When a recently-groomed Cocker Spaniel named Tilly shook in the cold on a gray autumn afternoon, Kim Howard ran into her Snoqualmie home, which doubles as Three Rivers Animal Rescue, to retrieve a coat for her. Kim kissed the dog’s nose as she bundled her up.
Tilly had come to Kim that morning with matted fur and a sad expression. She had been discovered under a trailer in Yakima, underfed and neglected. It was apparent that she had never been walked, because she didn’t know how to be on a leash.
A few hours later, Crissy Kelly, co-owner of Snoqualmie Valley Pet Parlor, returned her to Kim — but not for long.
“Can I foster her?” asked Crissy, who had taken time on her day off to relieve Tilly of the smelly, tangled fur that had weighed her down for who knows how long.
Such is the network that Kim and her 17-year-old daughter, Reilly, have built in the Valley to care for cats and dogs in need of good homes.
A longtime volunteer for the Humane Society and MEOW cat rescue in Mercer Island, Kim started Three Rivers Animal Rescue 16 years ago.
With the help of the community, the duo have found loving homes for hundreds of pets who were strays or released by their owners.
When each pet comes to their home, the Howards do whatever it takes to get it physically and mentally healthy. Some of the animals live in temporary foster homes until they are matched with families via www.petfinder.com. Many stay with the Howards, whose home was filled with 14 dogs and nine cats during a recent visit.
When potential owners contact Kim about adopting, she counsels them on ownership of that specific pet, and won’t allow the adoption if it doesn’t seem to be a good match. She also offers a “lifetime guarantee” to take back the animal if it isn’t a good fit or the owners’ circumstances change.
When floods hit the Valley, the Howards coordinated efforts to reunite lost pets with their families, and local police drop off “frequent fliers” — pets that often get loose — to be cared for until their owners are reached.
Kim’s job is beyond full-time and can be exhausting, but she can’t imagine doing anything else. Each Christmas, the Howards jokingly take bets on how many happy pet owners will send them cards with Fido dressed as a reindeer.
“It’s an honor to make a difference in these animals’ lives,” she said. “And it ultimately makes a difference in people’s lives.”
Kim also credited the groomers, foster families and other community members who give their energy and love to the pets. Volunteers sometimes come by the Howards’ home to walk the dogs, and anonymous donors often drop off blankets, towels, food and other pet necessities.
“People are amazing. The support we get really tells us what kind of town we live in,” Kim said.
• Do you know Valley residents who deserve recognition for their good work? Nominate them for Citizen of the Week, an award co-sponsored by the Valley Record and Replicator Graphics. Send your ideas to editor@valleyrecord.com, or call (425) 888-2311.
