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. 

The amendments incorporate the new spay/neuter requirements, as well as new regulations related to managed care of feral cats, animal impoundment, breeders, animal cruelty, animal care facilities, and vaccination requirements.

Some of the noteworthy amendments to Title 10 include:

1. All animals surrendered to the shelter will be scanned for a microchip. If the microchip is traced to a rescue group, the organization will be allowed to reclaim the animal before it is euthanized.

2. A retailer, dealer, or breeder, cannot separate an animal from its mother until it is 8 weeks of age, or until the animal is accustomed to taking food other than by nursing, whichever date is later.

3. A person with a breeder’s permit is only allowed to keep 8 intact cats or dogs.  Dogs cannot be bred until they are 18 months of age, and each dog is limited to one litter per year.

4. When an excessive heat warning is issued by the National Weather Service, dogs and cats must be provided with supplemental cooling to adequately reduce the surrounding temperature.

5. Retailers or dealers must provide a written statement or sales contract containing the name and address of the owner and the date the dog or cat was born; where the dog or cat came from, including the federal identification number, and a record of immunizations administered, among other requirements.

6. Animals in crates or boxes must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably.  Crates, boxes, or receptacles must have a solid floor.

For a complete copy of the new amendments to Title 10, please visit www.accessclarkcounty.com.

The organization has generously committed to donating 10 percent of their net sales each month to help HCWS continue our programs that serve the Las Vegas community. 

Bo & DeeMo made the decision to adopt HCWS because of our wide variety of services.  “HCWS is not only responsible for saving lives, but creates many programs that help our community from cats and dogs to children and senior citizens,” said Dee. 

HCWS is sensitive to the dilemma of bully breed dogs.  Because of their size or reputation they are often the first to be euthanized at overcrowded animal shelters.

Owner Dee Mounts began creating jewelry when she was just thirteen years old and later studied fashion design.  Her partner Brandi Estes works in law enforcement with Nevada Highway Patrol.  Both women share a love for bully breed dogs, including the two canine mascots for the company.

Mugsy Malone, an English bulldog serves as King of Bo & DeeMo, while adorable Moxie Mia is his Queen.

King Mugsy Malone

Queen Moxie Mia

You can meet both royal mascots by visiting the Bo & DeeMo website http://boanddeemo.com/

HCWS thanks this organization for their dedication to animals and their generosity to help stop pet overpopulation.

It was the summer of 1998 when I first saw the black and white long-haired cat behind the “blues club” I went to regularly. I was sitting alone on the back stairway getting some fresh air. She came and sat, watching me from a distance. The next night I brought her some food…and named her Baby.

Baby

Feeding Baby the first time made me realize it was not a one-time thing, for each and every day for the rest of her life she would feel hunger again. When would this end? I didn’t know, but I knew I did not want to be yet one more human that let her down.

I fed and cared for Baby every night for the next twelve years. She would walk right up to me while I dished out her food and she came to trust me somewhat, but I was never allowed to touch her. If I tried, I pulled back a bloody hand. We did things on her terms, as I had promised her unconditional love.

During those years I learned about love, trust, commitment and disappointment. Baby gave me more than I was ever able to give her. Thank you, Baby!

During those years I also witnessed the atrocities a feral cat must endure just to survive one more day of life; the disappointments felt by these cats when once again a human lets them down; the day-to-day struggle just to find a safe location, away from cruel humans and the elements; the wariness learned from knowing that at any second a danger may present itself – and that letting your guard down for even a second could get you maimed or killed. And, of course…the daily struggle to find food and water.

Sadly, this journey ended in June 2010, with the passing of Baby. I hope Baby inspires in others the love she inspired in me. Don’t let her life and death be in vain. Help us to help more ferals like her.

Thank you, Baby, for all you gave to me and all you taught me. I will never forget you!

- – -

Heaven Can Wait Spay and Neuter Clinic treats feral cats like Baby every day.

