Heaven Can Wait Animal Society

Felons No More

hcwsblog — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:17:34 +0000

: The Basso family adopted one, two and now three Heaven Can Wait pups.

Written by Carol Lisowski

Pups on Parole is one of Heaven Can Wait’s most successful programs. The dogs that come into HCWS often were neglected or abused. These dogs enter the Pups on Parole program at the Florence McClure Correctional Facility for women to get a second chance at life. They live 24/7 with an inmate handler who, under the guidance of HCWS specially trained dog coordinators, teach them basic commands, ensure they are house broken, and give them time to mend and trust in people once again. Upon graduation, they are ready for their forever home.

Not only do the pups learn all these great behaviors and learn how to love and trust again, it makes them an ideal candidate to be adopted. Jason Basso has now adopted three dogs from Heaven Can Wait. He said the dogs available through HCWS are healthy and happy. Getting a Pups on Parole make-over is all good!

His newest addition to the family is Kolya, a St. Bernard mix puppy who was about 10 months old when he was chosen as a companion to Rocco, a boxer mix who is a year older. Kolya was owned by a family in the military that were both deployed and had to be given up. Rocco was owned by a family who lived in a non-dog apartment complex and was crated all the time. Eventually the property managers found out and Rocco was surrendered to HCWS.

Jason said he was not looking to adopt another dog when he visited the Petsmart where he first saw Kolya. His two previous dogs had recently passed away within 4 months of each other. He had found Rocco online a year earlier and believing that dogs need companionship, decided Kolya needed to join Rocco.

Prior to Rocco, Jason had adopted another dog, Bongo, for his son, Nicky.

Each dog is totally different and has his own unique personality. Kolya thinks he is a lap dog even at 125 pounds. He loves to go to the dog park and if there aren’t any big dogs to play with (and there haven’t been any dogs bigger than Kolya) he will play with the little “Weiner” dogs and Chihuahuas. Rocco is very playful and sits on his rear end like a person, totally vertical. Jason loves telling people that he has two prior felons living with him.

Jason said he appreciates the care and concern that the HCWS coordinators give in finding the pups the right home. He said he still gets calls periodically checking on their progress. Anytime he hears of someone looking for a pet, he always refers them to HCWS.

: Rocco, before his adoption.

Start your own four-legged Heaven Can Wait family by checking out the cats and dogs available for adoption at: www.hcws.org Or come to our adoption center each weekend inside Petsmart off I-215 and S. Rainbow in the Arroyo Crossing Center.

Successful Pups On Parole Grad Finds Great New Home

hcwsblog — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:32:46 +0000

: Marley (right) was just days away from being euthanized. Now he has a new family including his buddy Roxy.

Written by Krystal Newton

It’s probably the dream of every person seeking a new pet for their perfect dog to come to their doorstep fully trained and just ready to be loved. Well, this is what happened for one person when she met Marley, a recent graduate of the HCWS Pups on Parole program.

Courtney – already an owner of a 2-year old German shepherd – was looking to introduce a new playmate and partner in crime to her rambunctious Roxy. She casually came across a beautiful Spaniel mix online and fell in love. Courtney didn’t know much about HCWS until discovering Marley. Marley was enrolled in the Pups on Parole program where dogs rescued by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society live alongside inmates at the Florence McClure Women’s Correction Center in Las Vegas. The dogs are socialized, trained and taught to trust humans once again so they can then be adopted into loving forever homes. One-year old Marley found just that.

Marley was rescued from a local municipal shelter, just days before he would have been “put-down.” He was sent to the Pups on Parole Program, and then to a loving new home just one month later. Marley was brought to Courtney’s home to see if he would be a good match for Courtney and Roxy. She was surprised to also receive a list of all the tricks and commands he already knew, and she was definitely excited to welcome him into her home.

Courtney’s first impression of Marley was that he was very sweet, but also extremely shy. She was a bit concerned about how the two dogs would get along, but they proved to be a great match. “For the first 72 hours,” Courtney says, “I was concerned that they wouldn’t bond, but it quickly turned around. Now they are inseparable.”

Marley is such a fun-loving and playful dog. The once-shy pup has definitely been coming out of his shell more and more. He and Roxy go to a dog daycare a few times a week while Courtney is at work, and she loves taking them to the park on weekends. One of her favorite traits about Marley is that when he plays around with Roxy he gets up close to her face and playfully chomps his teeth. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Courtney says. “I couldn’t imagine life without him.”

