World Spay Day

By Colette Hayes

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 6 to 8 million homeless animals in the U.S. These include puppies, dogs, cats and kittens. Each year these animals enter shelters where around half are adopted and the other half are euthanized. The large number of homeless animals is not just a problem in this country; it’s felt across the globe as well. February 26 was World Spay Day, a day dedicated to supporting efforts in our community and around the world to reduce the large pet overpopulation. This day serves to educate people about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.

While adopting a pet is a wonderful way to help a homeless animal, there are simply not enough homes for all the animals. Another way to help is to spay and neuter your pet.  Not only does spaying or neutering help reduce the pet population, it also has health benefits for your furry friend.  Petmd.com says that neutering your dog will reduce the likelihood that he will spray or mark his territory.  Behavior problems, such as aggression and wandering off to seek a mate, may be reduced or eliminated. Spaying a female will eliminate the heat cycle which may attract unwanted male animal attention to your home. Behaviors associated with the heat cycle in cats, such as nervous behavior and excessive meowing are eliminated. In female dogs this heat cycle may include restless behavior, bleeding or frequent urination, with spaying these behaviors are no longer a problem.

Long term benefits of spaying or neutering can include reducing the possibility of prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and completely eliminating testicular cancer.  Overall your beloved pet can live a happier, healthier life when spayed or neutered and you can avoid potential medical problems and the cost associated with those medical problems.

In honor of Spay Day, Heaven Can Wait in conjunction with the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society and Community Cat Coalition of Clark County will hold a special feral cat clinic on March 9.  The program is being sponsored by Alley Cat Allies, the only national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats. Heaven Can Wait is hoping to spay and neuter up to 200 feral cats on this day.

Flashpoint is one of the more than 80,000 pets spayed and neutered by Heaven Can Wait. All this loveable cat needs now is a family to love him forever.

Once the cats have been spayed or neutered they will be tagged and returned to their colony where they were trapped.  In addition to the feral cat clinic on March 9, Heaven Can Wait holds a monthly feral cat clinic to spay and neuter cats in targeted zones around the valley. Heaven Can Wait also offers a low–cost spay and neuter program open to anyone.  By spaying and neutering your dog or cat, you are helping to reduce the pet overpopulation problem and giving our furry friends a chance for a healthy and long life.

Eliminating the senseless euthanasia of healthy animals in Las Vegas area shelters is the number one goal of Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.  To date we have sterilized more than 80,000 cats and dogs.  The majority of the spays and neuters are funded through public donations.  HCWS is pleased to report the latest statistics show our efforts are paying off and saving lives.  The past two years Las Vegas shelters have seen a significant decline in the number of homeless pets euthanized.  We will not give up the fight until NO healthy, adoptable cat or dog loses its life because of overpopulation.

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.

Home For The Howlidays

Rescued from a dog collector, Cassie came to HCWS with absolutely no confidence.

Deannalynn Arzola

Cassie, an adorable 4 year-old shepherd mix, has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. She has found a forever home with Toni and Rhonda, who have been a part of our HCWS family for several years now. In fact, Cassie is the fifth rescue they have adopted.

When the Lab mix with the face of an angel came to Heaven Can Wait, our Dog Coordinators knew she had led a bleak life. Cassie was rescued along with several other dogs from a “dog collector.” She didn’t have any social skills with humans or dogs and had absolutely no confidence in herself. She was a dog who never put her head up.

When Cassie first came home with Toni and Rhonda, she had negligible human trust issues, but after settling in nicely with her family was, within four weeks, following her brothers and sisters through the doggie door and up the stairs to settle in for the night. “Crazy Cassie”, as she is lovingly called by her moms, enjoys chasing Molly and Bebe around the pool and enthusiastically hopping up on Bebe’s back to earn her treats.

Cassie hanging out in her new backyard with a dog pal.

Cassie is a graduate of our highly successful “Pups on Parole” program. “Pups on Parole” partners dogs rescued by HCWS with female inmates at the Southern Nevada Women’s Correctional Facility in North Las Vegas, in an attempt to beneficially rehabilitate both. The dogs stay with their foster moms 24 hours a day, learning to adjust to human companionship, to trust, and to become successfully adoptable through behavioral training provided by the inmates. This program simultaneously allows the ladies at the facility to learn a useful skill, receiving the rehabilitation needed to forge a successful life outside of the walls of the prison. The inmate handler working with Cassie spent several months gaining the dog’s confidence and turning her into a more self-assured pup.

