area will remain open. People interested in accessing the temporary off-leash area can access it through the south parking lot.

We anticipate reopening the parking lot and improved off-leash area in spring 2022. After construction, the contractor will restore the temporary OLA back to lawn.

Over the past few years, the maintenance project has grown from a simple drainage improvement project to a $505,000 project that will address drainage, access, and erosion. Funding is provided by the Seattle Park District Major Maintenance and Asset Management Fund. For more information, please visit seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/westcrest-park-drainage-improvements. If you have questions about the project please contact the project manager, Janice Liang at Janice.Liang@seattle.gov.

While not mentioned in the announcement or on the project page, the city told us back in May that the closed play structure would be replaced as part of this project.

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READER REPORT: Cats apparently abandoned, quickly rescued
August 22, 2021 8:33 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

Just out of the WSB inbox, from Sharon:

These are the cats I found this afternoon on the corner of 35th Ave SW and SW Fauntleroy Ave. Pretty obvious they were abandoned, but there’s a happy ending to the story.

While I was contacting Animal Control, one of my neighbors and her son happened by. They went home to get some cat food and water, as the cats were panting and looked dehydrated. Animal Control asked us to bring them to the shelter. My neighbors offered to make the (at least) 45 min drive through the detour to drop them off. Just as we got off the phone, another neighbor couple drove by, saw the cats in the box and stopped. They asked about the kitties and said they’d been wanting to get a cat! Animal control said to bring the cats in anyway so they could be spayed/neutered and vaxxed. In 3 days our neighbor couple can request these kitties and they’ll have a new family!

So, if you dropped off these cats, don‘t worry, they already have found a forever home!

I love that this story shows both how awesome our West Seattle neighbors are and that sometimes things just all work out to make the world better in a small way. I think we all could use a little more of that these days.

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Lost dog = found. Owner now seeking people who helped
August 17, 2021 9:39 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

9:39 AM: Keeping the West Seattle lost/found Pets page since 2008, we’ve heard a lot of stories about how pets get reunited with people. This time we’ve heard from a person whose pet is already found – and now she’s looking for the people who helped. From CeiCei:

I’m trying to find and thank the Good Samaritans that helped out Sunday and walked my dog (Franklin) back to my house. Someone else found him by Madison Middle School, and passed him off to a couple that was jogging in the area.

My friend was watching my dog while I was OOT and I had no cell reception. Somehow the latch on the fence wasn’t fully latched and Franklin managed to paw the fence door open and get out of the yard yesterday. Someone found him, tried calling me, but wasn’t able to get a hold of me.

Picture belowm, when my friend found him tied up at home:

Let us know if you were among Franklin’s rescuers and we’ll connect you with CeiCei,

10:09 AM: Just heard from the folks who brought Franklin to his home!

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BIZNOTE: Addy’s Pet Shop on the way to Highland Park
August 13, 2021 1:03 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | Pets | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Thanks for the tips! After reader questions about the future of the bright-green building at 11th/Henderson, we made contact with its owners, who bought the property late last year, and found out about their plan:

Addy’s Pet Shop is on the way this fall. David Leischner and wife Cortney are the building’s owners, and he’s busy remodeling:

He explains that they live in Highland Park “and we would drive by the building every day. During the start of the pandemic, I was helping out a friend at his pet store in Wallingford, Wally’s Pets, which is where the idea of opening our own shop began. We would walk our dog, Addy, past this building frequently to Westcrest dog park. We feel fortunate in our decision when you consider the location of the building to the dog park and the great neighborhood we live in.”

So far they’re on schedule to open Addy’s Pet Shop on October 1st. Hours will be 10 am-7 pm Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays. They’ll specialize in dog and cat supplies – food, treats, toys, carriers, leashes, collars (no fish or reptile supplies).

P.S. This is not the family’s only new venture – their second child is due soon, too!

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FOLLOWUP: New home for Hedda Gobbler, the latest West Seattle turkey
July 31, 2021 11:09 am
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

We can finally say conclusively that the turkey recently seen in West Seattle is NOT the turkey that spent a year wandering the peninsula. That’s been confirmed by both this turkey’s adoptive family and the person who built an enclosure for her in their yard. They sent photos, including the one above, and this report:

Hedda Gobbler is no longer wandering the street. She has found a safe home away from cars and dogs. For all those who wanted to believe she was a wild turkey, you were wrong. Hedda is a domestic bird not able to keep herself safe because she is a bit of a bird brain. She is very content and enjoying the good life in a forever home where Thanksgiving dinner will never be turkey again.

