By Jamie Myers

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson visited the American Red Cross shelter at the Spokane Convention Center Monday, spending time with survivors, volunteers and the pets who have weathered the evacuations alongside their families.

Ferguson was joined by several state and Red Cross leaders, including Megan Dulgar, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Northwest Region; Brad Kieserman, Vice President of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the American Red Cross; Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, the Adjutant General of Washington; Robert Ezelle, Director of the Washington Military Department’s Emergency Management Division; and state Sen. Marcus Riccelli, representing Washington’s 3rd Legislative District.

The shelter looked much different Monday than it had just days earlier. At its peak, more than 400 evacuees were staying at the Convention Center. By the time of the governor’s visit, approximately 10 to 20 people remained, some of whom have lost their homes.

But fewer people in the shelter doesn’t mean the Red Cross work is finished.

“We stay until every need is met,” Dulgar said.

It’s a commitment Red Cross teams across the Northwest Region have put into action repeatedly this year. So far in 2026, the region has opened 32 shelters and supported eight additional shelters.

Among the residents the governor met Monday was Theresa, who is staying at the shelter with her black cat, Inky, and cream-colored puggle, Frank. They were among approximately five to seven pets still at the shelter.

Inky was happy to have visitors, and knowing Megan was an animal lover, Theresa insisted she take some time for snuggles. Inky eagerly soaked up the attention before Megan spent some time with Frank, too.

Gov. Ferguson listened as Theresa shared her experiences and even pulled out photos of his own pets to share — a simple moment of connection during what has been an uncertain time for everyone impacted.

Throughout the visit, Gov. Ferguson and the other leaders spoke with residents and thanked Red Cross volunteers who have helped care for hundreds of people since the shelter opened.

Before the group left, Dulgar presented Gov. Ferguson with an American Red Cross Northwest Region challenge coin, marking the visit and the partnership between the Red Cross and state leaders during the response.

The crowd inside the Spokane Convention Center may be much smaller now, but for the evacuees who remain, the need is still very real.

And so is the Red Cross commitment to stay.

Until every need is met.