This is a time of year when most of us give thanks for the blessings in our lives. Here at HCWS, we are so thankful for pet parents like Toni and Rhonda. We know that Cassie is thankful for her new home, and Toni informs me that she and Rhonda are very thankful for her Basset Hound, Molly, who has welcomed all of her new family members with such patience and open paws.

We hope that during this holiday season, more abandoned animals will have much to be thankful for, and we know what a gift a rescue dog is to a warm and loving family. If you’re thinking of gifting a pet to someone for the holidays, please make sure that they are ready to welcome a new pet into their home and please be sure to adopt a rescued pet. When you adopt an abandoned animal, you are not just giving the gift of a pet to your loved ones, but you are giving the gift of life, and that is the greatest gift of all. Happy holidays from all of us at Heaven Can Wait.

Cassie is happy in her new home – just in time for the howlidays.

Check out all of the cats and dogs waiting for new homes by Clicking Here.  Cat adoptions are held Thursday – Sunday at Petsmart in the Arroyo Crossing Center (I-215 and S. Rainbow).  Dogs are adopted at Bone Appetit on Saturday from 10am to 5pm (Ft. Apache and W. Tropicana.)

A Handful Of Love – Adopt A BIG DOG!

Ryder’s big size made it hard for him to find his forever home.

By Carol Lisowski

Do you remember this handsome guy?  Being Dressed for Success can really sell you.  Putting his best foot forward, or four feet in his case, won the heart of Kim Farkas before she ever met him.  Seeing this big dog’s cute pictures with his glasses and tie on the HCWS website, Kim knew that she would be taking him home as she had already fallen in love with him. 

Ryder, as he was formeraly known, is a very big dog currently weighing in at 95 pounds at three years-old.  Even though he graduated from the Pups on Parole program, Ryder’s size has always been a challenge for this Boxer-Shepherd mix 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 new owner.  After living in a series of homes a Good Samaritan returned Ryder to HCWS earlier this year. 

While in the Pups on Parole program, this big, goofy guy learned all of his commands and 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.

Ryder, now known as Hooch in his new home.

Kim was looking through the pictures on the HCWS website for another dog when she was immediately drawn to Ryder’s.  Her previous dog, which she lost a few months ago, was a medium-sized, very docile pet.  Handling her big adoptee is a handful, but he is so funny and goofy, she can’t help but love him.  Renamed Hooch, after the Turner and Hooch movie, the little rascal seems to know just how much he can get away with.  He only gets up on the furniture and counters after she leaves.  He hates the vacuum cleaner and will try to bite it, but seems to want to protect Kim from it as he stands under her feet when she is trying to vacuum.  His worst habit though, is eating anything plastic.  So Kim has to keep all things plastic out of his reach.  He adjusted very quickly to his new home with the exception that he doesn’t like to be left outside.

Kim wants to commend the Pups on Parole handler for the very thorough assessment she received on his habits and mannerisms.  She said it is very accurate and has helped her to know what to expect.

Like many big dogs that just become too much for their owners, Hooch has been through a lot in his short life.  Kim is determined though that this is a match that will work and that this will be Hooch’s last home.

If you would like to find a big, goofy dog for your own, visit www.hcws.org to see who is waiting for their own forever home.  Dog adoptions are held every Saturday in the Bone Appetit store on Ft. Apache and W. Tropicana.  Cat adoptions are held Thursday – Sunday in Petsmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy.

Hooch enjoying life at last!

 

Help Snoopy Find A Home

Do you have room in your life for this handsome guy?  Do you know someone who wants to add a friendly one-year-old Labrador retriever mix to their family?  Supporters of the Heaven Can Wait blog and Facebook page have done a great job helping special dogs in our care find their forever homes.  Here is another one-of-a-kind dog that needs your assistance.

“Hi everyone – my name is Snoopy.  I am trying to find a family I can call my own.  I am curious and full of energy when I meet new people or new dogs. They tell me that when I wag my tail, my whole body shakes from side to side in sheer joy.  I have to admit that I can get pretty excited when I take in new smells and sounds and sometimes I forget my manners and jump up and down.  But I’m just a one-year-old and I know I will learn to be the best dog ever.

