Responding to the article about the Everett Animal Shelter, it is true that the EAS building has a cloudy future. A few months ago 36th Street was closed, construction crews blocked the entrance, and recently half of the parking lot was removed. The only way to get to EAS is to take the “Bridge to Nowhere” east of I-5 at 41st and try to follow the signs. This makes it difficult to claim lost pets, adopt pets and use many EAS services.
A May 12 letter to the editor by 10-year-old Kindall Gordon was heard. Many are helping the animals at the shelter. Kindall stated that half of the EAS animals in 2004 were euthanized. The EAS staff and volunteers are working very hard to improve this situation for the 10,000 animals sheltered annually. Pets euthanized due to lack of space and funding was reduced to 2 percent.
Recently shelter supporters and volunteers formed a not-for-profit Animal Rescue Foundation to raise additional funds. ARF’s goal is to find forever homes for all adoptable pets. ARF’s Cocoa Fund pays for expensive medical care. ARF’s Mobile Adoption Van Fund will get pets into the community. The EAS staff partners with hundreds of rescue groups. Over 40 foster homes heal abandoned pets. More foster homes and volunteers are needed, and donations can be directed to ARF, c/o Everett Animal Shelter. Or visit www.arfwa.org
The elected officials of Snohomish County, the tribes and municipalities need to constructively respond to this crisis. Having a good animal control system is a matter of public health and safety, and it is important that we value animals like Kindall Gordon does. Children who value animals learn to value others. Listen to the children.
Gretchen Shaffer
Everett Animal Shelter volunteer
Everett
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