Seattle, WA

Andrés Muñoz is Cool For Cats with Seattle Area Feline Rescue

Published

8 months ago

April 29, 2025

Andrés Muñoz is Cool For Cats with Seattle Area Feline Rescue

Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz loves all animals, but cats hold a special place in his heart. You’ve probably seen his cat Matilda, a grumpy-faced, golden-eyed Persian who travels with Muñoz and his wife Wendy, riding along to road cities in her pink princess carrier. Andrés and Wendy adopted Matilda out of a neglectful situation in Mexico, where the Muñoz family has a history of taking in abandoned or abused animals. Now Andrés is helping adoptable cats in his adopted home of Seattle, teaming up with Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFe) for a fundraising effort to support the work SAFe does for pets and pet parents in Washington and beyond.

SAFe takes in cats who need homes from all over Washington, as well as Southern California and Hawaii; they also partner with other agencies to provide relief to overcrowded shelters in times of natural disasters, and with shelters right here in the city when they experience overcrowding. In addition to supporting the cats in their care—which includes supplies and training for foster families as well as medical support for the up to 30 cats on-site—SAFe also supports community pet parents, offering support via a pet food pantry and low-cost wellness care (vaccines, microchips, parasite control, etc.) for low-income families designed to keep cats at home with their loving families.

Emily Sprong, Executive Director of SAFe, says having a quieter shelter environment that focuses only on cats provides better outcomes for the cats in their care. A shelter environment is stressful and scary for any pet, which can cause a strain on a stray cat’s already overburdened immune system, and that environment is only exacerbated for cats when there are barking dogs present.

The Muñozes used a precious off-day this Monday to visit SAFe to tour the facilities in North Shoreline, where the shelter moved into a bigger space a year and a half ago. The new facility—over two and a half times bigger than their old space—boasts an adoption center where potential pet parents can bond with adoptable animals, vet care techs and surgical facilities where cats can get the care they need, an isolation unit for cats suffering from ringworm or other fungal infections, a community meeting space, a pet pantry, exam rooms, and much more.

“I had no idea so much goes on behind the scenes,” said Muñoz, who was given an extensive tour of the shelter and asked many thoughtful questions throughout his visit, including studying a full-body x-ray of a cat with one of the vet technicians. “There’s all this stuff nobody sees.”

Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Mariners

Muñoz was especially interested in comparing the procedures at SAFe with what he’s familiar with from Mexico, where his grandfather ran a de facto animal shelter. “He took all the dogs he could, all the street dogs, because he had a lot of land,” said Muñoz. “At one time they told me he had 26 dogs and they’d all sleep in the same bed because he had a big bed, so everybody would jump up on the bed and try to sleep with him. So from there, my mom started to pick up dogs and cats. We just try to do our best to take care of them.”

“[In Mexico], there are a lot of animals around,” he said. “You see a lot of dogs and cats in the streets, you can see their bones from how hungry they are. We can’t let that happen. I don’t like to see anybody suffer,” he said. “We have to take care of them. We as humans, we can fend for ourselves, but animals need us.”

As much as he feels like a protector of animals, Muñoz is quick to point out that animals give back to their people, as well; they’re good for mental health, he says. Your pets don’t care if you had a bad day on the mound or a good one; they’re just happy to see you. “I think they are the best friend of a human. That is why I love to take care of them. They give you a lot of happiness.”

Sprong, the director of SAFe, agrees, noting that cat adoptions were especially popular during the pandemic. “I feel like right now there are a lot of people who are just feeling a little overwhelmed with life, but we can absolutely make a difference in these cats’ lives, and in the lives of people who are adopting them.”

One day, Muñoz dreams of having an actual animal sanctuary in his native Mexico.

“That is one of my goals in life. I would love to do something like this in Mexico. It’s awesome what they do here.”

“We can take care of ourselves, but cats need us to take care of them. I saw a lot of things before of animal cruelty, and I just can’t let those things happen. I can’t do everything, but I will do my best to do what I can.”

Part of what Muñoz is doing to contribute is lending his presence to SAFe, partnering with the shelter to auction off two packages on behalf of SAFe: each package includes four tickets to a game, along with four passes to batting practice and an opportunity for a meet-and-greet with Andrés. The auction is live now and will run until May 5. And for a $100 donation to SAFe, you’ll receive an exclusive printed photo of Muñoz captured during his visit to SAFe, including Andrés cuddling some adorable kitties.

Because adoption fees cover only about 12% of the cost SAFe incurs per cat, donations are a crucial lifeline to keep SAFe hard at work rescuing cats. This year, SAFe is running their “GiveBIG” fundraising drive from May 6-7, and you can donate any amount here, or sign up to help fundraise.

You can also support Seattle-area kitties by coming out to SAFe night at the ballpark on Tuesday July 22nd against the Brewers. “Take Meow’t to the Ballgame” night will be on July 22 and $5 from every ticket sold through this special ticket offer will go to SAFe. You’ll also get this cool hat with a sassy lil’ cartoon cat and mini cat ears (it says “Take Meow’t To The Ballgame” across the back). Deadline to purchase tickets is July 21 by 5 PM.

