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.
🐝 🌷 🌈 Spring is here, and that means fleas and ticks are back. To help protect your cat, we’re excited to offer new TropiClean 🌴 options designed to make care simple and effective.
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TropiClean Laundry Additive helps tackle fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae right in your wash. Just add half a cup with your regular detergent, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, and use it on bedding, towels, blankets, rugs, and toys. Plus, it’s safe for use with your dog!
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TropiClean Gentle No-Rinse Cat Shampoo offers an easy way to clean and protect without the hassle. It helps eliminate fleas, ticks, and mites, protects against mosquitoes, and is safe for pets and kids.
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TropiClean Gentle Mist for Cats is a quick, on-the-go option for added protection. Just spray and go for an easy way to help protect against fleas, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes.
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You can shop TropiClean products for your cat in-store and online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fleaprotection #tropiclean #tropicalclean #healthypets
Furvor bone 🦴 broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine.
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
#mudbay #furvor #bonebroth #dogs #healthypets
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
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CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
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Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
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Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
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We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
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New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
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Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
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To enter:
👍 Like this post
😃 Tag us and tag a friend
🤝 Follow us
We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
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Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
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We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
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Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
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The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
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The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
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Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
