77 pets fostered as Animal Foundation in Las Vegas hosts event to clear shelters
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Dozens of animals will wake up in Las Vegas valley homes this weekend after The Animal Foundation put out a call for foster families.
Summers tend to be a busy time for intakes, but the shelter reached a "crisis capacity" this week, and some dogs had to be kept in emergency pop-up kennels in a hallway.
In two weeks, The Animal Foundation said it took in more than 1,100 animals. That led to Friday's foster event to help free up space.
Amy Hanson, a long-time volunteer, said it's all about the animals. She spent the day helping connect families with furry friends, working the long line of people.
"Honestly the animals need help," Hanson said. "And I know it's easy to say, 'What can I do, what can I do?' It's easier just to come in and help as many people as possible."
Animal Foundation CEO Hilarie Grey said that while she hoped the community would step in to help, she never expected the kind of response she saw Friday.
"It is so heartwarming to see. In the time I've been here, I haven't seen anything like this," Grey said. "Including on days when we have fee-waived adopted events, this is really remarkable turnout and it's making us all a little emotional today."
A spokesperson said 77 pets left the shelter for foster homes on Friday.
On Thursday, the county brought in 38 dogs, including French bulldogs, from an illegal breeding operation, adding to the crowded conditions.
Grey said these dogs are not available yet because they are on a legal hold for the investigation, but hundreds of other dogs are available for adoption or fostering.
And make no mistake: Matches are already being made.
"The name he had already was Coco," Javion Scales said about his new foster. "But I think he looks like a Max. I feel like I'd call him Max or something."
Kristen Bodmer said she's going home with Bambi.
"We saw the post last night, the need for fosters," Bodmer said. We have two dogs already and we were already thinking about doing that, but when we saw the post, we thought we need to get down there."
If you foster an animal and later decide to adopt, the Animal Foundation can help. Regular adoptions also will resume on Saturday.