April Is Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Month

Be part of the solution and stop animal cruelty.

by Lucy Bobeck

April is National Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.  The event was started by the ASPCA to call attention to the countless animals that are abused, neglected and abandoned each year and how individuals can fight against it.

Around 7 million animals enter shelters each year.  Approximately 4 million are euthanized.  Sadly only 40 percent of dogs are adopted, and cats have a 30 percent adoption rate.  Half of the animals entering shelters are owner surrenders.

Why are so many animals let down by the people who are supposed to take care of them? Society, too often, does not value animals and sees them as disposable.  Or owners do not take the time to train pets to obey even simple commands. (Behavior problems rank high on the reasons dogs and cats are surrendered.)

How can we change an uncaring world into one that values our beautiful, loyal animals?  The ASPCA thinks each person can make a personal difference and suggests these tips for recognizing and reporting animal abuse:

• Know who to call in your community to report abuse.
• Get to know the animals in your neighborhood.
• Call authorities when you see something amiss.
• Fight for the passage of anti-cruelty laws.
• Talk to kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect.
• Support your local shelter or rescue group.

Heaven Can Wait helps every day by seeing that the dogs we rescue are ready to be adopted into new homes through our Pups on Parole training program. Our Angels for Animals humane education programs provides school children with direct, grade level information on caring for, and respecting animals.  And our Youth Group gets kids involved in helping homeless animals in the community.

What’s the best way to solve the problem?  Prevent it in the first place by eliminating pet overpopulation through spay and neuter. Heaven Can Wait’s targeted spay and neuter programs are instrumental in preventing unwanted litters of puppies or kittens from being born and ultimately being surrendered to shelters.

Let’s work toward every home being a loving home.

Get involved in stopping animal cruelty in Las Vegas by completing the HCWS volunteer application.

Boxer Buddies Need Forever Homes

Buster is looking for his perfect home where he can relax and sit on your lap.

Tiger is a 7 1/2 year-old healthy Boxer who is looking for his forever family.

Buster and Tiger are two terrific and fun-loving Boxers rescued by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. Both are having a tough time finding their forever homes. Our supporters have been great in the past spreading the word about some of the dogs that haven’t met their perfect human mate and we are asking again for your help. Please share this story with your friends and co-workers so both of these wonderful canines can find their soul-mates.

Buster:”I’m Buster, a 2 year-old male Boxer mix. I have many great qualities. For instance, I am protective of my humans and my home. I can be very mellow and sit on your lap, although I can get a little heavy. I get along well with other dogs and I especially like female dogs (does that surprise you)??? I listen well and love to play with humans and dogs alike. I’m happy whiling away the day chewing on my favorite bone. I’m just waiting for that perfect match! Are you the one?”

Tiger:”The name is Tiger and I’m a 7 1/2 year-old, male Boxer who can’t wait to give you a big, juicy lick on the face. Because of an old injury to my right hip, I am sometimes slow to lay down or stand up, but once I’m on all fours, I’m ‘good to go’. I enjoy my daily walks, but prefer to take my time and smell the scents along the way. I’m a friendly, mellow guy with a big heart of gold who gets along with everyone. I especially like to put my head on your lap and stare into your eyes, hoping for a back scratch. I so want to be part of a family again, hopefully with other dogs or kids. Do you have some love to share with me? If so, I’m ready for my forever home and I hope it’s you!”

You can meet these dogs at HCWS adoptions each Saturday at Bogart’s Bone Appetit on W. Tropicana and Ft. Apache. For more details e-mail us at: dogs@hcws.org.

Don’t Leave Buster Behind

Buster is a 2-year-old Boxer mix who desperately wants a new home.

Buster is one of the estimated 8 million pets who become homeless each year in America.  He is also one of the many animals given a second chance for a new life by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.  Buster was left behind once, but with your help he can find his “forever” home.

Buster is a handsome 2-year-old Boxer mix who longs for a new home where he can “relax and chill.” This big boy is very mellow and will love to sit in his new guardian’s lap or lay around the house munching on his favorite bone.

