At the heart of every home is a furry companion! And for the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, this is true for their furry companion Eena. 

Eena along with her sister Mahsie have called the museum home since 2019. Both cats help with pest control, discouraging critters from setting up residence within the outdoor museum and its historic structures, and of course, are beloved by staff and visitors. 

“Animals, including our cats, serve as some of the Fort’s most popular interpreters – allowing visitors to experience life on the Puget Sound in the mid-19th century, through sight, sound, touch, and smell,” says Elizabeth Rudrud, the museum’s event and volunteer coordinator. “The animals who live at Fort Nisqually enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives. Signage introduces our cats at our entrance so visitors are aware that the cats live here and are not strays.” 

In March of 2021, museum staff was unable to locate Eena. They spent the evening and next days looking for her around the museum. With no luck, the staff reached out to local shelters and regularly checked local missing pet sites for weeks on end. 

Then, after 10 long months, Eena was brought to the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. Thanks to Eena being microchipped, shelter staff were able to notfiy the museum that Eena had finally been found. 

“Staff, volunteers, and museum visitors were ecstatic,” says Rudrud. “The museum consulted with the Humane Society on how to best reintroduce her to the Fort. Today, Eena is back to her old self. She is enjoying her favorite spots in the museum – including the sun-filled window in the visitor center, the water barrels in the heritage gardens where she is often seen drinking freshwater, and lounging on the porch of the historic Factor’s House.” 

Microchipping helps ensure every home has its heart. 

Stop by to have your pet microchipped today 

The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County offers low-cost pet microchips to the public for just $25, which includes national registration. No appointment is necessary. The procedure takes only a minute and can be done anytime from 11:00 am – 5:30 pm, seven days a week.

Update your pet’s microchip

If your pet does have a microchip, check out this list of common microchip companies where you can keep your information up-to-date.

Not sure which company your pet’s microchip is with? You can look it up using your pet’s microchip ID number with the Pet Microchip Lookup.

If you are unsure of the ID number, stop by your local veterinary office or at our shelter to have them scanned for the information.

Source: The Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County