Nevada Week for the Animals

First Super Adoption in Reno Exceeds Expectations

nevadacowgirl — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:40:42 GMT

More than 130 dogs, cats, ferrets and exotic birds find forever homes at action-packed event

By Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

RENO, NV—Typically, going home empty-handed isn’t cause for celebration.

But for Palomino Valley Pet Rescue, there was sweet satisfaction in loading up empty cages after finding homes for the three dogs and six cats they’d brought to the Reno-Sparks Super Adoption on April 12.

The Reno-area organization wasn’t the only one leaving with a lighter load—and a lighter heart.

The goal for the day was 100 adoptions—but when emcee Jennifer Webb of the Shakespeare Animal Fund announced that 32 animals had found homes just one hour into the event—hopes were high. By day’s end, an estimated 130 animals—out of 250—had been adopted.

”After adopting out all the dogs we brought initially, we went back to our shelter—just a few blocks away—and brought back more,” said Kim Stange-Herlihy, SPCA of Northern Nevada. “In all we found homes for 28 dogs and 7 cats.”

Nearly 50 rescue groups, animal welfare organizations and pet businesses came together for the Super Adoption, to find homes for animals and create awareness about the “adoption option.”

A Special Guest
Music, magic, face painting, pet photography—and a special appearance by Best Friends’ co-founder Gregory Castle—were all part of the fun. But clearly the animals were the stars of the show.

Hundreds of animal lovers milled among precious puppies, cats of every shape and size, sleek greyhounds and enormous Great Danes. Volunteers led individual dogs—many wearing “Adopt Me” vests—across the stage during pet parades set to music. At the Boxers and Buddies kissing booth, a $1 donation earned a wet, sloppy smooch.

Microchipping and More
Outside, Dr. Renee Bufkin provided low-cost microchipping and vaccinations from her Vet To Pet Mobile Veterinary Service van, while Rene Smith of Furz-A-Fly’n pampered pets in her mobile grooming parlor.

New dog owners had the chance to get tips from the professionals during training demonstrations put on by P.J. Wangsness, Training by PJ, Terri Dickerson, Sit Means Sit, Cheryl Wise, Truckee Meadows Training Club, and several human and canine members of the Reno Police Department’s K9 Unit.

For some it came down to one animal.

“Finding a home for Ed made the whole day worthwhile,” said Karen Neely, of High Sierra Animal Rescue in Portola, California. “He has been in our shelter for close to six months and was at animal control for four months prior to that. I know that he was just waiting for the one particular family that found him at this event. It truly was an ideal match.”

The Reno-Sparks Super Adoption was a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, a celebration of animals in the Silver State and those who work tirelessly on their behalf.

What You Can Do
To find out more about the participants in the first Reno-Sparks Super Adoption, check out the event program. For more information about event organizers, visit their websites: Nevada Humane Society, SPCA of Northern Nevada and the Shakespeare Animal Fund.

Lead image courtesy of Nathan Orme, Sparks Tribune. Sparks resident Marisa Bevilacqua, 21, holds Nero, a boxer puppy. Bevilacqua and her boyfriend, Brian Delgado, adopted Nero as a friend for their 8-year-old boxer mix, Mill
Additional photos by Julie Snyder & Gregory Castle

NWA Profile: Boxers and Buddies

nevadacowgirl — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:24:20 GMT

Abandoned Boxers and other dogs find sanctuary with a loving Reno rescue group

By Karen Wright

Rene and Sarah Anderson and their staff run a doggie hotel and day care center called Dogz Inc. in Reno. In addition, they have organized Boxers and Buddies Rescue, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization founded in 2005 to provide a safe, humane sanctuary for abandoned boxers and other pooches who are waiting for happy, permanent homes.

Their branch of Boxers and Buddies is an offshoot of the Los Angeles Boxer Rescue organization, which was “founded out of love and fierce determination by Ursula Sauthier in 1977.”

For Love of the Breed
The organization is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. “Our group works for the love of the breed and to see dogs find homes. Our available dogs come from local shelters, from the streets or from owners who turn them in. We are always filled to capacity with scared, confused and very stressed out dogs.”

When we toured the group’s website, we were immediately taken with several of the six handsome boxers, including Shad, a 7-year old gentleman pooch. Among his buddies were two Great Danes, Pokey and Tempest, as well as a wonderful conglomeration of cute little Chihuahuas, and two really gorgeous pit bull babies, Tallsin and Bulan.

If only we had room, we would snap up Que, a lovely coonhound greyhound. Sounds odd, but is a very pretty mix. There were lots more, too numerous to mention.

Cage-Free Environment
All the animals live at Dogz Inc. in Reno, in a clean, cage-free environment. Boxers and Buddies is completely funded by private donations.

It costs approximately $250,000 to keep B&B in business what with veterinarian bills, food, mortgage, utilities, insurance, shelter fees, and so on. They, like most shelters and rescue organization, depend on the generosity of friends and strangers, and always need your help.

The Boxers and other pooches that are at B&B probably know that this is their last hope of finding a new life. “We are their temporary haven until they are adopted into a loving permanent home.” Before they can be adopted, each dog is evaluated for temperament, must be spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and have its shots updated.

