April 29, 2008 — Dog lovers who live in Lassen County are rejoicing because seven canines placed into the animal shelter have new homes, with four more waiting final adoption approval. April 29, 2008 — Dog lovers who live in Lassen County are rejoicing because seven canines placed into the animal shelter have new homes, with four more waiting final adoption approval.

The Lassen Animal Rescue, based in Westwood, gathered its volunteers on Saturday, April 19 and took 11 cars to the Lassen County Animal Shelter and loaded up all adoptable dogs and took them on the best ride of their lives — to the Susanville Supermarket parking lot.

Founder of LAR, Eileen Spencer told the Lassen County Board of Supervisors during its Tuesday, April 22 meeting that within an hour only four dogs were left and those are all in foster care pending approval of adoption applications.

“We had a very successful Save-a-Dog day. We emptied out your pound. Five of seven dogs that were scheduled to be killed have homes today,” Spencer told the board. The staff at the shelter was extraordinary. They had everything ready.”

She said LAR hopes to have the Save-a-Dog day once a month. The plan is to have a No Kill Day.

Smiling and laughing, Spencer told the supervisors she knew they had discretionary money to hand out at will and LAR could use the money. Supervisors Jim Chapman, Brian Dahle and Jack Hanson gave $500 each from their discretionary funds to aid LAR, which made Spencer smile even more broadly. Supervisors Bob Pyle and Lloyd Keefer told Spencer that they had no more fund left otherwise they would also give money to LAR.

After the meeting Spencer said, “All dogs are doing fine. The new parents are calling in to make appointments for their free spay and neuter. We have scheduled home visits for all of the dogs adopted on Saturday. This is a simple solution to a no kill shelter.”

The shelter is located at 604 Ash St. in Westwood. It can take up to seven adult dogs and unlimited puppies. It offers free spay or neuter. It also using a foster care program whereby people will take in dogs and cats until owners can be found.

Volunteers at the Saturday event included: Johathan Calos, Kelly Fobia, Tony Fobia, Molly Gamboni, Phil Gallagher, Jane Hilliard, Topher Tyler, Nancy Haesche, Priscilla Schaeffer, Suzanne Lakin, Suzanne Monroe and Tesa Sumarowski.