PERFORMING ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY
Rescue. Advocacy. Sanctuary. For Life.
Since 1984
July 2020 | Newsletter
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Meet Owen the Bobcat:
Officially Home at PAWS!
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For the last five years, Owen the bobcat has been living at PAWS' sanctuary in Galt, California, in what can only be described as a "witness protection program" of sorts.
Born into the exotic pet trade in 2002, Owen was purchased as a kitten to be a family pet. In 2015 he was confiscated by authorities after they discovered him living in a small, dirty cage in a private home, in a state where keeping bobcats as pets is strictly forbidden by law. Authorities contacted us to ask if PAWS would provide an emergency placement for the then 13-year-old wild cat. We were told at the time that because of an ongoing investigation involving his "owners", Owen's placement with us might be temporary. We were also asked to keep his presence at our sanctuary confidential until the case was resolved. We agreed to these stipulations and welcomed Owen to our Galt sanctuary.
We are delighted to announce that PAWS is now officially Owen's permanent home!
When Owen arrived in Galt we provided him with an enclosure filled with grass and trees, a healthy diet, and expert daily care from a loving staff that made him feel comfortable and safe. At first Owen would growl and aggressively strike out at his caregivers. Experience has taught us how important it is to let animals settle into their new homes at their own pace. Owen soon relaxed and became more comfortable in his sanctuary habitat.
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From the time of his arrival we noticed how slowly Owen moved. His joints seemed stiff and painful. PAWS' veterinarian, Dr. Jackie Gai, performed a physical examination under anesthesia to assess Owen's health and to find out why his mobility was so poor. She discovered that all four of his feet had been declawed, and radiographs showed significant arthritis in almost every joint in his body, far worse than she has seen in many small cats who were older than Owen. The exam also revealed kidney and gastrointestinal disease.
Wild cats born into the pet industry are often inbred, and malnutrition is common. It is likely that poor genetics and inadequate nutrition while he was a growing kitten played a role in the development of Owen's arthritis. Fortunately, PAWS' veterinary staff, led by Dr. Gai, specialize in caring for elderly animals and those with chronic disease. Owen immediately began receiving medications and supplements targeted at pain relief, joint support, and digestive and kidney health. Soon he was more active, playful, and his pain and fear-based aggression began to fade.
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Click on the arrow above to watch of a video of Owen in his habitat at ARK 2000.
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Last month Owen was moved from our Galt sanctuary into a beautiful habitat on a hillside at ARK 2000 (view video above). For seven years it was home to PAWS' black leopard, Alexander, who died in April from kidney disease at age 22. The naturalistic enclosure was a gift from the late Audrey Steele Burnand and her family, including daughter Alyson Rossi and granddaughter Kristin Stewart. It is large, lush and filled with shady oak and pine trees, grassy areas for sunbathing, logs to climb on, and specially designed ramps, elevated platforms, and perches (below) from which Owen can gaze out at the world. He is active and thriving in his new home – his arthritis has not kept him from enjoying climbs in his new habitat! We have watched Owen as he chases pinecones, splashes in water, and playfully pounces on rocks, leaves and his toys. At nap time he loves to curl up in his wooden bed (above) or in one of his nesting tubs that have all been filled with thick layers of soft hay. He expresses his mood by twitching his tail, and often the tips of his ears. Sometimes, a flicking tail and his intense gaze are all you can see peeking out over the rim of one of his favorite nest tubs.
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Bobcats are wild, not domesticated, animals, and they do not make good pets. Even those born in captivity retain their wild instincts and temperament and can be very dangerous to keep in a private home. Wild animals kept as pets often do not receive appropriate nutrition or necessary veterinary care, and as a result their welfare is compromised. Without the opportunity to express normal, wild behaviors for which they are genetically programmed, they can suffer mentally and develop self-destructive and other maladaptive behaviors. We are thankful that most states now prohibit the private ownership of bobcats.
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We are honored to provide Owen with a forever home in a natural setting where he can explore, climb, play, curl up for a nap, and express many of his wild behaviors. It is rewarding for us to play a role in an animal's healing process. Your generous support that makes it all possible.
