We are ready for Heaven Can Wait Animal Society’s 10th Annual Lose A Pound with your Hound Memory Walk and we hope you are too! That’s why are we are doing an extra special early registration event at Whole Foods Market Fort Apache on Charleston and Fort Apache this Saturday from 10am to 2pm!

Come down and be the first to register for the walk (even before you can register online) and Whole Foods Market will donate a Feed 100 Canvas Bag to the first 25 people who register for the walk! That is a $20 value! Whole Foods is also launching a special $1 Taco event this Saturday so come register for LAP and grab some tacos for the family!

Whole Foods Market, Fort Apache
8855 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702.254.8655

Saturday, September 4th • 10am – 2pm

See you there!

At the thought of a prison, the average person may imagine a building with holding cells.  A building where mistakes are paid for with limitation, restriction, boredom, loneliness.  The average person may look at a prison and see people who are violent, dangerous, broken, or lost.  But the people from the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society are anything but average.  They do not look at a prison only to see the lost and broken.  They look at a prison and see hope, opportunity, and the possibility for second chances…not a prison, but a true correctional facility.  The people of Heaven Can Wait have taken their vision of a prison as a true correctional facility and applied it to a program that provides a brighter future for both humans and homeless dogs – the Pups on Parole program. 

Rusty, a current "Pup On Parole"

The founders of Heaven Can Wait started the Pups on Parole program in September of 2004.  The idea is to house homeless dogs at the Jean and Southern Nevada Correctional Facilities for women.  Each woman is assigned a dog, which they teach basic commands, train to walk on a leash, and sleep near at night. 

Many of the dogs that enter the program have been abandoned, abused, and neglected.  Socialization, positive interaction, and training allow these dogs to not only “sit” and “stay,” but the most important part of their rehabilitation:  trust. 

The most amazing part of the Pups on Parole program is that the rehabilitation goes both ways.  The women are able to create positive relationships with someone who will never judge or criticize.  The trust between the dogs and the women can be truly unconditional as they learn together that they deserve a second chance.  Together they learn obedience, teamwork, responsibility, love, and how to care for another life.  According to Tania, the dog coordinator for Pups on Parole, “Many of the women who have been released are now private dog trainers, work in vet offices as technicians, groomers, dog-walkers, kennel attendants, and many other animal-related fields…they often make the most hardworking employees because this program teaches them that responsibility and dedication.” 

The program has successfully adopted out about 1,200 dogs to loving homes, and they are continuing the effort to give homeless dogs the opportunity to find their forever homes.  Pups on Parole is truly an inspirational program that believes in the miracle of hope, trust, and an open heart.

The later years in a person’s life can be a bit lonely, but HCWS is out to change that for many men and women living in low-income senior housing.  Through our newest program, Pawsitively Seniors, we hope to provide loving, life-long companionship between a senior and an older cat or small dog.

HCWS is working with Nevada H.A.N.D, which builds low-cost housing for seniors and currently has 15 apartment complexes throughout the Valley, to launch the program to its residents.  The initial public presentation to the first complex’s residents was well attended by 30 people, and the first applications were taken. 

Nancy and Baby

A match made in Heaven, or at least through Heaven Can Wait, was the first placement through the program.  Brownie (now known as Baby) found a new home with Nancy.  They hit it off immediately and now are inseparable.  After sleeping together at night, their morning ritual begins by Nancy having coffee and reading the newspaper on the balcony while Baby watches the birds. 

HCWS will provide veterinary care, transportation, supplies, and food for the fostered animals.  Monthly visits will be made to the home to replenish supplies and monitor overall happiness of both animal and caregiver.  Should the caregiver no longer able to keep the animal, it will be returned to HCWS.

The program will function through sponsorships of the Seniors.  Please visit the HCWS website for program details.

Katie was kind enough to email us this photo and story of her successful adoption. Enjoy, and if you have room in your home for a homeless cat or dog, please take a moment and browse Heaven Can Wait’s wonderful adoptables. You can make a difference.

