What’s really great about being able to donate time to the folks at Heaven Can Wait Animal Society is when you not only get to write for great blogs like ours, but when you actually get to be there when some of these animals get adopted. I had this great opportunity in early December when I was able to donate some time helping out the people that take time every weekend to put on these adoption events. There’s always some really great animals waiting for homes there that have had a rough start in one way or another and it’s my absolute pleasure spending my time helping them. This story is about one such lucky dog named Tilly. At the time of her adoption she was a 9-month old brindle boxer who had no idea she was about to meet her new family that very morning.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Rhonda Bailey in person that Saturday morning at Petsmart off the 215 and S. Rainbow and told them that I would hopefully be the one to contact both of them regarding their adoption of Tilly. I always enjoy hearing about the progress the animals make in their new home within a month or two. I was certainly not let down by what I was told when speaking to Rhonda over the phone a month and a half later. Little Miss Tilly appears to be in great company with the Bailey’s in her new forever home and the lot of them couldn’t be happier.

When the Bailey’s had made their way into Petsmart that day along with their daughters they were actually in search of a Labrador Retriever because of what they had heard about the breed being great with families that had small children. They wanted a dog that fit these qualifications and had the reputation as strong family pets that they didn’t need to worry about possibly biting or redirecting frustration on a young child. However when they saw Tilly the little 9-month old boxer hanging out with the Heaven Can Wait adoption crew in back of the store, they were smitten. I recall Mark immediately walking over with Rhonda to give her the once over. One thing about Tilly is her beautiful brindle coat and her sweet temperament that was really getting attention that morning. Mark noticed this immediately and as it was his turn to decide who the next family pet was going to be, he decided to take Tilly for a walk outside and around the store to see how she behaved on the leash and with the kids. A few minutes later he came back in very excited and asked us to start the paperwork on bringing her home while he and the family did some shopping for food and toys around the store.

One of the things that Rhonda mentioned really loving about Tilly was how patient and understanding she was with the children in the house. As we all know, children have lots of energy and love having puppies around that they can play with and hang all over, and on occasion can get a bit rambunctious with. I am pleased to inform everyone that Tilly takes all of this in true puppy stride. She is so calm, patient and well-behaved around the Bailey brood, that Mark and Rhonda are truly thankful for our “Pups on Parole” program where Tilly got her training. By the time Tilly made her way to their family, she was already potty trained, knew her basic commands and was extremely well socialized with people that it was practically a seamless transition into a normal family life. They have also told many of their friends about our adoption programs who later thanked them as they had attained such great animal companions for their homes as well.

Heaven Can Wait really does try to help create happy homes for their adopters with the many programs they offer to the Las Vegas community. One of the other things they wanted to mention about why adoption is so great is that you are making room for our organization to help save another animal’s life from a high kill shelter. Combine that with the training they get from the women’s correctional facility here, you’re really just getting a great dog that wants to do nothing but love you and please their new owner(s).

One of Tilly’s quirks around the house seems to be sporadically barking at the TV. I’m unsure as to what programs she tends to bark at, but the kids go crazy with hysterical laughter when it happens. She’s also a very happy and excited dog whenever the family comes home. As a matter of fact when Mark makes his way home after work each day, Tilly shakes her rear end so hard from wagging her tail with happiness, that she often times ends up hitting herself in the face repeatedly with it. It was also noticed that she was a little freaked out from her own reflection in the Bailey’s French doors they have in their backyard. I love how so many different dogs offer so many different personalities to the people who love and care for them and this little puppy is no different.

As an occasional writer for this blog I can tell you I LOVE hearing about these adoptions from the people who open up their hearts and lives to give these animals another chance at happiness. It’s also great getting to be there when it actually happens. I would like to thank the Bailey family for giving us the opportunity to give them a new family member as well as recommending us to their friends. It’s happy endings like these, that truly make volunteering one’s time for these amazing creatures extremely worth the effort. Thanks again!!!

“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.”

- Gilda Radner

Love at First Sight

 

My name is Lacey and I am a two year old Border collie. Once I was a lonely pup roaming the streets when Heaven Can Wait rescued me. They took me in and put me in school, Pups on Parole.  I was an excellent student and learned all kinds of tricks that a person would want their best buddy to know. At last the day came, Graduation. I got adopted! Just as I became accustomed to a good life the economy went to poo and my person had to relocate WITHOUT ME! I didn’t know what to do. I was homeless, person-less, and back behind bars. I am no dummy dog I am a Border collie, who completed Pups on Parole, which means something you know! And yet there I was with all the other new pups barely starting their program.  I didn’t know what to do; I had hit an all time low. Just when I thought I couldn’t take another day behind bars David and Janie came into my life.

David and Janie are my new mom and dad. They picked me up, took me home and Bam I am back living the good life. I even have three siblings! They are kinda funny looking though; 1 bird and 2 cats (obviously we are not biologically related) but I don’t hold it against them. I have everything I can ask for; morning walks or mom calls them W.A.L.K’s, a nice big bed (that I am always the first one in), and flavored cookies… oh I love cookies!

My new home is amazing and mom and dad are always picking up new toys for me. Once again I have the joy of doing as I please! I can eat my toys, take out the stuffing and make MORE toys, or just take an afternoon nap. I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for David and Janie. Because of their love I can say Heaven Can Wait. 

Heaven Can Wait saved my Tail Twice and I am grateful for that. If you would like to help out one of my friends that are waiting for adoption get on your computer and check out www.hcws.org. 

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has placed more than 7,000 homeless cats and dogs into adopted homes.  Your help is needed to keep our Pups on Parole and adoption programs strong.  Click here to see how you can help.  Thank you for your support.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

Don’t make Zeus wait much longer.