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Pasado's Safe Haven
Nov 21, 2001 --
It's almost inevitable in this culture. As soon as the Thanksgiving table has been cleared but before we've run out of leftovers, it's time to start thinking about Christmas. With a full month to prepare for a "Martha-Stewart style" holiday, stress levels skyrocket and the holidays lose much of their warmth and joy.
In the wake of our country's recent tragedies, many people are re-evaluating their priorities to make for time for the things that are truly important, like family and friends. One way of accomplishing this is to simplify the holidays.
The Center for a New American Dream (www.newdream.org/holiday/home.html) offers many suggestions for scaling back during the holidays to make time for meaningful traditions rather than a month-long migraine of holiday frenzy. One suggestion involves selecting gifts that educate, help others and don't require devoting hours to the local mall. The "Adopt a Critter" program through Pasado's Safe Haven combines all three.
Pasado's Safe Haven is an animal sanctuary in Monroe, about an hour outside of Seattle. It was founded in 1992 by Susan Michaels and Mark Steinway in response to the torture and killing of Pasado the donkey. At the time, Washington's animal cruelty laws had not been updated for nearly 100 years, making the greatest penalty for this crime a mere $50 fine. Michaels and Steinway lobbied to make animal cruelty a felony in Washington State, and with their involvement in "Pasado's Bill," the idea for an animal sanctuary was also formed.
According to Michaels, Pasado's Safe Haven "seeks to fill the voids left unanswered by other shelters." This includes rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, cats and farm animals 24 hours a day; aggressively prosecuting those who abuse animals; and the Northwest's "first-ever" mobile spay and neuter clinic, which takes an operating room on the road throughout Washington to provide free or low cost spays and neuters, as well as to aid to animals during times of natural disaster. This year alone, the "Spay Station" has spayed or neutered 3,000 animals.
Additionally, Pasado's Safe Haven offers humane education classes through Pasado's School House. According to Michaels, "children who generally abuse animals usually go on to hurt humans in the future. It is a well-identified pattern of abuse by psychologists, law enforcement, and educators." At Pasado's School House, young children can interact with farm animals, dogs and cats. For many children, their visit to the sanctuary marks their first interaction with farm animals, or even dogs and cats. They receive gentle instruction from Pasado's Safe Haven staff, with the goal of fostering "compassion for all living things," according to Michaels.
The "Adopt-A-Critter" program allows people who cannot literally adopt an animal to become involved in helping animals. Many animals are in need of assistance, from "death row dogs and cats" who are waiting to be euthanized, to horses, cows, goats and lambs who have been mistreated, neglected or abandoned. Jimmy, for example, is a dog rescued from a city shelter. He had a broken leg, probably caused by kicking or beating, and had not received any veterinary care. Pasado's rescued him and has begun providing him with proper care. Adopting a critter means that the animal is able to receive continuing medical care with help from its new "parent." Adoptive parents receive a photo, a biography of their critter, and an invitation to visit them at the sanctuary.
"Adopting a critter as a holiday gift is giving something that not only really means something, but will help save a life," says Michaels.
Reader Comments
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Karen Kittelson
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Jan 25, 2003
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Ellensburg, Washington
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retired teacher
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An animal rescuer here told me I could sign up for having letters sent in my name to legislators etc on behalf of animal protection. If so I would like to do so. Karen |
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Gloria Manon
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Feb 22, 2004
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Portland, OR USA
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I do many things
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I want to become involved in the caring and healing of animals. Can you send me some literature about visiting, and volunteering, and perhaps working at your place. Thank you so very much. Gloria Manon |
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Jana Weber
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Mar 22, 2004
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Kent, Washington
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unemployed
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I was interested in the neuter scooter for a nickel that have going on this Friday in Kent. Was unable to locate a phone number for you, and had some questions regarding. Please email me at the above email or provide me with a way to contact you with questions. Thank you for your time. JWeber |
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Joby King
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Sep 15, 2005
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Thibodaux, LA
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Petco/dangerous animal re-loca
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Due to the recent tradgedy of hurricane Katrina declaring war on my great state, I have come into contact with some of the greatest people that have ever graced this planet. These selfless crusaders refuse to stop until every last animal is taken care of. The most interesting thing is that they crave no recognition for what they do. The attitude of why be recognized for what one should do anyway is thier way. My one regret from meeting them is that, in time, i will have to part from the company of such wonderful people. |
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Virginia Krausch
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Sep 29, 2005
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Redmond WA 98052
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not working at present
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I am so happy to hear about Pasado's Safe Haven. So what should I do about becoming involved? Please contact me.
Virginia Krausch
Phone: 425-861-4277 |
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Mark Nitchman
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Dec 28, 2005
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Ellensburg, Washington
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Retired steelworker, Coast Gua
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Whatever became of the monsters that killed Pasado back in the early 90s. I remember that they got very lenient sentences. What were their excuses? High on crystal meth? Unhappy childhoods? A life devoid of happiness and joy? What kind of crap did they tell the attorneys and the judge? I am a horse owner in Ellensburg and was absolutely outraged at these punk's behaviour. Thank GOD we don't have people like that living out here! Did they grow up to be future Jeffrey Dahmers or Charlie Mansons? Would not surprise me at all! |
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Mark Nitchman
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Dec 28, 2005
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Ellensburg, Washington
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Retired steelworker, Coast Gua
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Whatever became of the monsters that killed Pasado back in the early 90s. I remember that they got very lenient sentences. What were their excuses? High on crystal meth? (The local pastime in King County)! Unhappy childhoods? A life devoid of happiness and joy? What kind of crap did they tell the attorneys and the judge? I am a horse owner in Ellensburg and was absolutely outraged at these punk's behaviour. Thank GOD we don't have people like that living out here! Did they grow up to be future Jeffrey Dahmers or Charlie Mansons? Would not surprise me at all! |
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Mark Nitchman
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Jan 10, 2006
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Ellensburg, Washington
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Coast Guard vet. & cowboy
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I seem to recall that one of these monsters was the son of a Bellevue cop, also. I bet their parents are really proud of the sociopathic animal killers that they spawned. Just as Kathleen Maddox (Charles Manson's mom) must be! |
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