Forum: Groups help to place pets without homes after pandemic

Published 1:30 am Saturday, May 20, 2023

By Matthew Leger / Herald Forum

I am a sophomore at Kamiak High School and have a keen interest in journalism. I have friends and classmates who volunteer for multiple non-profits and believe highlighting an organization and its student volunteers would generate a positive response for organizations. I’d like to highlight one:

Founded in Connell, Wash, in 2012, Red Waggin’ Rescue is a vital piece in the fight against abandoned, injured and homeless dogs and cats in Washington. In the organization’s words, their mission is to “Save the lives of innocent dogs and cats whose only crime is being uncared for, unwanted and alone.”

Over the last three years, my family has fostered and rehomed over a dozen dogs in need of a home through Red Waggin’. The opportunity to bring dogs into our home and help them find a forever home has been an infinitely rewarding experience, just for hanging out with a new pup every couple of months, and meeting the great people in the foster community. Adopting two dogs of our own has made it so much greater.

Since the world has gone back to normal, the need for fostering and resources in the pet rescue industry has exploded. Unfortunately, some people took on more responsibility than they could during the pandemic, and many dogs and cats in Washington have been abandoned or returned, adding on to the enormous workload of the industry.

Red Waggin’ (www.redwagginrescue.org) and many other rescue organizations have a simple and clear ways to foster, donate, or adopt in the pursuit of animal welfare in Washington. If you are able to, please reach out to support Red Waggin’. Even the smallest donation of time or resources is greatly appreciated and Red Waggin’ gladly invites anyone to join the team of volunteers across Washington State.

Matthew Leger is a sophomore at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo.