Inside The Heaven Can Wait Spay/Neuter Clinic

Take a tour inside the Heaven Can Wait Spay/Neuter Clinic.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society opened Nevada’s first private, non-profit Spay/Neuter Clinic in June 2009.  Our goal is to sterilize 10,000 – 15,000 high-risk cats and dogs each year. 

These are pets owned  by people in at-risk areas and feral cats that otherwise would continually have litter after litter of unwanted kittens and puppies.  This uncontrolled birth rate is responsible for nearly 30,000 animals a year  euthanized in our local shelters simply because they run out of room. 

Heaven Can Wait realized years ago that pet overpopulation cannot be controlled through adoption alone.  Our best hope is to reduce the number of pets impounded and euthanized by reducing the birth rate.

Since opening our doors HCWS has spayed/neutered 81,000 cats and dogs.  We are excited to report that in the past two years, Las Vegas has turned a corner with a significant reduction in the number of homeless pets dying in shelters. 

In the video below, HCWS spokesperson Taylor Makakoa takes viewers on a tour of what goes on inside our Spay and Neuter Clinic.

Four days a week, we offer low-cost and targeted no-cost spay/neuter. If you are interested in making an appointment or talking with one of our appointment schedulers, please call us at 702-655-4800 or email clinic@hcws.org.

The HCWS Clinic is supported through donations.  If you would like to contribute please Click Here. 

Heaven Can Wait Takes Part In Community Outreach Event

HCWS volunteers let trick-or-treaters know the importance of spaying and neutering their pets at the Harvest Festival.

By Khristi Suarez
Heaven Can Wait volunteers joined several other community organizations in conjunction with the Sierra Sunrise Coalition and Las Vegas Metro Police on October 30 for the Sierra Sunrise Harvest Festival held in the Albertsons parking lot at Lake Mead Parkway and Hollywood Blvd. The festival is a continuation of a community effort to revitalize the North East Las Vegas Valley.

Volunteers from the HCWS Spay & Neuter Clinic were on hand to provide fun treats for human and animal Trick or Treaters, alike, and to distribute literature and special promotional offers for the clinic. It was encouraging to see the excitement of the children when they shared stories about their pets and the joy in having special treats to take home with them.  Volunteers were able to reach out to many families who desire to have their pet spayed/neutered, but either did not know where to go, or were concerned with the cost. They were truly grateful for the information and the opportunity to meet the knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and provide information about the procedures.

The Festival was a great success as was confirmed by the wonderful turn out and overwhelming visitor response at our booth. Thanks to our Clinic Coordinator Judy, who organized the booth and decorations, and to all of the volunteers who came out to take part in this wonderful community event to help make it such a success.

HCWS would like to remind everyone that  it is not only the law in Las Vegas to have your pet spayed/neutered, but it is also the single most crucial step in reducing the staggering number of needless deaths of innocent, unwanted animals who, by no fault of their own, end up in shelters each month. Thousands of homeless animals are killed each month here in Nevada due to pet overpopulation; 3-4 million nationwide each year.  The only way to reduce these numbers is to reduce the births. We encourage you to join us in our efforts to end animal suffering, by helping to educate and inform family and friends about the benefits and importance of responsible pet ownership and how this one simple effort now can save the lives of so many later.   

HCWS Spay & Neuter Clinic

546 N. Eastern Avenue, Ste. 175

Las Vegas, NV 89101

702-655-4800           

For information, or to schedule an appointment, call today!

The HCWS Clinic is supported through public donations.  If you would like to help please Click Here.

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.

Celebrating 9 Years Of Pups On Parole

Scout – a Pups on Parole graduate who is ready to find his forever home.

Heaven Can Wait’s Pups on Parole prison program began when our group realized the dogs we rescued needed a facility where they could heal and learn to trust people after being abandoned, abused and neglected.  A prison may not seem like the best place to start life over, but it was the perfect solution for the dogs.

Now as Pups on Parole celebrates its 9^th anniversary, the two volunteers that have been at its helm since the beginning have written a tribute about the program, the inmate handlers and of course the dogs.

“It’s hard to believe, but we are beginning our 9th year of Pups on Parole! When we began, we had seven dogs in the prison and we just prayed that we could get them trained and adopted! Well, we have come a long way – we now have upwards of 30 dogs in the program at any time, and have terrific handlers who prepare these pups for their new homes. To date, we have adopted more than 1,600 dogs into wonderful homes, with several families adopting a second and even third time.

