The Clock is Ticking for Reina

Can you help the animals in these final days of this year?

It was a November afternoon when Reina, a little Tortoiseshell kitten, arrived at Nevada Humane Society after being found on the street. She had been in some sort of accident; no one knew exactly what happened. She was only two months old, with a large wound on her back left leg. It was so bad she wasn’t using it. Her right leg had a smaller wound, but nonetheless was injured. She struggled to get around and we knew it was a miracle that she was found, because time was not on her side.

We rushed her to our veterinary clinic where we began pain medications and antibiotics, cleaned her wounds and made sure she was warm. Once stabilized, we began a series of x-rays to see how bad her legs were injured. Later, Reina later was hand fed nourishing food and plenty of water, and then tucked into a cozy bed to rest.

Once the x-rays processed, we knew what we were dealing with. Her left leg was severely fractured and the exterior wound was bad. Reina’s right leg, thankfully, was not as seriously injured – it wasn’t broken! We knew then that we could amputate the left leg without it causing any problem to her mobility, because the right one would heal. We breathed a sigh of relief.

When tiny animals like Reina arrive with injuries, it’s always touch and go until we know how to proceed. We want what is best for all of them as we feel all lives are precious. We don’t judge based on age or breed or time at the shelter. We are here to give everyone a second chance at a family. From our veterinary staff, to our animal caregivers, to our leaders and volunteers, we are all on the same page—we are here to save lives.

Reina came through her surgery with flying colors. Her recovery was uneventful… until two weeks later. She was so determined to get around and learn how to use her new little body (minus one leg) that she somehow broke two of her tiny toes! Maybe it was her kitten acrobatics or getting into the holiday decorations at her foster home. We don’t know. We do know she was stubborn. We placed her leg in a splint so that her tiny toes could heal and told her foster mom to insist that she rest. We didn’t want Reina to have any more injuries.

Just this weekend Reina enjoyed a wonderful holiday and her foster tells us she is doing well. Her outlook on life is good – she is ready to be a kitten again! Very soon she will be given the all clear by our veterinary team and will be ready for a home of her own.

We cannot thank you enough for enabling us to be here for Reina. Donations from wonderful people like you make it possible for us to provide long-term care and truly be there for our homeless pets.

Now, in the final days of 2016, we hope that you will consider making a donation to help kittens just like Reina. You can send a check or make a credit card donation online or by phone between now and December 31 and to take advantage of this deduction on your 2016 taxes. Your contribution will be put to work right away making a difference for our animals.

If you would like to stop by to make your donation in person, we are open every day through the end of the year, 11:00 am to 6:30 pm and on Saturday, New Year’s Eve, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.

Your donations enable us to provide care and find loving, new homes for the dogs and cats of our community who are in need. Thank you so much for your fabulous lifesaving generosity over the past year, and thank you, too, for your compassion and your willingness to take action on behalf of the animals.

With very best wishes,

Kimberly Wade

Senior Manager of Communications and Events, Nevada Humane Society

P.S. We rely entirely on donations to help the homeless animals and you can be assured that your gift to Nevada Humane Society always helps animals right here in Washoe County and Carson City. We are not affiliated with any other organizations, local or national, and rely on you to fund our lifesaving mission.

 

Christmas Miracle: Devotion the Puppy

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

12 Saves of Christmas: A Christmas Miracle

It’s the kind of story you read about time and time again, but one that we never want to believe is true. We want to believe that most people are good, that most people love animals and consider them family. At Nevada Humane Society, we pride ourselves on focusing on the positive, on all the good we do, because that’s what people want to hear. Sometimes though, it’s not always good… but we make sure a happy ending is in the cards.

It was a warm spring morning in April. A woman was headed out for her regular grocery store run and came across a man waving down people in the parking lot. Naturally, she was curious, so she watched from afar. She noticed he had a big box at his feet and after looking carefully, she saw that it was moving.

It turns out the man was selling puppies. She didn’t ask why or if he needed help. She was more curious to see the puppies because amidst the wiggly group was an even tinier pup who wasn’t moving.

Leaning over the box she asked if she could see one. He waved his hand at her to take one out and right away she picked up the motionless pup. Thankfully, the puppy was warm. That was a good sign. The other thing she immediately noticed was the puppy had no eyes.