Click Here to see how you can support dogs like Marley and the HCWS Pups on Parole Program. To find a great dog to be part of your family visit the Heaven Can Wait website: www.hcws.org or come to adoptions each Saturday inside Petsmart off I-215 and S. Rainbow in the Arroyo Crossing Center.

Dog Abandoned In Foreclosed Home Gets New Start

hcwsblog — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:39:46 +0000

: How could someone move away and leave Buttercup all alone?

Written by Kim Yates

Buttercup is a statistic, another pet left behind in a foreclosure. Buttercup and her sister Sadie were found by a realtor and eventually made their way to the Heaven Can Wait Pups on Parole program. Both dogs were wonderful candidates for the program where dogs live with female inmates and they completed their training with flying colors.

Buttercup’s picture emerged on the Heaven Can Wait adoption webpage just in time. Olene Alvarez of Las Vegas, had just lost her beloved Maltese suddenly and tragically on Christmas Eve. While still grieving deeply for her pet, Buttercup came into her life and warmed her heart.

“She is truly a divine gift from God. Every day I give thanks for the love we shower upon each other. We spend every minute of every day together. I didn’t think I could love again so quickly, but Buttercup is an exceptional dog and we are healing together,” said Olene.

You never know where you will find your new best buddy!

Dog Coordinator Tania looks on as Buttercup cuddles with Olene.

Check out all of the wonderful cats and dogs rescued and rehabilitated by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society volunteers each weekend at the Petsmart off I-215 and S. Rainbow in the Arroyo Crossing Center. Or check our website at: www.hcws.org

Dog Once Used For Breeding Enjoys Being Part Of A Family

hcwsblog — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 02:25:11 +0000

: Priscilla was abandoned on the side of a freeway.

Written by Krystal Newton

As a volunteer of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society drove along the 215 freeway one day, she spotted a dog standing on the side of the road. She stopped to check for tags or any sign of ownership, and what she found was a dog so emaciated that it couldn’t even be touched without wincing.

The volunteer brought the dog to the HCWS clinic where a vet concluded that the dog – a fairly uncommon type of Cocker Spaniel called a Blue Roan – was used as a breeding dog, and had probably been abandoned when she could no longer become pregnant.

The staff at HCWS decided to put her into their foster care program where she could get the extra care she needed to become healthy again. She had been through multiple pregnancies, had her babies taken away and then thrown out on the streets like she didn’t matter anymore. She needed extra special care and attention.

Once the dog – now named Priscilla – was nursed to health she was adopted to Jan and Larry, a lovely couple who are friends with the volunteer that found the beautiful dog.

Larry said they immediately fell in love with Priscilla. Throughout their 30-year marriage they had always had one dog and were hesitant about bringing a second dog into their home. Priscilla was quick to show the family where her territory was and she proved to have a very big personality for such a tiny dog.

After a little bit of adjustment on the part of their first dog, whose name is Elvis, the duo became great friends, and Larry and Jan never regretted adding Priscilla to their family.

“We just love her”, Larry gushed about the 5-year old Cocker Spaniel. He said she has two little toys they call her “babies” that she is very protective over. She carries them around with her everywhere and never lets them leave her sight…a quirk that perhaps comes from her sad background.

But Priscilla is definitely living the life of a well cared-for dog with her forever family that love and cherish her. Priscilla has taught them how wonderful it is to have a rescue dog, and they’re so glad to have her as part of the family.

Jan said, “One thing I really learned about adopting a dog that is older [not a puppy] is as long as you love them they adjust and fit into your life”.

You can adopt a precious dog or cat that has been rescued by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. Adoptions are held each weekend inside Petsmart off I-215 and S. Rainbow in the Arroyo Crossing Center. Check all of the animals ready for adoption at: http://www.hcws.org

Finding A Home For Zeus

hcwsblog — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:37:54 +0000

: Do you have room in your heart for Zeus?

Each of the hundreds of dogs rescued every year by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has its own personal story. This past experience plays a big role in how fast the dog adjusts to being under our care and how well it adapts to a new home. For some dogs, like Zeus, who bonded strongly with his owners, being surrendered caused an everlasting change.

“When Zeus was surrendered to Heaven Can Wait a couple of years ago, he was a complete wreck,” said the HCWS Dog Coordinator. “He used to bang his head into walls and into the kennels.” Zeus was frustrated that he had lost his family and butting his head was his way of showing his deep despair.