Thank you!
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If you would like to help Owen, you can donate for his care
here
, purchase special supplements from our Amazon Wish list
here
(he receives Cosequin, Aminavast, Eicosaderm, and Laxatone) or "adopt" him
here
.
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In Memoriam
The PAWS family sends its love and condolences to the family of
Mrs. Audrey Steele Burnand
following her recent passing at the age of 98.
We will always be grateful for her kindness, generosity and friendship.
Alexander's beautiful habitat on the hill will continue to provide sanctuary to animals in need for generations to come.
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July 29th Is International Tiger Day!
Raising Tiger Awareness Today and Every Day
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International Tiger Day is Wednesday, July 29, an annual event to raise awareness of the ever-more-pressing need to conserve these highly endangered animals and their wild habitats. Fewer than 3,900 tigers are left in the world. In fact, today there are more tigers in captivity in the U.S. than are found in the wild. They are confined in roadside zoos, backyard menageries, circuses, cub petting attractions and other “entertainment.”
PAWS provides sanctuary for 13 rescued tigers, many of whom once endured unthinkable cruelty. Some were bred to be sold to roadside zoos or as exotic “pets”, like Kim, Claire and Roy. Others, like Morris and Rosemary, came from a defunct facility that constantly bred animals so they could charge the public to pet and take photos with their cubs. Once the cubs got too big and dangerous to handle, they were sold to decrepit roadside zoos, kept for breeding, or even killed.
Tigers need our help –
both in the wild and in captivity!
You can help wild tigers:
- Learn more about these endangered big cats – the largest cat species in the world. Tigers are primarily threatened by habitat fragmentation and loss, lack of prey, and human-wildlife conflict. Share what you’ve learned with others.
- Reduce your environmental footprint. Wild tigers are being affected by climate change such as in the Sundarbans in India where they are losing mangrove forest habitat due to rising waters. Be sure to reduce, reuse and recycle.
- Don’t be fooled by fake “conservation” claims. No tigers born in the wild will ever be introduced to the wild. White tigers have absolutely no conservation value; they are highly inbred and often unhealthy. Support conservation work by organizations working in Asia to save tigers.
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Take action to help captive tigers:
- Never patronize a place that offers up-close “encounters” with tigers or other wild animals, including cub petting, photos, or other interactions.
- Avoid wild animal shows, including circuses and those at local fairs.
- Support legislation like the federal Big Cat Public Safety Act.
You can also:
- Make a donation to PAWS’ “Help Rescued Tigers” fund that aims to raise $36,000 to help feed and care for our 13 tigers.
- Become a monthly donor and partner with us to rescue captive tigers!
- “Adopt” a tiger at PAWS.
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PAWS’ animal caregivers display some of the donated face masks.
Front (l-r): Tiger Supervisor Renae Smith and Lizzy Harden
Back (l-r): Jesse and Cody Harden
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Donated Animal-Themed Masks
A Big Hit With PAWS' Caregivers!
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PAWS sends out a big thank you to
Marcie Christensen
, who used her expert sewing skills to make 75 stunning, animal-themed protective face masks for the caregivers at our sanctuaries – assisted by her husband
Chris
. We use masks to protect each other and the animals, especially our wild cats. (In April, tigers and lions at the Bronx Zoo in New York contracted COVID-19, presumably from an asymptomatic keeper.) Marcie and Chris are longtime, beloved PAWS volunteers. Thank you so much!
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We are also grateful to
Jackie Harden
for donating face masks for our ARK 2000 staff. Jackie is mom to three members of our tiger caregiving staff.
Finally, our appreciation to
Dr. Kristina Wiley
, an extraordinary friend and volunteer. She donated tiger- and elephant-themed protective face masks, for which we are very thankful!
Above: Lisa Worgan, PAWS' photographer and ARK 2000 office manager, wearing an elephant face mask donated by Dr. Kristina Wiley.
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P. O. Box 849, Galt, CA 95632
(209) 745-2606
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Did you know that PAWS has an Amazon Wish List?
