Friendly Ford to host Paws for the Cause on Oct. 21

The fall Paws for the Cause animal adopt-a-thon has been scheduled for Oct. 21 at Friendly Ford, 660 N. Decatur Blvd, off U.S. Highway 95. The event runs each year in conjunction with the Animal Foundation.

The semi-annual event moved to Friendly Ford in 2011. Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Paws for the Cause showcases a variety of cuddly canines that are in need of a loving home.

To ensure the safe return of lost pets, Friendly Ford is taking action and offering free microchipping to the public and their pets; all pets are welcome.

Over the years, Friendly Ford has assisted in microchipping hundreds of pets in the community. Veterinarians from Blue Cross Animal Hospital and Warm Springs Animal Hospital will be on-site in the medical mobile, ensuring the safety of each pet that is microchipped.

Event founder Dana Arcana expresses the importance of microchipping, since one in three pets goes missing. This permanent ID gives pets the best chance of returning home and being reunited with their families.

“Microchipping is extremely important,” Arcana said. “Unfortunately, an awful lot of dogs never get the microchip, so they’re oftentimes lost for good.”

Arcana said the Animal Foundation has been a very vital part of Southern Nevada for many years.

“In 2016 alone the Animal Foundation saved 20,775 animals with over 4,626 lost pets being reunited with their owners,” she said. “Friendly Ford believes in the mission of the Animal Foundation, which addresses the root causes of pet overpopulation and homelessness, and supports their continued efforts to find loving homes for these amazing animals that have often been abandoned and abused.”

Daniel Neel, chief finance and development officer for the Animal Foundation, said the event at Friendly Ford always has very strong turnout of animals that are adopted.

“We’re very grateful to Friendly Ford for this long-standing partnership,” he said. “It’s a terrific opportunity for us to make pet adoptions even more accessible to the community.”

Along with Friendly Ford, other event sponsors include MP K9 Dog Training, PetSmart, Warm Springs Animal Hospital, Blue Cross Animal Hospital, On the Spot Doggy Stylers, KXPT Radio and La Buena Radio.

As the cool weather approaches, an ever-popular blanket drive has been included again at Paws for the Cause. Those participating in the drive will receive a free drink and appetizer coupon, compliments of PT’s Taverns in Las Vegas.

In addition, the Rev. John Assalone, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, will be blessing each animal with a special prayer as it arrives. Miss Nevada, Andrea Martinez, and local titleholders from the Miss Nevada Scholarship Organization will be in attendance to help these furry friends find their forever homes.

Located at 655 N. Mohave Road, the Animal Foundation Adoption Department is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Further information can be found by visiting www.animalfoundation.com or by calling 702-384-3333.