B&B also has a training program for dogs who need rehabilitation or behavior modification. “B&B stands apart from other rescues by rescuing any Boxer, regardless of age or health,” they say. “We feel that they are all worthy of a real chance at life.” Of course, this means that they have frequent and expensive veterinarian costs. According to B&B, “Saving lives is not cheap but someone has to do it!”

Careful Screening
Rene and Sarah are very, very careful about who they send their charges off to live with. Every dog has a different past history, personality traits, and individual needs. All available dogs can be seen by appointment after a potential owner has submitted an application online and had it approved.

B&B does a home check to make sure that the home environment is safe and secure for the protection of the new family and the dog and that all members of the family are equally excited about this new responsibility.

“We have a ton of dogs right now,” says Sarah Anderson. “Please check them out on our website.”

What You Can Do
Boxers and Buddies is one of the many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption at the Reno Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. Drop by or visit the organization’s website.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of Memphis courtesy of Boxers and Buddies

It's A Nevada Week for the Animals

scratchtopaz — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 03:40:01 GMT

Inaugural Nevada Week for the Animals

A Proclamation and events honoring the companion animals, April 5 - 13

Gregory Castle, one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society said “It’s wonderful that the people of Nevada have an opportunity to celebrate the animals and the part animals play in their lives during Nevada Week for the Animals. It’s a great way to recognize the importance of animals to us all.”

Click here to go to the Nevada Week for the Animals to see all the festivities!

It’s A Proclamation!
The Governor of Nevada, Jim Gibbons, has issued a Proclamation calling the week of April 5 – 13, 2008 as Nevada’s Week for the Animals. Alongside statewide activities both Reno and Las Vegas areas have planned major activities for animal lovers to encourage adoption, spread the word about animal organizations, and offer a way to celebrate the lives of their animal friends.

To check out the Proclamation in full, please go the resource tab of this community.

The Nevada Week for the Animals 2008 is sponsored by Best Friends and features the Reno-Sparks Super Adoption in Reno and Pet-a-Palooza in Las Vegas.

It’s Reno
The Super Adoption will take place at the Livestock Events Center, Reno and will feature our own Gregory Castle speaking about the treasure of animals in our lives alongside 200 dogs, cats, and ferrets, that will be up for adoption!

Over 30 rescue groups and shelters from the Reno area will be there, including Boxers and Buddies, Nevada Humane Society, Palomino Valley Pet Rescue, and CockadoodleMoo Farm Animal Society, just to name a few. Many others will be on site with animals and sharing pertinent information about their services.

Click here to access the Reno Sparks Super Adoption program and schedule.

One of the important goals of the event is to find homes for at least 100 of the pets. “If you are looking for a new animal to become a part of your family, you couldn’t do better than adopt one here,” added Castle.

The festivities will feature music by R & J Express, Rattle Snake Mountain and The Girl Band, as well as magic acts for the little ones by Marty Brenner. Animal parades, raffles and animal photography will showcase the beauty of the animals and sure to bring a smile from many visitors!

Additionally, low-cost microchipping and vaccinations for dogs and cats will be available through-out this exciting day from Dr. Renee Bufkin, DVM, of Vet-to-Pet Mobil Veterinary Services, brought to the event by SPCA of Northern Nevada.

Viva Las Vegas!
If you are in the Las Vegas area, however, then the Ninth]http://www.mix941.fm/]Ninth Annual Pet-a-Palooza,[/url[ at Star Nursery Fields, will be a must visit! This pet festival is the largest one of its kind in Nevada, is produced by Mix 94.1 Radio and presented by <a href="http://www.petapaloozalv.com/history.html " target="_blank">Wells Fargo.</a> It is expected to draw over 20,000 people and 4,000 animals, as well as 40 rescue groups and non-profits, such as Bullie Buddies of Las Vegas, Greyhound Pets of America/Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Hot-Diggity Dachshund Club, Las Vegas Humane Society, and Sin City Saint Rescue among many dozens of other groundbreaking organizations.

Join in the Fun
Definitely join in one of these exciting events, spread the word to all your friends, this is going to a day of family fun for everyone!

Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m – 4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave. (off Exit 14 on 1-80). Admission and parking are free. For general information, call 775-324-7773. For information about how you can participate, sponsor, or volunteer for this event, please call 775-265-9455.

Pet-a-Palooza, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Star Nursery Fields at Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas. To check out the contests, click here!

by Olga Dvornikova, Best Friends Animal Society
images by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer

Gov Proc.pdf

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:40:20 GMT

Reno-Sparks Super Adoption Program.pdf

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:45:05 GMT

NWA Profile: Nevada SPCA

nevadacowgirl — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:24:09 GMT

Las Vegas no-kill animal sanctuary provides a temporary refuge for hundreds of homeless animals

By Dori Gilbert, Best Friends Network

In addition to hundreds of dogs and cats, the Nevada SPCA also currently provides sanctuary to over 60 rabbits, dozens of hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs, pot bellied pigs, and various other animals, reptiles, and birds.

All are available for adoption to the right person/family. The Nevada SPCA takes into consideration each animal’s unique needs as well as the needs of potential adopters.

Any other dogs in the family must have a “meet & greet” with the potential new dog. A dog going into a family with a cat will have a “cat test” done first. Life-long bonded friends will not be separated and must be adopted together.

