Comic By: MuttsComics.com – Patrick McDonnell
I wish you joy
to light your way
a chance to run
a chance to play
I wish you peace
to lay your head
a soft pillow
a comfy bed
I wish you love
to warm your heart
a safe haven
a brand new start
I wish you joy
to dance with glee
on your way home
on your way free
Phoenix
Her picture tore at my heart. A 5 month old puppy tethered to the wall cowering in fear. Visible wounds on her face and body. Don’t worry baby we will save you, I told her. Her picture had been emailed with a plea to help her. She was at Lied Animal Shelter (aka The Animal Foundation) the city kill shelter. But if a foster could be found for her a rescue would then pull her to safety. So several rescuers started sending out the plea for help to our networks. In a few hours offers to foster, adopt, and donate medical funds started pouring in. She would be safe.
Then I received an email from one of our volunteers. He had called Lied offering to adopt her and take care of her. He was told she had mange and she was not up for adoption. And they told him she would be euthanized by the end of the week. I sent out an urgent email – WE HAVE TO GET HER OUT NOW! A rescue has already tagged her, I was told. What’s going on? So much confusion. Don’t worry little one, I told her picture, so many people want to help you. You will be okay.
Then even worse news arrived. They were not letting any rescues have her either. They were just going to kill her. WHY???
It baffles the mind. And if you are not in the world of animal rescue it is probably inconceivable to you. A 5 month old puppy that has several people wanting to adopt her, others wanting to foster her, and rescues willing to pay to pull her, not to mention people wanting to donate money for her medical funds, and yet the shelter is still going to kill her. I am in the animal rescue world and it is still inconceivable to me… every time it happens.
I guess this time it was the last straw. I sent out an email to everyone asking them to please contact Lied and ask them why they were killing this 5 month old puppy when there were people who wanted to help her. I also asked them to send it to any media contacts they had. I then forwarded that email to every Lied administrator. I received a reply from Jason, Director of Operations at Lied. I guess he didn’t like the idea that people were questioning his decisions because he asked me, in the future, to contact him first before sending out “mass” emails or contacting the media. Of course. He wants to control the story.
Jason said she had mange and also didn’t pass their initial aggression screening so she was a danger to the public (??) I guess Jason had never heard of all the other dogs around the country with mange even worse than hers who were successfully treated and are now living happy lives. And imagine that – a scared and probably in pain puppy didn’t pass an initial behavioral screening? Why that’s unheard of. A scared animal exhibiting expected behavior for a scared animal. Let’s kill her!
All this time different people were calling Lied, emailing them, or even going down there hoping to adopt this puppy. And everyone was getting a different story. She was dead. No she wasn’t. She was going to be killed at the end of the week. Or tonight. Who knew? Jason, who kept telling everyone to come to him with questions, wasn’t answering them. He wouldn’t confirm if she was alive or dead. He wouldn’t respond to my request to have an independent trainer evaluate her. And he wouldn’t answer the most asked question: Why? I don’t mean his repeated talking points that she had mange and was now, according to him, a most dangerous dog. But WHY kill her when there were people who wanted her despite her condition? Why not give her a chance at life when it wasn’t going to cost him anything? Ah, but maybe it WAS going to cost him something. His pride perhaps? Or a loss, however briefly, of power and control? Would that really matter more than the life of a 5 month old puppy?
And people continued to email and call, begging for this puppy’s life. A Facebook page was started: Why is Lied/Animal Foundation Killing a 5 Month Old Puppy? The puppy was given a name: Phoenix. Because as someone said, ” from her sadness and possible death, reform will rise”
On her Facebook page some people asked what we wanted. And they said don’t blame the shelter – it’s not their fault people are irresponsible. What we wanted, of course, was first to save this puppy’s life. Second, we wanted Lied to stop with all the misinformation, lies, and obfuscation. We wanted them to be more transparent and stop trying to hide from the public what was going on there.
It seems as if Lied management is more concerned about their public image than they are for the animals entrusted into their care. The Lied Rescue & Foster Coordinator and the Assistant Director of Operations spend time monitoring rescue networks to see who is making what they deem “negative public comments” about them. You would think they had better things to do with their time. Like save animals.
So what is Lied calling “negative public comments”? Saying an animal will be killed if not rescued/adopted soon is a negative public comment (even when true) according to them. Saying a pit bull doesn’t have much of a chance there is a negative public comment (while they kill approximately 400 pit bull type dogs there EVERY month). Even saying an animal is urgent is considered a negative public comment. Obviously the transparency at Lied is as transparent as the Dead Sea.