She was clearly the runt of the litter and the man selling them didn’t seem to care. He even said she could just take her because he knew the pup had a problem. Grateful, she hugged the little pup to her chest, thanked him, and ran back to her car.

Groceries now forgotten, she rushed to Nevada Humane Society. She explained what had happened to our management team and that though she couldn’t keep the puppy, she wanted her to have the best chance at life.

We decided to name the little girl Devotion, who, as it turned out had luck on her side. She was just the runt—we brought her to our veterinary team and it was determined that she had no life-threatening problems—she was simply small for her age and blind. Given she had no eyes and she was so young, it was clear that she was born without them.

Devotion needed some time in a foster home to grow big and strong so we set her up with one of our more experienced foster moms, Rhonda. We knew Rhonda would watch over her like she was her own and let us know if she noticed anything was off.

We soon that learned that Devotion was starved of attention. Because she was the runt, she was probably waved off by the family that initially had her, as well as her puppy siblings. Devotion latched on to Rhonda right away, following her around the house. She didn’t take long to learn her way around so it was a good sign that the blindness didn’t slow her down.

Devotion’s luck continued. She soon met Rhonda’s family and Rhonda’s mother fell in love. There was an instant connection between the two, and Rhonda was more than happy to keep Devotion in the family. Once she was able to be spayed, vaccinated and microchipped, Devotion went home for good.

We’re so thankful that Devotion was found by the Good Samaritan, because her situation could have been much worse. We’re thankful for foster parents like Rhonda, who gave Devotion all of the TLC she needed. Finally, we’re thankful for happy endings.

We know Devotion is a Christmas Miracle. She deserved a second chance. This Christmas, we make it our goal to create miracles all year long, so that more animals can have the chance that Devotion did. Your support will allow us to do that, so please, among your Christmas celebrations, take a second to remember those who give back and do so many things for the unfortunate. We’re all in this together, and Devotion is proof that we all can make a difference.

Merry Christmas friends, two and four-legged alike.

 

12 Saves of Christmas: #12 Pirate the Kitten

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

Kitten season. Though it may be slang in the animal welfare world, it’s a real thing. When the weather is warmer, unaltered cats are giving birth, flooding shelters all across the nation with kittens. Here, it tends to run from March through November and you can always tell because that’s when we’re all about the babies! Providing care to them, placing them into foster homes, posting adorable photos on social media and watching them go home by the dozen. It’s a busy time of year, as we see thousands of kittens come through the shelter, yet it’s a wonderful time to educate people on the importance of spaying and neutering.

Born in June, Pirate arrived at Nevada Humane Society after a Good Samaritan found her and brought her in for care. She was merely days old and seriously under the weather. She had a bad eye infection, appeared to have trouble breathing and was sneezing up a storm. At such a young age an Upper Respiratory Infection (kitty cold) is critical. Pirate didn’t have a mom to help her so she had to be taken care of and raised by us. Our veterinary team cleaned up her eye, administered antibiotics, and sent her home with a foster family—who also happened to be our foster coordinator, Tara.

Tara works with kittens from all walks of life. As the program coordinator, she tends to take home those that we can’t always find a foster for, meaning, those with special medical conditions or who need extra care, like Pirate.

You see, as a newborn, Pirate couldn’t eat on her own. Because she had such a bad cold, she couldn’t smell the food. Because her eyes were so infected, she could barely open them to see anything. She needed to be kept warm due to her size and inability to maintain a good bod temperature. She needed medications to clear up her cold and eye infection, and she had to be cared for around the clock. Tara literally became Pirate’s mom.

Pirate’s cold eventually cleared up, but her eye infection did not. We chose to remove her eye for the best interest of her health, and goodness, was she thankful! She would zoom around Tara’s home, climb curtains, hide under covers and chase anything that moved. Pirate was becoming a normal kitten.

Then her luck ran out… again. Pirate somehow got a fungus infection.

Our fosters know all about this—the skin fungus that is easily transferred from person to pet, and is caught anywhere—from kids at school, playing outside or other pets. It’s common and easy to care for but tedious because it can take weeks to clear up. The skin fungus, which is basically just like Athlete’s Foot, requires a daily treatment but is best cared for by separating the animals from everyone else. Poor Pirate moved into Tara’s bathroom and all contact with the other animals had to be halted.

Through it all Pirate remained incredibly sweet and friendly and kept up with her tiny kitten antics—even though she was confined to one small room. She didn’t even care. She was just grateful to be there.

