West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
Earlier today, we mentioned the happy ending to the search for a West Seattle yellow Labrador Retriever named Toby. Tonight, the story of another West Seattle yellow Lab – which is about to come to a different kind of ending. We heard from Jayson DeMers, who has a website called Cory’s Story at corysstory.com. He explains that Cory is “a 13.5 year-old yellow Labrador Retriever with an amazing story – he conquered canine epilepsy, and his story serves as an example for how all dogs can live happier, healthier lives. … Unfortunately, he is old and at the end of his life. After a heartwrenching family meeting last night, we have decided that the time has come to put Cory down. It will take place tomorrow at 3 pm.” Jayson asked if we could share the word, “so that as many people can pray for him as possible while he transitions into the next life.” Jayson’s website isn’t the only place Cory’s Story is being told – he says his mom Sandra DeMers, also a West Seattleite, has written a book about it that is weeks away from publication. Jayson says that his mom “spent years of her life figuring out exactly how to not only cure epilepsy in Cory, but help him live to be 13.5 years old (far beyond the expected age range for a yellow lab, especially one with epilepsy).” He concludes, “I hope other West Seattleites find Cory’s Story touching and learn from it so that their dogs can live longer, happier, healthier lives.”
Two bits of four-footed news: First, you might have seen signs – or searchers – 
looking for Toby the yellow Lab. He’s been on the WSB Pets page for the past several days, too, and a topic of discussion in the WSB Forums. This morning, we got word he’s been found. Grace, who recently adopted Toby, sends a big thank-you to everybody who helped look, saying they got lots of calls from WSB readers. We also just got word of another happy reunion, this one from a post to the Pets page early today. Hope you never need to use the Pets page, but if you find or lose a pet, it’s been there as a West Seattle-specific resource for almost three years now (e-mail lost/found pet reports, with photos if you have them, to editor@westseattleblog.com).
Also in the canine realm:
That photo’s used with permission from Byron , who posted it on his blog-format site for Textura Design, a creative agency in West Seattle. He photographed the coyote this morning near his Schmitz Park-area home and says he’s seen this one before. (If you haven’t read the advice for coexisting with coyotes, here’s the link we always share; our archived coverage of West Seattle coyote reports, including other photos, is here.)
Dogs and owners are lining up in the shade outside West Seattle Thriftway as the photo shoots continue for CityDog Magazine‘s third annual Cover Dog Search, which visits a few locations around the region before coming up with a lineup of finalists you can vote on. The past two years, the winning Cover Dog has been from West Seattle – first Cohen, then Murphy. (High Point’s renowned Italian greyhound Sophia has been on CDM too.) We’re told they’ll be there today till about 3 pm – bring pet food for a donation drive on behalf of West Seattle Food Bank (which collects and distributes pet food as well as people food)!
As of 5 pm, it’s 91 degrees at nearby Boeing Field, and the newest forecast still predicts 90s for the next two days. That’s led to a request that we share a reminder about pets – not just the oft-heard one about “don’t leave them in cars” (the Humane Society just reissued that one – read it here) – but also this one from the owner of one of the many missing, and missed, animals on the WSB Pets page:
Could you please post something … asking for people to look for lost animals in their garages and sheds? In this weather it could be fatal to the missing pets. … Still looking for mine. I hope I find her soon!
If she’s not the original West Seattle pet walker/day-care provider, she’s gotta be close. But now, “Lady Di, Pet Chaperone” is looking for a successor, somebody to take over her business. (She’s been a WSB sponsor for a while, but we’ve been familiar with her work for years longer — “Lady Di” took care of our cats during more than a few vacations we took pre-WSB.) She’s dealing with some health challenges, and, after 15 years, is ready to sell the business to the right person. Read on for more:Read More
Breaking news if there’s a photogenic pooch in your household: Brandie Ahlgren, the West Seattleite who runs CityDog Magazine, says this year’s Cover Dog Search is under way and the West Seattle date is now set – August 15 starting at noon at West Seattle Thriftway. $10 entry fee benefits the Doney Memorial Animal Clinic, and they’ll collect pet-food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. Full details here. West Seattle dogs have won the past two years – Cohen and Murphy.
That’s Melanie Wells, proprietor of Pet Elements (6701 California SW) in Morgan Junction, who invites you to come on over and celebrate with hot dogs and birthday cake – her store is marking its 5th anniversary. And to celebrate, they’re encouraging you to reach out and help if you can – if you’re interested in adopting a cat or kitten, visit Kitty Harbor (on Harbor Ave. just north of The Bridge) today or tomorrow; if you adopt one, you’ll get a special adoption flyer to bring to Pet Elements for a free trial bag of cat food, plus a 10 percent discount on anything you buy for your new friend – if you spend $30 or more, you get another $5 off the bill. West Seattle-based Furry Faces Foundation often partners with Pet Elements and has info at the store about its two community programs, “It’s Hip to be Snipped” and “Oliver’s Fund.” Pet Elements is open till 6 tonight.
From Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting: At left, that’s animal-control officer Brandi Homeier from Seattle Animal Shelter, invited to discuss concerns about offleash dogs on the beach. Instead of a prepared presentation, she opted for Q&A. Homeier reminded those in attendance that dogs aren’t supposed to be on Alki Beach, whether on or off leashes. Offenders, she said, are cited immediately – no “first warning.” So what if you see a dog on the beach? she was asked. Answer: Don’t confront the owner – call the SAS. Or even 911 in an emergency if you can’t reach SAS; animal-control officers respond to all calls, she said, but emergencies take priority – such as injured animals, or reports of dogs left in hot cars. And, she explained, there are relatively few officers available citywide – 7 days a week, somebody’s on duty, but there’s a lot of territory to cover. Also at Thursday’s meeting, the ACC got a crime update from Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James – read on for his toplines:Read More
As the “second day of summer” begins – here’s the latest forecast – we have two you-don’t-see-THAT-every-day photos to share, both taken along Alki on Tuesday. The first is from Eilene Hutchinson, who explains:
We were out enjoying the sunshine with a walk along the Alki Promenade when we met Jason Aman and his 3-year-old albino Burmese Python, “Albi.” Albi drew quite a crowd of onlookers who had many questions.
Next, from Bob Bollen:
(Related to Journey to Makah 2010, later this month, maybe?)
We’ve mentioned the City Council‘s upcoming briefing on midyear budget cuts – watch for word on that after the meeting starts at 10:30 – but there’s something else governmental to keep an eye on this morning: We know of at least two West Seattleites planning to testify at the animal-services-proposal hearing at the County Courthouse downtown – details after the jump:Read More
Kitty Harbor, a nonprofit shelter and adoption facility on the south end of Harbor Avenue just before The Bridge, is open again for the summer, and getting ready to go into its second weekend. Jess Cliffe e-mailed WSB to share photos and this report :
It was a really successful weekend – we adopted out nearly 30 cats and kittens, all to great homes. … On top of all of our adoptions, we had a number of people from West Seattle come in to drop off donations, and offer to volunteer or be foster homes. It’s great to see the community coming together to help out animals in our area.
In fact, just today, we received a Facebook message from Melissa, telling us about three kittens she’s been fostering at her West Seattle home (photos here) – with adoption available through Kitty Harbor, which incidentally has a new website this year, as mentioned in previews last weekend – see it here. They’re open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-6 pm.
We want to stress that we have no other reports on this and it will be difficult if not impossible to confirm with authorities – but given the nature of what Kim Petram says she saw/heard in Lincoln Park this morning, we agree with her that it should be passed along:
I was just walking our dog in Lincoln Park and Animal Control was there looking for reported raw meat that had been left somewhere in the south end of the park. He stated that they had a call about poisoned meat w/ the intent to “poison the dogs.” He didn’t find anything, nor did our dog, who is a cairn terrier with a pretty good sniffer. It was unclear about the report and how they knew dogs were the intended victim.
I think it may be worth a posting though to warn other dog owners in the park to be aware as well as concern for the wild animals in the park.
After 30+ years in news, we finally get to use the old joke in a headline. Actually, Susanna Moore suggested it, sending these photos with this report:
Returned from a preschool pick-up to find these two in front of our house on Walnut Ave. in Admiral district. Who is missing these pretty chickens! Here are a few pictures – they’re still out there pecking at the grass and sidewalk….
Yes, we’ll add them to the lost-and-found Pets page too – but couldn’t resist; on a showery day, you would expect to see ducks wandering instead of chickens …
For all the Patches Pals – and pug fans – in WSB-land, one more photo from Saturday’s Westwood Village Street Fair, shared by Karen. She says, “My friend Kristi worked the Seattle Pug Rescue booth at Westwood Street Fair on Saturday. She got JP to pose with her pugs Viola and Suzy.”
A few more things happening in addition to Summer Streets (car-free day) on Alki, which began with the West Seattle 5K (WSB coverage here) — Just after 11, we stopped by Holy Rosary Church, to check on Bicycles for Humanity – volunteer Karin Goncalves said they were accepting donated bikes till about 12:30, but if you missed the window, as noted here earlier, a few other churches are part of the effort till late today (see the list here). Also right now, a couple of big fundraising sales, including plants from Furry Faces Foundation:
They’re raising money for animal advocacy (including spaying/neutering) with plant sales till 4 pm at 3809 46th SW (map) – adoptable pets are there today too! Also from the West Seattle Weekend Lineup:
*PENCIL ME IN FOR KIDS’ FIRST FUNDRAISER OF THE SEASON: 3-5 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW) – Creative Memories, Party Lights, Tupperware with 10%-50% of proceeds going to Pencil Me In For Kids (mission explained here).
*SALES AT COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WEST SEATTLE AND SHOREWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: Both have rummage sales. CSWS (22nd/Roxbury) till 4 pm, Shorewood (on 28th SW just south of Safeway) till 5 pm.
*FINAL PERFORMANCE OF “TELL ME ON A SUNDAY”: 3 pm at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) in The Junction.