Yes, people can be irresponsible. Yes, everyone needs to spay and neuter their pets. At the same time we do blame THIS shelter. Because it doesn’t have to be that way. Shelters all across the country are going No Kill . They are doing it by joining up with the community rather than just blaming them. Right in our own backyard up in Reno is the crown jewel example of shelter reform, Nevada Humane. They save 94% of all dogs and 95% of all cats entering the shelter. At Lied only about 61% of dogs and 27% of cats there make it out alive. Of course those Lied statistics are from a couple years ago. Getting statistics from Lied is as easy as, well, fishing in the Dead Sea. Where can you get Nevada Humane’s statistics? Right on the front page of their website. Now that’s transparency!
So how did Nevada Humane do it? You can read about it here . One of the most important things was getting the right people working at the shelter. They ALL have to buy into the No Kill philosophy. That is not happening at Lied.
Just two days after we started our mission to save Phoenix we finally got our answer from Jason. He had her killed. He killed a 5 month old puppy just because he could. There was no legitimate reason to kill her. She had people who wanted her. She had people willing to do whatever needed to be done to treat her medical issues and any other issues she had. She had people who wanted to give her the life and love she deserved. Jason deemed her not worthy of life or love. He criticized us for wanting to help her rather than other dogs he said deserved our help more. As if most of us don’t already help other animals every day of our lives. Jason said in an email that he was looking for rescues to take “happy and healthy animals.” I guess the sad and sick at Lied can just go right into the body bags. As rescuers we CHOOSE to help the sick ones, the old ones, the pit bulls, the not so pretty and the not so well-behaved because they need us the most. How dare the Jasons of the world tell us who we should direct our compassion to and which animal should touch our hearts?
Phoenix may have been just one dog but she deserved a chance at life as much as any other. And she also represents all the animals like her that go into this shelter system and don’t get a chance. The ones they deem too young, too old, too scared, too hyper. The sick ones even if they’re treatable. The blind ones. The starving ones who growl when they take their food away. Or any animal the one deciding just doesn’t like.
Phoenix, I’m so sorry I was wrong. We couldn’t save you. But we will save others in your honor. We will bring shelter reform to Las Vegas in your honor. We will bring a law to Nevada that will prevent any shelter from killing any animal a rescue is willing to take. We will bring the Companion Animal Protection Act ( CAPA) to Nevada.
Jason seems to think there are too many irresponsible people here in Las Vegas. He doesn’t seem to think there are very many people here who care. Sign the petition to bring shelter reform here. Prove him wrong. And let Phoenix rise again.
Rescue Five-O (CAPA)
Rocket loves tennis balls.
Rocket, the five year old rat terrier, is a survivor. He was hit by a car and suffered a massive spinal injury. As if that wasn’t bad enough, his owners at the time did not get him any treatment. For nine months he had to drag himself around by his front legs because his back ones were paralyzed. Thankfully he was finally surrendered to the Nevada SPCA and then fell into the arms of a couple of guardian angels – one who paid for his spinal surgery and another who opened her home to him for his recovery.
This brave boy now needs a forever home.
He gets along well with other mellow dogs his size. He loves people and tennis balls although he can’t be left alone with the latter as he will peel them like a fruit.
His ideal home would be with someone devoted to animals and who is home most of the time as Rocket cannot use a doggie door (he doesn’t have enough strength in his hind legs) so he needs regular bathroom breaks. He is crate trained and should be crated when left alone. He needs a carpeted home as he cannot get traction on smooth surfaces. He has been going through physical therapy at home which should be continued – gently stretching his legs and range of motion movements. He also likes to go for walks.
If you can provide Rocket with this loving forever home, in return he will provide you with companionship, fun, loyalty, and unconditional & unending love. Sounds like a pretty good deal!
If you are the very special person Rocket is waiting for, please contact his foster mom, Adrienne, at 702-497-1282 or diemarthadie@cox.net
Rocket loves grass... and tennis balls.
Pops
Hi Everyone, I’m Pops! That’s me on the right. All 5 of my brothers and sisters have found forever homes but no one seems to want me. I’m a very happy and friendly kitten and I would love to have a home of my own. I just don’t understand why no one has picked me yet.
Maybe no one wants me because I have tested positive for feline leukemia. But I don’t act or feel sick and I don’t even need any medication. I’m just like any other kitten except I should only be around other kitties like me. I would love to have someone to play with!
Please don’t pass me by. Look at my baby picture below taken just 5 months ago. And I’m still a real cutie!
![pops[1]](https://writes4animals.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/pops1.jpg?w=130&h=97 "pops[1]")
Baby Pops
Wooby
Hi, I’m Wooby. I’m an American Eskimo mix about 3 years old. I was found hanging around an apartment complex with a couple of my buddies. I don’t know what happened to my owners. They just left me. It was kind of hard living on the streets because I really love people. I’m a big cuddler! I also love to play and I’m a good boy but I need someone to teach me how to walk on a leash. No one ever bothered to before. I wouldn’t mind being your only dog but I might like one my own size too. Please consider me for your new best friend!
