PAWS

I recently had the opportunity to volunteer with my fellow Michigan Tech alumni at the PAWS Wildlife Center, in Lynnwood Washington for Make A Difference Day. PAWS operates a shelter for homeless dogs and cats and they rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife.

The people at PAWS have learned how to utilize a tiny space in amazing ways. Apparently, with the change in seasons comes a change in the needs of local wildlife. Summers are filled with taking care of lots and lots of orphaned babies (squirrels, raccoons, opossums, seals, birds of all types, bears, etc.) In the winter they prepare to care for birds who are injured due to oil contamination. I am not sure why they would get more oil spills during the winter, but they seem to know what they are doing.

 I got to assist in assembling drying pens and other rehabilitation tubs for birds.

Assembled drying pens. The sheets work to hold the heat in. I'm not sure what keeps the bird from flying off.

These are the rehabilitation tubs. Once the oil has been removed from the feathers, the birds get to hang out in a water bath before being released.

Before leaving for the day, I had to pop in to the shelter and visit with the kitties who are waiting for adoption. There were lots of great, lovey kitties just waiting for a good home. And I will have to admit, there were some great dogs too, who were awaiting their new homes.