Ferret Rescue Turns into Frolic Across America

Northern Nevada Organization Embarks on Year-Long National Trip

(Fallon, Nev.) – Rescuer’s Relief, Inc., a new organization formed to help small ferret rescues nationwide, will soon begin a year-long trip to aid ferret rescues in approximately 21 states and even into Canada. 

The organization will travel to rescues around the country and care for its ferret inhabitants while the rescue owners take a vacation.  The organization will provide experienced care at no cost to the rescue.  Ferrets require a unique level of care and knowledge, leaving many rescuers with no options should they want to take a vacation or in case of emergency.

This unique organization began as an idea for Executive Director Lisa Watson.  Watson, who previously operated Wind & Willows Ferret Rescue for 8.5 years, came up with the idea after being hospitalized from two heart attacks.  Stress from the expense and daily upkeep to run her rescue while working full-time had taken its toll.

“I wondered what would have happened to my shelter if I hadn’t had an amazing family, friends and volunteers to help while I was in the hospital and recovering,” Watson said.  “There had to be a way to help rescue the rescuers.”

In less than 6 months, Watson formed a game plan, purchased an RV, received applications from across the country and began fundraising.  Rescuer’s Relief, Inc.’s journey now has supporters and fans from all 50 states and over 40 countries and the money collected will help ensure the services provided to rescues are free.  Watson will also focus on providing ferret education in the communities near of each shelter and while on the road.  

“Ferrets are the third most popular companion animal in the country,” Watson said.  “They are also arguably the most misunderstood and many of them end up with very poor care or in shelters.”

She plans on documenting the Rescuer’s Relief journey through blogging and social media to allow sponsors, donors and cheerleaders to follow their journey.

For more information about Rescuer’s Relief, how to donate or to follow their progress across America, visit www.ferretrescuersrelief.org. or “Like” them at https://www.facebook.com/RescuersRelief.

Walk Your Pet with the American Cancer Society, This May

The American Cancer Society's

Bark For Life of Reno/Sparks
Sparks Marina
Sunday, May 4th
9:00 am registration, 10:00 am start

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life^TM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.

By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

So bring your best canine friend and join us for a fun-filled day starting with a walk, and then continuing with demonstrations, contests, and games.

Your Help Is Needed...right now

Pets of the Homeless Is Recruiting 

Collection Sites & Pet Food Donations

Carson City, NV – Each year, 3.5 million experience homelessness in America, less than a quarter will be homeless for a short time.  However, over 76% are chronically homeless due to physical disability, developmental disability, HIV/AIDS, mental illness and substance abuse problems. Pets of the Homeless (POTH) estimates that as many as 10-25% have service or companion pets.  The need for pet food and veterinary care is at an all-time high. 

 

Pets of the Homeless (POTH), is a nonprofit organization that provides pet food and veterinary care to the homeless in local communities across the United States and Canada, is asking for assistance from business owners and managers.

With the increase of the need for food for pets of the homeless, there is a need for more POTH collection sites. These sites provide the public with a convenient location to drop off pet food and supplies. The donations are then delivered to distributing organizations (food banks, homeless shelters and/or soups kitchens) that have agreed to distribute the pet food to the homeless and poor. Businesses can become a collection site at no cost by signing up on the POTH website, petsofthehomeless.org. Participating business will receive a collection site kit that instructs businesses how to collect and distribute the donations, and gives them authorization to use the POTH logo and photo resources. In addition, partners receive a guide to accessing free publicity in their area.

By becoming a collection site, businesses benefit by unifying staff members, gaining internet exposure and publicizing their business to current and potential customers. These businesses also make the statement that they are socially responsible members of their community. But, perhaps the largest benefit of all is the positive impact that is made in the lives of our less fortunate neighbors and their loving pet companions.         

Since 2008, POTH has recruited over 470 collection sites and over 400 distributing organizations.  Collection sites reporting more than 511,500 pounds of donated pet food and supplies over that time. These statics change daily.

In addition to establishing collection sites, POTH sponsors veterinarians that go to where the homeless congregate and provide wellness veterinary care such as vaccines, spay/neuter and other needed treatments. POTH also assists homeless pet owners with emergency veterinary care.  With cash donations they have provided veterinary care to over 10,400 pets that belong to the homeless.

Interested businesses are urged to visit www,petsofthehomeless.org to join, or email info@petsofthehomeless.org for more information.

Earth Day Showcases Pets Too, April 27, Idlewild Park, Reno

Photo by Diana Ekins

You are invited to Reno Earth Day

 April 27, 2014

at Idlewild Park,  Idlewild Dr. Reno, NV 89509

 10am-5pm

 

Photo by Heather Howell

Reno Earth Day 2014 will be at Idlewild Park on April 27th, 2014 from 10am to 5pm. This exciting festival hosts live music, delicious local food, educational activities, crafts, art, and everything on between with our three fold theme: The Natural World, Clean and Green Technology and Many Cultures.


For more details, call  (775) 771-1828, or email: Renoearthday@gmail.com.

Www.renoearthday.com

Animal Ark Opens April First, Announces This Year's Special Events

Animal Ark Special Events!

Sponsors Night! SaturdayApril 19th 4:30 – 6:00 pm 

This is an invitation-only event for Members and Adoptive Parents! Bring a treat for your animal; talk to the animal keepers; and hear behind-the-scenes stories.  Not yet a member or a sponsor?  You are welcome to purchase either status at the door.   