While Buster gets along with other dogs, he will also be a great protector to the humans in his life. 

Buster listens well and loves to play.  The Heaven Can Wait Dog Coordinators say he is especially fond of female dogs, which isn’t a surprise for this “cool” pup. 

Like all of the dogs rescued by Heaven Can Wait, Buster is enrolled in our Pups On Parole at the women’s correctional facility in Las Vegas.  His handler is teaching him basic commands and how to live with a family of his own.  Buster and the other dogs are available to meet each Saturday at our adoption center inside Bogart’s Bone-Appetit at 4985 S. Fort Apache and Tropicana.

Buster would love to find the perfect family to call his own.  If you think you fit the bill or know someone who does, please call us at 702-227-5555. 

You can see all of the cats and dogs available for adoption on our website: http://www.hcws.org.  If you can’t adopt at this time, your kind donation can sponsor one of the pets in our care.  Click Here for information.

A Rescued Dog Rescues Her Owners

Kadie was rescued outside the business of a longtime HCWS supporter, but had to spend 72 hours at the city shelter before Heaven Can Wait could help her.

written by Krystal Newton

A few months ago the photo of one of HCWS puppies, a Louisiana Catahoula Spotted Leopard, captured the heart of dog-lover Karen Custer.  With an aging dog at home, Karen thought it was time she, her husband and her daughter fill their home with the excitement of a new puppy.  Before Karen and her husband could meet the dog, Karen found herself hospitalized and in a coma as a result of a severe case of pneumonia.  To make matters worse, Karen’s 22-year old daughter, who suffers from a seizure disorder, was also admitted to the hospital.  In search of a little comfort and some therapy Karen’s husband decided to adopt the precious dog whose picture had made his wife fall in love.  After finishing the adoption with HCWS, he decided to tell his wife the good news.  Karen, who was asleep in her hospital room, awoke to the photo of the beautiful dog, Kadie.  She recalls waking up to Kadie’s photo for the first time, “When I woke up, I saw an angel.” 

Kadie helped her new Mom in her recovery.

Karen would spend another month in the hospital fighting for her life.  Every day when her husband visited her, he would bring a new dog toy which he placed in a basket.   Attached to each toy was a hand-written note saying things like, “Come home soon, it’s time to meet your new puppy.”  Miraculously, Karen recovered, and it has been about a month since Kadie has joined their loving home.  The animal, who Karen describes as “exceedingly intelligent and very high-energy” is so intelligent that within a matter of a few weeks had learned a number of tricks and commands as well as verbal and sign language leash commands.  She even cleans up her own toys by picking them up and placing them in a basket! 

This very smart and loyal dog has been an amazing source of comfort and therapy for the family.  Not only did she help them through the very difficult time Karen spent in the hospital, she continues to be a protector for Samantha, Karen’s daughter, who can sometimes have up to one hundred seizures a day.  Karen recalls a time Samantha was having a seizure and Kadie adamantly indicated for Karen to press on her chest.  Karen, a special education teacher, didn’t think anything of Kadie’s gestures and brushed them off.  Realizing she wasn’t getting her message across, Kadie jumped on the recliner and sat on Samantha’s chest, immediately bringing her back to consciousness and saving her life.  Kadie constantly watches out for Samantha and even lies beside her as she falls asleep.  Her loyalty to the family is incredible, and even after only one month, they cannot imagine their lives without her.  Kadie is definitely a wonderful fit for this family and has found such a loving forever home.

Kadie watches over Samantha and calls for help when she is having a seizure.

You can adopt your own miracle dog each Saturday at HCWS adoptions inside Petsmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy.  Dogs are adopted on Saturday and our fabulous felines are adopted Thursday afternoon through Sunday.  Preview all the available animals at: www.hcws.org.

If you aren’t ready to add a pet, please consider a donation to help care for the animals until they find new homes: www.hcws.org.