The Nevada SPCA will only allow an adoption to go through if it is in the best interests of all involved, especially the animals entrusted into their care.

Outreach Efforts
The Nevada SPCA strongly supports the community with several humane education programs and events, such as the Annual Family, Fur & Fun Festival (scheduled for October). They regularly conduct humane education presentations at schools, churches, and youth group events.

The SPCA gives sanctuary tours to children so they can see the rescue efforts first hand. They have fun sheets that give children the basics in animal care and coming soon will be workbooks and DVD’s. Through these programs the Nevada SPCA is teaching children compassion and respect for all living beings.

Other Services
Other services they offer to the community are referrals for low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services, and on-site professional dog training. Adopters and Nevada SPCA members get a 10% discount on the training classes. Volunteers also take current resident dogs through the program to help make them more adoptable.

Volunteers are always needed. Whatever your skills and interests, there is most likely an area in which you can serve. Some current needs are: brushing cats, dog walking, taking dogs through obedience classes, helping at outside events, cleaning, and much more! Please call 873-7722 or e-mail NevadaSPCA@aol.com for more information.

The Nevada SPCA is one of the many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption at Pet-a-Palooza, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Star Nursery Fields at Sam Boyd Stadium. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for the Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do:
Come to Pet-a-Palooza and meet some of the Nevada SPCA animals, staff and volunteers. . Or visit the Nevada SPCA website. to find out more about how you can help.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of Kendall, a truly lovable girl who is looking for a home that she can’t escape from and where she’s the only dog, courtesy of the Nevada SPCA.

A Wealth of Ways to Act for Animals

nevadacowgirl — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:09:05 GMT

Best Friends Resource Library is jam-packed with ideas for involvement on behalf of animals

At the top of the list of ways to help animals is being a responsible pet owner. Proper food, water, exercise, spaying or neutering and medical care—the basics.

Once all’s well on the home pet front, there are endless ways you can help out other animals. Best Friends Resource Library has a wealth of great ideas. Here’s a sampling:

Top Ten List

How Kids Can Make Difference

What One Person Can Do

Classroom Resources for Teachers

You’ll find plenty more inspiring ideas and helpful information right here.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

NWA Profile: The Shiloh Foundation of Northern Nevada

nevadacowgirl — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:30:20 GMT

Rescuing and adopting animals is win-win-win situation for Reno group

By Linda Eissmann

Rescuing animals is not just about the animals. The people involved in rescue know the tremendous sense of success they feel when they rescue and then find loving homes for the animals in their care. And adoptive families know the true gift these animals bring to their lives. That makes it a win-win-win situation for everyone involved.

“I began rescuing dogs and cats to save the animals in trouble,” says Kathryn Foster of The Shiloh Foundation of Northern Nevada. “But I’ll be darned if every time I help an animal I don’t also end up benefiting a person!”

California's Loss, Nevada's Gain
Kathryn created the Shiloh Foundation in 2002 while living in Sacramento, and brought her skill and compassion for rescue with her when she moved to the Reno/Sparks area. Since 2002, some 200 dogs and 50 cats have been rescued and placed by The Shiloh Foundation, which has been operating in Northern Nevada since 2005.

The Shiloh Foundation is an all-volunteer organization that rescues animals from local kill shelters and provides rehabilitation, evaluation, and placement services to ensure their successful adoption.

Focus on Senior Dogs
“Our focus is on senior dog rescue and placement, but our efforts include dogs and cats of all ages and circumstances, including the sick and disabled,” says Kathryn. “Our goal is to make the right match between pet and person so the animal has a forever home.”

The organization is small but very dedicated. All expenses are paid for out-of-pocket, with specific services directed at each individual case that comes into Shiloh’s care. Usually, these services include basic veterinary care such as vaccinations or spay/neuter surgeries, but extraordinary care is never withheld if needed.

“We have treated many animals for orthopedic conditions, neurological problems, infections, blindness, injury, and dental issues,” Kathryn adds.

Lost Causes Become Success Stories
Shiloh’s list of success stories include many “lost causes” that pulled through from serious situations and were adopted into loving homes.

At this time, Kathryn is working on Shiloh’s 501(c)(3) status, but isn’t quite there yet. As such, donations and fundraising events are limited, but volunteers are always welcome.

The Shiloh Foundation is one of many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption during the Reno-Sparks Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall.

What You Can Do
Meet Shiloh Foundation's adoptable animals on its website, and in person at the Ren-Sparks Super Adoption.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of Cisco and Elvis, courtesy of Shiloh Foundation of Northern Nevada

NWA Profile: CATS, Inc.

nevadacowgirl — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:31:44 GMT

Helping the “forgotten ones”--feral cats

By Dori Gilbert, Best Friends Network

Henry Colucci and his wife, Louise, run Colucci’s Animal Trappers & Savers (CATS), Inc. which became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in December of 1998. But they have been helping animals in Las Vegas for a lot longer than that.

Starting back in 1963 Henry and Louise would trap/spay/neuter feral cats and, after releasing them, make sure that the cats were fed and watered daily.

Henry says “Our passion is directed at feral cats since these are the animals that are left behind the most in the unforgiving Las Vegas desert.”

Now that Henry and Louise are senior citizens, and with few volunteers to help, they dedicate themselves to helping other animal rescuers and organizations carry on their mission.