The Boxer was enrolled into Heaven Can Wait’s Pups on Parole program. He soon settled into the daily routine at the women’s prison and began to relax. His charming personality blossomed and the inmates noted how quickly he learned commands. Finally they felt he was ready to find a new home.

Zeus found a new family and quickly bonded with them, but after 18 months circumstances within the home changed. The dog had to be left alone for long periods of time and his old frustrations re-surfaced. He developed “separation anxiety” which triggered him to panic when he was by himself. Unfortunately in his panic, he also caused some damage to his kennel and began endangering himself by escaping out of his yard. His new owners felt they had to bring him back to Heaven Can Wait.

Zeus still has some anxiety if he is left alone too long, but his handler says he has made great strides since coming back to Pups on Parole. Overall his handler and the HCWS volunteers think Zeus is one of the smartest, funniest and charming dogs they have ever seen. They know he has so much affection to give to the right family.

Zeus would do best in a home with another dog to keep him company or if his human worked from home or was only away for short periods of time. Zeus would also make an “amazing camping or hiking partner” because he loves to be active.

Do you have room in your life for a dog like Zeus? All he needs is a chance to show you what a good buddy he can be.

If you would like to meet Zeus, please contact the Heaven Can Wait Dog Coordinator at: 227-5555 or dogs@hcws.org. You can see all of the dogs and cats available for adoption on our website at http://www.hcws.org

: Don’t make Zeus wait much longer.

: Join HCWS at our annual Golf Tournament. Proceeds help dogs like Zeus and stop pet overpopulation in Las Vegas.

Click Here For Details

School Kids Take Part In Humane Education Plays

hcwsblog — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:49:16 +0000

Angels for Animals is a free humane education program from HCWS.

Written by HCWS Board Member Kim Yates

A 5^th grade class at John Dooley Elementary School in Henderson, NV performed three plays at the end of the 2011 school year that demonstrated the important lessons they learned about being kind to all creatures on Earth during the Angels for Animals program. The plays concluded a year-long theme that focused on humane education. This 5^th grade class partnered with Heaven Can Wait Animal Society to promote the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Early in the year, the students completed a learning unit that detailed the many responsibilities of pet ownership along with a study of the pet overpopulation crisis in our county. Next, the students created a commercial that was aired on local television stations. The aim of the commercial was to educate the public about the Spay and Neuter Laws and to encourage the public to spay and neuter their pets to help solve this crisis. In the spring, the Student Council of John Dooley Elementary School hosted a fundraiser for Heaven Can Wait Animal Society earning the organization more than $500.00.

“This has been a very fun and exciting year. We’ve educated a lot of the people in our community about the importance of responsible pet ownership, and made a lot of money for Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.” said Student Council President and 5^th grader Ryan Kissman.

This is John Dooley Elementary School’s second year of involvement with Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. HCWS provides educational units through the Angels for Animals program which is downloadable by Clicking Here. Angels for Animals is a free program for all teachers.

Programs like Angels for Animals is funded through your generous donations. To learn more Click Here.

The 5th grade class at John Dooley Elementary School in Henderson, NV.

Volunteer – You Can Be Part Of The Solution

hcwsblog — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:54:41 +0000

: Volunteers register walkers at the annual Lose A Pound Memory Walk.

Written by Carol Lisowski

We all love and respect the amazing work that Heaven Can Wait Society (HCWS) does for the animals in our community. For the last eleven years, HCWS has taken on the task of eliminating companion animal suffering and pet overpopulation through aggressive spay/neuter, adoptions, community outreach programs, and education (Mission Statement). Did you know that you can become part of the solution to help HCWS accomplish these goals?

By becoming a HCWS volunteer, you will see firsthand what it takes to run an organization dedicated to ending the suffering and neglect of our furry friends in our community. To become a volunteer it only takes filling out a volunteer application (available on-line) and attending an orientation meeting to learn how the organization began and learning about the numerous programs HCWS offers. At this orientation you will get to meet the founders and learn how the organization has grown over the years and the vision for its future. Volunteer as much or as little as you have time for. The animals will thank you!

If you like shopping you'll love volunteering at HCWS Giant Warehouse/Garage sales.

Once you become a volunteer, you will receive a monthly e-mail listing the volunteer opportunities available. Some of these are:

FOSTERING – cats and dogs/ kittens and puppies.

