Among the items on the auction block this Saturday at the Seattle Humane Society's Tuxes and Tails [1]event will be the chance to spend a day on the trail with famed pet detective Kat Albrecht [2].
The former police officer and bloodhound handler, crime scene investigator, and search-and-rescue manager turned her skills and talents to finding lost pets about 10 years ago. Since then she's been writing the book on pet hunting and helping to train and certify Missing Animal Rescue technicians around the country from her headquarters in Fresno. But this spring she moved to Federal Way and launched a Seattle Pet Hunters [3] chapter that's already training volunteer dog-person teams.
I had the pleasure of writing about Albrecht, and participating in a search for missing cats in Fresno, for Bark [4] magazine a couple years back. I was impressed with the professionalism and drive she brought to that pet search -- an attitude anyone who has ever lost a cat or dog will appreciate. I'm thrilled she's brought her operation to our backyards, alleys, streets and parks.
Albrecht's Missing Pet Partnership [5] is dedicated to reuniting people with their lost companions. As a nonprofit organization in a new home, there are currently lots of opportunities to get involved as a volunteer. It's interesting, challenging work. Plus, search teams get to wear impressive, neon-orange Lost Pet Rescue vests. And, honestly, can a reality show be far behind?
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