They call this their Pay it Forward Program: “Any animal rescue organization, foster animal family, or person providing for animals other than their own pets can contact us for free animal food and or kitty litter. All that is required is that you send us an email with your request and how you help animals.” They donate approximately 2-3 truckloads of animal food a week to those who request it.

In addition, Henry and Louise educate people about the importance of spaying/neutering their pets. They worked to get the Nevada State License Plate Bill SB54 (Spay/Neuter) passed. Portions of the license plate fees support spay and neuter programs in the Nevada County where the plate is purchased. For information on the Nevada Spay/Neuter license plate, click here.

Volunteers are needed for CATS, Inc. to help the growing feral cat population in Las Vegas. To volunteer, email: info @ catsinclv.org or call: 702-456-3081.

Henry and Louise’s goal is “Ultimately a Las Vegas that never has to put down another animal ever again.”

CATS, Inc. is one of the many rescue organizations that will have a booth at Pet-a-Palooza, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Star Nursery Fields at Sam Boyd Stadium. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for the Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

CATS, Inc. will be accepting donations at their Pet-a-Palooza booth.
WISH LIST: Dry & Canned Cat Food, Cat Litter & Litter Pans, Small Cat Beds, Paper & Cloth Towels, Sheets & Blankets, Cat Toys, Scratching Posts, Dishwashing Liquid, Laundry Detergent, Bleach, Lemon Disinfectant, Cat Carriers, Traps & Cages, Items for Raffle, Gift Baskets, and Craft Sale Items.

What You Can Do:
Come to Pet-a-Palooza and meet Henry and Louise. Or visit the CATS, Inc. website to find out more about how you can help, www.catsinclv.org

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

NWA Profile: CockadoodleMoo Farm Animal Sanctuary

nevadacowgirl — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:17:13 GMT

New farm north of Reno offers sanctuary to chickens, donkeys, goats

By Karen Wright

There are a lot of animal rescue organizations and animal sanctuaries out there, all doing great work, but CockadoodleMoo Farm Animal Sanctuary is a unique breed.

Mark and Dianne Robison incorporated the sanctuary in 2007 with the hope of providing enriching, active, lifetime care for abused and rescued farm animals.

Their farm, located just north of Reno on the way to Pyramid Lake, offers a home for chickens, donkeys and goats, with room planned feral cats, turkeys and pigs.

Here are a few of their latest success stories. “We rescued eight chickens from a cruelty case in Sun Valley and nursed them back to health so that their feathers returned. We also rescued an ornery, disabled goat from death row and rehabilitated him.”

A Loving Home for Rescues
“After learning of the immense suffering of farm animals,” Mark explains, “we decided to create a loving, life-long home for rescued ones. No animals should be hurt or killed for our pleasure, including food and clothing.”

The Robisons both work full-time in addition to caring for their menagerie of abused or abandoned farm animals and pets. They plan to improve the facilities and accommodations for the animals and pare down the arm-long list of projects on their “to do” list before taking in more boarders.

Volunteers Welcome
CockadoodleMoo loves volunteers, who can help with building facilities, cleaning, feeding animals, brushing animals, and health checks. Of course, donations are appreciated as well.

CockadoodleMoo Farm Animal Sanctuary is one of the many rescue organizations that will be on hand at the Reno-Sparks Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 3-14, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
To arrange a tour, volunteer, adopt an animal, check out the farm’s wish list, meet some of the residents and find out more about the organization, visit the website.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of sanctuary residents Tolstoy and his mother courtesy of CockledoodleMoo

NWA Profile: Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation

nevadacowgirl — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:26:30 GMT

All-volunteer WARF saves thousands of animals during 20 years of grassroots efforts

By Linda Eissmann

Located in beautiful Incline Village, on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, the Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation (WARF) is a truly grass-roots—but very successful—animal rescue organization for dogs, cats, and other small companion animals that come into their care.

“We are an all-breed rescue group focusing on animals who find themselves out of time and out of chances at high-kill shelters,” explains WARF Co-founder Sam Loudon.
“In 1988, after the death of Wylie, a beloved dog, we started out pulling dogs from Reno that were to be euthanized, fostering them, and then placing them. Things have just sort of snowballed from there.”

Thousands of Success Stories
Nearly 10,000 animals have been fortunate enough to pass through the organization’s program and have found loving, forever homes. Loudon gives much of the credit to Connie Nowlin, a co-founder, as well as dozens of other foster homes and volunteers.

An all-volunteer group with no shelter, office, staff, or overhead, WARF relies completely on foster homes, but also works with the no-kill Tahoe Vista Animal Shelter in Kings Beach, California (also at Lake Tahoe).

Adoptable animals and a wide variety of helpful resource topics are available on WARF’s website at: www.tahoewarf.com. Courtesy listings from other shelters, smaller rescues, and private citizens are also posted here.

Spay/Neuter Assistance
Beyond rescuing and finding homes for animals at Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area, WARF also takes a proactive approach to the devastating problem of companion animal overpopulation, providing low-or no-cost spay and neuter assistance, training, and medical care for low-income pet owners.

Offering another helping hand, WARF and the Tahoe Vista shelter have taken four of the Gabbs dogs and are working hard to find foster homes and adoptive families for Charles, Winnie, Polly, and Apple.

