Oreo needed a special family that could handle her occasional seizures.

Written by HCWS Volunteer – Carol Lisowski

Susan and Kevin Smith lost their 17 year-old lab around Christmas time.  Kevin thought their Yorkie, Major Little, would be so lost without his companion, so he started looking for another dog to bring home to his family.  He found Oreo at the Heaven Can Wait Dog Adoption Center and fell in love with her.  Susan and their children felt the same way when they met her.

 Oreo immediately fit right in with Major and her new family.  She acquired a middle name as well–Cookie.  What she loves to do the most is snuggle.  She doesn’t particularly like being by herself and wants to be held.  The Smith’s don’t know a lot about her previous owners, except that they were told they didn’t have time for her. 

In the past Oreo has experienced a couple of seizures, but the veterinarian thinks she is doing relatively well and doesn’t want to put her on medication at this point.

Oreo loves playing with Major, especially trying to take the squeak toys away from him before he can chew them apart, pull out all the stuffing, and hide the squeaker under someone’s bed.  She loves to go for walks and plays well with all the other dogs at the dog park.  Because Oreo is a girl, she gets to dress up in sweaters or her coat and thoroughly enjoys being a fashionista.

 The family enjoys coming home to find Oreo waiting for them at the door.  She really makes them laugh because she’s such a funny girl.  She frequently “yawns” which looks like she is talking to them, telling them about her day or what she wants to do tomorrow.  Another successful happy ending.

 If you want to create another happy ending for a dog or cat yearning to bring joy to your family, visit the Heaven Can Wait Website to find available adoptions.

Jesse and little Chance make a good team.

Written by Volunteer Lucy Joyce

I’m Chance, I was at Henderson Animal Shelter on death row.  I wondered why I had one more day to live, when I knew I was truly innocent?  My eyes were sad and teary, I knew I was a good dog.

The kind folks at Heaven Can Wait Animal Society knew I needed help, they took me in to their ‘Pups on Parole’ program. I was free from death row thanks to HCWS – this time things were different. All the guards at the prison loved my friendly nature and the inmate handler was patient with me.

It took seven months of training to direct my energy and high spirits into the dog I am today. I am an Australian Shepherd mix, we like to herd and we like to run. My handler understood that I needed time to learn, and taught me so well, that I learned commands, like “sit” and “stay.” I showed everyone how smart I really am. I was so busy going through my training program that I even learned how to ‘play dead’. I still had so much life in me, I knew Heaven Can Wait would find a good home for me.

Chance channeled his high energy into learning a variety of tricks.

Now here’s the part, I like the best – Jesse Nelson saw me at the HCWS Adoption Center at PetSmart.  Jesse could see the same spirit in me that my saviors from Heaven Can Wait had seen. Jesse’s girlfriend’s dog had recently died, she didn’t know how she would deal with another dog. That’s where I, Chance, really could help. Jesse and I make a good team, we continued our ‘Pups on Parole’ training.  I can stand on my back legs and high five Jesse. With my lovable personality and cute tricks, I managed to win Jesse’s girlfriend’s heart with my friendly spirit.

Isn’t it great when someone takes a chance on you? 

Chance found a family that challenged his intelligence.

CLICK HERE to meet other One-of-a-Kind pets ready for adoption at Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.

If you ever wondered if the Heaven Can Wait Dog Coordinators have a hard time saying goodbye to the pups they rescue and rehabilitate – you will want to read this story.  Atlas found the perfect home with a life on the road, but the adoption almost didn’t happen because of the bond he and a coordinator shared.

Atlas is a St. Bernard/Collie mix that was rescued from a trailer park by Tania, an HCWS Dog Coordinator.

Tania said, “I received a call from a woman who found Atlas wandering down the street with a nasty cut on his leg.  He was severely matted and filthy and terrified.  Although the woman attempted to do the right thing, she had him chained to a tree in the middle of the summer with hardly any shade.  Dog food was strewn on the ground and covered in ants and there was only a bit of water in a filthy plastic bowl.”

When Tania took Atlas to the HCWS headquarters he was too afraid to walk inside, so she picked up “all 55 pounds of him” and carried him in.  His tail was tucked between his legs and he refused to look at her.  Tania gently bathed and brushed him and let him rest for the night.

“After a few days of spending time with Atlas, I walked into the room to get him ready for his daily walk and he almost tackled me to the floor.  He was wagging his tail and licking me to death.  Atlas was a completely different dog and so happy to see me!”

“From that day forward Atlas would bounce like a bunny in the yard and run and play with the tennis balls I threw for him.  He never left my side and when it was time to go in, if he ran ahead he would peek around the fence to make sure I was coming,” said Tania.

