LATEST UPDATE: Dozens of people were at the practice facility for the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday in hopes that they would be able to adopt one of the rescued Pomeranians.
One family even flew to Las Vegas from Colorado in hopes of adopting one of the dogs. Their beloved Pomeranian named Fluffy passed away a few weeks ago.
Five of the dogs were auctioned off during the event. The highest bid received was $1,600. Dog lovers also had the chance to win a raffle to adopt 10 other Pomeranians.
Unfortunately the family from Colorado did not win the chance to adopt a dog.
All of the money raised at the event will go to the Animal Foundation. Unfortunately, the family from Colorado did not
Not everyone was happy about the auction. Gina Greisen with Nevada Voters for Animals says that auctions are not the best way to find a good home for a rescued animal. She also said that the Animal Foundation is breaking a law that bans the promotional sale of live animals.
The Animal Foundation does not agree though and says that all potential owners are carefully vetted.
UPDATE DEC. 18: The Vegas Golden Knights are finding good homes for Pomeranians that were rescued from a puppy mill.
Last month, 164 Pomeranians were pulled out of a U-Haul truck. They were stuffed in crates from the floor to the ceiling.
Their little faces have so much emotion. You can tell the recovery process has been tough. For some of them, their fur was so matted they had to be completely shaved.
Monday, something good is happening. These rescued dogs are getting help from the Vegas Golden Knights. At 11 a.m. you can watch the team practice and adults get the chance to adopt a dog for free. There will be 10 available for adoption.
Plus they're going to auction off another five of the Pomeranians. The money will go back to the Animal Foundation where the Pomeranians have been getting ready for loving homes and a second chance at life.
If you are unable to attend the practice, the remaining dogs are also available for adoption through theAnimal Foundation's website.
The online promotion for the opportunity to adopt one of the rescued dogs, administered by a third-party bidding system, will open at 11 a.m. PST Dec. 18. Entry fees may be purchased for $200 each, which is less than the cost of care for each dog during their stay at the shelter and equivalent to the highest adoption fee for any animal at The Animal Foundation. Participants may purchase up to three (3) entries per household through 11:59 p.m. on January 1, 2018, but only one dog per household may be adopted through the online drawing.
The $200 fee to enter the online promotion will serve as the adoption fee for the winners. spay/neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccines, a starter bag of food, 30 days of free pet insurance and a voucher good for a complimentary wellness exam at participating veterinary hospitals will all be included.
The cost for entry will also allow non-winners the opportunity to adopt any pet for free from The Animal Foundation beginning January 6, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
Winners will be determined after the online promotion ends on January 1, 2018, at 11:59 p.m. and will be notified via email and phone no later than January 5, 2018. All adopters must comply with The Animal Foundation's adoption process, including an in-person interview and screening. The Animal Foundation reserves the right to disqualify any entry and adoption for any reason, in its sole and absolute discretion. A full refund will be given for any disqualified participant. Official rules for the promotion may be found at animalfoundation.com.
ORIGINAL STORY: On Nov. 30, 164 Pomeranians were rescued from the back of a U-Haul truck in Sandy Valley. And after some of the dogs received much-needed medical care and grooming, a few of them are ready for adoption.
The Animal Foundation, which has cared for the dogs since they were found, is teaming up with the Vegas Golden Knights to host a Pucks for Paws community event to kick off the adoption process.
The events will be held Monday, December 18 at 11 a.m. at City National Arena, 1550 South Pavilion Center Drive.
Golden Knights players will hold a team practice session at 11:30 a.m. and immediately follow it up by hosting a live auction of five Pomeranians.
The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation will also contribute funds to allow each attending adult over the age of 18 a free chance to adopt one of ten additional dogs that day.
Attendees can increase their chances of adopting a dog by purchasing tickets for $20 each. Winners will be chosen at random by an independent third-party raffle administrator and will be notified at the event. Only one dog per household is allowed.
The free and $20 tickets will serve as the adoption fee for the winners. Spay/neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccines, a starter bag of food, 30 days of free pet insurance and a voucher for a complimentary wellness exam at participating veterinary hospitals will all be included thanks to funds contributed by the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.
An online promotion to facilitate adoptions for the remaining majority of dogs will also launch at the event. Members of the public are invited to purchase tickets through 11:49 p.m. on January 1, 2018.
