Imagine walking into Tacoma's bustling Tacoma Hotel in the late 1800s and finding an 800-pound brown bear casually sipping beer at the bar. This isn't the start of a joke—it's the true story of Jack the Bear, Tacoma's most beloved and unusual resident of the 19th century.
Jack's tale is more than just a quirky historical footnote. It's the starting point of a journey through Tacoma's rich history of animal welfare, leading us to a pressing crisis that demands our attention today.
From Bar to Legacy
Jack the Bear was more than just a novelty act. His presence in the heart of Tacoma sparked conversations about animals in urban spaces and their welfare. Little did the patrons know that while they marveled at Jack's beer-drinking antics, a pivotal moment in Tacoma's animal welfare history was about to unfold.
In 1888, William Blackwell witnessed a horrifying scene: a drunken logger abusing a defenseless bear cub. This incident catalyzed the founding of the Tacoma Humane Society, an organization that has been at the forefront of animal protection for over 135 years.
A Legacy in Crisis
Fast forward to today, and the Tacoma Humane Society faces challenges that would make even Jack the Bear's fur stand on end. The organization is grappling with an overwhelming influx of cats—50 to 100 felines rescued from a single home, adding to an already strained population of around 300 cats.
This modern crisis echoes the society's founding mission, highlighting the enduring need for community support and compassion.
How You Can Help
The Tacoma Humane Society needs your help now more than ever. Here's how you can make a difference:
Donate: Financial contributions help provide food, medical care, and shelter for animals in need.
Foster: Offer a temporary home to animals, freeing up space in the shelter.
Volunteer: Lend your time and skills to support the daily operations of the society.
Adopt: Give a forever home to a cat (or dog) in need.
From Bear to Care: A Call to Action
Jack the Bear's legacy reminds us of Tacoma's unique relationship with animals and its long-standing commitment to their welfare. Today, we have the opportunity to honor this legacy by supporting the Tacoma Humane Society in its time of need.
Let's turn this tale of a legendary bear into tangible support for animals in crisis. Visit the Tacoma Humane Society's website to learn more about how you can help. Together, we can write the next chapter in Tacoma's story of compassion and care for animals.
A Personal Note from Shea
While we're on the topic of making a difference, I want to share another cause close to my heart. On September 28th, I'll be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Seattle. Alzheimer's disease affects millions of families, and every step we take brings us closer to a world without this devastating illness.
I invite you to join me in this important event, either by walking alongside me or by making a contribution to the Alzheimer's Association. Your support can help fund critical research and provide care and support for those affected by Alzheimer's.
To join our team or make a donation, please visit https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=18005&pg=team&team_id=896308. Every participant and every dollar counts in this fight against Alzheimer's.
Whether it's supporting our local animals or joining the battle against Alzheimer's, your involvement makes a real difference. Thank you for being part of our community and for your compassion in action.
In memory of Coco and Storm.
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