Pirate’s skin fungus hung around for a couple of months. Her symptoms went away and she looked great, but we erred on the side of caution because her skin tests kept coming back positive. Finally, she was given the all clear by the vet. Pirate was ready to begin her life as a kitten…. for the third time.

After seeing Pirate go through all that she did, and patiently nursing her back to health, Tara was ready to see her get the home that she deserved. Here’s the ironic thing…. that time is now. Pirate is seven months old and though she fits in well at Tara’s home and is doing fabulously, Tara needs to help other kittens, so Pirate is seeking the purrfect family.

Though we appreciate all of our supporters, our foster families are even more unique. They take animals in, keep them for days or weeks or months, and give them up. Then they repeat the entire process. It takes a special someone to do this but we wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you to our foster families for consistently going above and beyond for all of our underage kittens. You make a difference in more ways than you will ever know.

 

12 Saves of Christmas: #11 Shyanne the Senior

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

Shyanne, along with her brother Rocky, arrived at Nevada Humane Society in Carson City in June. They were both about 11 years old, Akita and Shepherd mix, with personalities that danced between grumpy and affectionate. Though they were siblings, over time it became clear they weren’t very bonded, as they were a bit selfish when it came to attention—and who wouldn’t be?

As seniors, big in size, and sometimes indifferent to people, they remained at Nevada Humane Society longer than most other dogs. Shyanne didn’t show well either—she would pretend to be really shy and disinterested and usually turned her nose up at people. Rocky, on the other hand, was social and would sit nicely and smile at people.

Normally, if a pair of animals arrive, we do our best to send them home together. However, sometimes they don’t go home together—and that’s not a bad thing. Shyanne and Rocky, for example. They were two different personalities and fought for attention. If we could find a home for each of them where they each got as much attention as they wanted, wouldn’t that be a good thing?

Rocky soon found a family and we made the tough decision to separate the two, even though we knew it was in their best interest.

Shyanne remained at the shelter. We took her to events, talked her up to everyone and tried to find her a home. Finally, a kind family came in to meet her. They recently sent in photos and the story surrounding their adoption, and explained why they picked her. It’s truly as if everything worked out for a reason, because Rocky is doing well and happy in his home, and Shyanne is apparently having the time of her life. Sometimes things just happen, and we couldn’t be happier with the way things turned out.

“Dear Nevada Humane Society,

About three years ago, we adopted a senior, Bella, from your shelter. We already had a male Akita, Avy. They became the best of friends until Bella passed away in August. Avy was not himself so we began looking for a companion. Sadly, we couldn’t find anyone who was a good fit.

We had seen Shyanne’s photo a couple months back and noticed she was still at your Carson City shelter. We felt bad that she was still there… yet we also felt compelled to see her. My husband and I drove to Carson with Avy, just to see. When I went in to visit with Shyanne, she licked my hand and was very sweet, but then she laid down in her kennel and she came across as really sad. My husband brought Avy into the building to see how it was going. He walked up to the window where Shyanne and I were visiting and when Shyanne saw him she leapt up and started licking the glass. She was like a different dog; happy!

We arranged to do a meet and greet outside on the grass with both of the dogs. The staff helped us with this and it went beyond well. They even said that Avy was the first dog that Shyanne actually liked! We took her home 20 minutes later.

Today (late November), we can proudly say they both get along wonderfully. Shyanne may be 11, but she plays with Avy like a pup! She jumps and taps him on the shoulder and they go off running. We have a large yard and they like to patrol and look for birds. She’s learning that barking is not the answer and how to use a doggie door.

Avy loves her. They are always together. They have a great energy balance even though there is a big age difference. Shyanne has become an instant family member and we couldn’t be happier to have her with us.

Thank you so much for the care you have given her in the past. Rest assured, she is well taken care of now. –Bev”

 

12 Saves of Christmas: #10 Sampson the Cat

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

At ten years old, Sampson was not well. He wound up at Washoe County Regional Animal Services as a stray and they immediately noticed that he was obese, dehydrated, not eating well on his own and depressed. They called us for help, and we took Sampson over to our veterinary clinic right away.

Sampson is the kind of cat whom we wish we had a backstory on. How did he wind up on the street? Did he ever belong to anyone? What had happened to make him so sad, and alone? We made a promise then and there to be by his side no matter what was going on and what his outcome may be.