Murphy Makes Three

Murphy was rescued from a city shelter by HCWS a couple of days before he was scheduled to be euthanized. Life with his new family has him hiking, traveling and even participating in his owner’s wedding.

Written by Lucy Bobeck

Murphy is a jolly German Shepherd/Beagle mix that was adopted when he was two-years-old by Heidi and Jack.  After a long day it was Heidi who really pushed to stop and look at the dogs ready for adoption.  Heidi had lived in small quarters in California and was ready to enjoy a new life in spacious Nevada with a furry friend. 

At the Heaven Can Wait adoption center, Heidi spotted Murphy as he was being held by another family. She didn’t even know if Murphy was still available, but she was very determined to adopt the lively dog. 

Jack, Heidi’s fiancé noticed that Murphy was calm around the adoptable cats.  Murphy’s acceptance of cats was important as Baxter, their housecat, was already part of Heidi’s household.  Jack agreed that the black and tan dog with white spots was a fine dog.  Luckily Murphy was still available for adoption and Heidi wasted no time making sure he made his way home with her grateful family. 

Murphy is so beloved he even took part in Heidi and Jack’s wedding in Zion National Park, Utah.

Murphy now enjoys hikes every morning in Southwest Las Vegas and accompanies the family on trips to the Grand Canyon, Zion and Mammoth. Jack works partly from home, so he enjoys Murphy’s company.  Baxter the cat is somewhat aloof, not so sure of dogs, but Murphy is still determined to become a respectful friend to the feline. 

Heidi was familiar with Heaven Can Wait and independently rescues animals.  She is proof that love at first sight does have a happy ending. 

Come and find your furry heartbreaker at the Heaven Can Wait adoption center every Saturday inside Petsmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy.  Adoptions are held from 10a.m – 4p.m.  Cat adoptions run Thursday afternoon – Sunday.  Check out all the cats and dogs available for adoption at: www.hcws.org.  And if you are not ready to adopt, please consider a donation to help Heaven Can Wait Animal Society take care of the animals – http://www.hcws.org

 

Lucky Dog

A real life hero tried to feed and help Georgie after he was abandoned, but neighbors threw rocks at the little dog.

By Carol Lisowski

I find it so hard to understand how people can move away and just abandon their pets to fend for themselves.  When man domesticated animals, we became their caretakers.  Most animals don’t know how to survive on their own.  They look to us humans to give them food and water, take care of their needs and give them shelter.

A mixed poodle breed who became known for a while by his rescuers as Georgie had to do just that when his family moved away and left him behind.  Georgie had to be scared and confused wondering where his family was and why he had been left alone.  A nice lady by the name of Sylvia who managed an apartment complex spotted him and started putting out food and water. 

Unfortunately, some of the neighbors didn’t want a stray dog hanging around the area. They threw out his food and water, hurled stones and yelled at him to chase the little dog away.  But Georgie had nowhere to go.

Over 3-4 months, Sylvia continued to spot the little skittish dog who grew more matted and dirty by the day.  She tried several times to catch him, but he had lost his trust in humans. How he kept from getting hit by a car and where he slept each day or night, only Georgie knows.  Unable to catch him on her own, Sylvia e-mailed Heaven Can Wait and within 30 minutes, one of the dog program coordinators was out to help with the rescue.  She put down the trap with some meat in it, and Sylvia and the coordinator combed the neighborhood looking for Georgie, but he was nowhere to be found.  They came back disappointed, only to be delighted when there sat Georgie in the cage.  On his own, he found his way in and this was the beginning of a new life for the abandoned young puppy.

Georgie, exploring his new home.

It didn’t take long for Georgie to find a new home.  Diane Jones, who had moved here from New York, was looking on-line for a partner in crime for her mini Schnauzer, Marcell.  Marcell’s last buddy had passed away earlier this year, and it was just too quiet in the house.  Sylvia was able to meet Diane when she visited the Petsmart adoptions to meet her new puppy.  With all that he’s been through this last year, Georgie, who now goes by Chanceux, which means ”lucky” in French, is settling into his new home and becoming very attached to Diane and Marcell.  Although he exhibits some signs of separation anxiety, Diane says he is doing well and passed his health physical with only a minor knee socket problem, which is nothing to worry about until he gets older.

