Paws for Play helped shelter pets find homes

By Heather Spaulding • July 12, 2024 1:30 am

Islanders showed up for the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor’s Paws for Play celebration June 23. Some attendees even took a pet home.

“We handed out many 50% off adoption coupons at the event, so we’re hopeful those will lead to eventual future adoption,” Emily Smith, animal care and public outreach at APS-FH said. Early numbers show at least three puppies and one kitten were taken home.

The event was a partnership between authors and illustrators, Griffin Bay Bookstore, San Juan Island Library and the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor, celebrating shelter pets. Approximately 41 volunteers came together from each of those organizations and, according to Smith, helped make the event a huge success.

Local author Tara Mesalik MacMahon, her brother Mark Ukra, and local artist Donna Dyer, illustrator, introduced their children’s book “Closet of Dreams.” The book features a great cast of characters including a nine-year-old boy named Child and his newly adopted, best friend sidekick, a rescue dachshund named Hilda. “With themes such as pet adoption and dreaming big included in their story, this event allows us to come together as a community to celebrate the life-saving gift of pet adoption, the power of reading and books, and just plain ol’ having fun together,” stated a press release by APS-FH.

Tours of the shelter were provided, and guided interactions with shelter pets. Information about the needs and care of cats and dogs, and how to adopt were on hand.

Kids also could have their faces painted or take a break in a bouncy house. Should any attendees need refreshments, popcorn, lemonade, and a variety of cookies, including one giant M&M cookie shaped like a cat, were available.

Minus adoptions, APS-FH alone, raised $6,220.00 in monetary donations. An additional $91.00 was raised from the Animal Book Club Bake Sale and donated to APS-FH, plus $108.60 worth of merchandise was sold.

“[The event had] Lots of successes!” Smith said.