Our veterinary team noticed that because he was overweight, his back and spine appeared to be painful to touch. He also had dental disease, and multiple signs pointed to early kidney disease. Poor Sampson was a mess.

We began the basic steps to getting him back on his paws—fluids to hydrate him, soft (but diet) food to give him strength, constant contact with staff, and pain medication for his back. Timing was crucial, because he didn’t have the attitude we needed to see—the attitude of a fighter. He was instead depressed and heartbroken.

We monitored him closely, but two days later, things worsened. Sampson wasn’t moving and didn’t want to respond to us. We had to act quickly.

We started spending more time with him, just sitting by his kennel, talking to him and petting him. His eyes started to sparkle and his ears stood up. Clearly, he valued the attention.

A decision was made to move Sampson from his kennel into the admin offices, where he would be surrounded by multiple people, as well as other cats. He seemed to simply want to be loved. The admin team welcomes anyone with open arms and Sampson was no exception. Right away everyone snuggled him, helped him eat, and gave him cozy blankets and toys. Basically he was spoiled.

Slowly, Sampson came alive. He became more social, accepting the attention from humans and cats alike. Within weeks, his health completely turned around.

Today, Sampson still resides in the admin offices. He has a cozy space that has become his, but day after day he is coming out seeking even more attention and joining the rest of the group, humans and cats alike. You can just see a sparkle in his eyes and the appreciation in his expressions. Sampson knows we saved him.

Now he has just one more wish. A home. A real home, with a couch and chairs and a queen sized bed and a family to call his own. Though he is now thriving, he deserves more. Won’t you take the time to come meet Sampson and see if he’s a good fit for you? He’s at our Reno shelter, at 2825 Longley Lane. We’d love to see him home for the holidays.

 

12 Saves of Christmas: #9 Chispita the Terrier

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

Animals arrive at Nevada Humane Society one of two ways. First, lost or found pets who go to Washoe County Regional Animal Services that are not reclaimed by their person are transferred to us. Second, when people come upon hard times and can no longer keep their pets, they can relinquish them to us (though this is for residents of Washoe County and Carson City only). Occasionally, there is a third route, when we have the added resources and can take animals in from outlying shelters to help them out, saving even more lives.

Of all of these ways, probably the hardest arrival to witness is when someone has to give up a pet. We strive to teach people that having a pet is a commitment and you need to be able to provide for them. We educate that spaying and neutering pets is vital for pet overpopulation and the health of the animal. However, we also understand that times can get tough, especially unexpectedly—and we are always here to put the best interest of the animal first.

Chispita was someone who needed our help. She was given up for her health—her owner didn’t know what was wrong but she couldn’t care for her. When she arrived she was lethargic, emaciated and having seizures. We rushed her into our veterinary clinic.

Our team was able to stabilize her and begin monitoring her to see what was wrong. We administered fluids to keep her hydrated, took some blood tests and then did a series of x-rays to see what was going on inside. She was only one so we were concerned with the bigger picture of overall health. Was this something we could fix?

The next 48 hours were crucial. Her x-rays revealed something small in her intestinal tract, but luckily it was able to pass on its own. After it did, her appetite and strength began to reappear. The bigger concern was the seizures. What was making this happen?

Chispita’s blood work was consistent with possible liver disease, but again, because she was so young, that seemed unlikely. The other option was a congenital liver shunt, where the body’s circulatory system bypasses the liver. This causes toxins to build up internally, along with high blood pressure and seizures. Chispita was displaying all of these symptoms, so we called our friends at Sierra Veterinary Specialists for further diagnostics and a second opinion.

Her consultation went well and they too agreed it was more than likely a liver shunt. Surgery was the next step so that we could see if it was able to be repaired and to rule out any other conditions.

Chispita went in for surgery just over a week ago. Luck was on her side because the shunt was confirmed and repaired. Chispita is now in recovery, and though she needs to remain on cage rest with minimal activity for several weeks, she is doing well. Eventually, she’ll be ready for adoption and a loving, new family.

We are so grateful to have Sierra Veterinary Specialists on our side, as well as you, for supporting our lifesaving mission and allowing us to create a better future for Chispita.