People are always surprised that our dogs actually do live in the Women’s Correctional Facility – they live in one of the pod areas and do live in the rooms with their handlers. When the dogs first come in, they are introduced to the residents as well as their fellow pups. The women work very hard for, and with, the dogs to prepare them for their new forever home!

We have seen dogs who were so frightened that they had to be carried into the facility, and who walked out proudly with head and tail held high to go to their new home! Each day, the dogs are socialized, trained, have play time and are loved in preparation for their imminent adoption. Many dogs come to us with no background whatsoever, and leave with a full and detailed resume, which is prepared by those who live with them and know them best!

This program began with the intention to rescue and rehabilitate dogs – we now have found that it is a life changing venture for any and all involved, that is, the dogs, their handlers, their new family members and us! Through the years, we have had and continue to have assistance and encouragement from many, including the likes of Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer!

We feel this program is like a perfect circle and can only be completed when all parts are in place – that is, the dogs come to us, they are trained and learn to love and trust and are finally adopted into wonderful and loving homes. We all play an important role, and hope that we can continue with this wonderful program!”

-Rachel Vosko and Mary Ellen Sachs

Conner – 2012 Pups on Parole graduate who is waitng to be adopted

The dog coordinators also explained about the dedication of the inmate handlers.  The women rise at 4:30a.m. each morning so they can walk and feed the dogs before reporting to their other duties.  They play with, train and groom the dogs daily and make sure their pods are santized from germs.  Over the years, the handlers have endured puppies who have chewed their belongings and frightened dogs that hid from them.  And when the dogs leave for the adoption center, they lovingly say goodbye and welcome into their lives another newly rescued dog.

Following is a poem that was written by a former handler in our Pups on Parole Program.

 

Higgins – 2012 Pups on Parole graduate who is ready to find a new family.

LITTLE ONE

Little one…so full of fear

no one’s gonna hurt you here.

Soon, you’ll see, how it feels to trust

cuz, you’ve been rescued, just like us.

We promise that it’s not too late

because we all know that Heaven can wait.

Forget the broken road you’ve traveled on

for, yesterday has come and gone.

That’s a lesson, we must all learn

and now, little one…it is your turn.

Come with us, walk by our side

hold your tail up high with pride.

And in the end, when we’re all through

there’ll be a family just waiting for you.

Because,

Little one… so full of fear

no one’s gonna hurt you here.

-Terri Haga

Cassie – 2012 Pups on Parole graduate who is looking for her new family.

Veterinarian Spotlight: Dr. Terry Keo

Dr. Keo has worked with Heaven Can Wait since 2011, but his life story that brought him from Cambodia to the U.S. is worthy of an epic movie.

By Keely Biggs

This month I interviewed Dr. Terry Keo. Dr. Keo has led a life worthy of a movie script. His story is one of tragedy and triumph. Dr. Keo grew up in Cambodia in a small village. His family lived with many animals and he was in charge of caring for his village’s cattle. His family also kept chickens for food, cats to keep out pests and a few guard dogs. Being around animals was always very natural for Dr. Keo.

When he was seven, the Khmer Rouge overthrew the government and implemented their communist agenda. This led to a shutdown of schools, hospitals and religious institutions; along with the mass genocide of two million people.

One of the people murdered happened to be Dr. Keo’s grandfather. He was a General in the Cambodian Army and it was the Khmer Rouge’s aim to rid the country of anyone with education. Lawyers, doctors, teachers, government workers, existing military and merchants were all murdered. Books were burned and the population was forced into agricultural slave labor. This resulted in mass deaths due to starvation, exhaustion and disease. Children were abducted, brainwashed and forced into the government’s heartless, murderous army.  Dr. Keo, his mother and siblings were separated from his father and eventually assumed he was dead, too. 

In 1979 Vietnamese troops invaded Cambodia and pushed the Khmer Rouge out of power, which lead to mass violent fighting throughout the entire country. The Khmer Rouge remained a strong rebel group. Amidst the chaos, Dr. Keo’s family was able to get refugee status and finally immigrated to the U.S. in 1980. When he was twelve, Dr. Keo’s family which included, his mother, grandmother, 4 siblings moved to North Carolina to start a new life.

After that, Dr. Keo was able to lead a seemingly normal life. He graduated high school and went on to North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro where he majored in Laboratory Animal Science. In 1994 he was accepted into North Carolina State University’s Veterinary Medicine program.

That same year, Dr. Keo and his family received a letter from relatives in Cambodia telling them that his father was still alive! Dr. Keo’s family sponsored him and brought him to the U.S. where he was finally reunited with his family after almost twenty years!

