AMAZING

I am away, but have been keeping up with the AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, WONDERFUL WARL staff and volunteers who kept the animals comfortable and safe while the building was without power for MORE THAN 4 DAYS.   Check out the League's facebook page for details.   More from me next week -- camp updates and more!

Giving Thanks

Many of our wonderful volunteers visited the dogs and cats in our care on Thanksgiving.  We are very grateful to them for coming in on the holiday and spending time with the animals.  



Lou modeling her stylish bandanna

We are grateful, too, for the people who adopt shelter animals and provide them with loving forever-homes. We got an update from one of those homes yesterday.  

Lou snoozing on her piggy bed



"A little over two years ago, we adopted a black and white coonhound mix named Blitzen (now Lou). In that time, Lou has become an irreplaceable member of our family. She's the perfect companion, whether going for a hike or relaxing on the couch. Her sunny outlook and goofy charm win over everyone she meets."



It Takes a Village to Run the League

I am often amazed at how smoothly the Washington Animal Rescue League's shelter and medical center operate. Nearly 200 dogs and cats are housed at the League at any given time. Some of the animals have special needs, all require the very best of care.

Our 57 person staff works around the clock to make sure that the animals are fed, watered, groomed and exercised. In addition to staff, nearly 400 VOLUNTEERS spend their time walking, training, and playing with the dogs and interacting with the cats. Volunteers show up on rainy, nasty days and on holidays, when most people are home with family and friends. They know each of the animals by name. They share information about particular animals with potential adopters and celebrate each and every new home.

In addition to giving their time, volunteers often donate things to the League. Volunteers bring bags of treats for the dogs and toys and beds for the cats. They show up with new collars and sweaters for the dogs and brushes and combs for the cats. Recently, Frank, a loyal League volunteer brought me a book, May I Pet Your Dog by Stephanie Calmenson and Jan Ormerod. It is a fun, instructional book narrated by Harry, a very knowledgeable and lovable dog. I highly recommend this book and added it to the list of picture books that I enjoy sharing.

The ever-growing picture book reading list is on this page. Please share with me your favorite dog and cat books. My list is just a beginning. And, if you have a chance to visit the League, you will recognize our wonderful volunteers by the shirts they wear -- don't hesitate to thank them for all they do!