Seal Sitters would like to wish everyone a peaceful holiday season. Unlike years past, we had no pups on the beach for Thanksgiving. So, all is quiet on the seal pup front for now. Seals are around, however, so please keep your eyes open for any sightings on the beach. NOAA reports that only Kingston has recently had a pup hauled out, as pups seek less populated beaches to rest. However, NOAA is receiving numerous calls about sea lions “in trouble” when indeed they are exhibiting normal “sailing” behavior. For information about sailing behavior, see blog story “Sailing Sea Lions” on 9/15/09. Read more about sea lions on our website.

Seal Sitters’ fundraiser held on November 14th was a big success. We would like to thank the community for turning out to support us! Huge thanks to our generous colleague for the donation of funds raised from the sale of her estate jewelry and to Merrill Gardens/Admiral Heights for hosting our event! Funds were also raised through silent auctions and raffled items. Deanna A was high bid for a framed Robin Lindsey photograph of a seal pup sleeping on lichen. Two other photos were auctioned off as well. Brenda Peterson signed numerous books for purchasers. Juanita L and Julie K each won a John Sayles’ dvd, The Secret of Roan Inish, the silkie legend of a human baby raised by seals. Joan E won the watch with 6 switchout bands for her neice. Food and book baskets, a specialty bread in the shape of a seal, and plush toys were also raffled off. SS volunteers talked to many visitors about our work and the seals. In fact, a number of those expressed interest in becoming volunteers themselves. So, all in all, a fantastic day! Many thanks to WS businesses that contributed to our event including Alki Mail, Liberty Bell Printing, Bakery Nouveau, Quidnunc, Metro Market, Coastal, NW Art and Frame, and the WS Blog and WS Herald for their on-going support. Thanks also to the volunteers who donated time to staff the event.