WARF is one of many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption during the Reno Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
Meet the voluteers and animals from WARF at the Super Adoption in Reno on April 12. And visit the organization's website.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of rescued pooches Trixie and Bella, courtesy of WARF

Super Adoption: The Place to be in Reno on April 12

nevadacowgirl — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:10:42 GMT

Action-packed event features pets seeking homes, family fun and microchip/vaccination clinic

RENO, NV—More than 200 dogs, cats—and even ferrets—will be stars of the show at the first Reno-Sparks Super Adoption on April 12 at the Livestock Events Center in Reno.

Over 30 rescue groups and shelters from Northern Nevada and California will be on hand, many with animals and others with information about their services. The goal of the event is to find forever homes for at least 100 pets.

The day-long festival will also feature pet-related businesses—from a dog massage therapist to pet bakeries—showing off their wares and services. Area animal groomers and dog trainers will put on demonstrations. For kids, there’s face painting and magic. Live music, pet parades, raffles and animal photography will also be part of the fun.

Microchip and Vaccination Clinic
A microchip and vaccination clinic, sponsored by the SPCA of Northern Nevada and staffed by Dr. Dr. Renèe Bufkin, DVM, of Vet To Pet Mobil Veterinary Services, will offer low-cost microchipping and vaccinations for dogs and cats.

The Super Adoption is an opportunity for regional animal shelters, rescue groups, humane organizations and pet service businesses to come together on behalf of animals in the Northern Nevada/Tahoe area. Organizers include Best Friends Animal Society, Nevada Humane Society, the SPCA of Northern Nevada and the Shakespeare Fund.

Groups Bringing Animals
Rescue groups that will showcase animals—most available for adoption—at the event include:
* Animal House Shelter & Sanctuary, Elko
* Boxers and Buddies, Reno
* Church Animal Protection Society (CAPS), Fallon
* Dog Town Canine Rescue, Carson City
* Douglas Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), Minden
* Friends of Castaway Companions Animal Shelter (FOCCAS), Winnemucca
* German Shepherd Rescue of Sacramento Valley, Pleasant Grove, CA
* High Sierra Animal Rescue, Portola, CA
* Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, Truckee, CA
* Nevada Greyhound Rescue, Silver Springs
* Nevada Humane Society, Reno
* Northern Nevada Ferret Network, Reno
* Northern Nevada Shiba Inue Rescue, Reno
* Palomino Valley Pet Rescue, Sparks
* Pet Network, Incline Village
* Shiloh Foundation of Northern Nevada, Palomino Valley, NV
* SPCA of Northern Nevada, Reno
* Wind & Willows Ferret Rescue, Fallon
* Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation (WARF), Incline Village.

Groups Sharing Information
Other humane organizations that will host informational tables include:
* Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, UT
* CockadoodleMoo Farm Animal Sanctuary, Reno
* Feeding Pets of the Homeless, Carson City
* Lake Tahoe Humane Society & SPCA, South Lake Tahoe
* Looking for My Hero Animal Rescue Foundation, Reno
* Personal Ponies Nevada, Hazen
* Reno Silver Cats, Reno
* Shakespeare Animal Fund, Reno
* Washoe County Regional Animal Services, Reno.

What You Can Do
Join the fun at the Super Adoption on Saturday, April 12, , 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall, 1350 N. Wells Ave. (off Exit 14 on 1-80). Admission and parking are free. For general information, call 775-324-7773. For information on event participation, sponsorship and volunteering, call 775-265-9455.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo by Clay Myers courtesy of Nevada Humane Society

Pet-a-Palooza: The Place to be in Las Vegas on April 12

nevadacowgirl — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:26:27 GMT

Nevada’s largest animal event to feature several hundred adoptable animals

LAS VEGAS, NV--What started in 2000 as a small animal-themed event just for people now holds the distinction of being Nevada’s largest pet festival.

The 9th Annual Pet-a-Palooza, created and produced by Mix 94.1 Radio and presented by Wells Fargo, is expected to attract over 20,000 people, 4,000 animals and 40 rescue groups and non-profit organizations to Star Nursery Fields on April 12.

In addition to adoptable dogs, cats parrots and pot-bellied pigs, the festivities will include pet-related exhibits, live entertainment, a giant food court, fun for children, the Gold’s Gym Buff Dog Contest, and the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Pet-a-Palooza 2008.