Finally Atlas was ready to enroll in the Pups on Parole program where he quickly learned his obedience commands and became a model dog.  Tania knew soon he would be ready to find a permanent home and she tried to prepare for the day when she would have to say goodbye forever.

One day Tania received a call from Norma who is a cross country truck driver.  She saw a picture of Atlas online and she desperately wanted to adopt him.  Norma had recently lost her dog who had accompanied her on the road for many years.

At first Tania declined Norma’s adoption because she wouldn’t be able to check in on Atlas if he lived on the road.  But Norma did not give up.  She bombarded Tania with references of family, friends, veterinarians, pet stores and even pet friendly restaurants.

Then Norma came to town to meet Atlas and Tania knew she had to make a decision.  Norma and Atlas had an instant rapport. 

“So I did what was best for Atlas and let him go to his new home knowing that he needed what was best and that Norma could provide it for him.”

Atlas loves his new life as a traveling dog and is spoiled rotten by Norma.  Tania said, “He’s been to more states and landmarks than I have!”

Norma understands the bond between Tania and Atlas and sends pictures and updates from the road.  She even brings Atlas to visit when they pass through town.  “He’s gained weight and is the biggest goofball you will ever meet – he even sits in the front and helps navigate,” bragged Tania.

And recently Atlas became a big brother when Norma adopted another dog named Tyson.

Click Here to see all of the great dogs and cats ready to find “forever” homes.

Atlas and Mom - Norma

 

Geisha was one of the dogs that came to HCWS who was labeled a “nightmare”. She was in the Pups on Parole program for a full four months, which is considered to be a long time for a pup’s rehabilitation. Geisha was suffering from major separation anxiety, when her prison handler was not around, and she was aggressive towards other dogs. That was simply the way she displayed her shyness and insecurity.

Finally Geisha was adopted, but her new owners were often not home and her separation anxiety worsened. Unfortunately, she was returned to HCWS.

Geisha then spent an additional six months at HCWS, until her luck changed and she was adopted by Leeza and Dennis Osburn on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). And, according to Leeza, what a day it was! Leeza and Dennis wanted a companion for their Chihuahua/Basenji mix “Missy”, and Leeza searched Petfinder for months – until she came upon Geisha. “I just knew the moment I saw her photo that she was the one,” Leeza told me. “Her little picture just spoke to me.”

Geisha fit all the requirements she wanted for Missy and their household. Missy was very shy, just like Geisha, and Geisha is a terrier mix, just like Missy. They are both the same size, and the minute she introduced Geisha to Missy, they were taken with each other. In fact, Leeza says Geisha bonded with Missy even before she bonded with her and Dennis!

When Geisha came to the Osburn’s, she was quiet and very timid. Now she is goofy and funny and greets them at the door to welcome them home. All she needed was a little attention. Leeza said she never even got a chance to experience Geisha’s separation anxiety, because she is never alone anymore. She has, however, become a bit of a kleptomaniac! She affectionately takes small objects that belong to Leeza off her nightstand and places them outside. This is a puppy that is now thriving, even though someone had given up on her.

Every Thursday, Geisha now attends obedience classes with Dennis to work on her social skills. She is now even able to go to the dog park and play with the other dogs. This just goes to show what love and attention can really do for a pet.

Animals suffer from separation anxiety, just as humans do. If you simply do not have the time or desire to dedicate to your dog or cat for playtime, snuggling, and companionship, it is in your best interest (and the best interest of the animal) to not adopt until you can give it the love and care it deserves. That way, they have a real opportunity to be placed in their forever homes. Thank you to Leeza and Dennis (and Missy) for welcoming this Geisha girl into their loving family!

Geisha and Missy with Dennis and LezzaGeisha's first trip to the dog park.

 

Sunday, October 10, 2010 marked the 9 year anniversary of Heaven Can Wait’s Feral Cat Clinic.  This program focuses on sterilizing only unowned feral cats in order to target a group that is consistently being impounded and euthanasia at the local shelter at an astonishing rate.  We celebrated the day by sterilizing 288 ferals and finishing around 1pm.  The grand total for the monthly clinic over these nine years is an amazing 14,823!  All of us would like to thank the wonderful volunteers and veterinarians that have been helping every month to make this clinic the greatest in the country.

Submitted by Sue Grundfest, HCWS Volunteer

Coco and Kirby

Sometimes you wonder why a particular dog came into your life. When I adopted Kirby everyone thought I was crazy. He was funny looking, much older than I had wanted and had a whole host of health issues.

But I saw a special spark in his eyes and knew he would fit into our family perfectly.

And he did.