During his time at North Carolina State, Dr. Keo volunteered his time and skills with the “Second Chance Pet Adoption” group doing spays and neuters on feral cats. He also came across a litter of Doberman/ Shepherd puppies that he bottle-fed. He rehomed all but one that he kept. “Alvin” passed away one year ago after a good long 16 year life. In 1998 Dr. Keo graduated with his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Keo moved to Las Vegas in 1998 after accepting a position at the Parkway Springs Animal Hospital in Henderson. In 2001, he left Parkway Springs and accepted a position at the Green Valley Animal Hospital. Then in 2003, he left Green Valley and accepted another position at a Banfield Pet Hospital at a PetSmart in Henderson. While at Banfield, he heard from a colleague that help was needed at the Oquendo Center for Veterinary Medicine to moderate the Clinical Proficiency Exams. He became an Examiner for the center and this is where he met Dr. Henderson and first heard of Heaven Can Wait. To this day he still moderates the exams once a month.

In 2005 he bought his own Banfield practice at the PetSmart on Silverado Ranch. He found that business ownership wasn’t his cup of tea and preferred to focus on the animal side of the field, so he sold his practice in 2010. Dr. Keo then moved to Austin, Texas and worked for the Animal Trustees of Austin.

Dr. Keo didn’t stay in Texas long and he was back in town by May of 2011. He joined Heaven Can Wait in August and currently performs spays and neuters on Wednesdays. He also accepted a position at the Seven Hills Animal Hospital as well as the Haven Animal Hospital.

Last year Dr. Keo visited his homeland of Cambodia for the first time since leaving in 1980. He also got the chance to visit his extended family. He commented that the country had been brought into the dark ages by the Khmer Rouge and is still about fifty years behind the rest of the world. However, he saw significant improvement since the last time he was there.

Dr. Keo says he is happy where he is currently. He enjoys dedicating his time to combating the pet overpopulation crisis and hopes he lives to see the end of animal’s suffering and euthanasia due to overpopulation. He said it would be really nice to get the chance to open up a veterinary school or shelter in Cambodia some day. While visiting, he noticed there were many sick and stray animals and this would be a great way to give back to his recovering country.

Dr. Keo has two dogs: a Papillion named Molly and a “Pekapoo” named Mushy, as well as a cat named Buick; all of course are rescues. In his spare time Dr. Keo enjoys camping and hiking and is a movie and theatre connoisseur. He loves to travel and explore foreign cuisine, as well as paint and draw. 

Dr. Keo’s epic story has the same theme throughout and that is his love and care for animals. Heaven Can Wait is truly thankful and lucky to have such a strong and determined individual on their side, for those are the type people that make a difference. Thank you Dr. Keo, for all that you do for Heaven Can Wait and for animals everywhere.

Come down and visit Dr. Keo to have your pet spayed or neutered!  The Heaven Can Wait low cost clinic is open Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm. You can make an appointment for your pet by calling (702) 655-4800 by going to www.hcws.org and completing the clinic registration form.  

Home At The Corner Of Main & Owens

HCWS and Shade Tree have long been partners to help the animals of Noah’s Animal House where pets of the residents are housed.

Written by Charlene Proto

Located at 1 West Owens in North Las Vegas is a facility called The Shade Tree.  The mission of The Shade Tree is “to provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity and self-reliance.”  This local organization provides a multitude of services and programs to assist the women and children of Southern Nevada to attain self-reliance and escape violent situations.  In addition to providing food, shelter, job training and assistance in finding housing this shelter has a unique feature – the women and their children may bring their beloved pets along.  In a building adjacent to the main facility is Noah’s Animal House.  Here the hamsters, gerbils, birds, dogs and cats that belong to the Shade Tree residents are housed.  Children and Moms can visit at all times of the day to walk, pet, or just hold and receive that wonderful comfort that only a favorite family pet can bestow.

In abusive situations a pet is often the object of the abuse as well as the family members.  Women who arrive at domestic violence shelters report animal abuse in 85% of their homes.  How difficult for a woman or child to leave behind their “best friend” knowing the animal will be mistreated.  How difficult to leave behind the one perfect, innocent part of their lives that only brings happiness and comfort.  How difficult at the very time they need that furry love and wet nose the very most.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has been providing free spay and neuter services to Noah’s Animal House since it opened.  A natural development from offering these services was the establishment of Kim Yates’ Humane Education Program at The Shade Tree.  Kim is a HCWS board member, Clark County teacher and author of the HCWS Angels for Animals program. In the main building of Shade Tree, the Children’s Activity Center provides educational programs and assistance with learning skills to the children housed there.  This summer part of their offerings included “Humane Education”. 