12 Saves of Christmas: #8 The Socially Awkward Sweeties

 

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

12 Saves of Christmas #8: Socially Awkward Sweeties

Barely two months ago, a very unique group of cats arrived at Nevada Humane Society. There were about 60 of them and they had all come from the same home. Most were in good health and looked like they had been well cared for—they just didn’t get to spend enough time with their person so some of them were introverted. It’s a scenario that happens every now and then and requires us to go above and beyond to find just the right homes.

T. Goji is four. T. Missy Mae is two. T. Finch and T. Sea Bass are one. Nearly all of the cats are black and white, with such similar features it’s hard to tell them apart. There’s one orange and white one, T. Crane, who is also a young buck. T. Birch is the only smoke colored one. They are all housed in one big room, a colony, and they are quite a sight. When they first arrived, they would tend to hide when you walked into the room. Now, most of them come out and solicit attention—or at least show off by chasing toys, leaping through the air or using the giant cat exercise wheel.

The thing about this family is that they are what we call socially awkward. You know. The type that would definitely not be named Most Popular or most Likely to Succeed. They’re goofy, quiet, imperfect felines, which, in our opinion is better. The ones that are perfectly groomed, with symmetric coloring and who gracefully leap from perch to perch are, well, boring. This group is definitely not boring.

Here’s the deal. You know that person that doesn’t like to be hugged? Or the one who tends to sit in the corner at parties and keep to himself? Our Socially Awkward Sweeties are just that.

T. Goji is a Magician. For years, he has studied the ancient art of vanishing from the highest level magicians in the world. T. Goji can disappear in an instant—so fast you may even doubt you saw him in the first place.

T. Birch was given an invisibility cloak as a gift. The problem? It doesn’t work all the time. That’s why sometimes you see him and sometimes you don’t. His spot tends to be at the top of the ladder, so be sure to look for him there.

T. Sea Bass is the talkative one, but kind of a tease. She loves to flirt and draw you in, then turn away, tail in the air. She’s coming around, and seems to be the leader of the pack, so that’s a good thing.

More times than not, people want to help our animal friends and get in over their heads. This is just that—someone who wanted to help cat after cat after cat. It didn’t work, which is why they are all here.

This holiday season, we would love to see these most entertaining kitties find a home. They would do best in pairs, or even threesomes, as they are often found playing a game of pig pile on each other. They may in fact be invisible in your home for a little while, but in time, they’ll be okay. Heck, if you’re not a cat lover then these are the perfect cats for you—you may not ever see them!

You know by now that we’re all about lifesaving at Nevada Humane Society so no matter whether you’re voted Most Outgoing or not, we think you deserve a future. Our Socially Awkward Sweeties are starting to make a name for themselves here but we want them to make a name for themselves in your homes. And hey, if you like a challenge, you can always spend as much time with them as you want and see if they do become that affectionate, head-butting, purr monster you prefer—because they very well may.

While ultimately this family of cats was given a second chance just by arriving at our shelter, they do deserve a real home. Won’t you take a chance this holiday season and every day thereafter to make their dreams come true? Won’t you make this Christmas Save a reality?

Visit us daily from 11am to 6:30pm and an hour earlier on Saturdays. The Socially Awkward Sweeties reside at our Reno shelter and would love to entertain you, so please, stop by and say hello… or at least share this message. You are the ones who enable our lifesaving efforts, so we’re challenging you to do so again—by finding homes for the Socially Awkward Sweeties.

 

12 Saves of Christmas: #7 Kasey and Sweet Pea

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

Imagine that you’re a dog, and you’ve lived with the same family your entire life, in the same house, in the same neighborhood. Everything is familiar to you and you can’t imagine life any other way. Suddenly, it’s all gone.

You’re still in the same house, but your person is no longer there. You brother is, thank goodness, and you cuddle together day after day, as different people come in and out of the house to care for you. But none of them are your person.

Eventually, you end up being taken to a place where you see lots of other dogs—cats too. You’re not sure what it is, but you hold your head up high, stick close to your brother and wait it out.

Kasey, a four year old golden lab, and Sweet Pea, a nine year old brindle terrier mix, experienced this exact scenario. The two had been together their entire lives, with one person, and suddenly, their person passed away. They remained in the house for a short while, as others came by to care for them, but ultimately they were alone. They were scared and sad, not knowing what their future held.

