BaaHaus Animal Rescue Group Programs
BaaHaus provides daily care for approximately 200 animal residents, including maintaining stalls, pastures and enclosures; providing appropriate food (we serve over two dozen different "menu items" on a daily basis); providing socialization and humane attention for all residents, particularly those who have been terrorized and/or physically harmed; and providing veterinary attention as necessary.
BaaHaus works with University of Washington students and faculty interested in animal welfare, rights and care. This program ranges from graduate level academic research to hands-on practical experience. We currently have a year-long internship program at BaaHaus which combines both practical and academic aspects, for the truly committed student.
BaaHaus responds to local animal emergency situations, working with other animal service agencies and organizations. We work very closely with Seattle Animal Shelter and Vashon Island Pet Protectors. We hope to develop a more effective relationship with King County animal support services, as those evolve.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
BaaHaus has been working with a University of Washington Senior interested in animal rescue and sanctuary work. This internship position (including academic credit) was originally intended to run Winter through Spring quarters of 2009. Instead, the student continued to work through the Summer and Autumn quarters, is finishing up an analysis of animal sanctuary work, and may continue assisting us after her graduation in December 2009. To say that this internship has been successful for both BaaHaus and the student barely touches on how meaningful to the student and how helpful to us the program has proven to be. But the true beneficiaries are the BaaHaus residents who have enjoyed hundreds of hours of additional attention and care.
BaaHaus is a permanent home sanctuary for farm animals large and small. Because all the animals who come to us stay with us, the cost of maintaining high quality care is continuous and always increasing. The expenses of medical care and feed, in particular, have not declined, even during the current economic recession. And because of the rise in regional unemployment and foreclosures, the demands for our services have also increased. As with most nonprofit organizations, we have experienced some decline in donations, although not as marked as we had feared. That our supporters have continued to assist us through financial and in-kind donations is a testimony to the high quality of our services and dedication to a very worthy cause. We recognize and appreciate this support, and, as our costs rise, hope to build on this good will.