Thoughts Of A Feral
by Annette Easdon

Dedicated to all the kind and caring people
who give the lonely ferals
a little care, a little love, and a little hope.
~~~~~

I sit beneath the bushes as she fills my dish each day,
I only venture out to eat when she has gone away,
I know it will upset her when I turn away and hide,
As every day she tries her best to get me by her side.

I wish that I could let her know that I don’t want to run,
And hope that she will understand it’s nothing that she’s done.
I’d like to have her stroke me and pat my weary head,
But fear will overcome and I’ll run and hide instead.

For all the kindly people who feed the strays each day,
I pray the Lord will care for them as they have cared for me.

 

As the temperatures outside are rising, the death toll of dogs being left out in the heat are too. We all enjoy some fun in the sun and we like to take Rover along for the ride, but this can be a fatal mistake. Even during a cool 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees in minutes – even in the shade.

Especially in states like Nevada where temperatures soar to an unbelievable 115 degrees, countless dogs suffer from brain damage or even worse – death by heatstroke brought on by being left outside in the backyard or in a car exposed to the elements without a way to escape, while their owners enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned stores or the refreshing water at the pool.

Here are some tips to keep your dog safe during the heat:

• Never leave a dog in the car on days when temperatures reach above 65 degrees. A cracked window is just not enough.
• Don’t transport your dog in the back of a pickup truck. This is always dangerous, but the added heat can burn the dog’s feet on the hot metal.
• Only take your dog jogging during cool mornings and evenings.
• Keep your dog indoors as much as possible during the hottest time of the day. If he or she must stay outside for a long period of time, make sure that you provide them with a shaded area (like a doghouse), with plenty of water, and if possible, a kid’s pool.
• And last but not least, the “magic” potion for your dog to stay safe and healthy during the summer is plenty of water. YOU need 64oz of H2O a day to feel good, so why would you deny that to your loyal partner?

Now that you know how to protect your dog, please look out for some of his friends out there. You might be able to save a little angel’s life.

Here are some of the steps you can take if you come across a dog left in a hot car:

• Write down the license plate number along with the color, model and make of the car.  Have the owner paged in nearby stores.
• Call animal control, humane authorities or the police.
• Wait with the dog and offer water or an ice cube.
• If the dog seems to be in imminent danger and the authorities are unresponsive, find a witness who will back up your assessment.
• Take steps to remove the suffering dog and then wait for the authorities.

Hopefully these tips will help to keep our Las Vegas animals safe.

Please make sure your pets are spayed or neutered. Contact Heaven Can Wait Animal Society for more information.

The night of comedy will be Wednesday, August 11, at 8:30p.m.

Tickets are $19.95, plus tax and fees, with your Nevada ID.

$10 from every ticket sold at the door will be donated to HCWS.

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this fun event!  Proceeds will help Heaven Can Wait Animal Society continue our aggressive spay and neuter program to stop pet overpopulation in our area.  HCWS has “fixed” more than 50,000 cats and dogs in Las Vegas.  Proceeds will also help HCWS continue to find “forever” homes for more than a 1,000 homeless pets each year.

We look forward to seeing you at Grandma Lee’s comedy night.

Tania, the HCWS Dog Coordinator was very excited to share the news.

Thank you to everyone who contacted me with offers to help find the puppy.

HCWS adopted a puppy named Jacob yesterday and he is now missing. He is a little Black Labrador/ Chihuahua puppy. The person who adopted him, let him in the backyard this morning at 3am to potty and he crawled under the fence and escaped.  We have been out since 9 am looking for him and were unable to locate him.  The whole area is practically desert so we are petrified with the heat that he won’t make it if not found. He is a 7 month old puppy all black with white on the chest and white on his toes.  He responds to Jacob and knows his basic commands. He is terrified of cars and will stay away from them but could be anywhere because he is small. We think he will approach dogs because he was housed with them and is probably looking for his brothers and sisters.  He is wearing a red collar with two tags. He was lost in the Southwest Ranch housing development on Ft. Apache/ Sunset.  If people can keep an eye out that would be great. They can call the Heaven Can Wait line 227-5555 or Tania at 702-845-0819.

