Heaven Can Wait Sanctuary's Ground Zero Program offers FREE spay/neuter for low-income neighborhoods. This one of a kind program has altered over 2,500 cats and dogs in 3 years. The majority of owners have neither the money or transportation to take their pets to a veterinary clinic. Ground Zero goes right to the source by taking a mobile vet clinic to them. Once an area is targeted, either by Animal Control or our own volunteers, it is selected as a site for free spay/neuter. Once selected, the effort is kicked off with HCWS hosting a “Block Party” for the residents. 

It was a beautiful sunny day with lots of food and fun for all. HCWS volunteers, Kathy Potts, Sue & Charlie Gegen, Wendy Stater, Harold Vosko and Judy Erickson were all on hand to serve food, sign up the residents’ cats and dogs for their vaccines and upcoming sterilizations. Residents signed up to win $25.00 gift certificates donated by Outback, Smith’s and Wal-Mart. Dr. Tony McCorkle of Ace Mobile Vet Services and vet assistant Ramona Weisenbeger examined and vaccinated over 40 cats and dogs. Those that were not healthy enough to receive vaccinations, were given medicine for their ailments, and will be rescheduled for vaccination. The HCWS mobile clinic will return to the park to sterilize the cats and the VCA Black Mountain Animal Hospital will alter the dogs. The park will again be targeted by HCWS volunteers on March 19 & 20 for trapping of feral cats. The cats will then be fixed & vaccinated at HCWS feral cat clinic and will then be returned to the park.

Rachel Vosko, a founder of HCWS is coordinator for the Pups On Parole Program with the Jean Correctional Facility, and Southern Nevada Correctional Facility. This wonderful program, matches homeless dogs with inmates, who train, love and socialize the dogs, in preparation for adoption. While helping at the “Block Party”, Rachel found 2 dogs in dire need of a good home. A Vista Mobile Home Park resident rescued one dog, Bently, from an abusive home. Bently is deaf and his prior owners beat him as he wasn’t getting trained fast enough. The other dog was mis-matched with an elderly resident who couldn’t handle his juvenile spirit. Both dogs will be socialized and carefully placed in a perfect home.

Although tired, HCWS volunteers went home happy knowing that because of them, litters of unwanted kittens and puppies will NOT be born to die, and the pets of the residents will be healthier and happier animals. Another truly community service for pets and people provided by HCWS.