If you are interested in Pops or Wooby, please contact Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. at forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com or 702-272-0010
Sam
Here is her bio:
Please give me a second chance at happiness.
My name is “Sam” even though I’m a female! If you come to my kennel, my tail is tucked tightly between my legs and I looked terrified. If I could talk, I’d tell you what I’ve been through in my short 10-month life. Give me a chance and take me out of my cage and I begin to relax as you can see in my picture.
I was adopted out once and returned because they said I destroyed things. I’ve been so frightened in the past, that I don’t want to be alone; I think they call it separation anxiety. But if you commit to work with me and be understanding, I promise to give you lots of love in return.
I’m at Lied Animal Shelter and my adoption id# is 402250. I’m already spayed so I could come home with you today.
There must be someone out there who can give Sam a foster or forever home and get her out of Lied before it is too late. She has been there 16 days and the longest they last there is 30 days. The clock is ticking…
655 North Mojave Rd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89101
702-384-3333
Gizmo
Gizmo is a sweet, visually impaired dog who is becoming very depressed about living in a kennel. I know there is someone out there somewhere who can help her.
Here is her bio:
Gizmo is a Australian Shepard/ Cattle dog mix.
She is 3 years old, medium sized and spayed.
Gizmo was raised with another dog as an indoor dog. When her female owner died, her male owner remarried. The new wife threw the dogs outside to live. Now they are divorced. The man owner is a truck driver and cannot take care of the dogs.
Gizmo is a very loyal dog. Upon first meeting her, she will be standoffish. But when she gets to know you, she will be your loyal follower. Gizmo is healthy except for her eyes. She has problems seeing and we think she can see shadows only. First time in an environment, she will walk into things but quickly remembers her surroundings.
Gizmo needs a forever or foster home immediately. If you can help this dog, please contact 798-8663 or 591-6469 or Email: dogrescuelv@hotmail.com
Sammy
Sammy, my pit-mix, has something to say to those of you supporting the NFL:
“Just say no! Just say no to supporting a morally bankrupt organization for whom $$$ means more than the lives of my kin. I mean I like a good game of catch as much as the next guy but seriously? They’re paying that, that… HUMAN millions of $$$ just because he can throw a ball? I can do that! And catch one too! Don’t you realize that while there are human animals, canine animals, feline animals, etc., we’re all part of the animal family? And you just don’t do what he did to family… even felines 🙂
By supporting the NFL you’re supporting their decision to put that, that… HUMAN on national TV and make some sort of hero out of him. He, and humans like him, helped give dogs like me a bad rap and because of that millions of us are killed every year just because of our breed or even if we just look like a pitbull. And truthfully, we are the nicest sweetest dogs. We are so eager to please our humans that we will do anything you ask of us. Unfortunately, that’s the problem when you ask us to do something bad. It isn’t our fault but we’re the ones who die for it. And now some of you who say you love us are supporting the people who gave that, that… HUMAN millions of $$$ and put him on national TV to be cheered. I don’t get it. I thought I was your best friend?”
Help Dogs Like Me:
Rocky
Rocky was left in a backyard when his owner lost his home due to foreclosure. When he was rescued he was a dirty, matted, and distressed dog. But look at him now! His inner beauty is surely shining through. He is now a mellow, friendly, and loving guy. He is well-behaved and great with children of all ages. He is also good with other dogs and cats. He is a golden retriever and perhaps shepherd mix approximately six years old. He is just a great dog and will make some lucky family very happy.
Okie
Okie’s owner lost her home and had to move to Oklahoma. But she didn’t leave room in the car for Okie! And despite being sixteen pounds of love, Okie really doesn’t take up that much room. She is very sweet and loves to be petted, scratched, and cuddled. She also loves people of all ages and gets along well with other animals too. She is four years old and just ready to purr her way into your heart.
UPDATE: Okie has been adopted!
Rocky and Okie would be great pets for just about anyone. They love everyone – two and four footed alike! It’s a mystery as to why they have not been snatched up yet. Please come and meet them at our next adoption event!
House
Two cats were abandoned at Fire Station 38. So we named them Fire and House. Fire has been adopted but House is still waiting for her home to come along. She is a perfectly lovely & healthy cat who would love to snuggle her way into your heart.
If you are interested in Rocky or Okie House please contact us at forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com or 702-272-0010
Check out all our animals up for adoption at the Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. website.
Peanut playing
We found a Peanut!
Peanut will be at the Petco on MLK and Craig Rd this Saturday, 9/26, hoping for a new home.
Peanut sleeping
Please contact Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. if you’re interested in Peanut.