If you didn’t already see this on Northwest Art and Frame‘s Facebook page – they thought more people might want to know about a sad loss that customers will notice too:
Sad news to report…our beloved store cat, Art has passed on into kitty heaven this last Saturday. He was deeply loved and touched the lives of so many in the West Seattle community and beyond for years and will be sadly missed. He spent most of his life offering excellent customer service to all of our great customers and has been spending the last few years in retirement living with store owners Dan & Jeri. He loved you all very much and will be greatly missed!
Art spent a dozen years in the store.
Another reminder to owners who allow their pets outside: Coyotes can be anywhere. And they might see your pet as a snack. That’s what Siobhan thinks happened to her cat:
I live right off of Barton, on 23rd Ave. SW [map] and I went into my backyard this morning to find what was left of my cat. Her body was gone, which is what leads me to believe it was a coyote, that and 2 weeks ago on 22nd Ave. S.W. one darted across the road in front of my car. My neighbors down the road have seen them in the street and have also lost a cat.
A few days ago, Laura Sue e-mailed us about something similar – someone’s cat (microchipped, so the owner has since been notified) dead and partly eaten in her backyard near Duwamish Head. Not to be hysterical about this, but pet owners should be aware of the risks. P.S. Here’s the link we often include with coyote mentions – state info about coyotes, from the “Living With Wildlife” series.
Most weekends, you have a chance somewhere in West Seattle to adopt a cat – but this weekend, the city’s bringing one of its big adopt-a-thons to Alki Community Center:
As part of its ongoing outreach efforts to find suitable permanent homes for foster animals, the Seattle Animal Shelter hosts a cat adoptathon on Saturday, May 8, 2010, at the Alki Community Center, located at 5817 S.W. Stevens. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. and features numerous cats of different breeds.
…Adoption prices range from $152-157 and include:
* Initial vaccinations
* Deworming
* Feline Leukemia testing
* Certificate for free health exam at local veterinarians
* Spay or neuter
* Microchip
* Seattle Pet License (if applicable)To help reduce the number of animals euthanized, the Seattle Animal Shelter has a foster-care program to rehabilitate sick and immature dogs and cats. Donations from the city’s “Help the Animals Fund” pay for veterinary care for these animals that would otherwise be euthanized.
That’s Terri Glaberson of CoolMom, caught during a moment between meeting and greeting visitors at the Bike Swap they’re sponsoring right now at Cycle University (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle, 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW. We were there about an hour after it started, and Cycle U’s Brad Loetel told us they’d already sold 10 bikes:
Part of the proceeds benefit the Major Taylor Project (explained here). You’ll also find activities and clinics (like “learn to ride” for kids) – it’s all under way till 3 pm; here’s the flyer.
(Photo courtesy Kelly from Muttley Crew Cuts)
Also right now, as Brittany reminded us in a comment earlier, a fundraiser in Admiral to help Maddie the rescue dog:
Animals First Foundation is having a fundraiser for one of their rescue dogs- Please help Maddie walk again!! Join us this Sunday, May 2nd from 11am-4pm at the corner of 42nd and Admiral, CrossFit parking lot in West Seattle for a Car Wash & BBQ. All donations go directly to Maddie’s CCL surgery and recovery. For info or to donate: 206.932.6888. Maddie was rescued off the streets by a Good Samaritan. She may have fallen out of a two-story window, or may have been pushed….unfortunately she can’t tell us. She was not able to walk at all and needed surgery on both back legs. Please help us raise the $1600 for her surgery and recovery.
ADDED 3:11 PM: Also got a car-wash photo from Meredith, including Maddie herself up front:
Kelly from Muttley Crew Cuts just sent that photo from their fundraising event on behalf of the “Trippin’ Ta-Tas” Breast Cancer 3Day team: Bake sale and dog makeovers till 4 pm today. It’s happening at her shop, which moved a few months ago to 42nd just north of Admiral (map). Silent auction, too – check out some of the gift baskets:
Another way to have a great time for a good cause is under way right now at Rocksport in The Junction – Friends of the Animals Foundation and Feral Cat Assistance and Trapping are teaming for “Let’s Fix the Problem Together,” a silent auction/raffle event – with chair massages and psychic readings also offered for donation. They’re raising money for pet population control and health care. No cover charge – food and drink are no-host; the event continues till 5.
(Photos by Christopher Boffoli)
Got room in your home and heart for somebody new? Cats and dogs looking for “forever homes” are at Pet Elements until 3 pm, with Furry Faces Foundation (whose Teri Ensley is holding Frosty Mogul, one of their candidates, above) and Animals First Foundation, which brought dogs including 2-year-old Mauser:
His people just gave him up for adoption yesterday, because of family health problems. If you want to go see who’s still in search of that aforementioned “forever home,” Pet Elements is at 6701 California.
Catherine e-mailed that photo, saying:
I don’t know if you ever publish simple photos of the good life on Alki – but I took this on Saturday and thought you might have a chance to share it.
How could we resist?
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