Sprong is grateful to Muñoz, baseball’s #1 cat dad, for lending his voice in support of cats, who don’t always receive the same amount of attention as adoptable dogs.

“It’s phenomenal. Cats are definitely underserved, overshadowed by dogs in the adoption space. I love dogs too, I have a dog at home, but being able to have a space like this that is designed and built for cats…it’s a quiet environment, there’s no barking or anything, it makes a really big difference. It allows us to really focus on their unique needs. As we have increasing density in Seattle, more and more people are living in apartments, that’s a little easier with a cat than with a dog.

So it’s really great to have somebody shining a light on cats, and we really appreciate it.”

Source link

Related Topics:andr area cats cool exclude-from-stn-video Featured feline for front page is landing lookout MU oz Rescue s Seattle with

Click to comment

Seattle, WA

Where Seattle Seahawks’ No. 1 seed odds stand after Week 16

Published

10 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Where Seattle Seahawks’ No. 1 seed odds stand after Week 16

The NFC West is a crowded mess, with three of the NFL’s best teams vying for both the division crown and the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

And it just got messier.

The 49ers’ win over the Colts on Monday night improves their record to 11-4, tying them with the Rams and putting both teams one game behind the 12-3 Seahawks.

Are Seahawks now the NFC favorite? Sheil Kapadia’s take

What does it mean for Seattle? I’ll be using The Athletic’s 2025 Playoff Simulator to navigate through the next two weeks…

First, the basics. What’s next for these three teams?

The 49ers have two at home. They host the 11-4 Chicago Bears (the league’s leader in takeaways and coming off back-to-back wins) for Sunday Night Football and then host the Seahawks. The date and time on that one is TBD, usually settled late Week 17, but it’s a favorite to be another primetime matchup.

The current NFL playoff picture

The Seahawks have two on the road. They head to Carolina to take on a hungry 8-7 Panthers team, also coming off a win, that can clinch the NFC South for the first time in a decade with a victory and a Bucs’ loss to the Dolphins. Then the Seahawks head to Santa Clara to face the 49ers.

The Rams have the easiest slate, facing two teams already eliminated from the postseason. They head to play the 6-9 Falcons and then host the 3-12 Cardinals in the regular-season finale.

What are the Seahawks’ current odds of clinching the No. 1 seed?

The Seahawks entered Monday with 53% odds to clinch the No. 1 seed. There’s not a big hit from the 49ers’ win: Seattle’s odds dip to 48%, but are still the highest of the three (49ers at 27% and the Rams at 11% before games are played this upcoming Sunday).

The only thing eliminated by virtue of the 49ers’ win was the Seahawks’ ability to clinch the top seed this Sunday.

If all three NFC West teams win in Week 17, the Seahawks’ odds are right where they were: 53%. That’s how monumental Week 18’s game against the 49ers is.

Best-case scenario in Week 17: Easy. The Seahawks are the only team of the three to win this Sunday. Their odds would jump to 74%. They get the No. 1 seed one of two ways after that: beat the 49ers, or lose to the 49ers + a Lions win over the Bears.

Worst-case scenario in Week 17: The Seahawks lose, while the Rams and 49ers win. Seattle’s odds would drop to 7%. But they’re not done; in this scenario, they could still get the top seed with a win over the 49ers + a Cardinals win over the Rams.

How would the Rams clinch? The Rams’ loss to the Seahawks last Thursday night took L.A. out of the driver’s seat. The Rams’ simplest path is to: win out + the Seahawks and 49ers lose one game each + the Lions beat the Bears. The Rams need the Seahawks to lose to make up for the one-game lead, and need the Bears to lose to win a tiebreaker (conference record).

What else should we know?

Oh, that’s right, the Bears.

There’s another team here still fighting for the top seed. Chicago’s Saturday night comeback win over the Packers wasn’t just a thriller; it also added some new playoff implications.

The Bears are currently the No. 2 seed. But they have a better conference record than both the Rams and the Seahawks, so keeping a game ahead is massive.

Again, all Seattle has to do is win out. It doesn’t matter what any other team does if that happens. But things become tricky if Seattle drops a game.

In that case, if the Seahawks lose to the Panthers, root for the Lions and Cardinals. And always root against your NFC West foes.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• What led to Seahawks’ uncharacteristic defensive issues vs Rams?
• NFL upholds 1-game suspension for Seahawks’ Derick Hall
• Walker’s big night an encouraging sign for Seattle Seahawks
• Seattle Seahawks Injury Updates: Status of trio of DBs
• Huard: The reason Darnold was able to lead Seahawks over Rams

Follow @stacyrost

Source link

Seattle, WA

Seattle Mariners sign free agent OF/1B Rob Refsnyder

Published

22 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Seattle Mariners sign free agent OF/1B Rob Refsnyder

The Seattle Mariners have signed veteran Rob Refsnyder to add depth both in the outfield and at first base.