A Sweet Little Tabby - the 50,000th Spay/Neuter

HCWS began rescuing and rehabilitating homeless and abused cats and dogs ten years ago.  The founding members were determined to stop pet overpopulation in the Las Vegas area and eliminate the senseless killing of 30,000 adoptable animals each year in our community, simply because their time had run out at area animal shelters.  Soon after starting HCWS it became clear to the group that the best way to stop pet overpopulation was through spay and neuter.

From that day forward HCWS has focused on “fixing” at-risk animals.  Dedicated volunteers, veterinarians and vet-techs gave their time and skills to spay and neuter cats and dogs in borrowed veterinary hospitals and, especially, at Sunrise Animal Hospital. 

Then on June 19, 2009 HCWS opened the doors of our own low-cost spay and neuter clinic.  Under the medical direction of David Henderson, DVM, clinic coordination of Judy Erickson, vision of HCWS President Harold Vosko and with the help of many, many others Heaven Can Wait saved the lives of 11,016 animals through sterilization surgeries last year.

Doc Henderson and team hard at work

Our goal in 2010 is to spay and neuter 12,000 cats and dogs.  This will include owned pets and address the needs of feral cats.  Each year HCWS whittles down the number of animals euthanized in shelters. 

Completing our 50,000^th surgery was an enormous milestone for HCWS and the Las Vegas community.  It was also a huge testament to the devotion of animal lovers in our area. 

The HCWS Spay/Neuter Clinic is open Monday – Thursday.  Feral Cat Clinics are offered once a month.  The clinic is located at 546 N. Eastern Avenue, Suite 175, Las Vegas, NV 89101.  Surgeries are scheduled  by emailing clinic@hcws.org or by calling (702) 227-5555.

It is now the law in Clark County to have your pet spayed or neutered, and HCWS is here to assist pet owners in complying with that law and having a wonderful, lifelong relationship with their cat or dog.

Ask Joyce Acker what makes her foster so many kitties, and she will tell you “I wouldn’t do this, if I didn’t love it.” Joyce, a 79-year-old retiree, has been fostering Heaven Can Wait kittens for over seven years now. You can see below just how much joy these kittens must bring to her – and how much happiness she has brought to them!

 Anna and her five kittens

Thank you for saving my babies!!

Anna gave birth indoors off the street, until a foster parent could be found.

Tang was found wandering in someone’s backyard, weighing only 6 ounces

Joyce began volunteering for Heaven Can Wait about seven years ago. She has since fostered more than 253 kittens, which would normally have had a tragic ending in the outside world, and all of Joyce’s kittens have been adopted. She makes sure they are raised properly and loved from the start. She socializes them, so when they are adopted, they are well-adjusted little kitties who are ready to become a member of some lucky family! Thank you, Joyce!

Having people to foster, such as Joyce and our other foster families, is so important to Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. Each year HCWS rescues hundreds of cats, however, not every cat is ready to go right to being adopted at the Adoption Center. Kittens born without homes need around-the-clock care, and other cats need to be nursed back to health – due to abuse, neglect, or illness.

Especially right now, due to the economy and so many housing foreclosures, there are many more animals being abandoned. If you are aware of neighbors who have moved, or if you hear or see an animal in an abandoned home – please help.

Joyce is just one of the wonderful foster caregivers for HCWS. She has the heart, she has the time, and she has the space, so she decided to do something good for the kittens.

Do you have a little extra heart, time, and space, too? If so, there are also senior cats that need a temporary home. These are difficult times, and these are times that we need to band together and help each other. If you can, be a foster to kittens or to a senior cat. It will be worth it!