Nevada Humane Society takes in two injured Gabbs dogs.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff 
When David Pyle of the Nevada Humane Society first heard about 145 dogs in need of homes, he knew he needed to act. With the blessing of the shelter director, he set out to Gabbs, Nevada to evaluate the dogs and see if his shelter could offer any assistance.
Initially, he thought only about half could be rehomed, due to their lack of socialization to people. Now that he has spent time with the dogs, further assessment has let him to believe that with time almost all of them can be adopted into homes.
One surprising element to a rescue this large is that the majority of the dogs are in good physical health. Most have been well fed, sometimes to the point of overindulgence. However, upon occasion the dogs would fight and without anyone there to break it up, sometimes a dog would get injured. Gabbs (formerly Tuffy) and Harvey, both selected by the Nevada Humane Society, are two such dogs.
Gabbs to the rightDespite injuries to Gabbs’ back legs that required nine drains and multiple stitches, it took Pyle 20 minutes to catch the resourceful canine. Knowing that he would be a challenge, Pyle decided the best way to help socialize Gabbs was to foster him personally, keeping him with him at work during the day and at home at night. While healing during the last four weeks, Gabbs has gotten along well with other dogs, has made no attempt to escape, and uses a dog door; however, he still does not care for being leashed.
Now Gabbs gets to go to the dog park every night and typical of his border collie heritage, displays a lot of curiosity, particularly when he hears strange noises. Pyle says, “It’s all new to him.” He must be getting used to living in a home though. A few nights ago Pyle woke up to find Gabbs in bed with him. Not surprisingly, once Gabbs realized Pyle was awake, he was off the bed. However, based on his current level of progress, the time will come when lounging in bed will become a regular occurrence.
Harvey to the leftHarvey, a young chow chow mix, had sustained wounds from the other dogs as well. “He was the most submissive one in the pen,” says Pyle, and he had bites to his rear leg and ear. Harvey’s introduction to people has been gradual, since life at the shelter provides only a couple interactions a day. However, some improvement has been made, “You can pet, touch, and handle him, but put a leash on him and he goes crazy.” In fact, Harvey has successfully chewed through at least a dozen slip leads, so workers have learned to use a nylon covered metal tie-out for any walks. “He needs to get used to seeing people daily,” says Pyle. “He is still learning that people are good.”
Both Gabbs and Harvey are available for adoption; however, since both dogs are very shy and in need of socialization, the ideal guardian “would be someone who would be very patient with them.”
Despite the fact that the Nevada Humane Society is currently at 110% capacity, they continue to try to help save animals. Their shelter is shared with Washoe County. The Humane Society is contracted to take in all of the guardian surrendered animals, while the county provides animal control services, but does no adoptions. This symbiotic relationship has saved many animals’ lives.
The Nevada Humane Society currently has almost 200 dogs and 400 cats in need of homes. They also adopt out smaller animals, such as rabbit, guinea pigs, and hamsters.
How you can help:• Adoption of one the many
Nevada Humane Society dogs frees up space in the shelter so that additional animals can be saved. The shelter is currently participating in Home 4 the Holidays and adoption fees for adult cats and dogs have been reduced through January 6, 2008. Their goal is to find homes for 1,000 pets.
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foster home that can provide human interaction for Harvey would accelerate his socialization, increasing his chances for loving home. If you live in the Reno area, are home most of the day, and have a patient and loving heart, consider helping this sweet dog.
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Volunteers are always needed to walk and work with the shelter dogs.
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Donations of items, such as leashes, collars, carriers, and metal crates are needed at the shelter, to loan out to fosters, and to use for mobile adoptions.
• The shelter is currently honoring animals, both past and present, through their Lights of Love campaign. A light may be purchased for a $10 donation, the pet’s name is added to a memory book, and a certificate is mailed to your person of choice.
For more information: •
Nevada Humane Society 2825 Longley Lane
Suite B
Reno, Nevada 89502
Phone: 775-856-2000
Adoption Hours:
11:00 AM - 6:30 PM Monday - Friday
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sunday
Photo credit: provided courtesy of David Pyle of the Nevada Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Society.