Take the Great Adoption Challenge of 2012!

Some of you may remember that several months back NHS was selected as one of only fifty shelters nationwide to compete in the ASPCA $100K Challenge. Over $500,000 in total is available in prizes, and the agency with the highest increase in animals saved will win the grand prize of $100,000. Nevada Humane Society is the only shelter in the state that qualified to compete in this Challenge.

Nevada Humane Society and the other contenders have now begun a three-month long competition to save at least 300 more animals during the months of August, September and October 2012 than they did over the same three-month period in 2011. So what’s the magic number of adoptions needed for NHS to win this contest?  2576 deserving animals need to find new homes during these three months.  

Nevada Humane Society became a no-kill shelter in early 2007. What this means is that shelter animals are never put down for time and space. Only two reasons would make us consider humane euthanasia of a pet: if they are too ill or badly injured to have a good prognosis for a quality life or if an animal is too aggressive and may pose a risk to public safety.

In the last five and a half years, NHS has adopted out over 50,000 animals and achieved a community-wide save rate of 94%. This means that only 6% of the dogs and cats entering Washoe County shelters were euthanized and only for the reasons stated above. Our community is now the safest metropolitan area in the United States for homeless pets—something in which we should all take pride.

Sadly, this summer our adoptions have been down compared to previous summers. We are not quite sure why but we need your help now more than ever. Our community is one of the most pet-friendly, animal-loving ones in which I have ever lived. This is the reason that we have been so successful at creating a true safety net for our homeless pets and this is why we are counting on you to take the 2012  adoption challenge and help us win the much needed funds to continue our lifesaving work.

Events that Help Homeless Pets

Adopt a Lucky Pet at Nevada Humane Society and get a free buffet dinner and a chance to win a luxury stay-cation at the Peppermill Resort & Spa. Pet adoption fees are just $7 for adult cats, $21 for adult dogs, and $40 for kittens. Visit NHS 7 days a week at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno from 11 am to 6:30 pm. Open at 10 am on Saturdays.

Duck Race & Festival to benefit Nevada Humane Society, August 28, 11 am – 5 pm at Wingfield Park. Adopt a rubber duck for $5, help homeless pets, and have a chance to win great prizes—including a New Orleans Vacation, Sierra Golf Getaway, Pampered Pet Package, Dine around Reno-Tahoe Package, and a chance to win a $400,000 cash prize! For more information or to adopt a duck, visit NevadaHumaneSociety.org.

Purses for Pets & Kitty Glitter on October 14, 1:00 – 4:00 pm, at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. This auction fundraiser will benefit Pet Network Humane Society. Purse donations are being accepted at locations throughout the area including the NHS shelter. For more info, call 775-832-4404 or email info@petnetwork.org.

Give Yourself a Gift: Volunteer

When Jasmine was adopted there was celebrating all across Nevada Humane Society’s shelter.

“Jasmine is a Lab stuck in a Basset body” wrote volunteer Margaret Flint of Jasmine. Indeed she looks like a cartoon of a dog, with her Lab head on a very plump stubby-legged  body. Jasmine can be sweet but also a bit cantankerous, especially when it comes to other animals. Jasmine wants to be queen, and why not? She’s a senior and entitled to be set in her ways.  Still, her age, temperament and looks meant that it would take a while before the right person, someone who would meet her needs and  would fall in love with her. One fine day this month it happened!

Jasmine’s happy ending, and so many others, are made possible by the brigade of dedicated volunteers who ensure that dogs like Jasmine get the exercise and attention that is so critically important to them during their time at the shelter. The time volunteers give to the animals keep their spirits up until they go to their new home.

Last week I met a new volunteer who shared her first experience at the shelter with me. Deciding to volunteer was not an easy decision, she explained. Seeing the animals made her heart ache and she was not really sure how her time could make a difference for them. But she went into the shelter  anyway and picked out a shy tabby cat named Rudy, hiding in the back of the cage. She reached out to him with a reassuring touch, then took him into a visiting room and brushed and played with him for a while. She was amazed by the transformation from a frightened cat to a responsive, happy cat. When she put him back in the cage he reached out to her for more attention. The next time she came in he was gone; he had been adopted the next day.

A little of your time, a little of your love, can make a whole world of difference for animals here in the shelter. There is nothing more rewarding than saving an innocent life. It’s a joy you can create for yourself by volunteering at a local animal shelter.

Where to volunteer:

Nevada Humane Society in East Reno: nevadahumanesociety.org or 775-856-2000

SPCA of Northern Nevada in North Reno: spcanevada.org or 775-324-7773

Pet Network in Incline Village: petnetwork.org or 775-832-4404

 Events that Help Homeless Pets

Adopt a Certified Pre-Owned Pet at Nevada Humane Society. 100,000 purr or tail-way warranty, standard 4-paw drive. Great low adoption fees! Open for adoption 7 days a week at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno, 11 am to 6:30 pm, 10 am on Saturdays.

Purses for Pets & Kitty Glitter benefits Pet Network. Now collecting donated purses and jewelry for this October event at drop-off locations across the area including Nevada Humane Society. or more info, call 775-832-4404 or email info@petnetwork.org.

