To the editor:

Re: the letter entitled “Let’s not forget about WAIF.”

The Whidbey Animal Guild first contacted Goosefoot, which fundraises for WAIF on a regular basis, to see about holding a joint event with WAIF, but the suggestion was declined.

As a result, since Goosefoot is already a major benefactor for WAIF, holding “Fill the Truck” events, and helping WAIF raise money for its new private shelter, the Whidbey Animal Guild opted to organize a similar type event for all the other groups on the island that serve animals or are animal-service based groups. The goal was to raise awareness among the public about the work of others who have also served our community for a long time in very good ways, as well as to recognize emerging groups. Skagit Farmers Supply was kind enough to agree to allow a similar event to occur.

Unlike WAIF, which brings in somewhere between $800,000 and $1.5 million a year, other groups do not have thrift stores, government contracts, rent free shelter buildings, and access to major grants and elaborate fundraisers. Also, WAIF keeps it animal data private (so other rescues have difficulty obtaining data needed for needs assessments for grants). Other worthy groups that have tried to put collection containers next to WAIF’s have been turned away by a number of stores, which is disappointing.

WAG is trying to improve the system for all groups, including WAIF, by urging governments here to adopt the Asilomar Accords. By using this nationally respected system of animal data reporting, all groups including WAIF can get major grants that are not available now.

Currently, Island County has two separate sheltering entities, and three separate animal control entities. Until we all get on the same page in the way statistics get reported, all groups will suffer from a lack of available grant funding.

So WAG is working hard to play nice with and for everyone.

I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to visit and join WAG to learn more.

BARBARA MORAN

Whidbey Animal Guild