RENTON, Wash. — Diane Gockel said her family will attempt to beat the heat with a combination of shade, water sprinklers and homemade popsicles made from apples, corn, lettuce and a healthy serving of worms.
The popsicles may not be popular with the kids attending summer camp, but the frozen treats were a quick hit with the many who call the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary home.
Gockel started the sanctuary nearly 10 years ago outside her home in Sammamish. A few months ago, they transitioned to a new ranch in Renton and Gockel said more room is more work for the volunteers.
“We went from four stalls to 14, that’s good problem to have!” Gockel said.
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization where abandoned, homeless, neglected or animals needing a forever home are given shelter and care from a staff of volunteers. Animals roam the property and are cared for by a dedicated team.
“I couldn’t possibly care for all of these special animals without these awesome volunteers,” Gockel said.
The team is preparing for this week's heat the best way they know how.
“Water, water, water!” said Gockel. “My brother would spray me with a hose as a kid and that cooled me right off, so we are prepared to go that route, too!”
The support staff is relying on tried and true cooling methods as well as experimenting with their own ideas.
Volunteers are relying on frozen water bottles to help cool the bunny cages and ducks and chickens are dining on the homemade mealworm popsicles that Gockel said volunteer, Olivia, created. The Alpacas and Llamas mostly enjoy the sprinkler treatment and got a haircut in June to prepare for the warmer days. Sunscreen is also in the mix this week as animals like Willy the pig are prone to sunburn. “
We actually do apply sunblock to his ears and top of his head,” said Gockel.
A high of 96 degrees is expected on the farm Tuesday and the volunteers are preparing as many “farm-sicles” as they can.
“It’s gross when I open up the freezer and see them, but the animals love them, so it works!” said Gockel.
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary also welcomes summer day campers from 9 a.m. to noon.
“We have so much fun with our campers and then they head home at lunch. That’s when we really get busy!”
Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is now located at 16515 SE May Valley Road, Renton Washington 98059. Hours are currently by reservation only.