Reno is Festival Town

I lived the first 48 years of my life in San Diego. Yes, it was tough duty and definitely spoiled me when it comes to weather where it is a perfect summer all year long. Believe it or not, I enjoy the summers in Reno as much if not better—sunny, warm days and cool, clear nights.

Our summers here bring an extra special treat—a festival almost every weekend. Reno loves its festivals and is is one of the most attractive characteristics of the city.

The Reno River Festival kicks off the summer months. The whole month of July is one big festival with multiple Reno is Artown events and performances every day—500 total throughout the month.

For many, the highlight of August is Hot August Nights which is the largest classic car and nostalgia event in the United States. But for us animal lovers, the real highlight is Nevada Humane Society’s Duck Race and Festival. In its third year benefitting homeless pets, 15,000 rubber ducks will race down the Truckee River on August 26 in Wingfield Park. You can adopt a duck and the fastest rubber ducks win exciting prizes. The free Festival runs from 11am to 5pm with lots of family fun, including live entertainment, clowns, carnival games, raffles, vendors and a variety of refreshments; the exciting Duck Race begins at 4 pm.

September is packed with large, popular festivals as everyone wants to maximize fun in the closing days of summer. Downtown Reno and Sparks reverberate with the sounds of thousands of Harleys when Street Vibrations takes over. The Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off is touted as the biggest barbeque in the country as over 300,000 people taste-test the wares of 25 cooking teams. One of my favorites is The Great Reno Balloon Race (even though I hate getting up early). Over 100 hot air balloons rise in mass ascension from Rancho San Rafael Park, filling the sky with color. The month concludes with the Reno National Championship Air Races and Air Show.

The festivals bring much-needed and appreciated support from out-of-town visitors and provide exciting entertainment all summer long for the locals. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, NHS regularly participates in most of these events and festivals. They provide wonderful opportunities to showcase NHS pets available for adoption and bring greater awareness to the homeless pets issue.

Summer is truly my favorite time of year in Reno and quickly becoming my favorite summer time of all. 

Events that Help Homeless Pets

Adopt a Lucky Pet at Nevada Humane Society and get a free buffet dinner and a chance to win a luxury stay-cation at the Peppermill Resort & Spa. Pet adoption fees are just $7 for adult cats, $21 for adult dogs, and $40 for kittens. Visit NHS 7 days a week at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno from 11 am to 6:30 pm. Open at 10 am on Saturdays.

Duck Race & Festival to benefit Nevada Humane Society, August 28, 11 am – 5 pm at Wingfield Park. Adopt a rubber duck for $5, help homeless pets, and have a chance to win great prizes—including a New Orleans Vacation, Sierra Golf Getaway, Pampered Pet Package, Dine around Reno-Tahoe Package, and a chance to win a $400,000 cash prize! For more information or to adopt a duck, visit NevadaHumaneSociety.org.

Do Pets Bring Good Fortune?

Many cultures consider various animals to be especially lucky.

To provide protection and good luck, a practitioner of Feng Shui might recommend that you place a pair of Fu Dog statues near your front door. The Chinese zodiac includes the dog and those born in the Year of the Dog are thought to be blessed with the positive attributes of loyalty, determination and compassion. When you win big, someone might say “you lucky dog!”

Old American folklore holds that seeing a white cat, even in your dreams, symbolizes good luck on the way. Should you see a one-eyed cat, spit on your thumb, stamp it in your palm and make a wish—virtually guaranteeing that your wish will come true.

One of the most charming lucky pet stories comes from Japanese folklore; the legend of the Maneki Neko, which translates to beckoning cat. According to the legend, back in the days of old, there was a very poor priest who lived in a rundown temple. He shared what little food he had with his beloved cat, Tama.

One day, a wealthy man was caught in a sudden downpour as he was passing by the temple. He took refuge under a tree. It was then that he spotted the cat, Tama, who seemed to be beckoning him with her paw. Could that be? He had never seen such a thing before so he left the shelter of the tree to take a closer look at this most unusual cat. At that moment, the tree was struck by lightning.

Filled with gratitude for the cat had saved his life, the man provided generously for the priest and Tama, making the once-poor temple prosperous. Today, you might see Maneki Neko statues, a cat with one paw raised, in businesses. This image of Tama is said to bring good fortune and prosperity by beckoning customers.

Throughout August at Nevada Humane Society, we are celebrating the good luck that pets can bring us. We’ve made the cut to become one of 50 shelters nationwide that are part of the $100,000 Adoption Challenge and by adopting now, you will help us reach our adoption goal and win needed funds for the animals. You’ll also become the recipient of the truly good fortune of sharing your life with a pet.  

EVENTS THAT HELP ANIMALS

Adopt a Lucky Pet at Nevada Humane Society and get a free buffet dinner at the Peppermill Resort Spa and a chance to win a luxury stay-cation. Pet adoption fees are just $7 for adult cats, $21 for adult dogs, $40 for kittens. Visit NHS 7 days a week at 2825 Longley Lane, Reno from 11 am to 6:30 pm. Open at 10 am on Saturdays.