“Go Green” with Heaven Can Wait’s Warehouse Sale

Heaven Can Wait’s giant warehouse sales were the inspiration of two volunteers who wanted to help out.

By Karen Rock

In this day and age when recycling really matters why not consider decorating your house or office with some of the beautiful and practical items that you’ll find nowhere else but at the Heaven Can Wait Warehouse Sale!

Besides the obvious reasons for shopping at garage, yard and warehouse sales, such as saving money, re-purposing used items, going “retro”, or finding that one special treasure, now your purchases can help change the lives of many…dogs, cats and people alike. And here’s how…

Heaven Can Wait’s Spay and Neuter Clinic is always in need of funds to enable us to continue the work of stopping pet overpopulation. So 4 years ago a concerned HCWS volunteer couple, Richard and Kathy McCarty, also the proud “Mom and Dad” of three rescue dogs, began the Warehouse Sale out of their own home to raise money to purchase rolling racks for the feral cat clinic. It was such a huge success that there was demand for additional sales. The Warehouse Sale ultimately grew so big they are now run out of a public location.

The sales grew from being held at a private home to a big warehouse.

 Not only do Rich and Kathy continue to operate the sale jointly, but they are accompanied by additional Heaven Can Wait volunteers without whom they couldn’t make this program happen. They are extremely grateful to all the volunteers for their devotion and welcome anyone who wishes to help the cause. ALL proceeds go to support the Heaven Can Wait Spay and Neuter Clinic. The sale has grown so rapidly that proceeds now amount to approximately $10,000 per month.

Another important part of this program is the company, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, who also volunteer their services by picking up large donated items and delivering them directly to the sale’s location. And yes, it’s FREE of charge!

Most donated items come from the general public and can be brought directly to the warehouse during sale days/times, or arranged to be picked up.   In addition, T and L Estate Sellers, LLC routinely makes generous donations to the sale.  Heaven Can Wait appreciates their ongoing support to the program.

The monthly sales are run by volunteers. Proceeds help the HCWS Spay and Neuter Clinic.

One more thing…Rich and Kathy could use help with the following as this program continues to grow:

•  Volunteers are needed to help price, sell, and pick up items.
•  Additional storage space would be greatly appreciated. Can anybody possibly spare some space?
•  An individual or a team of people are needed to operate the sale from June - September.

Our warehouse sales have lots of furniture to offer.

 So now that you know this inspiring story, and with all of those good reasons to donate to and/or  purchase from Heaven Can Wait’s Warehouse Sale, what do you say we all “GO GREEN” and in doing so contribute to a great cause!

 Info you’ll need…

• Warehouse Sale location:  6360 Annie Oakley Drive (between Sunset and Russell) Las Vegas, NV   89120  - Follow signs to back parking lot
• Special Upcoming 4 Day Sale:  Thursday, April 4^th – Sunday, April 7th, 9:00am – 2:00pm
•  Regular Sale Days/Hours:  Every Friday and Saturday, 9:00am – 2:00pm  
•  Cash Sales Please

 You can reach Rich and Kathy directly at  garagesales@hcws.org or 702-815-6107 if you wish to volunteer, donate, or have additional questions.

 Thank you, Rich, Kathy, Heaven Can Wait volunteers, and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK for your generosity and heartfelt devotion to this wonderful program!

There are tons of clothes to choose from too.

 

Come shop with us. You can even bring along your pet!

 Can’t make it to a Warehouse Sale?  You can still stop pet overpopulation by supporting Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.  Click Here for details on how to give.

Heaven Can Wait Thanks Chef Heinz Lauer

Chef Heinz Lauer shares a moment with impressionist Terry Fator at the HCWS Holiday Luncheon.

A private dinner prepared by Chef Heinz Lauer has become one of the favorite auction items at the annual Heaven Can Wait Holiday Luncheon.  The private parties for 10 have also brought in generous donations to help homeless animals.

Chef Lauer, who owns Culinaria Cuisine, has been in the hospitality business since he was 14-years-old where he began as a culinary apprentice at the exclusive Brenner’s Park Hotel located in Baden-Baden in Germany’s Black Forest.  His career has taken him to hotels, restaurants and cruise lines throughout Germany, the Caribbean and the United States.

With a Master of Science in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Chef Lauer took on the position of Executive Sous Chef and Chef Instructor at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and later Executive Chef at Le Cordon Bleu-College of Culinary Arts.

