NWA Profile: High Sierra Animal Rescue

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