Who's Who of Rescue Groups
Among the participating rescue groups are:
* A New Leash on Life Pet Adoptions
* Angel Ferret Shelter
* Animal Foundation/Lied Animal Shelter
* Best Friends Animal Society
* Betty Honn’s Animal Adoptions, Ltd.
* Boston Terrier Club--Rescue of Southern Nevada
* Bullie Buddies of Las Vegas
* Colucci’s Animal Trappers & Savers, Inc., (C.A.T.S.)
* Dream Chaser Ranch Horse Rescue
* English Springer Rescue America (ESRA)
* Fredonia Humane Society
* Friends of Feral Felines/Happy Home Animal Sanctuary
* Friends of Rescued Mastiffs
* FurpeopleWeyr Ferret Hospice/Rehab
* Golden Retriever Rescue Southern Nevada
* Greyhound Pets of America/Southern Nevada
* Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary
* Henderson Animal Care and Control (Henderson Animal Shelter)
* Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions
* Hot-DIggity Dachshund Club-Rescue
* K-9 Kastle 4Paws Rescue
* K-9 Therapists of Las Vegas
* Knoah's Ark Pet Rescue
* Las Vegas Basset Rescue
* Las Vegas Bulldog Club
* Las Vegas Labrador Rescue
* Las Vegas Valley Humane Society
* Las Vegas Weimaraner Club & Rescue
* Monsieur Pitbull Rescue, Inc.
* Nathan Adelson Hospice
* Nevada Political Action For Animals (NPAA)
* Nevada SPCA
* Noah's Animal House at The Shade Tree
* Partners with HPD K-9
* Purrfect Friends Cat Adoptions & Rescue
* Reptile Rescue
* Senior Spaniel Rescue Inc.
* Shiloh Horse Rescue and Sanctuary
* Sin City Saint Rescue
* Small Paws Rescue
* Southern Nevada Parrot Education & Rehoming Society
* Southern Nevada Pug Rescue
* Southern Nevada Schnauzer Rescue
* T.L.C. Animal Rescue Corp.

What You Can Do
Join in the fun—and perhaps give a home to a homeless animal—at Pet-a-Palooza, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Star Nursery Fields at Sam Boyd Stadium. For more information, visit the Pet-a-Palooza website.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo by Fred Morledge, courtesy of Mix 94.1 Radio

NWA Profile: Douglas Animal Welfare Group

nevadacowgirl — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:20:11 GMT

DAWG saves adoptable animals at Douglas County shelter

By Linda Eissmann

The Douglas Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) proves that one person really can make a difference. And a big difference, at that!

Formed in 2000 by Cherie Owen, DAWG is devoted to bettering the lives of animals in Douglas County by improving the adoptability of the animals at the Douglas County Animal Shelter. Cherie knew that killing shelter animals for lack of space, money, and effort simply had to change. She decided to do something about it.

Today, DAWG has about 100 all-volunteer members who rely solely on donations to support their work. They work with the animals to ensure they are socialized and ready for their adoptive families.

Volunteers also support spaying and neutering programs, provide medical treatment, offer foster homes to those needing individualized care, assist in adoptions, sponsor various adoption events, and educate the public about the joys of shelter adoptions and the proper care of animals. When needed, DAWG members even help out during shelter staff shortages.

Saving Lives
So what has all of this meant to Douglas County? The difference has been nothing short of amazing! Thanks to DAWG's efforts, Douglas County has not put down any adoptable animals since 2000.

“It might be training, or medical attention, or socializing… whatever the need is, we try to meet that need,” Cherie explains.

Dogs once abused, neglected, or abandoned come into the shelter with all sorts of challenges. However, DAWG knows that once those animals find their adoptive homes and have the love, care, and security they need, they will blossom and become beloved family members. DAWG volunteers make every effort to make sure each dog at the shelter has that chance.

Awards and Applause
Among its many awards, DAWG was recognized as “Organization of the Year” by the Nevada Appeal in 2005 and “Service Organization of the Year” by the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce in 2006.

In recognition for her individual efforts, Cherie has received numerous awards including recognitions from Congressman Dean Heller, Governor Jim Gibbons, the Red Cross, and the Points of Light Foundation.

DAWG is one of many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption at the Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
Come to the Super Adoption and meet the Douglas dogs and volunteers. Find out more about DAWG on the organization's website.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of Captain Jack, who's seeking a forever home, courtesy of DAWG

NWA Profile: High Sierra Animal Rescue

nevadacowgirl — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:45:34 GMT

Northern California group's rescue efforts cross state boundaries

By Linda Eissmann

Working toward the goal of no more homeless pets, High Sierra Animal Rescue (HSAR) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999. The organization focuses primarily on dog rescue and placement, as well as a few very lucky cats.

Located only 50 miles from Reno, Nevada, HSAR is dedicated to saving the lives of homeless adoptable pets in northeastern California and western Nevada, and caring for them until they can be placed in new loving homes.

Active in Reno Area
Although situated in Plumas County, California, HSAR is actively involved in animal rescue and pet adoptions in Reno. In fact, HSAR has pet adoptions each Saturday at the Petco on South Virginia Street in Reno. The adoptable pet list is updated regularly.

In addition to the animals that come from area shelters, HSAR took in two of the Gabbs dogs and will work with them to find loving, forever homes. Hope and Angelina will need a lot of patience, understanding, and socialization before they are ready to be adopted into new homes, but HSAR is determined to be with them every step of the way.

State-of-the-Art Facilities
High Sierra’s state-of-the-art shelter and boarding facility are located in the small community of Portola, with strong support of all nearby communities. Attendance at the July 2007 Bow-Wow at the Barn fundraiser, a dinner and silent auction, exceeded 200 people and raised significant funds for its ongoing rescue efforts.

“It was great! We had a great time and couldn’t believe the attendance and incredible organization. We can’t wait to go again next year,” said John Ballweber, a HSAR adoptive parent and member from Minden, Nevada. Other events throughout the year include the winter Fur Ball and Duffer for the Dogs golf tournament each October.

This year, HSAR will add the Reno Super Adoption during Nevada Week for the Animals to its list of events, and will bring many adoptable pets hoping to find homes.