Odyssey came into the chef’s life in a most unusual way.

In addition to all of his accomplishments, the chef and his wife are “huge” animal lovers.  They found out about Heaven Can Wait after Mrs. Lauer rescued a 4-month-old pit bull puppy that had been abandoned in a parking lot.

She called the chef and said, “I’ve had a really bad day and I just want you to know that I’m bringing home a dog.”

Chef Lauer admitted he was apprehensive about having a pit bull come to his house, especially with three cats already in the family.

“When they pulled into the driveway, the puppy jumped out of the car, ran up to me and rolled onto her back so I could rub her belly,” said Chef Lauer.  “She’s been part of our family, ever since.”

They named the puppy Odyssey and today she is a Certified Therapy Dog who visits Assisted Living facilities in Summerlin on a regular basis.

Odyssey became a Certified Therapy Dog.

Odyssey and the Lauer’s were introduced to Heaven Can Wait as part of the “It’s The Pits” program that spays and neuters pit bull dogs and pit bull mixes.

In addition Chef Lauer adopted a cat named Minkie from Heaven Can Wait.  “He’s the most loving cat you can imagine,” said the chef.

Odyssey and Minkie.

As a way to give back to the community and Heaven Can Wait, Chef Lauer began offering private dinner parties as an auction item, three years ago.  The lucky bidder wins a custom dinner prepared and served in their home for 10 people.  The private party has become so popular, Chef Lauer now allows more than one person to win the prize.  “The parties are great fun,” said the chef.

Recently Chef Lauer began a new venture using his culinary skills after Odyssey developed food allergies. He developed a line of human grade, raw dog food that doesn’t have any fillers, preservatives or chemicals.  Rawlistic Gourmet Grub is personally prepared by Chef Lauer in conjunction with a holistic animal wellness consultant and delivered directly to your door.

Heaven Can Wait wishes the chef much success on his latest venture and thanks him for helping the cats and dogs in our care with the annual auction of his culinary skills.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society says thank you for all you do to Chef Heinz Lauer.

Click Here to learn more about: Rawlistic Gourmet Grub 

Learn more about Heaven Can Wait Animal Society - Click Here    Your Donations are always appreciated.

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.

Animal Lover Nominates HCWS For Cox Communications Gift

 

Employees with Cox Communications award HCWS President, Harold Vosko with donation.

 

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society would like to thank Cox Communications for their generous donation. Our President, Harold Vosko, attended a small ceremony to accept the gift and personally express our gratitude to the young woman who nominated us.

Alexandra Seuthe (pictured on right) is an Account Executive with Cox Business who has lived in Las Vegas for the past six years.  As an animal lover and pet parent to three dogs (Lola, Max and Andy), Alexandra said Heaven Can Wait was the first name that came to her when she was asked to nominate a local charity for the donation.

Cox Charities, which is part of Cox Communications selects a local nonprofit each month for a donation.

Alexandra said she knew a little about how Heaven Can Wait is working to stop pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering animals.

“I know a lot more about the group after talking with Harold,” said Alexandra.   I nominated Heaven Can Wait because I knew the group has been helping homeless pets for a long time in Las Vegas.”

Alexandra also explained that all three of her pups are spayed and neutered.  “My Shih Tzu, Lola, has been spayed since she was a puppy.”  Max and Andy, both large mixed breed dogs were fixed when she adopted them.

Alexandra thanked Heaven Can Wait for our work, but we would like to thank her for helping homeless cats and dogs by submitting our group for the gift.

There are lots of ways you can help Heaven Can Wait.  Please consider us in your company’s payroll deduction plan, grants and special events.  Heaven Can Wait relies on donations from generous Las Vegans.

HCWS Tackles Innovative Project To Save Animals

The team who worked around the clock saving animals in 2 communities.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has never shied away from tackling an innovative project if it helps homeless animals.  From our Pups on Parole program that pairs rescued dogs with female inmates to our monthly feral cat clinic that sterilizes hundreds of cats at a time, HCWS has always stepped up to a challenge.

In September 2012 we were put to the test again when we joined forces with the residents of two communities to spay and neuter all of the free roaming cats and owned pets in the neighborhood.

While our volunteer trappers are used to helping communities control feral cat colonies through Trap-Neuter-Return, this project was very unique.

