Friendly Ford Paws

Paws for the Cause at Friendly Ford helps find new homes for abandoned animals

The fourth annual Paws for the Cause pet adoption was everything it was expected to be Nov. 1 at Friendly Ford, which is at 660 N. Decatur Blvd.

Presented from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. the event run in conjunction with The Animal Foundation and worked to join pet lovers with cats and dogs that had been abandoned and left with the foundation at 655 N. Mojave Road.

The brainchild of Dana Olliges-Arcana — the daughter of Friendly Ford owner Ed Olliges — Paws for the Cause is presented each spring and fall. A veteran of pet adoptions dating back to 1996, Olliges-Arcana is a pet lover.

“Nobody had done a pet adoption before,” she explained, adding that her friend Deanne Sheehan of Lotus Broadcasting, was also involved in the first adoptions. “It was really neat that I could bring it to my dad because he, too, is an animal lover. This is a great community event and there are so many animals that need a home. The foundation does an amazing job. People can come down here to experience the fun environment; and the event has really worked.”

The event’s list of beneficiaries included longtime Friendly Ford employee Geri Bich, who adopted a cat after her longtime feline friend of 10 ½ years, Murphy, died May 16.

“I got my new kitten that is 13 weeks old and named him Teddy,” she said. “He’s very special and perfect.”

Animal Foundation Director of Development Andy Bischel said the Paws for the Cause was well-received.

“The Paws for the Cause is especially nice because we’re able to bring both dogs and cats,” said Bischel, a former assistant golf coach at UNLV before joining the foundation five years ago.

Bischel said the event met its expectations.

“This particular event is one of the few that allows both dogs and cats,” Bischel said.

“It drew a very good crowd and everyone was extremely happy with the final result.”

The Animal Foundation is situated on an 8-acre campus off U.S. Highway 95 and Eastern Avenue. In addition to the main campus location, the foundation operates PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center, a satellite adoption facility for dogs and cats inside PetSmart at 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson.

Microchips were provided for current pets compliments of Friendly Ford.

In addition, MP K9 All Breed Dog Training offered a free training session to anyone who adopts that day.

Further information regarding Friendly Ford can be found by visiting www.friendlyfordlv.com or by calling 702-870-7221.

Further information regarding the Animal Foundation can be found by visiting www.animalfoundation.com.