When Diane took her dogs to the groomer recently, Marcell came out with another cute little dog, and she was wondering where Chanceux was.  The groomer told her this precious little cutie was her dog.  She didn’t even recognize him!  What a makeover for an abandoned pup.

Chanceux (Georgie) was so transformed after he was groomed, his new owner didn’t recognize him.

Diane only believes in adopting and rescuing, and Chanceux finally has found a home where he will be loved and cared for, probably for the first time in his short life.  If you want to turn another dog up for adoption into a lucky dog, please visit the HCWS website to see who is waiting for you.

Chanceux is a very lucky little dog.

Dog adoptions are held each Saturday inside Petsmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy off I-215 and S. Rainbow.  Learn how you can help a homeless cat or dog until they find their forever home – Click Here.

Ryder Is Patiently Waiting

Big dogs like Ryder have a harder time finding new homes, but Heaven Can Wait is there to offer guidance to new owners.

Written by Francesca Torre

“Hi, there!  Does anyone want to go hiking?  My name is Ryder, and I’m a three year-old Boxer-Shepherd mix.  I may be big, but that just means I have that much more love to give you!  I’m silly and goofy, too!  Need some help?  I can carry your bag for you!  I graduated from Pups on Parole, so I’m always ready to show you a bunch of tricks.  I also know how to obey your commands, when you want me to.  I will be great with an active family with older children, who can handle my size, without other dogs or cats.”

Ryder was highlighted earlier this summer, but he is still patiently waiting for his forever home.  The 90 lb. dog keeps getting passed by for more pint-sized canines.

Ryder’s size has always been a challenge for this kindhearted dog that first came to Heaven Can Wait when he was 10 weeks old. 

As an adorable puppy, Ryder was quickly adopted and settled in with his new family.  But soon he grew too big for his owner and was given away.  Heaven Can Wait would have loved the opportunity to help Ryder’s family train a big dog, but we weren’t given the chance. 

Ryder moved from home to home, never having a family that completely understood the needs of a big, energetic dog. 

Finally a Good Samaritan traced though his paperwork and realized that he had been a Heaven Can Wait dog.  Ryder was returned to us earlier this year.

The big, goofy guy is a graduate of the HCWS Pups on Parole program and knows lots of commands.  He also learned a few tricks too.  He flops over when someone says, bang, you’re dead,” he spins in circles when asked and will even roll over to show you his belly. 

All Ryder needs to make life complete is a chance to be loved and, in return he will be someone’s devoted companion.

You can meet Ryder at dog adoptions each Saturday inside PetSmart  at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Parkway (off I-215 and S. Rainbow).  Or call Heaven Can Wait at: 702-227-5555.

Please consider the size a dog will become when you adopt a puppy. Big dogs make great pets for households that are ready.

Ziggy’s Journey Home Part II- Ready For A Second Chance

Wanted: A “Furever” home for A Special Girl

Written by Khristi Suarez

NEWSFLASH…I’m up for adoption!! I have been making steady progress at the Pups on Parole Program and the wonderful ladies who have worked to rehabilitate me, and help me overcome my fears,  feel I am ready for the next step; my “furever” home!

WANTED… A loving, human who is patient, kind, and committed to providing me with a safe, encouraging, environment where I can flourish.  Applicants must be willing to endure all the kisses and love I have to offer.

Please understand that I have had some pretty unpleasant interactions with humans in the past; they haven’t always been kind to me, so it may take me a little while to warm up to strangers, but once I do, you will really see the” love bug” in me come out, and my sweet personality will shine through.

QUALIFICATIONS…Of course a dog as special as I am has a few requests, but don’t worry, I’m worth it! First and foremost, I require LOTS of patience and love.  Although I have no aversion to young children, I prefer to be handled by adults or older children as I have suffered a severe injury to my leg, which has healed, but I am still fragile both emotionally, and physically, and will feel more secure with an experienced human handling me.