I just wanted to share my happily-ever-after story about my cat Molly (previously Angel) that I adopted from HCWS in July, 2004.  She’s come such a long way since I first brought her home.  It took her several months to stop hiding behind the TV whenever people were around, but by October she was comfortable enough to sit in my lap.  She has slept with me every night since she came home and keeps me warm in the winter.  Molly has been a wonderful addition to my household and now has a Chiweenie brother, Pete.  While not the best of friends -  I was lucky enough to get a quick picture of them sharing the big basket in front of the fire last winter.  During the day she enjoys watching the birds out the window and playing with paper bags.  Thanks, HCWS for bringing Molly into my life. – Katie

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. 

Meet Lucky. Looking at this adorable little Maltese’s face, you would never know that Lucky has quite a story – one with a very happy ending, but bless his little heart, he’s been through so much in his short life.

One day after Heaven Can Wait adoptions, our Dog Coordinator was driving back to the prison to return the dogs that were not adopted to the Pups on Parole program. The Pups on Parole program partners women prisoners with abandoned and homeless animals for HCWS for the purpose of rehabilitation and future adoption.

On this particular day, as our Dog Coordinator was heading to the prison for a visit, to her horror, she watched as the car in front of her stopped in the street and threw the beautiful little boy above out the window. Off they sped, while our coordinator immediately pulled over to approach the dog to make sure he was ok. However, he took off running into the desert. She spent hours and hours that day out in the desert looking for the white Maltese, to no avail.

For six whole months, she put out food and water for the missing dog by the prison, while continuing to scan the area hoping to find him. She had almost given up hope, when out of the blue she received a call from a guard at the prison. They informed her that a dirty little white dog was out back digging through the trash, and they asked if our coordinator would please come and take a look at him. She raced out there and was shocked when she suddenly realized it was the little white Maltese for which she had been searching all this time!

His new name became Lucky. Lucky did not resist when our Dog Coordinator picked him up for comfort – as he had completely given up on life. He was so badly matted that he couldn’t walk, and months worth of waste were piled up high on his back legs and buttocks. It took the women at the prison days to clean him up and remove the mattes and waste from out of his fur.

Lucky was very shy and very scared. He would not bark or play, and he would just hide. But, with lots of love and attention from the women prisoners – and with a lot of extra patience – after a few months, they were able to coax Lucky out of his shell.

When Lucky finally made it to adoptions, you wouldn’t have even recognized him! He was a happy, jumpy, barky, fluffy ball of joy – wagging his tail happily when anyone approached him. Lucky is now living in a wonderful home with wonderful loving parents and has never been happier.

Without the support and caring nature of our volunteers and staff, stories like Lucky’s would not have the same happy ending. The Pups on Parole program is a life saver. Literally. People like you, who read the blog, who contribute time and love to the animals, and who donate funds for supplies, have helped to make HCWS what it is today…a safe place for little white Maltese to lay their adorable little heads and have a safe haven.

To see other dogs like Lucky (and cats) that are waiting for a new home, or to sponsor one of these pets please visit the Heaven Can Wait website.

Comedy Night to Benefit Heaven Can Wait!
Wednesday, August 11 • 8:30pm

You’ve seen her on “America’s Got Talent”, “Last Comic Standing”, “HBO” * “Comic View”. Now see her live and unleashed!

Grandma Lee live at Bonkerz Comedy Club inside the Palace Station.

Tickets are $19.95 plus taxes and fees with Nevada ID. $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to HCWS.

See you there!
Bonkers Comedy Club, Inside Palace Station
2411 W. Sahara Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89102

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.

Lose A Pound with Your Hound
Sunday, October 17, 2010

We are gearing up for our annual Lose A Pound with Your Hound and we need your help! Want to be a vendor or a sponsor for this great event? Now is the time to call us so we can get your logo and information on all of our advertising! This is a great spot to target animals lovers and families.

For Vendor and Sponsorship information, email: valerie@hcws.org

Buy A Collar for A Dollar

We are also looking for volunteers and retail stores to participate in our “Collar For A Dollar” fundraiser. Over 30,000 shelter animals were euthanized in 2009 and this fundraiser helps us honor those that were lost but also helps fund HCWS humane education and rehabilitation efforts. Every dollar sold will help save the lives of many Las Vegas cats and dogs. The “Chain of Collars” will be displayed on October 17, 2010 at the “Lose a Pound with your Hound” Memory Walk.

If you are interested in selling these collars at your place of business or to family and friends, please contact us at: valerie@hcws.org

You can also purchase collars online by clicking here.