Overall I’m a pretty happy guy.  I am lovable, playful and very smart.  I am always ready for a new adventure, whether you are going for a run, a car ride, or a trip to the dog park.  Do I sound like the perfect addition to your family?  Well, come meet me!!!! I am currently enrolled in Heaven Can Wait’s Pups on Parole program where I am learning my basic commands.  Because I live at the women’s correctional facility I can meet you on Saturday’s at HCWS Adoptions located at Bogart’s Bone-Appetit at 4985 S. Fort Apache from 10a.m. to 5p.m.  (We are located on the corner of W. Tropicana behind McDonald’s.) Please call the HCWS dog coordinator for more information about me or the other dogs that need a good home – 702-227-5555.”

You can see all the cats and dogs waiting to be adopted at: www.hcws.org.

Please tell your friends, neighbors and relatives that Snoopy is ready to start his new life as a loved family pet.  If you would like to sponsor Snoopy please click HERE.

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.

Welcome New Additions To Pups On Parole

Written by Ann Lalli

From an everyday standpoint, being sent to prison is not the ideal way to begin a wonderful new life, but for the dogs rescued by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, it is the start of an extraordinary experience. The Pups on Parole program is the beginning of a second chance to find a family to call their own.  Below are the newest additions to the program.  We are highlighting them because they will soon be available for adoption.

Meet Georgie (pictured above), a 1-year-old male Poodle mix who is neutered and potty trained. He’s a little shy, so it will take some time to trust his new family. He’s affectionate, loving and patient and likes other dogs and kids of all ages.

Winston

Meet Winston, a 1½ year-old male black & white Shih Tzu who is neutered and potty trained. He has a gentle nature, but is playful and cuddly. Gets along well with other dogs.

Palmer

Meet Palmer, a 1½ year-old male cream Shih Tzu who is neutered and potty trained. He is a laid back little guy who just wants to spend time curled up in your lap.

Meet Luna, a 1-year -old female 5 lb Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix who is spayed and potty trained.  Accustomed to being the only one, she is now learning to be a little more social. She has a dazzling personality and loves to be spoiled.

All of these sweethearts are currently enrolled in the Pups on Parole program and are learning their commands.  They will soon be ready for adoption. If you are interested in learning more about them, please look at our website at www.HCWS.org or call 702-227-5555.

Heaven Can Wait adoptions are held each weekend.  Cat adoptions are Thursday afternoon through Sunday and dog adoptions are Saturday inside Petsmart at 7050 Arroyo Crossing Parkway (off I-215 and S. Rainbow).  Feel free to drop by and meet the cats and dogs.

Not ready to adopt?  Check out the other ways you can support Heaven Can Wait.

 

 

 

 

Superheroes For Homeless Animals – Daisy Troop 183

The girls of Daisy Troop 183 are “superheroes” for homeless animals as far as Heaven Can Wait Animal Society is concerned and we would like to thank them very much.  The 5 and 6-year-old Girl Scouts donated $200 from their annual cookie sale to help the cats and dogs in our care.

Scout leader, Tricia Dettling explained that her troop took part in a program called Caring For Animals.  Each girl learned what it takes to care for of a wide variety of animals that included: fish, lizards, spiders, rabbits and of course puppies and kittens.  

“They learned that puppies and kittens need exercise and good nutrition in order to grow strong and they realized that other animals need similar care.  They also found out that animals like fish and lizards need their own kind of care to live in the world,” said Dettling.

Next the girls taught their parents and other family members what they learned through a play they presented.  Each scout dressed up as a different animal and told their story.

Dettling said the program not only introduced the girls to a variety of animals, it also let them take a crack public speaking.  The Daisy Troop earned a Red Pedal for their efforts.

While researching their project, the scouts came across Heaven Can Wait’s Pups on Parole program where rescued dogs are helped by inmates at the correctional facility for woman.  When they heard how abandoned dogs are loved and taught by the inmates, they decided to make a donation to our organization. 

Heaven Can Wait thinks Daisy Troop 183 did a terrific job with their project and our cats and dogs say thank you very much.

Girl Scouts isn’t the only way for children to learn the importance of properly caring for animals.  Angels for Animals is a free downloadable program from Heaven Can Wait.

SEE HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FROM HCWS.

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!