Donations to North Seattle shelter saving more animals

When Missy Young walked into her North Seattle animal shelter on Oct. 7 to find that someone had broken in, killed several small animals and stolen others, she was dismayed almost to the point of giving up the nonprofit work.

But as news of the break-in at Animal Talk Rescue on Roosevelt Way Northeast in Seattle spread, Young was flooded with help. Thousands of people sent cards and letters; hundreds wrote checks. A stream of people arrived at the store bearing bleach and paper towels to help with the cleanup, and other much-needed supplies.

"It was overwhelming to find out how many people cared," said Young, who opened the no-kill shelter in 1990. "I still get teary-eyed talking about it."