Piñatas & Predators SaturdayMay 3rd  10:15 am – 2:30 pm 

Come watch the fun as our predators break open their treat-filled piñatas! Great photo opportunities! Event prices: Adults $15; Seniors $13.50; Children $12; children 2 and under are free.  

Cheetah 500 SundayMay 25th  5:30 pm 

Reservations required due to limited seating.  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431  

May 25th is the day for the Indianapolis 500 and the Cheetah 500!  Come see the world’s fastest land mammal in action as our cheetahs run at top speeds – completely off-leash – around the Animal Ark run field!  Event prices: Adults $40; Seniors $35; Children (10-16 years old) $30.  Children must be at least 10 years old to attend. 

Wolf Howl Night SaturdayJune 7th   6:00 – 8:30 pm  

Join us for a howling good time!  The park opens at 6:00 p.m. so you may see the other residents of Animal Ark prior to the fun and educational Wolf Howl Program at 7:00.  Hear wolves and coyotes howl then participate in our contest, with prizes to be awarded to the best human howlers.  Event prices: Adults $15; Seniors $13.50; Children $12; children 2 and under are free. 

Dash 4 Dads Cheetah Chase SundayJune 15th6:00 pm 

Reservations required due to limited seating.  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431  

What Dad doesn’t enjoy watching top speeds?  Cheetahs accelerate zero to 45 MPH in just three strides, acceleration faster than a sports car!  We predict Dad will be impressed!  Event prices: Adults $40; Seniors $35; Children (10-16 years old) $30.  Children must be at least 10 years old to attend. 

July is Military Month at the Animal Ark   

We offer free admission for all active and reserve personnel.  Military family members will receive 50% regular admission prices.  We’re grateful for your service!  

Lure of the Cheetah SaturdayJuly 5th7:00 pm  

Reservations required due to limited seating.  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431  

Come see the world’s fastest land mammal in action as our cheetahs run at top speeds – completely off-leash – around the Animal Ark run field!  Event prices: Adults $40; Seniors $35; Children (10-16 years old) $30.  Children must be at least 10 years old to attend. 

Page BreakSponsors Night! SaturdayAugust 2nd  4:30 – 6:00 pm 

This is an invitation-only event for Members and Adoptive Parents! Bring a treat for your animal; talk to the animal keepers; and hear behind-the-scenes stories.  Not yet a member or a sponsor?  You are welcome to purchase either status at the door.   

Ark at Dark SaturdayAugust 16th 7:30 – 9:45 pm 

Reserve early as this event fills quickly!  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431 

Wolves and coyotes howling and big cats growling in the night:  it’s Ark at Dark! Enjoy a guided flashlight tour and see our nocturnal predators in their element.  Event prices: Adults $15; Seniors $13.50; Children $12; Suggested for ages 7 or older due to late hour.  No golf carts are available at this event! 

On the Wind Cheetah Run SundaySeptember 7th 5:00 pm 

Reservations required due to limited seating.  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431  

Majestic balloons grace the skyline at dawn, and our cheetahs race into the sunset!  Come see the world’s fastest land mammal in action running at top speeds – completely off-leash – around the Animal Ark run field!  Event prices: Adults $40; Seniors $35; Children (10-16 years old) $30.  Children must be at least 10 years old to attend. 

“Out of Africa” Gala Sunday September 21st  2:00 – 6:00pm 

Reservations required.  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431  

Enjoy great food and drink, watch the Ark cheetahs run at top-speeds, and chat with leading cheetah conservationists!  The money raised during this event will support cheetah conservation in Africa, as well as Animal Ark.  Individual tickets are $125; Limited “Game Drive” tickets include a guided tour and can be purchased for $200 each.  Tables seating 10 people can be purchased for $1000.   

Harvest Festival SaturdaysOctober 4th & 18th10:15 am –2:30 pm 

As part of our behavioral enrichment program, most of the animals will receive pumpkins filled with their favorite treats.  Watch the enjoyment experienced by our predators when presented with these unique and delicious meals.  Throughout the day, pumpkins will be delivered to different animals.  Come spend the day; bring the camcorder…..this is animal viewing at its finest!   Event prices: Adults $15; Seniors $13.50; Children $12; children 2 and under are free.    

Ark Stampede SaturdayOctober 11th   T.B.A. 

Dress in your favorite animal costume or print and take on this challenging 5K Trail Run/Walk that supports the winter care of our animals.  Be sure to bring the family as we will have face painting, a shorter Kids Run, and raffle prizes.  Learn more and register at www.ArkStampede.org.  

Last Chance Cheetah Dash SundayOctober 12th 4:45 pm 

Reservations required due to limited seating.  RSVP at 1-775-970-3431  

This is the last Cheetah Run of the season!  Reward yourself with an incredible experience:  Watch these magnificent cats running with extraordinary speed, off-leash, across the desert in pursuit of an enticing lure.  Event prices: Adults $40; Seniors $35; Children (10-16 years old) $30.  Children must be at least 10 years old to attend. 

Thanksgiving Weekend iday & Saturday November 28th & 29th11:00 am – 3:00 pm 

If you are not wild about hitting the malls for the annual holiday shopping frenzy after Thanksgiving, why not drive out to Animal Ark?  Have family in town? You can enjoy our animals when they are active in late fall’s cooler temperatures.  Event prices: Adults $12; Seniors $11; Children $10; children 2 and under are free.  Golf carts may not be available.