According to Karen Neely, High Sierra’s Executive Director, “We’re excited to participate in the Super Adoption and partner with Best Friends and other rescue organizations to find loving families for our animals. This is an incredible opportunity!”

High Sierra Animal Rescue is one of many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption at the Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
Come meet the pets and people of High Sierra Animal Rescue at the Super Adoption. And visit the organization's website for details about HSAR's efforts on behalf of animals.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of cute, adoptable Grizzy courtesy of High Sierra Animal Rescue

NWA Profile: Churchill Animal Protection Society

nevadacowgirl — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:54:39 GMT

"Paws applause" to this hard-working rescue organization

By Karen Wright

Paws applause is what Churchill Animal Protection Society (CAPS) gives to those folks who so generously help them save critters. We think they should get plenty of their own.
Teresa Summers is the Director of CAPS, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter located in Fallon, Nevada. They have six part-time paid staff, six volunteers on the Board of Directors, and two dedicated volunteers who show up almost daily to walk the pooches.

Partnering with the Navy
Originally, in 1985, a group of concerned citizens started CAPS as a fostering operation. They soon realized that they needed a facility and asked the Navy to help them out. The Navy base agreed to give them some room if CAPS would take in the abandoned and stray animals on the naval base.

“In 2003,” Teresa says enthusiastically, “we finally moved into a brand new facility on 10 acres. It has 10 cat condos, 18 dog runs inside and out, and 2 quarantine rooms. “Not to brag,” she adds, “but we are just about to get real nice, new computers that will help us a lot.”

How do they advertise their lost pets? “We have pictures of the animals in both local newspapers every week and the Board President has a weekly news column called ‘CAPS Corner’ in the Lahontan Valley News.

Teresa noted that they no longer do fostering. The organization doesn’t have the resources and person power to check and make sure people are providing adequate care and a clean environment for the pets.

Referral Network
However, they do have a log book of dogs and cats, lost and found, to which they can refer if someone calls or comes in looking for a particular animal, as well as a list of local animal rescue services. To date, CAPS has adopted out 2,077 dogs and 2,081 cats.

CAPS sponsors a low-income spay and neuter program called SNAP and has spayed or neutered 595 animals.

Fundraising initiatives include T-shirts and caps for sale, and the annual “Happy Endings” calendar, featuring pictures of pets and families who have found each other and are living happily ever after.

This year CAPS is organizing the 2nd Annual Bark in the Park and Strut Your Mutt 5K Relay Run at the Churchill County Fairgrounds on May 31. In October every year, they hold an art auction to benefit CAPS with donated art from all over the world.

Purina Rallies to the Rescue
Another CAPS program is Rally to the Rescue, sponsored by Purina Pro Plan Pet Food to help rescue organizations across the country give rescued pets the nutrition and care they need and the loving homes they deserve.

Rally to the Rescue focuses on the support of smaller pet rescue organizations like CAPS that may often be overlooked by potential donors and adopters due to more limited fund raising and marketing capabilities. CAPS will host and document events promoting the program and sent back to Pro Plan.

Paws applause to CAPS, one of the many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption during the Reno-Sparks Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 5-14, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
Come to the Super Adoption and meet the animals from CAPS. Or visit the organization's website to find out how you can help.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of adorable, adoptable Julio courtesy of CAPS

NWA Profile: Dogtown Canine Rescue

nevadacowgirl — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 01:33:50 GMT

Foster homes and volunteers are backbone of Dogtown's success

By Linda Eissmann

“Real Dogs for Real People” is the motto of Dogtown Canine Rescue (also known to have a few cats in their care, now and then). Operating in the Carson City area, Dogtown has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed more than 1,000 dogs in just their first five years in existence.

That’s more than 1,000 dogs who would have otherwise been abandoned, euthanized, or left at a shelter to an unknown fate.

Instead, those dogs have found love and commitment in their adoptive families. Foster homes and volunteers are the backbone of Dogtown’s success. With their help, injured, neglected, and scared dogs have found joy in life and homes to call their own.

Pet adoptions are held at least twice a month at the Petco and Petsmart in Carson City. A list of available animals is updated regularly at www.dogtown.petfinder.org.

Answering the call for help, Dogtown was one of the rescue groups that took several of the Gabbs dogs, and volunteers are working hard to get them ready for adoption. However long that takes, Dogtown is committed to their transition from desert dogs to family dogs.

“If you are looking for a dog who won’t bark, jump, dig, chew, shed hair, has perfect manners and is 100% housebroken, may we suggest the stuffed animal aisle at Toys-R-Us?” Dogtown’s founders don’t mince words. They want committed homes for the dogs in their care and make sure all adoptive families are ready to offer the patience and love their new family member will need.

Dogtown is one of many rescue organizations that will offer pets for adoption during the Super Adoption, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall. The event is a highlight of the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 5-13, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
Meet the Dogtown team--four-legged and two-legged--at the Super Adoption in Reno on April 12. For more details about the organization, visit Dogtown's website.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo of Chester 2, looking for a loving home, courtesy of Dogtown Canine Rescue

NWA Profile: Let 'em Run Foundation

nevadacowgirl — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:36:59 GMT

Songwriter saves horses with kind heart and endless energy

By Karen Wright

Lacy J. Dalton is one of the country’s finest country and western songwriters and singing stars. She, with her kind heart, tireless energy, and amazing talent, is the motivating force behind the Let ‘em Run Foundation.

