Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Lorayn Walster, left, plays with Gypsy Thursday afternoon at the Canine Country Club in Minden. Walster and volunteers from left rear, Dorothy Morrison with Gracie, Corrine Gentry with Patrick and Marcie Young with Scooter play with some of the rescue dogs who are available for adoption through Dog Town Canine Rescue.
Two years ago while living in Elko, Lorayn Wasler was appalled to find out how many dogs were being euthanized at local animal shelter. Being a dog lover herself, she decided to try to help.
She formed Dog Town Canine Rescue, a nonprofit organization run by volunteers and focused on a single mission.
"Our focus is to save dogs in shelters and pounds that are going to be put to sleep and find them homes," Wasler said.
In the two years since its inception, the rescue managed to save more than 400 animals, taking them from animal shelters and finding them good homes across the state.
The group utilizes a Web site to showcase the animals up for adoption and applies for grants to provide funding to spay and neuter animals. The cost to adopt a dog from the rescue is $75 and includes the animal being fixed and having all needed vaccinations and tags.
In January, Wasler and her husband moved to Carson City and brought the rescue with them. To accomplish the move, the remaining animals in their care were put in foster homes or temporarily housed at Canine Country Club in Minden.
Now, the group is looking for volunteers to help with transportation of the animals, paperwork, and to provide foster homes for dogs until the permanent rescue is established.
"We are waiting until we sell our house in Elko, but we are looking at a place in Stagecoach," Wasler said. "We have dogs in foster homes right now and we are still taking in dogs."
The rescue is holding a volunteer recruitment drive from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Grandma Hattie's Restaurant, 2811 S. Carson St., to provide information about volunteering opportunities.
"We are looking for people with experience with dogs that know about behavior issues. If you want to be a foster home you need a fenced yard," Wasler said.
Wasler said that people who are unable to provide homes can help in other ways, volunteering to transport animals to veterinary appointments or from shelters or helping answer phones and e-mails sent to the group.
The group also provides the opportunity to adopt the animals at local pet supply stores several times a month. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 18, the group will be at PetCo in Carson City. The group also offers adoptions on the second Saturday of the month at PetCo.
With 15 dogs of her own, Wasler said she understands the benefits of having an animal around.
"Besides the companionship of the animal, people who have animals have lower blood pressure, less depression and less stress," Wasler said. "With a rescue dog you also get a good feeling because you are saving the dog and I think they are appreciative."
-- Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If you go
What: Volunteer recruitment drive for Dog Town Canine Rescue
When: 2-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Grandma Hattie's Restaurant, 2811 S. Carson St.
Call: (775) 934-5774 for information.
If looking to adopt a shelter dog from the group, all animals are listed on the group's Web site at www.dogtown.petfinder.com