Peanut
Sugar Bear was only nine months old when he was killed. His Crime? He was homeless. And he had only been in the Lied shelter for six weeks. But six weeks wasn’t long enough for him to find a home. Clark County city shelters took in 52,375 cats and dogs last year. 56.5% of them didn’t make it out alive. Over 30,000 cats and dogs, like Sugar Bear, were killed and I’m not going to sugarcoat it and say they were “euthanized”. The definition of euthanasia is “the act or practice of killing somebody who has an incurable illness or injury, or of assisting that person to die”. These dogs and cats are not being put out of their misery. Does Sugar Bear look like he is in misery? No, he looks like he is loving life and he should have had a long life filled with love. These 30,000 dogs and cats are being killed simply because, for the vast majority of them, they are homeless.
Stray animals, either picked up by Animal Control or brought to Lied by the public, are the biggest contributor to shelter overpopulation. Those cats (unless feral) and dogs belonged to someone at some point. What happened? Maybe they were just turned loose or maybe they were lost. But only 10% of the animals in the city shelters are returned to owners. So it seems a lot of people aren’t looking for their lost pets.
The number one reason pets are turned into the shelter by their owners? Because the owners are moving. I cannot fathom how cold and compassionless you must be in order to leave your cat or dog behind. But obviously a large segment of our society regards cats and dogs as disposable.
The other top reasons pets are turned into the shelter by their owners? Allergies (usually self diagnosed), home foreclosures/economic reasons, sick or injured pet that the owner can’t or won’t take care of, owner died or went into a nursing home (make arrangements for your pets, please!), owners had a baby so “beloved” pet is out the door, the pet’s behavior (whose fault is that?), new spouse/partner doesn’t like the pet (how pathetic is that!), and owner ignorance on the care of the pet. As you can see the majority of the reasons a pet is dumped into a shelter are due to human ignorance, selfishness, and irresponsibility. I am ashamed on behalf of my species. Everyone should be ashamed about this.
Too often people will hear the statistics, over 30,000 cats and dogs killed annually in Clark County, and say “That’s so sad.” “That’s too bad.” But that’s as far as it goes. Too many people don’t do anything about it. Too many people don’t want to even hear about it. Too many people don’t want to see the faces of these dogs and cats who are being killed, like Sugar Bear. But putting your head in the sand isn’t going to help all the Sugar Bears out there. If you’re ignoring the problem you may as well be sticking the needle in them yourselves.
Now I know people are busy. I’m busy too. But compassion doesn’t take a lot of time or money. It doesn’t take a lot of time to learn about the issues and then educate your family and friends about them. It doesn’t take any more time to adopt your pet from a shelter instead of buying one at a pet store. It doesn’t take a lot of time to write a check to support your local shelter (just forgo a couple of Starbucks each week). It doesn’t take a lot of time to forward on those e-mails about dogs or cats in need. It doesn’t take a lot of time to print out the flyers about the dogs and cats who need homes and post them on your bulletin board at work. It does not take a lot of time to call /write your legislators to advocate for more animal friendly laws. It does not take a lot of time to write a letter to the editor informing the public about the plight of these homeless animals. It does not take a lot of time to confront (and educate) friends and family who did not adopt their pet from a shelter and/or whose pets are not spayed or neutered.
I’m also pretty sure most people could scrape up a couple of hours a month to go walk a homeless dog at the shelter or spend some time brushing a homeless cat or just holding a scared puppy. Socializing the cats and dogs in shelters increases their chances of being adopted. It doesn’t take a lot of time. Every little bit helps. How many hours a week do you spend watching TV anyway?
It is incumbent on all of us who claim to be animal lovers, or who claim to love our own cat or dog, or who just claim to be a decent human being to do whatever we can to help put an end to the killing of tens of thousands of cats and dogs in our community.
So do you speak out for these cats and dogs who can’t speak out for themselves? Or do you just say “So sad, too bad”? Sugar Bear deserved more than that.
“All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good people do nothing.”
Albert Einstein
What You Can Do:
Write to your legislators.
Find them here:
Put this, or something like it, as your e-mail signature:
Save a life, adopt a pet!
http://www.liedanimalshelter.org/
Get involved with a local rescue group.
There’s plenty to choose from, some are in the links on the right side of this page.
Write a Letter to the Editor:
Here, I’ll even get you started:
To the Editor:
56.5 % of all animals going into Lied, our city shelter, do not make it out alive. When will Las Vegans start getting outraged by this and start doing something about it? I do not want my tax dollars being used to kill over 30,000 dogs and cats every year. I want my money to be spent instead on finding these dogs and cats homes and by funding low cost spay/neuter clinics and humane educational programs. Please Las Vegans, adopt your pets from a shelter and get them spayed or neutered!
Feel free to edit or copy as is and send in. Maybe if enough of us do it, they’ll finally print something about it.
