“BEST IN SHOW” CONTESTANT GETS SECOND “CHANCE” AT LIFE THANKS TO GENEROUS LAS VEGAS VETERINARY SURGEON
Dr. David Mason of Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center Performs Surgery to Prepare One Lucky Pup for Adoption This Sunday at The Animal Foundation’s “Best In Show”
A local veterinary surgeon has generously donated his time and services to save the life of one lucky shelter dog who is set to compete in The Animal Foundation’s 10th Annual “Best In Show.”
Dr. David Mason, a practicing partner at Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, successfully repaired both hind legs of the aptly-named, year-and-a-half old Shih Tzu mix, “Chance,” who now has a second chance at life and the opportunity to find a forever home when he competes in this Sunday’s fundraiser and American Kennel Club-style dog show held at the Orleans Arena beginning at noon.
According to Dr. Mason, Chance had poor function in his hind legs due to a birth defect known as Patellar Luxation, which manifests in difficulty walking and exercising. While most dogs would not be hindered by the condition, Chance was already a “tripod dog” due to a crippled front left leg and desperately needed surgery to restore mobility to his back legs. Thanks to Dr. Mason’s work, Chance’s rear legs will soon be as good as new and he is back to official “tripod” status with full use of three legs. Despite his past obstacles, Chance now has the opportunity at a mobile and happy life. An adorable Shih Tzu mix with a sweet disposition, Chance will compete in the Special Needs category presented by Holly Madison during Sunday’s event.
“As a special needs dog, we realized that Chance’s best opportunity for adoption into a loving home would be during Best In Show,” said Dr. Mason. “We are happy to contribute to this year’s event by not only giving this special dog another chance at a normal life, but also by alleviating the financial burden of the necessary surgery and making him a better candidate for adoption.”
Dr. Mason said the surgery took about an hour and that Chance is already up and walking. His future family should expect to make one-week and one-month follow up visits to ensure proper healing and replace sutures, but after that, Chance is expected to make a full recovery. Dr. Mason added that while it is part of his job to help animals, he felt that Chance is a particularly “cool dog” which was an added incentive to offer the pro-bono surgery.
Animal lovers, families, and those who are interested in adopting are invited to attend Best In Show, presented by Zappos.com.
The event, hosted by singer, songwriter and entertainer Clint Holmes, features more than 50 adoptable and adorable shelter dogs and serves as The Animal Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event. Guests will also enjoy performances by the cast of Tony® award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet, and appearances by Holly Madison and many local news personalities. A vendor fair will be held in the Orleans Arena from noon to 4 p.m. will showcase unique pet-friendly businesses such as luxury pet food and apparel boutiques, expert animal trainers, local animal advocacy non-profits and more.
Tickets for “Best In Show” are on sale now and cost $12 for adults and $5 for seniors and children 2-12 years of age. For tickets call (702) 284-7777 or visit www.OrleansArena.com.
About The Animal Foundation
The Animal Foundation is a private, non-profit, multi-service agency dedicated to making a difference in the lives of animals in the Las Vegas Valley. To promote the humane treatment of animals, The Animal Foundation operates Nevada’s largest open-admission shelter (Lied Animal Shelter), taking in more than 45,000 lost, unwanted and abandoned pets every year. Additionally, the Foundation operates lost and found services, foster home and adoption services, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and vaccination clinics, and community education. To learn more about The Animal Foundation or view adoptable pets online, visit animalfoundation.com and facebook.com/animalfoundation.