ADOPTIONS at I-215 & S. Rainbow PetSmart Location

CLINIC – Answering phones, data entry/scanning, assembling spay packs, laundry, animal recovery, animal check-in and check-out, end of day cleaning, reminder and follow-up calls to clients, and Spanish-speaking volunteers for translation.

MARKETING – Writing stories for the HCWS blog and newsletter about events, programs and rescued animals. Assist with the fundraising committee and work on future special events.

EDUCATION – Helping to spread the word about our humane education materials to local schools or help with school presentations. Assist the HCWS Youth Group or join the Tales to Tails reading program with your own pup.

ADMINISTRATIVE – Updating supporters contact information (no database knowledge required), help with database design and scanning/organizing files into digital copies on computer and thank you notes.

Volunteers registered guests at the annual Holiday Luncheon. The team: Barbara Saracini, Joanie Spina, Kathy Worley and Nadine Day. Thanks Ladies!

If you want to have some fun while volunteering, sign up for one or more of the many events held throughout the year. Just a few of these are:

Annual Holiday Party
Warehouse Garage Sale
Lose a Pound with your Hound – Memory Walk
Golf Tournament
Gimme Shelter Concert

If you’re unable to volunteer at this time, you can still help HCWS by donating aluminum cans or plastic bottles or unwanted personal items for the warehouse sale, or attending one of many events.

Visit http://www.hcws.orgto learn more about us and become part of the solution in 2012.

A Christmas Angel Fulfills HCWS Kitties’ Wishes

hcwsblog — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:05:33 +0000

: Max, a diabetic cat poses with Santa and his personal Angel – Sue.

Written by Diana Kangas

During the holiday season, we all appreciate when someone thinks of us. One person went above and beyond all expectations. Her thoughtfulness and generosity made this a very special holiday for the kitties at Heaven Can Wait. The Christmas Angel, also known as Sue, picked Max’s card from the Angel Tree at the PetSmart Santa photo event. Max is a senior kitty who has diabetes and needs daily insulin shots. Since Sue also lives with a diabetic kitty, her heart immediately went out to Max. She generously brought a donation of toys and has indicated she wishes to help with his medicine needs.

Sue’s generous spirit did not end there. Over the next few weeks, she selected over 20 cards from the Angel Tree. She fulfilled the kitties’ wish lists, from toys, to treats, to kitty scratchers. As if that wasn’t enough, she gift-wrapped each item individually, with a card identifying the lucky kitty.

When Max learned about the wonderful gift, he asked his foster mommy if he could meet his Christmas Angel. Luckily, they were able to take a picture together with Santa. Aren’t they cute?

Thanks to Sue, not only does Max have toys to play with through the winter, but the other kitties at Heaven Can Wait are spending the holidays with full bellies, playful spirits, and tidy manicures! Thank you for thinking of us!

Max and lots of other great cats and dogs are available for adoption.

Come meet the kitties and pups waiting to find new homes at Heaven Can Wait Animal Society adoptions each weekend at PetSmart off I-215 and S. Rainbow in the Arroyo Crossing Center. You can also get a sneak peek online at: http://www.hcws.org

Help us help other cats, like Max, by simply purchasing things that you have to buy anyway! All you need to do is apply for the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society Capital One Visa ® credit card and you can do just that! You can even have a picture of your own special dog (or cat) on your card!Here is how it works:

Go to www.cardlabconnect.com/HeavenCanWaitAnimalSociety to apply for this animal-friendly credit card. Use one of our images (Grizzly the dog, Bosco our Clinic kitty mascot shown here, or a lovable dog/cat combo). If you’d like, you can get a card with a photo of your own special dog or cat after 45 days.
Buy something and Heaven Can Wait Animal Society will get $50 after your 1st purchase.
We will receive 2% of everything you spend on gas and purchases at major grocery stores.
We will receive 1% of all your other purchases.

As a bonus, we’ll receive up to 10% on purchases with select merchants! You will be able to access this merchant list online after you receive your card. Support animals and help us reduce pet overpopulation just by making everyday purchases!

If you have questions about this, just email us at press@hcws.org.

Happy and Healthy Pets From Your Recycled Trash

hcwsblog — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:16:45 +0000

: Boots is an affectionate feline waiting for a new home. Boots was helped by your recycled trash.

Your donations to the Heaven Can Wait Recycle Program in 2011 was more than double the total for the year 2010!

This tiny program started by Judy, our Clinic Coordinator, to earn extra money for odds and ends needed to help the cat and dog patients at the HCWS Spay and Neuter Clinic has blossomed into a full-blown fundraiser, thanks to your support.