The Mariners could have one of spring training’s biggest stories

The team announced a one-year contract with the free agent on Monday afternoon. The contract is worth $6.25 million with a potential extra $250,000 in incentives, according to Boston Red Sox reporter Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Refsnyder, 34, played 70 games in 2025 for Boston, finishing with 1.2 fWAR. At the plate, he hit .269 with a strong .354 on-base percentage and .838 OPS. He had nine home runs, 12 doubles, 30 RBIs and three stolen bases.

“Rob has been one of the most productive hitters against left-handed pitching over the last four seasons and provides balance and impact offensively to our lineup,” Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said in a press release. “We are excited to welcome Rob and his family to the Mariners.”

Refsnyder hit .302 against lefties with a .399 on-base and .560 slugging last season. Seven of his nine homers and nine of his 12 doubles came against lefties, which he faced 138 times as opposed to 71 plate appearances against right-handed pitching.

Born in South Korea, Refsnyder attended Laguna Hills High School in California and played in college at Arizona. He was a fifth-round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees.

The 6-foot, 215-pound Refsnyder is a 10-year MLB veteran, having spent time with the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins and Red Sox. He had been with the Red Sox for each of the past four seasons.

Refsnyder has never played more than 93 games in a single MLB season but has solid offensive numbers with a career .255/.343/.387 slash line for a .730 OPS.

While the Mariners listed Refsnyder as an outfielder/first baseman, he has just 29 career appearances at first, and he last played the position in an MLB game in 2020. Refsnyder has 356 career appearances in the outfield, as well as 43 career appearances at second base.

Jorge Polanco embracing new position after leaving Mariners

Refsnyder, who hits right-handed, gives the Mariners a backup option behind one-time All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor, who Seattle re-signed to a five-year contract early this offseason.

The Mariners add Refsnyder to a list of additions in free agency that includes Naylor and backup catcher Andrew Knizner. Seattle also added left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer in a trade with the Washington Nationals.

Seattle Mariners offseason coverage

• Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh receives another award
• What would a Brendan Donovan trade cost the Mariners?
• Two 2025 Mariners pitchers reportedly join new teams
• Jorge Polanco sends impassioned message to Mariners fans
• Seattle Mariners sign backup catcher to one-year deal

Follow @BrentStecker

Source link

Seattle, WA

Rick Steves steps in to save Seattle-area hygiene center serving homeless residents

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

Rick Steves taking a selfie with community members outside the Lynnwood Hygiene Center near Seattle. He says his purchase of the property secures the future of the center, which provides hot meals and hot showers.

Rick Steves

hide caption

toggle caption

Rick Steves

An anonymous donor stepped in last month to save a Seattle-area community center that was slated to close.

Last week, community members learned that the new owner was travel writer and TV host Rick Steves, who pledged to keep it open and free for people needing hot showers and hot meals.

“I vividly remember what it’s like as a kid backpacking around the world to need a shower, to need a place to wash your clothes,” Steves told a crowd who gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the purchase over cake and with words fait accompli written in red icing.

Many homeless people had come to depend on the Lynnwood Hygiene Center, which had operated rent-free on the property since 2020.

But the center said in November that it would close after the property was sold to a developer.

Steves said he learned about the hygiene center’s impending closure by reading about it in a local online newspaper — just weeks before it was set to shut down.

Despite living nearby, he said he hadn’t even known the center existed.

In fact, Steves told NPR he didn’t even know what a hygiene center was until he read about the closure — a place where people can shower, wash clothes, grab a hot meal and spend a few hours indoors.

“I realized, oh my goodness, there’s an invisible community with an invisible center helping invisible people. And it’s not right. It needs to be kept alive,” Steves said.

In a series of posts on Bluesky, Steves said was struck by how difficult it would be to replace.

Steves said he bought the property for $2.25 million.

Members of the community pitched in another $400,000 in donations, which the center says will go toward renovations and expanding services.

“It’s huge,” said Sandra Mears, executive director of the Jean Kim Foundation, which runs the hygiene center.

Rick Steves Gets Uncomfortable In 'Travel As A Political Act'

Mears says before Steves came in, she had been told to plan a goodbye party.

“I didn’t want a goodbye party,” she said.

Thanks to the donations, Mears says the Lynnwood Hygiene Center will continue serving around 700 people in the community, providing upwards of 16,000 hot meals and 10,000 showers a year.

Steves called the purchase the best $2.25 million he could imagine spending.

But he says private donations are also not a substitute for public investment — and shouldn’t determine whether essential services survive.

He describes his decision as a response to what he sees as a failure of public priorities, not a model to be relied upon.

“If we don’t have [$2.25 million] for a whole county to give homeless people a shower and a place to get out of the rain and a place to wash their clothes, what kind of society are we?” Steves said.

Source link