Pasado's Safe Haven Co-Founders
Susan Michaels and Mark Steinway shared a dream to make the world a better place for animals
They founded Pasado’s Safe Haven in 1997 in memory of our namesake, Pasado the donkey, who was beaten to death in Bellevue, WA. Together, they built and inspired a team that saved many lives from cruelty, and their rescue efforts attracted national attention and support, including the likes of Oprah Winfrey and actor Will Smith. They both retired from Pasado’s Safe Haven by 2010, but left a lasting legacy that continues to flourish and inspire positive change for animals.
We Mourn the Loss of Co-Founder, Susan Michaels 1956 – 2018
Susan Michaels leaves an incredible legacy that will continue to have impact for years to come. Susan was a former TV personality in Seattle, Wash., with a longstanding dedication to helping animals, including founding the Humane Society of Seattle/King County’s “Tuxes and Tails” gala.
Susan started Pasado’s Safe Haven in 1997 in memory of our namesake, Pasado the donkey, who was beaten to death in Bellevue, Wash. One of her most notable achievements was the lobbying and passing of five bills in Washington State related to the care and welfare of animals, including “Pasado’s Law”, which made animal cruelty a felony in the state of Washington. In addition to starting the sanctuary, she also launched our first mobile spay/neuter station (this program continues to have great impact in our community), and even made an appearance on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2000 for a segment called “Finding Your Spirit.”
She continued her work at the sanctuary through 2010 before retiring to take care of her own adopted animals. Susan will forever be remembered for her fierce dedication and incredible work on behalf of the animals. More about her life journey can be found here: Seattle Times.