The kids hear a story about about how man/woman and dog became friends.

On a hot August afternoon the center fills up with lots of children and several moms.  They are anxiously waiting for Kim’s class.  This is only the fourth week of the program but apparently word has spread that this class is “fun”!  Kim comes in smiling and carrying two large gift bags filled with stuff.  She distributes raisins and chocolate milk.  As they snack she uses the opportunity to talk about what foods are good for people but may be poisonous to dogs.  Some of the moms seem surprised at the information as well. 

This week they are creating tote bags with cute felt doggie ears, doggie spots, “googlie” eyes and pink fluffy noses.  Kim unloads the bags, felt and all the extras for the project.  Most of the kids have stuffed dogs with little cardboard dog houses that they fit into.  The ones without a dog & house are quickly provided one by Kim.  These were a project from another week. They all adore their “doggies” and take very good care of them.  The dog houses are decorated with names and even drapes on the windows!

Each child was supplied with material to make their own felt tote bag.

Before the project of the day gets started Kim asks if they would like to hear a story about how man/woman and dog became friends.  She reads “The First Dog” to a mostly rapt audience taking time to ask questions and encouraging the children to think about the story.   Then the tote bags get decorated with a flurry of felt cutting, glue squeezing and giggles.  The moms are helping and some seem as engaged as their offspring.  A few seniors sitting in the back of the room offer tips on glue handling and seem to enjoy helping with the younger ones.  An older boy who at first acted disinterested is now displaying his tote bag and shouting, “Now that’s what I call ART!” At another table sit three sisters who are dressed beautifully and have matching haircuts.  They work quietly and help each other.  One of the three is putting a picture of her and her “doggie” into a decorated frame made of Popsicle sticks (another clever project from another class).  Her frame has a cute name carefully applied to the top.  When asked if that is the name of her “doggie,” she replies solemnly no that it’s her pet bird.  He is at Noah’s House and she gets to visit him “every day”!  The look on her serious little face tells all – all about how important that visit must be.

Some of the kids made picture frames so they could put their pets’ photo inside.

The Humane Education Program at The Shade Tree is currently not funded with a grant but will be seeking one if the program continues.  Kim Yates provides all the craft supplies, snacks and “doggies”.  She developed all the lesson plans and materials.  According to Kim it’s her passion.   Volunteers are needed for this program and all the wonderful services provided by Heaven Can Wait.  Please consider a donation of your time – www.hcws.org.

The Shade Tree – home to victims and children of domestic violence and their pets.

HCWS And PAL Of Southern Nevada Visit Roo’s N More

Teaching kids to humanely treat animals is a goal of the PAL of Southern Nevada and HCWS summer program.

Written by Lindsay Yates             

On Thursday, August 2^nd, the children and teenagers involved in PAL of Southern Nevada received a behind the scenes tour of what goes on at the Roo’s N More zoo in Moapa, Nevada.  Aside from the normal dogs and cats, the kids were able to have hands on experience with camels and monkeys and otters, oh my!  Roo’s N More is a nonprofit organization that provides conservation through education and its founders and volunteers are dedicated to keeping the animals as happy and healthy as possible. 

The PAL program, run by the Metro Police Department, has a mission to provide area youth with positive alternatives though education, athletics and community service.  Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has recently been working with twelve kids and two Metro Police Officers, providing volunteer opportunities for the program while teaching the children about the many animal related issues. 

Who wants to kiss a camel?

The first stop the kids had on the tour, led by the owner and veterinarian, Dr. Valerie Holt, was the pasture.  Here, they had an opportunity to ‘kiss the camel,’ by putting one end of a carrot in their mouth and feeding it to one of the two camels.  Contrary to popular belief, these animals don’t store water in their humps; they are made of nothing but fat.  These extraordinary creatures are the only ones who can take in thirty to fifty gallons of water in one setting, and they can also take in and store salt water.  If you’ve ever heard a camel speak, it might sound familiar.  Camel sounds were used in Star Wars to voice the wookie everyone loves, Chewbacca.  At the pasture, the kids were also able to meet a horse, a goat, a zebra and a zedonk, which is a man-made cross between a zebra and a donkey. 

