Shelter Partners | June 5, 2018
For 225 dogs and cats, Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of a new life. Thanks to the combined efforts of nine animal shelters, Wings of Rescue, the Humane Society of the United States and Mud Bay, these dogs and cats left overcrowded shelters in Texas and Oklahoma to start a new journey in Washington state.
While there were plenty of shelter volunteers ready to welcome Flight Mud Bay 200 when it reached Boeing Field, there was also a group of Muddies ready to help unload dogs and cats into waiting shelter vans. One of those volunteers was Mudlet Store Manager Eric Benson who already spends a lot of time with one of the shelters who took some dogs and cats: Seattle Humane in Bellevue, Washington. We asked Eric to share a little bit about the event and his unusual job at Mud Bay.
EB: I was part of a group from Mud Bay that helped staff and volunteers from Seattle Humane and other shelters unload a plane that contained over 200 shelter animals in Boeing Field. A group of shelters: Blue Mountain Humane Society, Humane Society of Skagit Valley, Kitsap Humane Society, Seattle Humane, Humane Society for Southwest Washington and Whatcom Humane Society, all agreed to take animals coming from the Palm Valley Animal Center in Texas, El Paso Animal Services in Texas, and the Tulsa Animal Welfare Shelter in Oklahoma. The Humane Society of the United States coordinated the transfer of the animals as part of their new Shelter Ally project, and Mud Bay sponsored and partially funded the flight.
It was the first time I was involved in actually unloading the plane and helping disperse the animals. It was an amazing experience, even if it was a little sad to see all these animals who needed new homes. All the Washington shelters involved had vans waiting, so we were able to load them up into waiting vans for the trip to their new shelters. I also got to work with a lot of shelter volunteers who had participated in these types of transfers before, and I think it was fun for them to have someone helping who was new to the process.
EB: Sure! So, I’m the manager of the Mudlet. The Mudlet is a 400-square-foot Mud Bay located in Seattle Humane’s Adoption Lobby here in Bellevue Washington. The Mudlet donates all profits from sales back to Seattle Humane, and we provide everybody who adopts with a deeper dive into what you might need to think about nutritionally when you’re a pet owner. For example, if you’ve adopted a dog with some skin and coat issues, we’ve got salmon oil to help. We’ve also got plenty of other supplements to address other nutrition-based concerns and supplies, such as litter boxes and leashes, to meet your new pet’s basic needs.
When you leave the building, we hope that you’ll be confident about how to give your new dog or cat the best start in a new life. So, it’s really about helping new adopters create a game plan. Most of the time we set up feeding plans for the new animal, and we talk about what a new dog or cat should be eating. And with cats, we stress the importance of food with a high moisture content to protect their kidneys.
We also carry First Mate, Nutrisource and Weruva foods, so new adopters can purchase the exact food their dog or cat was eating at the shelter. Not changing foods right after adoption can make the whole process easier, and if they want to change foods, we provide plenty of notes and information they can take with them to a Mud Bay to help them find the right food. Or if they never enter a Mud Bay again, we’ve still talked about what to think about when you have a new dog or cat.
And as for myself, sometimes I act as a liaison between Mud Bay and Seattle Humane. Justin Tomajko (Mud Bay’s community outreach manager) and I participate in different events and try to help Seattle Humane if they need support. Sometimes my job isn’t what people would expect when I tell them I’m a store manager.
EB: Some of the dogs and cats have been adopted. We’ve had three of the dogs from the flight come through the Mudlet on their way to their new homes. We posted a picture of one of them, Cherry, on our Instagram page, and she went home on Tuesday.
All the animals from the flight were placed in the rescue wagon and driven to Seattle Humane. And everyone at Seattle Humane is prepped and excited for the animals to arrive. When they arrive, every animal receives a bath and a nail trim if necessary, and they’re given a full medical assessment to make sure each animal’s okay.
Seattle Humane receives the documentation from previous shelters, so they’ll review that paperwork to make sure that everything checks out. And if there’s anything that needs to be done, such as spaying or neutering, they’ll take care of that.