1. It ran non-stop for a full week.
2. Residents played an active role with the spay/neuter team.
3. Feral cats were kept away from the neighborhood after being sterilized.

With support from Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani, the residents of these two back-to-back communities also entered into a two-year agreement with Heaven Can Wait to continue to have new pets and stray animals sterilized.

The trap-a-thon began on a Sunday and ran continuously 24-hours a day until every animal was fixed 8 days later.

Here is how it worked:

• Traps were set for the free roaming cats.
• A small group of residents volunteered to monitor the traps around-the-clock and contacted a member of the HCWS team whenever a cat was caught.  This meant there was absolutely no downtime for the program – a very unique aspect.
• No matter what time of day or night, one of the volunteer trappers came to the community to take the cat to the HCWS clinic and re-set the trap for another feline.
• Cats were examined and sterilized, but remained at the clinic after their surgery instead of being released back into their neighborhood.  This allowed for a better assessment of the number of cats that still had to be tcaptured.
• The fixed felines were given food and lots of attention while they stayed at the clinic.  The staff called it their “Spa Week.”
• Owned pets were brought in for surgeries and released back to their owners.

Sandy and her new Mom. Sandy was one of the kittens rescued during the project.

At the end of the 8 days a total of 30 free roaming cats were sterilized, plus two pet cats.  In addition, three kittens were taken into foster care after their mother was killed by a dog in the community.  All are now fixed and have been adopted into new homes.  A total of four dogs were neutered as well.

The event went off without a hitch, except for some unfinished business with a cat named Amanda.  Amanda is a friendly free roaming feline who is cared for by everyone in the community.  She had given birth shortly before the project began and hid away her litter for safekeeping.  The residents followed Amanda back to her hiding place after her surgery and have continued to watch over her kittens since the spay-a-thon.  Once the babies were old enough, they too were spayed and neutered.  One of the kittens who is now called Sandy (pictured above) was adopted by a neighbor.

Heaven Can Wait would like to thank all of the residents who kept this very unique project running.   We also send a special thanks to Jean Spaziani of C-5, HCWS trapper Susan Watkins and our clinic director Judy Erickson for working nonstop for 8 days and tackling a new approach to save homeless animals.

Please show your support for projects like this by Clicking Here.  If you would like to work on projects like these, please fill out a volunteer application at: http://www.hcws.org

8 News NOW Recognizes HCWS

Thirty local Las Vegas agencies were recognized by KLAS-TV 8 News NOW for programs benefitting Southern Nevadans.  We are proud to say that Heaven Can Wait Animal Society was among the recipients in the Community Pride Campaign.

HCWS President, Harold Vosko accepted the honors and a $1,500 award from newscasters Christine Wagner (left) and Denise Valdez (right).   The program is sponsored through the Landmark Foundation.

Read more about Heaven Can Wait programs by Clicking Here.

A Special Holiday Thank You

] Ty says thank you to Las Vegas.

Last week was absolutely amazing for Heaven Can Wait and it was all due to your support.  With contributions from animal lovers across the Las Vegas valley, we made great gains that will continue to help homeless pets in our city.

Thanks to the folks at The Morning Blend show, Heaven Can Wait began the week with the first-ever televised event for homeless animals in Las Vegas.   Then we wrapped things up with our very popular annual Holiday Luncheon.  Thanks to your support, both events were a howling success!

“Saving Vegas Pets” aired Tuesday morning on The Morning Blend on KTNV Channel 13. As HCWS President Harold Vosko talked to the hosts of the show about our aggressive spay and neuter programs to stop 30,000 cats and dogs from being euthanized in local shelters each year, a great group of volunteers waited anxiously to answer calls from the public.

Everyone wondered, “Would people pick up their phone and call?”  We are proud to say Las Vegas cares very much about the pet overpopulation problem in our city.  Our phone lines were filled with people who called to make donations and tell us about the wonderful pets in their lives.  Some of the callers were in tears.  The tail-a-thon raised more than $9,000 in one hour.

On Sunday afternoon at The M Resort a sellout crowd gathered for the Holiday Luncheon and a special performance by Las Vegas headliner Terry Fator.  Both Terry and Taylor Fator were Honorary Luncheon Chairs for the event.

For the second time in the week Las Vegans showed their generosity to save animals.  Our silent and live auctions were record breaking events.  And so many people bought raffle tickets, we actually ran out!