After some of the brave souls took a chance to kiss the camels, the PAL kids were headed indoors for a water break, but the fun didn’t stop!  At this time, they had an opportunity to meet some feathered and furry friends.  The first of these was the rather talkative Kookaburra.  These sounds may be familiar to Disney fans, as Kookaburra voices were used in movies such as Tarzan and The Jungle Book.  Then, came an opportunity to meet a few of the babies of the zoo!  A favorite among everyone were the monkeys, who enjoyed climbing all over everything as well as stealing phones and Chap Stick! 

Getting to know the animals at Roo’s N More.

Soon after, the kids headed to the Roo enclosure, to which the zoo was named.  As well as kangaroos, they were able to see alpacas, an owl and a couple of emus.  Though they couldn’t get close to the adult roos, the kids had an opportunity to hold a baby roo!  Kangaroo babies, also called joeys, can stay in the mother’s pouch for up to eleven months! 

Finishing their day, the kids of the PAL program were able to enter the otter enclosure.  This enclosure isn’t open to the public and usually costs to get in.  The playful freshwater otters wrestled under the kids legs and climbed into their shirts chasing each other around.  This enclosure caused a lot of laughs because of the playful nature of the animals. 

Roo’s N More is a hands-on ed-zoo-cational experience, existing to educate others about the welfare of animals.  Most animals on the premises are rescues, coming from people who thought it would be fun to have an exotic pet, but realized the responsibility it holds.  Overall, it was a great experience that really opens eyes to the reality and responsibility of owning any animal, exotic or not. 

It is important to Heaven Can Wait to help local youth learn how to be responsible and caring guardians for cats, dogs and all sorts of animals that live in the Las Vegas valley.  We do this through our Angels for Animals humane education program, Heaven Can Wait Youth Group and now through PAL.  You can help support these essential programs  by CLICKING HERE.

A day well-spent teaching kids about empathy for animals, how exotic pets can become homeless and that all animals need love and care.

Veterinarian Spotlight: Dr. Nichole Wagner

Nichole Wagner, DVM a one-of-a-kind veterinarian.

By Keely Biggs

This month I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Nichole Wagner. Your pet can meet Dr. Wagner if you happen bring him or her by the Heaven Can Wait Spay and Neuter Clinic on a Tuesday. She also participates in our monthly Feral Cat Clinics. In addition, Dr Wagner is a full time veterinarian at the Mountain Vista Animal Hospital, under Dr. Taylor.

A rare native Las Vegan, Dr. Wagner graduated from Clark High School’s Math and Science magnet program and entered the University of Nevada Reno’s Pre-veterinary Medicine program. She then went on to Colorado State University. While at CSU she participated in a rotation with the Denver Dumb Friends League, which is a shelter where she met her next animal companion; a Labrador mix named Sally Jane. She also worked with the Larimer County Humane Society performing spays and neuters.

During her sophomore and senior year, Dr. Wagner did an internship at the Argus Institute, which is a teaching hospital at CSU that focuses on “veterinarian-client-patient communication” and teaching compassionate communication to veterinary professionals. While interning there she helped start up their Pet Hospice Program which focuses on peaceful, dignified “end-of-life care for pets. There she was awarded the “Outstanding Senior Award”. Her work at the institute sparked a passion in pain management and end-of-life care. Dr. Wagner also became certified in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.

As if that wasn’t enough, she was the president of a group called “Students for Human Animal Relationship Education (SHARE) where members went out to elementary schools to educate students on pet overpopulation and dog bite prevention. Dr. Wagner graduated in 2006 with her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and came back home to work for the Mountain Vista Animal Hospital.

In 2008, after two years of practicing, she decided to take the advice of her boss and colleagues to try her hand at Heaven Can Wait. She volunteered for one feral cat clinic and was immediately hooked! When asked about whether she thought they were making progress on the pet overpopulation problem she cited data from Keith Williams of the Community Cat Coalition of Clark County (C5). She says according to surveys, the numbers of cats euthanized yearly are decreasing.

After being with Heaven Can Wait for four years, Dr. Wagner says she wouldn’t be able to leave. She credits Heaven Can Wait for bringing her focus to pet overpopulation. She says she feels like she is making an impact and this is her way of giving back to the community. Along with that, the mentoring she has received from Dr. Henderson and his colleague, Dr. Olsen of the College of Southern Nevada, has been invaluable.

Dr. Wagner lives with her boyfriend, her dog, Sally Jane, and three cats; Hank, Maya and Simon. All of which are rescues… with the exception of her boyfriend of course! In her spare time Dr. Wagner enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking.