Hedda’s favorite food is cantaloupe.

– Hedda’s Forever Family

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REMINDER: If you find or lose a pet in West Seattle, we have a page for that
July 4, 2021 6:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

With fireworks-frightened pets on the run, the Fourth of July is usually a busy night for the WSB Lost/Found Pets page (now in its 14th year). So we’re publishing this quick reminder – if you lose or find a pet, please send info about it to us, including your contact # and a photo if available (description if not). westseattleblog@gmail.com, or text 206-293-6302. The listings are at westseattleblog.com/pets. Wishing a safe night for all!

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VIDEO: West Seattle woman gets a birthday paw-rade
July 1, 2021 11:41 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news

Imagine having a friend who would do anything for you.

Rachel clearly has that in Heather, who came up with a plan for a parade – starring Golden Retrievers! Rachel loves them. So Heather decided to recruit some – and their people – to parade past Rachel’s home on Alki tonight. She put out the call on social media, and we counted at least 18 who answered that call.

As you can see in our video atop the story, the dogs had a tail-wagging time too.

(Thanks for the tip on this!)

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Walking your dog in Fauntleroy Park? 2 students’ message for you
May 23, 2021 6:24 pm
|      32 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | Pets | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

If you had passed that family on the trail in Fauntleroy Park on Saturday, you might have assumed they were just out for a family walk. Except for the clipboards carried by daughters Estela and Vivian as they walked with dad Eddie and mom Carina…

… and these flags they placed at 10 spots along the trail.

Estela and Vivian, 4th- and 1st-graders at Arbor Heights Elementary, are in their third month of a volunteer project in conjunction with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council. They’re gone out every month to survey the trail – through the watershed of salmon-bearing Fauntleroy Creek – for what visiting dogs left behind. We went along on Saturday afternoon for this month’s survey. Every place they found something, they marked with a flag.

The 10 flags they placed this time were fewer than their first two times (17 and 14). The flags are intended to both warn – one side says “Watch your step!” – and educate. They’re rain-resistant and made from paper, says creek steward Judy Pickens, and are removed two weeks after placement. Pickens’ community-connection work is what got Estela and Vivian involved – their family went to a fall “drumming to call the salmon home” event at her house and asked what they could do to help. They’re also involved with the Salmon in the Schools program at Arbor Heights Elementary, and might present their findings at school as well as to the Watershed Council, which has been tracking this problem since 2004.

So what do they hope to accomplish? Estela says it’s simple – convincing dog owners to pick up after their pets. “We don’t want it to get into the creek … we hope this helps the salmon. And we hope people understand there are things they can do” such as gentle reminders to other parkgoers. The sisters will be doing their part to help – and making a map and list of their findings – through August.

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West Seattle’s Poogooder invites you to join ‘Zero Poo Challenge’
May 21, 2021 12:01 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Neighborhoods | Pets | West Seattle news

Back in September, we told you about Poogooder, founded by West Seattleite Lori Kothe as a way to tackle the problem so many complain about … dog waste fouling sidewalks, planting strips, etc., and sparking un-neighborly spats. Lori says nearly 80 Poogooder disposal bins – each with its own volunteer steward – are now up in local neighborhoods. But that’s just a start toward ending the problem, so Lori’s announced the Zero Poo Challenge, and you have two ways to be part of it:

The Poogooder Zero Poo Challenge is a free, crowd-sourced education initiative to raise awareness of the social and environmental impacts of wayward dog poo and the small steps we can take to foster a happier, healthier community and planet. It involves 2 main activities open to the public: an all-ages PSA Art & Video Contest and a Wayward Poo Hunt. Participants can win prizes, fame, goodies from local businesses, and even trophies! Deadline to submit or vote for family-friendly PSA creations is June 12. The Wayward Poo Hunt citizen-science research project runs May 23 – June 12 and coincides with PAWSWalk. Poo Hunters will use the Pooper Snooper mobile app to “win” by finding real secret treasure tins hidden throughout West Seattle.

If you are a local business, educator, organization, or individual who would like to be involved in some way and/or donate to the prize packs, please submit a contact form at Poogooder.com. Let’s have fun, get the facts, and inspire change to do some good today. More info, Dog Poo 101 guide, PSA voting gallery, and entry details at zeropoo.com.

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