The Board of Directors of Heaven Can Wait Animal Society would like say a heartfelt thank you to EVERYONE who supported the events last week.  We pledge to continue our efforts to stop the senseless killing of pets in local shelters until there a none left and the problem is “fixed.”  We hope you have a very Happy Holiday Season!

Meet all of the cats and dogs ready for new homes at: http://www.hcws.org

Don’t Forget To Watch…”Saving Vegas Pets”

Please tune-in for the first-ever “Saving Vegas Pets” tail-a-thon on The Morning Blend Show Channel 13 - Tuesday, December 4 from 9 to 10a.m.  Your support will help Heaven Can Wait Animal Society continue our work to stop nearly 30,000 pets from being euthanized each year in Las Vegas area animal shelters.  You Can Help Stop Pet Overpopulation in Southern Nevada.

The Morning Blend will be streaming live at: http://www.ktnv.com/  PLEASE TELL EVERYONE ABOUT “SAVING VEGAS PETS” TAIL-A-THON! Donations can be made online: http://www.hcws.org/donate  OR Call 702-227-5555.

“Artists For A Cause” To Benefit HCWS

You’re invited to attend a very special event hosted by Insert Coin(s) Interactive Nightlife.  The unique downtown video game bar is presenting “Artists For A Cause” on Wednesday, November 14 with proceeds benefiting Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.  

Artists For A Cause will be a fun-filled evening of video game inspired artwork, cocktails and eclectic music.  The reception is from 8 – 10p.m. at Insert Coin(s), 512 Fremont Street.  The event is free to attend and reservations are not required.

Featured artists will include: Juan Muniz, Ruckus, Obeyjef, Brian DeLeon and Bree DeLano. Music by DJ Lefto.

A silent auction benefiting Heaven Can Wait Animal Society and The Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation will also be held.

Artists For A Cause is the brainchild of longtime Heaven Can Wait supporter and artist, Bree DeLano who wanted to inform the public about our group’s mission and our goal to stop pet overpopulation in Las Vegas.

(Attendees must be at least 21 years-old with valid I.D.)  See Insert Coin(s) Interactive Nightlife for more details.

12th Annual Lose A Pound Memory Walk

Deannalynn Arzola
It’s hard to believe, but another Lose-a-Pound Memory Walk has come and gone. This year’s festivities were a howling success.

The day began for our volunteers at 7am, with the setting up of booths and stages. And what a lovely fall Sunday it was.

Wayne Bunker Family Park was a flush with vendors, dogs, Memory Collars, and even Elvis.

Some of our terrific vendors included Pet Psychics offering paw readings, Bone Appetite, A Pet’s Bakery and A Purrfurred Pet Care Service. We wish to thank the many vendors who donated to HCWS during the event.

Other businesses that helped raise money on Sunday were Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, who donated gift baskets which were raffled off to guests who purchased winning tickets.

Other than the Memory Walk, which took place on the park’s surrounding walking track from 10 to Noon, our event held our wildly popular Halloween Pet Costume Contest. This year’s first place prize went to “Fat Elvis”, an absolutely adorable Basset Hound. “Schitzo” held the honor of this year’s Silliest Pet Trick. Our friends at Smarty Paws set up an obstacle course for all of our four-legged guests to try.

Team Misfits won this year’s distinction as the team that raised the most money for our beloved charity, pulling in a stunning $3500. The volunteers at Misfits used social media and networking as their means of raising such a remarkable sum. Congratulations Misfits. Your perpetual efforts are greatly appreciated.

Our appreciation also goes to the teams from Quest Diagnostics, NV Energy and In Corp who worked to raise donations for HCWS.

The 12th Annual Memory Walk was a resounding success and woofs and woofs of fun for all.

There are many more folks we wish to thank for their support in making our annual fundraising event such an important part of our mission to prevent pet-overpopulation in our community.

Thank you to all of our faithful volunteers who share their time tirelessly, all year around. Thank you to all of our Memory Walk participants and our vendors. Thank you to the City of Las Vegas and Wayne Bunker Park, to all of our guests, our DJ and emcee, “Elvis” and to In Corp.com for mingling with the crowd and providing home baked treats to our most important guests, for without whom, none of this would have been possible; our loveable, furry family members.

Our next Lose a Pound Memory Walk is less than twelve months away and we can’t wait to see you all again, then.