We have chosen specific items that are needed at the sanctuary, which you can purchase directly from Amazon.
Click here
to review the items and donate. You can also review “wish list” items that are needed but not listed on Amazon.
Click here
for that list.
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Thank You July
Amazon Wish List Donors
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Helmut and Maria Rogasch: ten 1 gal. jugs of Red Cell; 10 Probiocin; two bottles of Renal Essentials, #60; two 32 oz. bottles of Eicosaderm; five 32 oz. bottles of Red Cell.
Linda Hewitt: one 6 ft. stainless steel work table.
Cheri Joseph: one 20 lb. tub of Psyllium; one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin and Coat; one 32 oz. bottle of Eicosaderm.
Elaine Green: one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium.
Dianne Callender: one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin and Coat.
Leona Heraty:
one box of AA batteries, #24; one Rainbird sprinkler head.
Anne A. Durham:
one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin and Coat; one 32 oz. bottle of Eicosaderm. J
ennifer and George Craig: one gal. Red Cell; one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium.
Paul Osburn:
one bottle Renal Essentials, #60; one 10 lb. tub of Psyllium; one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin and Coat.
Joanne and Paul Osburn:
one 5 lb. bag of sunflower seeds; one 5 lb. bag of pumpkin seeds; one 1 lb. bag of walnuts; one 1 lb. bag of almonds.
Deborah Yates:
one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium.
Maureen O'Connor:
one Probiocin.
Jennifer Crum:
one bottle Renal Essentials, #60.
Jeff Yee:
five 64 oz. boxes of Raisins; five 5 lb. tubs of Psyllium.
Lori Swearingen:
one bottle Renal Essentials, #60.
Carol Bognar:
one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium.
Monica Savage:
two 32 oz. bottles of Red Cell.
Geraldine Hayward:
one case of office copy paper.
Anonymous Donors:
one bottle of Aminavast, #60; one 1 lb. bag of diced pineapple; five lb. bags of diced Papaya; one 5 lb. bag of Missing Link Skin and Coat; one 8 oz. bottle of Eicosaderm; one 5 lb. tub of Psyllium.
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There are many ways
you can help PAWS animals:
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Donate To PAWS.
Although we work closely with regulatory agencies on animal rescues, PAWS receives no government funding and must rely on your donations to continue our work. Three ways to give and every donation matters.
Learn more
Adopt A PAWS Animal.
If you would like to help our animals, one of the best ways is to become an "adoptive parent," or give a PAWS adoption as a gift to an animal lover in your life. PAWS adoptions are symbolic adoptions only. No animal will be sent!
Learn more
PAWS Partnerships.
Help us change the life of a victim of captivity by becoming a PAWS Partner. PAWS partnerships help support our sanctuary operations and the day-to-day care of the animals.
Learn more
Estates/Planned Giving.
You can help us make sure captive wildlife in need of shelter will always have a PAWS sanctuary to call home!
Learn more
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Purchase PAWS apparel and merchandise.
Clothing for adults, kids, toddlers and infants, as well as other fun merchandise like coffee mugs - available from our
online gift shop
.
Shop online through IGive and raise money for PAWS!
Up to 26% of your purchase - at more than 1,600 retailers - can be donated to PAWS.
Learn more
EBAY Giving Works.
List items on EBAY and choose PAWS as your charity. Donate a percentage of each sale to the animals. Visit our EBAY charity listing page
here
. Start selling!
Corporate Donations and Matching Fund Programs.
Learn more
about what is needed.
Donate Your Vehicle To PAWS.
Attend A Fundraiser.
PAWS sanctuaries ARE NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC but we do schedule a limited number of special events throughout the year.
Click here
to view PAWS' Calendar of Events.
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PAWS provides lifetime care to the tigers, bears, elephants, and other animals who call our sanctuaries home. Your kind support provides expert daily care, necessary veterinary treatments, and specialized nutritional support, all tailored to the individual needs of each animal.
Your generous donations make this excellent care possible.
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