New humane group saves strays from the “wild” life

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“They just don’t survive the stray life.”

Sue Meier has been a caretaker most of her life. A former pediatric nurse, she’s now shifting her skills to nursing stray dogs to health with Caring Hearts 4 Paws, a new animal rescue based in her home in Lacey.  

While there may already be other animal rescue groups nearby, Sue feels there is a need here, not only for local prospective furparents, but for strays needing a home as well. She formed the organization in June 2021; the organization received its IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation earlier this month.

"All mine come out of the Yakima Valley. And without my rescue and other rescues, the dogs wouldn't have any help."

Most of Sue’s rescues come from the valley to protect them from cougars and other wildlife that prey on them, along with local farmers who will shoot them if the dogs ever threatened their livestock. While Yakima Valley may already have humane organizations, “they’re full all the time,” she says.

Sue added that most of their rescues are larger dogs such as husky and shepherd mixes ranging from 50 to 100 lbs. who have survived and adapted in the wild, especially facing off cougars, coyotes and wildcats.

“We really don't see the small dogs because they just don't survive the stray life.”

Being a stay-at-home dog mom has always been a dream come true for Sue. But she also admits there’s always a need for more foster homes aside from the seven she’s currently working with, especially in the county.

As for the dogs’ temperaments, she assures that they’re all sweethearts.

“Once you get ahold of them, it's like, they're so relieved. It's like, you just see that them letting down their personality… they're so loving and so appreciative.”

Interested adopters, fosters, and donors can visit Caring Hearts 4 Paws’ website or Facebook page.

“We have meet and greets. [Prospective adopters] either come to my home or they go to the foster homes where they get to meet the dogs and the dogs get to meet them.”

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  • Drutty

    Thank you for the work you do~!

    Monday, January 17, 2022 Report this