Grab some great deals and support Patty’s Animal Rescue — an interview with Patty Lint Hendrickson

by Loni Rahm

Editors note: dates and times of sale at the end of the interview

Patty Lint Hendrickson has a passion for animals. She has been rescuing lost, abandoned and abused animals “since I was a kid”. Patty estimates over the course of her life, she has rescued more than 3,000 animals.

“I get at least a couple of calls a day with someone reporting an animal who needs help,” Patty said. She rescues domestic animals like dogs and cats, but has also acquired farm animals, livestock, and a reptile or two through the years.

Every step of the way, people have made donations and offered their help. At a certain point, she explained, it made sense to register her rescue efforts as a 501c3 non profit organization so donors could claim tax deductions for their generosity.

And so, Patty’s Animal Rescue was born.

The non-profit was established in 2013 while she and her family lived in the Woodinville area. At the time, she was working two jobs and raising a family, but there was always an animal in need…so she and her husband, Mike, made time and made room as best they could.

In 2021, they moved to Chelan and onto a large 26-acre property which greatly expanded their capacity to rescue and help animals. Even with all that space, however, they often find their cup to be overflowing. “We can take up to 150 animals at a time,” stated Patty. And sometimes, their services are in such demand, they wish they could take double that amount.

“It’s kitten season”, said Patty. They are currently “mothering” more than 20 kittens – many of whom need bottle feeding. But the population explosion is drastically reduced under Patty’s watch. “Every animal that comes to us is spayed or neutered,” she said.

Patty retired from her job in 2022, determined to focus her seemingly boundless energy exclusively on the rescue effort as well as brainstorming ways to generate the ongoing funding support they needed.

“I’ve always wanted to run a thrift store,” she said. In September of 2022, “A Cause for Paws” was opened in the business center on Apple Blossom Drive.

Patty’s husband, Mike, snuggles one of their many kittens. “He’s my rock!,” Patty said of her husband.

Donations rolled in, and to Patty’s immense relief, the store has been a success. “After paying rent and utilities, 100% of the profits from A Cause for Paws goes directly to support the Animal Rescue.”

It’s been a huge help according to Patty, because rescuing animals is not an inexpensive endeavor.

“My vet bill is upwards of $7,000,” said Patty. She works with Dr. Kathy at Lakeland Veterinary Clinic in Manson who Patty indicated has been extremely generous with her time and expertise. Dr. Kathy has provided Patty with basic triage skills to manage minor health issues so “I don’t have to rack up vet expenses for little things,” Patty explained. But still the vet bills continue to grow.

“People are incredibly generous with their donations,” said Patty. Especially when she indicates there’s something specific that we need such as food, or blankets or medical supplies.

The biggest ongoing expense in rescue efforts are inevitably vet bills. If someone wants to earmark a donation directly to vet bills, they can either specify it to Patty, or they can contact Lakeland Vet and ask to make a payment onto the Patty’s Animal Rescue account. “Donors still get the tax donation, and our largest expense is whittled down as well” said Patty.

Patty is quite particular about where the animals are placed when they are ready to leave her care. In addition to word of mouth and social media outreach locally, she works with NOAH in Arlington to find adoptive homes over on the west side for some of the animals.

“They cast a wider net in more populous areas,” she said. Volunteers from the Chelan Valley often offer to transport the healthy pets to NOAH. “It’s such a big help,” said Patty.

In fact, Patty is constantly amazed and humbled by the emotion and financial support she has received from the community over the past few years. She choked up a bit as she mentioned all the ways people help.

“I am forever grateful,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

Rummage Sale and Fundraiser — All proceeds support Patty’s Animal Rescue

Patty with a couple of her rescues. There’s no shortage of affection given to these lucky animals.

Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MOE covered playground, 407 E. Woodin

  • Household Items
  • Furniture
  • Clothing and Shoes
  • Artwork and Decorations
  • Patio Furniture and Gardening Items
  • Pet Supplies
  • Much, Much More….
  • Even a ’79 Ford Pick Up!!

Great deals on thousands of items!

  • Bake Sale
  • BBQ Hot Dog Lunch
  • Face Painting
  • Themed Raffle Basket

We accept Cash, Credit Cards, Venmo and Paypal

Reaching out to support Patty’s Animal Rescue

The best way to reach Patty whether to report an animal in need, volunteer to help, or support the Animal Rescue in a variety of other ways is to call or text her cell phone: 206-920-0693 or to stop by the store.

A Cause for Paws is located at 131 Apple Blossom Drive (across from the Hospital). She is open for shoppers and to donate items Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store is closed Sundays and Mondays, and according to Patty, she also closes during the occasional visit from family.

Follow Patty’s Animal Rescue on facebook for current store information and suggestions about how to help with the rescue effort.

Patty’s Animal Rescue is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax deductible in accordance with current tax laws.