Pasado’s Safe Haven, a non-profit group established by Susan Michaels in 2007, investigates animal abuse cases and provides sanctuary and adoption services to rescued and abandoned animals. Pasado’s goal is to help animals that “fall through the cracks” and are not able to find shelter through other animal welfare programs in Washington.

Many of their animals-in residence are ‘seniors’ who have been given up because of their advanced age, and consequently, increased human dependence.

“People commonly abandon older pets,” said Pasado’s Spay Station coordinator Kristin Parshall.

Pasado’s services extend well beyond affordable spay, neuter and adoption services. Since 1994, the group’s legislative work has produced three laws protecting animal rights, and they offer rewards for information on animal abusers. In the past three years, the program led to half a dozen arrests and convictions. Pasado’s 24-hour rescue availability is the only such service offered in the Pacific Northwest.