He doted on his big sister Coco. He followed her around, learned from watching her, respected her in her blind and deaf condition and always wanted to sleep cuddling with her.

And last week I knew for certain why Kirby was sent to us. Coco developed a very rapidly developing brain disease and after several days at our vet, I brought her home.  I didn’t know if she had one day or one month or one year to live, but I knew she had to be home with Kirby and Kirby needed to be with her.

Coco could not stand, walk or recognize her surroundings. Several strokes and seizures took away a lot of her body but not her spirit. She knew Kirby and invited him to cuddle up close, and he stayed with her watching over her.

He twice alerted me to an oncoming seizure by barking and circling. I put Coco on the ground in a safe spot and he sat right up close as she experienced something no dog or human should.

Coco the Love Dog died peacefully in my arms on Sunday, August 1, 2010 after fourteen years and five months of a wonderful life. She lived long enough to win every award therapy dogs could be honored with, to change thousands of lives with her strength and spirit, to live longer than most dogs with insulin-dependent diabetes and to teach Kirby everything he needs to know to carry on the Love Dog legacy.

Kirby came into my life for a purpose. To teach me about loving again and moving on and never forgetting and always remembering how each and every dog changes our lives, and us.

By a vote of 5-2, the Las Vegas City Council has passed an ordinance requiring residents to spay/neuter their dogs and cats.  Many are questioning the need for such a law, but the high numbers of sheltered animals in Las Vegas should be explanation enough.   The municipal animal shelters in the Las Vegas Valley take in more than 50,000 animals per year and 30,000 are being euthanized.   And those numbers do not count the cats and dogs fighting for their lives on the streets of Las Vegas.

FAQ

When did the spay/neuter ordinance go into effect?

 April 1, 2010

Are there any exceptions?

Yes, there are exceptions to this law.  If -

• The animal cannot breed or a veterinarian certifies the animal is medically unfit for surgery.
• The animal has been trained and is used for law enforcement, search and rescue or as a service animal.
• The owner has a valid dog or cat fancier’s, breeder’s or professional animal handler’s permit.

What are the consequences if I don’t get my dog or cat neutered/spayed?

A violation would be a misdemeanor with fines up to $225 for the first offense, $500 for the second, and $1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

 At what age is it mandatory for my pet to have the surgery?

4 months and older

Are there risks for my pet to get neutered /spayed?

• Since it is surgery, there are always risks, as with every medical procedure. 
• Spaying/neutering is one of the most common procedures performed by veterinarians.
• Go to a veterinarian you trust and if you are on a budget, organizations like Heaven Can Wait provide low-cost spay/neuter services, but with the same high-quality service as any veterinarian clinic.

Are there any benefits to having my dog fixed?

Studies show that there are many health benefits for your dog after being fixed:

• On average, it will increase your canine friend’s life by one to three years.
• Altered dogs have low to no risk of mammary gland tumors, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyomeria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.
• Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights and auto accidents.  (85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered.)

Are there any benefits to having my cat fixed?

• An average of a 3- to 5-year increase in your cat’s lifespan.
• Eliminates possibilities of false pregnancies.
• Altered cats have low to no risk of mammary gland tumors, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyomeria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.
• Urinary infections greatly reduced
• Less desire to roam

Are there any benefits for me when I get my pet spayed/neutered?

Besides showing that you are a responsible pet owner and are helping to reduce the suffering of homeless pets, there are many benefits for you as the owner as well:

• Since the risks for cancers and other diseases are lowered and eliminated in the long run, you will save money on expensive vet visits and medical care.
• Less aggression in male dogs due to being territorial, including urinating to mark territory
• Your community can benefit by decreasing the number of stray animals. 
• And one more benefit for your wallet:  by reducing the number of animals impounded and the eventual destruction of unwanted animals, millions of taxpayers’ money can be saved.

 Does my dog have to have her first heat before she can be spayed?

No, she does not. You can begin to spay/neuter your animal as young as 8 weeks, depending upon their weight.

Should my pet have at least one litter to be healthy?

Giving birth does not improve your pet’s health.

Will my dog lose its hunting or retrieving abilities?

These instincts are located in the dog’s brain – not on the other end of the dog. Actually, an intact dog can be distracted during the hunt by the smell of a canine in heat.

Will my pet get fat?

Whether or not your pet will gain weight depends upon diet, exercise, age and genetic factors.  

Will my pet’s character change?

Surgery will not change your companion’s character.  

For every human born in the United States each day, SEVEN unwanted puppies and kittens are born.  There will never be enough homes for them.  Please, make this law a success and neuter/spay your companion.  And if you think about expanding your family – ADOPT A PET.

If you need more information on spaying and neutering or want to make an appointment, visit the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society website.