What happened in Vegas ain’t staying in Vegas – at least not in local shelters – thanks to an event organized by the Community Programs and Services staff at Best Friends.
CPS hit the jackpot with its first Las Vegas Super Adoption, finding homes for 331 companion animals during the event, which took place Oct. 20 and 21.
Super Adoptions feature multiple rescues and shelters that bring their adoptables to a designated location – in Vegas it was a PetSmart store – where they’ll get exposure to far more potential adopters than they would at their shelter.
CPS chooses the location, solicits sponsors, recruits volunteers, generates publicity and coordinates with local rescues. Super Adoptions – or nearly identical events – are held in regularly in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, as well as other cities. CPS keeps everyone informed and engaged through the Best Friends Network.
“This was such a feel-good weekend,” said Kate Schnepel, Network promotions manager. “Everyone worked together toward the same goal – seeing as many dogs and cats as possible go out the gates with new families. Each time the latest number of adoptions was announced by the emcee, cheers and applause erupted from staff, volunteers and even members of the public. You could really feel the love.
“And at the end of it all, despite the hard work and our battle with the worst windstorm Las Vegas has seen in a decade, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that it was all worth it.”
In addition to PetSmart, sponsors for the Vegas event were Purina ProPlan, the Animal Foundation and Beasley Broadcast Group.
Terry Magnani, director of community outreach for The Animal Foundation, said she was thrilled with the response from the public, the efforts of the volunteers and the collaboration by all the rescues involved.
“I can see the difference that coming to an event like this is making. It’s about getting the dogs and cats out into the community. I’m 100 percent convinced that the people here today wouldn’t have come to the shelter. There’s still a stigma associated with going there, it’s still thought of as the ‘pound.’
“People want to adopt animals and this is a great venue to showcase them. We brought in many of our animals that had been at the shelter the longest.
“I was overwhelmed at first, but because of the plans I saw from Best Friends I thought this would be totally doable. Even so, this event has exceeded my expectations.”
Terry said that even hard-to-place breeds like pit bulls were adopted.
For instance, Scooby – a big, handsome “bullyboy” who is good-natured and loving. It was ideal for Don Green.
“I’m a business owner and I had been traveling a lot, but that has recently changed. I bought a house that had a dog door, but I had no dog. I heard about this event and came down. When I saw Scooby, I saw a gentle dog with a big heart, and that’s what I was looking for.
“This event is such a good deal for the community and it’s good for the animals. The screening process went so smoothly, I would definitely adopt a shelter animal again,” Don said as he unloaded his newly bought dog bones, dog food, harness, treats and leash, while Scooby looked on with anticipation.
The Lied Animal Shelter – largest of the more than dozen rescue groups to attend – adopted out nearly all animals it brought. Final numbers weren’t immediately available, but the shelter brought approximately 100 dogs, plus cats.
In addition to this being the first Super Adoption in Las Vegas, it was the first one to feature birds from our Feathered Friends department.
“This has been great from an educational standpoint – and for getting attention for adoptable birds,” said Ken Theus, of Best Friends. “But we’re not doing same day adoptions; if someone is interested in one of the birds they have to come out to the sanctuary.
“Birds are usually not available at adoption events because they can be impulse adoptions and this is a lifetime commitment as birds live as long, if not longer, than people. Having potential adopters go to the sanctuary helps weed out those that are not serious about the dedication it takes to have a bird.”
One of the volunteers, whose screen name is “abrill,” posted this comment Sunday night in the Las Vegas community on the Best Friends Network.
“I am a new resident to Las Vegas and I have been in search of great volunteer opportunities. Being at the Super Adoption today is proof that things happen for a reason! Without a doubt, today was one of the BEST days of my life. Not only did I contribute to such an honorable cause, but I also got to meet some amazing people, make new friends, and best of all – adopt my newest baby, Gregors. He is a Chihuahua from Lied Animal Shelter.
“It was a tremendous day filled with emotions, smiles, handshakes and heart-warming stories. I can’t thank everyone enough for the great day and for bringing this little guy into my life! I can’t wait to love him for all the years to come! I am so happy to have helped at such an amazing event.”
Click here to read more about the Las Vegas Super Adoption on the Network.
Click here to check out more Best Friends News.
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Photos by Clay Myers