It became clear that no one would take them in, so they wound up at Nevada Humane Society on Thanksgiving weekend. It was a lot for them to accept—a busy, energizing place full of people and pets. They were both a bit underweight, but more Kasey than Sweet Pea. They both wore fuzzy coats and huddled together on their bed, while they watched people pass them by. It was as if each time someone passed, they were wondering if it was their person.

The staff knew they were withdrawn, so every day, our team would spend time with them, whether feeding extra treats, or reading to them, or even just sitting in their kennel. They would go for short walks with them and tuck them in at the end of every night. We knew they needed lots of extra love and attention and we were willing to give it to them.

Little by little, Kasey and Sweet Pea began coming out of their shells. They slowly began to trust us and gave us a hint at their personalities—both sweet, gentle, and affectionate.

Just yesterday, Kasey and Sweet Pea received an early holiday gift. A woman came in, looking to adopt, and we spent some time with her to find out what kind of dogs she was looking for. She was open minded and wanting to give a great home to someone in need. We introduced her to Kasey and Sweet Pea, and it wasn’t long before her heart was set. They were going home.

Sometimes when animals arrive in pairs it takes longer to get them adopted, and really, the only reason we can assume why, is because there aren’t a lot of people who can take on two pets at once—especially bigger dogs! But as with Kasey and Sweet Pea, who literally would cry if they were apart for even a few minutes, we can tell when they belong together, and we’re willing to go the extra mile to give them time to find just the right home.

Thank you for allowing us to do this. Thank you for sharing our stories so that more animals just like Kasey and Sweet Pea can go home. Thank you for being open minded when you visit us, and not being set on a breed, or age, or particular look. You are the people who help find homes for the animals that need it maybe a little more than the others. You are saving lives every single day, just like we are.

Holiday Wishes for the Animals

by Kimberly Wade

Many people will describe the holidays as magical. The lights and sounds, ideas of Santa and eight tiny reindeer, spiritual beliefs and giving back to those in need—it’s all honored during the month of December. People come together, families celebrate, and the mood is festive no matter where you go. At Nevada Humane Society, it’s no different. Well, maybe it is, because the magic of the holidays for us, so far, is showcasing itself in a variety of unexpected ways.

This week we received a very unique letter in the mail. Mind you, people often write in to share their stories of their adopted pet, especially around this time of year. We get holiday cards from animals, we’re given photos of them, and treats arrive in Amazon boxes by the dozen so that we can offer something a little special to those waiting for a home. But this letter, this is, different.

Let me go back a bit. I do a lot of television and media for the animals so my face is out there. I’ve also been heavily involved in some incredible programs—two of my favorites being the PUPS Program and INK, Inmates Nursing Kittens. Both are based at the prison, the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City. Both involve a specific group of inmates caring for specific animals. PUPS helps dogs that have some basic training challenges and need extra socialization. INK helps young kittens receive round-the-clock care until they are big enough to be spayed or neutered. The inmates have gotten to know me through these programs and by seeing me on TV, so it’s not unusual for a “fan” to send me a letter now and then, kind of like a pen pal… in prison.

Back to the letter. This one was different. It wasn’t for me, but rather, for a cat. David, an inmate at a somewhat nearby prison, wrote a letter to Mr. Meowgi, a little black cat. He even included his ID number and everything, just like the inmates have! He wants to give Mr. Meowgi hope and let him know he’s not alone. Here’s an excerpt:

“Like yourself, I am incarcerated. I am concerned that you may be having a hard time finding a home. Let me give you a few words of advice. No matter how stressed out you get or how frustrating your circumstances become, Mr. Meowgi, do not resort to violence, ok? You cannot afford any write-ups. Steer clear of trouble. If you see some cats mean mugging you let that be their problem—not yours. You have a chance to go home and start a family. Find a real Pooty Cat who will give you lots of kittens. Work out. Read. Maybe the food isn’t all that good but it could be worse. Play it straight and you’ll be home in no time. Keep your whiskers up. Stay strong!”

David, though he pokes fun at the situation, is a real person going through real change. The fact that he wanted to share that, and wanted to make a difference for our cats, to us, is amazing (and really funny). It’s true that shelters are not ideal, and not all of them are as fabulous as ours. We’re beyond blessed to have a big, modern, clean, open shelter with natural light and a variety of housing options. We have staff that genuinely cares about the animals. We work to find homes for our kids as quickly as possible. I bet you didn’t know this but the average length of stay is only a couple weeks. We play fetch and chase and hide and go seek with them, we tease them with treats, we take photos with our phones and share them on our personal Instagram accounts, and we even (don’t judge me) share our lunches (as long as the food is safe for them). We give our entire selves to help make our four-legged friends feel like they are at home while they are at the shelter, and while doing that, we work to find them homes. Like David, they are incarcerated—but by no fault of their own. They simply have been dealt a bad hand. And we don’t feel they deserve that so we’re working to fix it.