The nonprofit organization partners up with concerned government, business, and community entities to protect and preserve wild horses and the heritage of the American West.

Let ‘em Run was founded by Lacy in 1998. Her goal, and the goal of her organization, is “To help save, preserve, protect, and maintain the wild horse, estray horse, and mustang population, and other species of endangered or grossly mistreated animals.”
Preserving Wild Horse Bands
The organization has had some impressive successes, thanks to Lacy and Her Friends, who have donated phenomenal amounts of time and energy to the preservation of Storey County, Nevada’s historic wild horse bands.

Lacy’s tenacious dedication and the funding she has generated with her CDs and concerts have been the backbone of this just and wonderful cause.

The home-building onslaught in Storey County’s mountainous regions is driving the horses farther and farther back into the mountains or is forcing them to forage for food in too-populated areas.

They are subject to being hit by automobiles or harassment by humans. In 1998, three young hoodlums slaughtered 33 of these beautiful, innocent creatures for target practice, bringing their plight into the limelight.

On the Horizon
Let ‘em Run is working to eventually secure 10,000 acres of land in the Virginia Range, along with water and grazing rights, for a Wild Horse Sanctuary and Adoption Center for orphaned colts. This will enable the horse population to be kept at a healthy, manageable level. With very hard work and tireless effort, they are finding success with local land owners and government entities.

According to Lacy, the sanctuary will be a unique natural park where wild horses can live in harmony with humans. It will be an exciting destination where the horses can be studied by wildlife experts and where visitors can discover the history of the American West and get in tune with the species that has most influenced the evolution of the human race.

So hats off to Lacy J. Dalton, her Board of Directors, and all the folks who are helping with Let ‘em Run so that the public may understand that humans must share the earth with their four-footed friends.

Let ‘em Run Foundation is one of the many rescue organizations being acknowledged for its dedication during the 1st Annual Nevada Week for Animals, April 5-14, 2008, a statewide celebration to build awareness and mobilize action on behalf of all animals in the Silver State and Lake Tahoe area.

What You Can Do
Visit the Let 'em Run Foundation website to find out how you can help Nevada's wild horses.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo courtesy of Lacy J. Dalton

Governor Signs Proclamation for Nevada Week for the Animals

nevadacowgirl — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 06:21:55 GMT

Governor Jim Gibbons makes the 1st annual statewide celebration of animals official

A Proclamation by the Governor

WHEREAS, pet overpopulation continues to be a problem in Nevada and across the United States and during Nevada Week for the Animals, lives of companion animals will be saved at adoption events held throughout the week of April 5-13, 2008 in Nevada major cities including Reno and Las Vegas, and rural communities statewide; and

WHEREAS, Nevada Week for the Animals is bringing together organizations and agencies including zoos, animal shelters, humane societies and sanctuaries in communities across Nevada in scheduled events to help celebrate the joy, service and love that animals bring to our lives; and

WHEREAS, Nevada Week for the Animals is bringing attention to the contribution of service animals by holding events in libraries across Nevada celebrating animals; and

WHEREAS, Nevada Week for the Animals and supporting organizations will be in hospitals in Nevada during the special week of April 5-13, 2008 bringing joy to the patients who need and appreciate the love and companionship of therapy animals; and

WHEREAS, Nevada Week for the Animals is education citizens as to the contribution that animals bring to our lives through forums, speaker and other humane education activities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do herby proclaim the week of April 5-13, 2008 as NEVADA WEEK FOR THE ANIMALS.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Reno Super Adoption on April 12 to Celebrate Reno/Tahoe Animals

nevadacowgirl — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:06:18 GMT

Event to feature pets seeking homes, family fun and magical entertainment

RENO, NV--A highlight of Nevada Week for the Animals, the Reno Super Adoption is the place to be on April 12 for Reno/Tahoe-area animal lovers. More than a dozen regional rescue groups and shelters will be on hand with a selection of dogs and cats available for adoption.

Humane organizations and pet-related businesses—from dog groomers to pet bakeries—will show off their wares and services. For the kids, there’s face painting, storytelling and other pet-related activities. On stage, performances by local musicians and magicians will alternate with demonstrations by pet groomers and dog trainers.

Micro chipping and vaccinations will be available at low-cost, courtesy of the SPCA of Northern Nevada. Pet photography, refreshments, raffles and awards will also be part of the fun.

The Reno Super Adoption is an opportunity for regional animal shelters, rescue groups, humane organizations and pet service businesses to come together on behalf of animals in the Northern Nevada/Tahoe area. In addition to raising awareness, the event’s goal is to find forever homes for 100 homeless pets.

Event proceeds will go into a fund to make Nevada Week for the Animals—and the Reno Super Adoption—an annual event. The 1st Annual Nevada Week for the Animals runs from April 5-13, 2008.

The Details
Reno Super Adoption
Saturday, April 12, 2008
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center Exhibit Hall
1350 N. Wells Ave. (N. on Wells Ave., Exit 14 on I-80)
For information, call 775-324-7773.

Posted by Julie Snyder, Best Friends Network

Photo by Clay Myers courtesy of Nevada Humane Society