It is clear Dr. Wagner was the perfect fit for Heaven Can Wait by her long history of being involved with spay and neuter and educating the public before she had even graduated. We are truly lucky to have her on our team. If you haven’t already, make sure to visit Dr. Wagner to have your pet spayed or neutered. The Heaven Can Wait low cost clinic is open Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm. You can make an appointment for your pet by calling (702) 227-5555 ext. 203 or by going to www.hcws.org and filling out the clinic registration form.

 

HCWS Sponsors PAL Day At Windy’s Pig Ranch & Rescue

By Carol Lisowski

“Heaven Can Wait Animal Society recently joined with an organization called PAL of Southern Nevada.  It is run by the Metro Police Department and the mission is to provide area youth with positive alternatives through athletics, education and community service.  We, at Heaven Can Wait have been working with 12 kids and two Metro Police Officers, teaching them about the pet overpopulation crisis, while providing them with volunteer opportunities related to animals.  Thus far the kids and officers have volunteered at the Heaven Can Wait clinic twice and at Windy’s Pig Sanctuary once.  We have also spayed and neutered some of their pets for free.  In the upcoming weeks, we will travel to Roos n More Zoo and the Lied Animal Foundation.”   –Kim Yates, HCWS Board Member

This past weekend, many of the boys and girls in PAL of Southern Nevada got hands-on experience in helping out at Windy’s Pig Ranch and Rescue.  While at the ranch, they got to see both pot bellied and regular pigs, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats, a desert tortoise, and one very inquisitive goat that are all being cared for until they can find their forever homes. 

LVMPD has made three officers available to work with the PAL program, including Melissa Lardomita who was the officer in charge of this event.  All PAL programs involve local law enforcement as coaches, instructors, mentors, and role models.  Police employee involvement helps provide a positive view of law enforcement and leads to life changing attitudes and relationships.  PAL programs are made available at no cost to the kids and are offered 6 days a week, year round.  Some of the programs are camping, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, boxing and tutoring.

It was obvious that all of the kids really enjoyed their morning at the ranch; just look at their pictures.  Tahisha said that she liked helping with animals.  Francisco said that he enjoys his time with PALs because the activities are productive.  Darrian said he likes the activities because they are interactive, and he loves to participate in all of them.  Karen just loves everything she gets to do with PALs.  Recently the kids got to do some work at the Detention Center and learned skills that will help them in the future.

Janice Ridondo, the founder and owner of the ranch, did a fabulous job of educating the kids on the needs of the pigs and shared stories of how each animal arrived at her doorstep.  Each one of the animals had their own story.  Janice’s love of potbellied pigs began a few years ago when, during a cold January spell, she met a small, neglected piglet and took her home. “She was quite sick looking and about to die, so she asked (the owner) if she could take her home.  The pig she named Peppermint Patty survived. “I’m still not sure how we saved her,” she says, “but that started it all for me.” From there, “I began to learn the plight of the potbelly, how reckless breeders push the so-called ‘teacup’ and ‘micro-mini’ pigs. There is no such thing.”

Janice showed us the rabbits which started out as two that were rescued from Pahrump, and as you can imagine, have multiplied.  A cattery is being improved to provide homes for the cats and kittens that find their way to the ranch.  Two of the pot bellied pigs were rescued from Lied.  One family got their pot bellied pig because they were talked into it.  Having second thoughts, they went home and researched on the Internet and found out how big they can really get, and immediately took the baby piglet to Lied to find a new home.  Disco was dropped off because he had gotten very destructive and was food aggressive.  Beyonce, named for the singer because she sings, was left at Floyd Lamb State Park with four piglets.  The piglets all found homes.

Janice is always looking for volunteers to come help out at the ranch, located off North Decatur, between Alexander and Craig.  It is great exposure for “city” kids to see farm animals in person and learn about their care.  Make it a family day to go help out!  All the animals, except for the tortoise are up for adoption or fostering.  Do your research though before you commit to adopting.  Make sure that your home will be the right forever home for your new pet. Numbers of unwanted pets have skyrocketed with this struggling economy, because many folks are afraid that the local shelter will euthanize their dog or cat or pig or rabbit, some have taken to leaving them behind at an empty apartment or house, or worse, let them loose in our valley.

Windy’s Pig Ranch and Rescue is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit

 

For more information about the PALs visit their website: www.snpal.com   Click Here to read about all the community programs sponsored by Heaven Can Wait Animal Society.  Through community sponsored programs HCWS can teach children empathy toward animals and educate adult how to stop the problem of too many unwanted pets in Las Vegas through spay and neuter.

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.