Some animals are different than others. If there wasn’t a behavior assessment done on an animal, or if they don’t have all the necessary information in the included documentation, it may take them longer to reach the adoption floor. Animals that have complete behavior assessments and don’t need any medical assistance or other forms of care can reach the adoption floor very quickly. That’s why, as I mentioned earlier, some of these animals have already been adopted.
EB: Seattle Humane isn’t just a fantastic animal shelter. They do events to engage the community constantly. We have Catapalooza coming up this summer, and there’s also an event called Over the Edge happening in July. This event involves people raising funds through donations so that they can rappel down a 40-story building in downtown Seattle. There’s also the Adoption Blitz coming up, where Seattle Humane waives adoption fees for all animals.
Seattle Humane exceeds what people might think an animal shelter can do. They partner with a lot of other shelters in Washington state, as well as helping shelters nationwide. They’ll take in animals that may need specialized medical attention that other shelters can’t provide. They’re active within the community, partner with local businesses and work to ensure the best care to all animals. They’re great shelter partners to Mud Bay, and I’m lucky to get to work with lots of these people every day.
Eric Benson is the Mudlet store manager. When he’s not at the Mudlet or thinking about new Mudlet initiatives, he’s hanging out with his three dogs Brizo, Clancy and Nyx or hiking in the great outdoors.
Help your pet enjoy summer 🌞 and their daily routine without fleas and ticks getting in the way.
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From plant-powered collars and sprays to topical treatments, shampoos, and daily supplements, Mud Bay offers a variety of solutions for both cats and dogs. So, if you are looking for everyday prevention or additional seasonal support, our Muddies can help you find the right option for your pet.
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Stop by your local Mud Bay or visit us online to see our flea and tick solutions.
#mudbay #healthypets #fleaandtickseason #cats #dogs
⚽🌍 This week, Sean from Mud Bay Belltown is heading to the Belltown Dog Park to ask dog owners and Mud Bay customers in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood for their World Pup Cup Predictions! 🥅
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Today’s World Pup Cup prediction comes from Dorthey and her two pups, Boba and Lychee, for the match between Belgium and Egypt.
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#mudbay #pupperdictions #worldcup #soccer #worldcup
Mud Bay Delivery offers free same-day delivery 🚚 when you order before 2 pm. From food and supplements to toys, treats, and even frozen items, we’ll bring it all right to your door. It’s available seven days a week, with free delivery on orders over $30.
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Shop anytime at MudBay.com and let Mud Bay Delivery bring your pet’s go-to items straight to you. Click the link in our bio to place your order today.
#mudbay #healthypets #mudbaydelivery #pnw #pets
When the bone broth becomes the treat.
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Turn Open Farm Homestead Turkey Bone Broth into easy, homemade frozen treats with the Messy Mutts Silicone Treat Mold this summer. Made from flexible BPA- and PVC-free, food-grade silicone, the molds feature convenient fill lines for portioning and a notched center that makes it easy to break larger treats into smaller pieces.
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Pour in the collagen-rich bone broth, freeze, and serve. Made from humanely raised turkey bones and slow-simmered with pumpkin, carrot, and turmeric, it adds flavor, hydration, and enrichment to your dog’s day.
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Minimal prep. Maximum tail wags. Shop Open Farm Homestead Turkey Bone Broth and the Messy Mutts Bake and Freeze Dog treat maker in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #openfarm #messymutts #summer #staycool
Reduce. Reuse. Go for a walk.
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The Eco Collar and Leash Collection from RC Pets is made with REPREVE® webbing, created from 100% recycled plastic bottles. 🇨🇦 Proudly made in Vancouver, Canada, these collars and leashes are designed to be durable, comfortable, and ready for everyday adventures.
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And now you can shop RC Pets Eco Collar and Leashes for your dog in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #dogwalk #dogs #rcpets #recycled
Starting today our friends at Fluff & Tuff are once again kicking off #IGiveAFluff to help put toys in the paws of shelter and rescue dogs who need them most.
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And we want you to be a part of it, and it couldn’t be easier to participate!