EXPECTATIONS…Since I have never  had a real home of my own for very long, and everyone here at the prison has been so kind to me, I have developed a strong sense of devotion for my temporary home here, and especially for my handler. After we bonded, I became very playful and friendly. I am also very protective of both my home and my people, and you may expect the same once I am settled in and feeling secure with my surroundings in my new home with you.

Well, with all that said, What are you waiting for?? Come see me, and bring your canine companions too, so we can meet.  I will be at PetSmart off of S. Rainbow Blvd. and the 215, in the Arroyo Crossing Shopping Center on Saturday between 10AM-5PM. I will have many of my wonderful pals out there with me from the Pups on Parole Program, who are also looking for their “furever” home.   We can’t wait to meet you!

A Home For Zoe

Carol Cloud was on a mission last year to adopt a dog before Christmas.  She knew that would be the perfect time to introduce a new pet to her family because her daughter would be home from college and her husband wouldn’t be traveling for work. 

Carol was also sure about the type of dog she wanted.  After losing her beloved miniature Schnauzer, named Spot, Carol knew she wanted another “hearty, small dog that didn’t shed.”  “My daughter has allergies, so we needed a dog that was hypoallergenic,” said Carol.

Carol went to the Heaven Can Wait adoption center in October, completed an adoption application and started coming to adoptions every Saturday in search of her new pet. 

Finally on Thanksgiving, a picture popped up on the HCWS website of an adorable miniature Schnauzer/Yorkie mix that had been found in the shed of a foreclosed home.  The little dog was rescued by Heaven Can Wait and was being enrolled into our Pups on Parole prison program to rehabilitate dogs.  Carol quickly called our Dog Coordinator and expressed her interest in the dog.  The Coordinator said she would be available for adoption the week before Christmas.

Carol and her husband anxiously waited for little Zoe to complete her training.  Finally the day arrived for them to meet her. 

The Cloud’s waited in the parking lot for the van to pull up with all of the dogs going to the adoption center that Saturday.

Carol said, “Volunteers kept going into the van and walking out with all sorts of dogs.  We waited and watched, but no one was coming out with Zoe.  We thought they had forgotten her.  Then one girl walked into the van, but didn’t come out.  A second girl went into the van and didn’t come out.  Finally a third girl went into the van and together they carried out Zoe.  Apparently the little 12 ½ pound dog was putting up quite a fuss and didn’t want to get out of the van.  I wondered what in the world was I getting myself into.”

The Cloud’s and Zoe were given some private time to get to know each other.  Carol said Zoe was a little skittish at first, but very sweet.  Still, because of the van incident Carol said she took a couple of one-on-one hours to really get to know Zoe.

That was three months ago and today Zoe has become a great companion for Carol.  Carol calls the little dog a “character” who loves to chase birds in the parks that surround their house and then come home for her daily hair brushing and nap. 

Carol said Zoe made an easy transition into her new family and she thinks it has a lot to do with the training she received from the inmates in Pups on Parole and from the caring support Carol got from the Heaven Can Wait Dog Coordinators.

Carol and Zoe at home.

Heaven Can Wait Adoptions are held each weekend at PetSmart in the Arroyo Crossing Center off I-215 and S. Rainbow.  Dog adoptions are Saturday and cat adoptions are Thursday – Sunday.  Click on Adoptions to see the available pets.  If you are not ready to adopt, but would like to help the animals cared for by Heaven Can Wait, please click Here.

Love At First Sight

Tilly, a Boxer puppy felt right at home with her new family.

Written by Dominic Allen

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.

Tilly is now one of the Bailey girls. The puppy has shown great patience with the Bailey's daughters.

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.

Tilly loves to watch TV and makes the kids laugh when her favorite show comes on.

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).

Hanging out with the girls is fun!

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!!!

Shh! This puppy needs her rest after a full day with her new family. Have a happy life, Tilly!

“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