By MARK WAITE

PVT

When author Laraine Harper released her book “Legal Tender,” in October 2008 — an inside story on the workings of a legal brothel from her six years as a madam — she pledged to donate proceeds to her Symphony Animal Foundation for a no-kill animal shelter.

Harper’s dream may be coming true. Nye County commissioners Tuesday approved a two-year lease for the Symphony Animal Foundation for a two-acre site behind the Nye County Emergency Services Building for $1 per year.

Commissioner Gary Hollis said a typographical error on the agenda listed it as a 50-year lease.

There was a discussion about using some of the 40 acres owned by Nye County on East Mesquite Avenue in the future if more space is needed. Hollis said larger animals like pigs and horses couldn’t be housed on the two acres.

Nye County can terminate the lease on 60 days notice without cause.

“The no-kill animal sanctuary will hopefully support the animal shelter in its efforts. We’re not in competition with them. We’re here to support them. Hopefully between the two entities we can reach a dramatic increase in saving lives. That’s our goal,” Harper said.

The Nye County Animal Shelter has had to euthanise more than 1,900 animals last year. Harper said more than 4 million healthy animals are put down every year nationwide, a figure she called ridiculous.

“Hopefully we will always have space available for animals scheduled for euthanasia at the shelter, keep it safe until it’s placed in a home,” Harper said.

“Legal Tender” has sold well enough that a second edition is planned after the first 5,000.

Harper plans various fundraisers, including a booth at the Pahrump Fair and Festival Sept. 23-26. She suggested sellling stepping stones at the facility, where people could buy a plaque to honor their deceased animal.

“There are a lot of different breed rescues. But there is no rescue where you can take an animal that is abandoned or people can’t hang onto them for whatever reason,” Harper said.

The original plans were for a site on the south end of Pahrump Valley, but Harper said that would cost too much money. Nye County was kind enough to consider donating land, she said.

Harper envisions a large animal facility for dogs, cats, rabbits, an aviary for birds, an office and an outreach center for teaching children and pet owners about responsible ownership. She wants to buy steel buildings that can be taken down and moved if more land is needed. Harper advocated using green technology like solar panels.

Volunteers will be a core of her operation. Harper thinks it will be a good opportunity for youths to get involved, retirees and anyone else.

The Symphony Animal Foundation is named after her first two St. Bernard’s, Beethoven and Mozart, Harper said.

In addition to two St. Bernards, she has six other dogs she adopted from the pound, along with a miniature horse that was abused.

“The neat thing about the foundatdion is it’s going to be proactive in every respect, in not only adoption, but getting it to the right family. There’s going to be a big binder on the front desk that lists all the breeds of dogs,” Harper said.

The actual adoption room will be a living room type setting, not a cold, sterile animal shelter, she said.

“If you like Waterford crystal a German shepherd is not going to be the best choice. It’s best to envision the animal in your own home. It’s so important to get the right dog with the right family so they don’t end up back in the shelter,” Harper said.

“They’ll learn about proper treatment and care of animals while they’re doing something fun. It’s a whole new concept, it’s real cutting edge. It’s going to be great for the community whether they have fur or not.”