Here is how the program has grown through your donations of plastic bottles and aluminum cans!

2011 Recycle Program

Month Earned

January $207.00
February $357.20
March $462.40
April $214.50
May $320.00
June $317.25
July/Aug $889.00
Sept/Oct $881.70
November $369.00
December To be determined

TOTAL $4,018.05

Sadie is a real cuddler who needs a home with a comfy sofa. Spay and neuter costs for dogs like Sadie were helped through your recycled items.

If you are interested in dropping off your recycled materials to help save the lives of countless animals, there are 2 simple steps:

1. Save your recycled materials

2. Take them to the HCWS clinic: 546 N. Eastern Ave. #175 from 10a.m.-4p.m. Mon-Thurs.

Here are a few things to remember about your recycled material:

• Beer and soda cans must be separated from pet food cans

• Cloudy plastic bottles – such as milk jugs – cannot be accepted

• Steel pet food cans – such as Alpo dog food – cannot be accepted

• Laundry detergent, salad dressing containers, and plastic food containers are not accepted

• Unfortunately, for now we are not collecting glass bottles – just cans and plastic, please.

If you have questions about the program, please contact Judy at: Jerickson@hcws.org. Boots and Sadie are available for adoption each weekend inside the PetSmart off I-215 and S. Rainbow in the Arroyo Crossing Center.

Nayelli The Afghan Shepherd

hcwsblog — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 03:23:45 +0000

This beauty was given the name Nayelli by her new family. It means "I Love You" in Native American.

Written by Dominic Allen

It is always a pleasure to write about the canine who goes from having nothing but a temporary kennel and the inevitability that goes with that, to having a forever home with a family that adores them. This is what happens all over the country, but unfortunately not as much as it should. This is the story of an Afghan/Shepherd mix named Nayelli which means “I love you” in Native American. It’s quite the creative, yet a suiting name for a new lifetime companion of the family.

This amazing dog came to the attention of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society on September 29th . They were notified of her inevitable fate of being put down at the shelter and were able to rescue her during her last hour of life. Uncertain of where she came from or her past, she was enrolled in the “Pups on Parole” program located at the women’s correctional facility here in Las Vegas. Due to the program’s success, it was also featured on the National Geographic channel’s “Dog Whisperer” show with Cesar Millan. There she worked with animal volunteers and inmates and was given time to heal as well as learn to trust people again. Many of the animals that have been put into this particular program have often times been abused, traumatized from past events/owners, or have just been forgotten and given a second chance at adoption.

Sometime after Nayelli had become considered adoptable by the good folks at the “Pups on Parole” program, Maria Waller crossed paths with one of the HCWS dog coordinators and heard about Nayelli. She immediately decided to adopt her, and hence gave her that very genuine name, not to be confused with any other dog out there.

Many rescue dogs tend to have their little quirks here and there due to past experiences, and Maria told me some of Nayelli’s. There may have been some past trauma with a man in her past because she tends to stay aloof with Maria’s husband, however she absolutely loves her daughters. She also has a few episodes where she tends to run to another room when the leash is taken out and she is about to be taken for a walk. So many dogs in the world go through so much mental and physical anguish, that if we humans were to go through the same we would probably never be deemed mentally competent again. Yet the transformation, healing, trust, and ability to love again found in dogs is nothing short of astounding. In the grand scheme of things, to only have one or two quirks after whatever these sheltered animals have gone through during their lifetimes is quite amazing and the Waller family is more than happy with their new dog’s progress.

Nayelli follows the family everywhere throughout the house. One of her other quirks is that she will only allow herself to be fed in the upstairs part of their home and only after she is exercised. I think she has adopted the regimen she learned when she was at the women’s correctional facility and has chosen to take that with her to her new family. And in the Waller household, cats and dogs get along, and they get along extremely well as you can see from the pictures. I was also told that Nayelli is an extremely intelligent dog and to quote Maria, “She is super smart!” I am sure that in time she will grow even more comfortable with everyone there and will soon realize how much she’s loved and adored if she hasn’t already. Canine Familiarus is truly a gift to mankind and as I get to write stories like these, I’m reminded of this over and over. One of the many great things about animal adoption is that you’re getting a friend for life! It’s amazing what happens when that dog is removed from a cage and put into a home where they’re loved and appreciated for the rest of their days.

“We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet: and, amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog, has made an alliance with us.”

-Maurice Maeterlinck