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Here’s how it works:
📸 Snap a photo or a video of your dog with their favorite Fluff & Tuff toy.
📱 Share it on social media using #IGiveAFluff.
🐾 Fluff & Tuff donates a toy to a shelter or rescue dog.
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Since 2015, with the support of pet parents like you and the generosity of Fluff & Tuff, over 22,000 toys have been donated to shelters and rescue dogs.
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Want to participate, but need a Fluff & Tuff toy? Maybe a soccer ⚽️ ball for your pup with a certain soccer tournament kicking off this week? We’ve got you covered!
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Stop by your local Mud Bay or visit us online. Click the link in our bio to learn more about #IGIVEAFLUFF
It’s never a bad time to chill. 🧘♀️ 🐾
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Swell`s My Chill Time Premium Dog Gelato is made with functional ingredients like chamomile and passion flower tea, which help your pup stay cool, calm, and collected when summer activities makes thier day-to-day a little more stressful. Plus, it includes blackberries, 🥥 coconut milk, ginger, beets, and 🍯 🐝 honey, which are great for digestion and antioxidant support.
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Swell Premium Dog Gelato is not only a tasty treat on a hot summer day, but it also helps keep your pup living their best life and staying CHILL. Shop My Chill Time from Swell in-store or online at Mud Bay this summer. 🌞
#mudbay #swelldoggelato #swell #dogs #chill
Adventure-ready and made for the water, the Ruffwear Float Coat helps keep your dog comfortable during every swim.
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The Float Coat offers a secure, telescoping neck closure that adjusts to fit a variety of dog sizes, while the lightweight foam panels support natural movement and buoyancy in the water, keeping them comfortable and safe.
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Plus, it offers a super handy, low-profile handle that makes it easy to lift your pup out of the water, and reflective accents that add extra visibility for long days at the lake, beach, or river.
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Bring your pup in-store or shop with us online for the Ruffwear Float coat today!
#mudbay #summer #adventures #ruffwear #doglife
🌞 🎆 🎉 Summer brings celebrations, late nights, travel and events that can leave your pets feeling uneasy.
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Mud Bay is here to help, offering products that bring calm and comfort to your cat or dog when things get noisy.
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We carry calming collars, tinctures, treats, and pheromones to help your pets handle everything summer brings—Shop Mud Bay in-store or online to find the right calmatives for your pets.
#mudbay #summer #keepcalm #healthypets #calming
Fluff & Tuff`s #IGIVEAFLUFF is Coming Soon!
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Starting June 8th, National Best Friends Day, our friends at Fluff & Tuff are once again kicking off #IGiveAFluff to help put toys in the paws of shelter and rescue dogs who need them most.
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And we want you to be a part of it, and it couldn`t be easier to participate!
Here`s how it works:
📸 Snap a photo of your dog with their favorite Fluff & Tuff toy.
📱 Share it on social media using #IGiveAFluff.
🐾 Fluff & Tuff donates a toy to a shelter or rescue dog.
🐾
Since 2015, with the support of pet parents like you and the generosity of Fluff & Tuff, over 22,000 toys have been donated to shelters and rescue dogs. Want to participate, but you need a Fluff & Tuff toy? Take a tip from Frank and stop by your local Mud Bay or visit us online. Click the link in our bio to learn more about #IGIVEAFLUFF
Canagan canned cat food is grain-free and made with your cat in mind, using high-quality protein from chicken, salmon, tuna, and more.
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It’s inspired by what cats are naturally built to eat, with a focus on animal protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
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It’s also an easy way to add moisture to your cat’s routine—something many cats don’t get enough of—which can help support your feline friend with kidney and urinary-tract health.
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🛍️ Shop Canagan Complete Cat Food in-store or online at Mud Bay.
Summer is coming, so be like Goose 🐕 and stay cool 😎 ❄️ on every outing with the Swamp Cooler Harness from Ruffwear.
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Whether she’s out on a trail or enjoying a long walk or run, this harness is built for warm-weather adventures, offering cooling comfort and secure control in one breathable design.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #adventures #pnw #dog #summeriscoming