If you’ve been considering adoption, you know that now is the time. If people like David can give back, and show support for our sheltered animals, so can you. Become a volunteer, share some photos from our Facebook or Instagram, or write us a letter, like David. Knowing we have your support is huge.

By the way, Mr. Meowgi will be writing David back and sending pictures. Not because it’s the holiday season and it’s magical and support can come from all directions when you least expect it… but because it’s the right thing to do. And we can’t wait to see if David responds again.

Merry Christmas friends. Thanks for being a faithful reader and listener, supporting us, and even me, and letting us do what we do best… lifesaving.

 

Nevada Humane Society’s 12 Saves of Christmas was introduced several years ago. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, letters of appreciation, and more, all of which came unexpectedly to us. We see day in and day out the difference we make in the lives of thousands of animals but we didn’t realize we weren’t fully communicating those lifesaving efforts to you – our biggest fans. Thus, the 12 Saves of Christmas was created. Now, every holiday season, we find ourselves receiving messages asking when our 12 Saves of Christmas begins. Without further ado, we present to you the 12 Saves of Christmas of 2016.

12 Saves of Christmas #6: Bam Bam the Kitten

Bam Bam arrived at Nevada Humane Society in September, with his mom and three other kittens. Mom looked great. The kittens were all tiny, about a pound in size, but Bam Bam was different. He was half their size, and had what appeared to be misshapen back legs. We knew he would need a special foster home, so we sent him and his siblings to an experienced foster family who could take the time to look after him and keep us posted on his development. At this time, we weren’t sure what to expect.

Over time, the foster family observed Bam Bam and his siblings. While they all looked and behaved like normal, healthy kittens, Bam Bam still did not. He was still smaller than the others, and his back legs, which we had hoped would begin to straighten out with physical therapy and massage, did not. Bam Bam was diagnosed with Twisted Leg Syndrome.

Believe it or not, we have seen this several times before. Sometimes the condition is mild, other times, more serious. It’s a birth defect where the muscles and tendons don’t develop properly. It can happen due to poor positioning of the fetus or crowding of fetuses. As the kittens grow, if the kitten is cramped, the tendons and ligaments become short and inflexible from remaining in one position.

Our foster family worked to try and help Bam Bam, but didn’t see a big result. The good news? Bam Bam was still able to get around, nurse on mom, play with his siblings, and use a litter box. His quality of life was turning out to be just fine.

Bam Bam and his family came back to Nevada Humane Society to be spayed and neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. All of them were adopted quickly… all of them except Bam Bam. His looks tended to make people shy away. Whether they felt sad for him, nervous about his future, or worried they would not be able to care for him, he was overlooked time and time again.

We set up a special photo shoot to show our little guy off. He was stunning, actually, and had a gentle, kind, affectionate personality. He wasn’t letting his legs slow him down. Though he was definitely different, we knew he would make a family very happy and would win anyone over with his charm.

We splashed Bam Bam’s handsome face all over social media and talked him up to anyone who would listen. Many times with special cases like this we have to look at the overall quality of life. Bam Bam’s was good, and we weren’t going to let him down. He deserved a home.

A few days after all of his publicity, a sweet man came in. He wanted to find out more about Bam Bam. We told him everything we knew, spent time with the two of them in a visiting room, and talked to him about Bam Bam’s future. Thing were starting to look up.

Once he understood the condition, and saw Bam Bam’s adorable personality, as well as witnessed him zooming around with toys, a decision was made. Bam Bam was going home.

We pride ourselves on lifesaving, on believing all lives are precious. We know not everyone is going to look perfect, or have perfect health, or even the perfect personality, but we are there for them all. We are not here to judge. We are here to be their voice and give them the love and family they deserve. You allow us to do that. Your support lets us care for and find homes for pets just like Bam Bam. As he experiences his first holiday, we have no doubt he’s more grateful than ever. Thank you for giving us, and him, that opportunity.