Animal shelter receives support from Beatty residents

Desert Haven Animal Society is getting much-needed support from several residents in Beatty.

The facility will receive several dozen handmade pillows, doggie beds, and blankets later this month for animals housed at the shelter.

Beatty resident Betsy Reed said the supply and donation drive began last month when fellow resident Georgine Willis began creating the items.

Both are members of Beatty’s Cowboys and Floozies performing troupe.

“Georgine is the head of the Cowboys and Floozies group here in Beatty, where she does all of the sewings for their costumes,” she said. “So far we’ve gotten a great response, and I’m still getting people who are interested in donating. Just last week, people came and brought me more pillows and stuff.”

So far, Reed said more than 40 assorted items were given to the effort to benefit the facility, where Pahrump Veterinarian Dr. Suzanne Zervantian provides medical services for the animals.

“Dr. Z because she has been a good friend of ours,” she said. “She comes to the Beatty VFW site once or twice a year to provide shots and vaccinations for animals whose owners are deemed low income. A lot of the people in Beatty are older and retired and they don’t have the money or transportation to get to Pahrump. I have three dogs and she takes care of all of them.”

Reed said she and Willis hope to make the supply drive an ongoing effort in the community.

She noted a popular, upcoming annual event might temporarily slow the effort down starting next week.

“Right now we are focusing on Beatty Days, Georgina had to take a break to get some costumes made for Beatty Days,” she said. “She is taking a break on the animal beds and pillows for the time being. We are hoping that someone in Pahrump may start something like this as well. Half of the finished products are at her house and my house.”

Plans, according to Reed, are underway to transport the items to the Desert Haven facility, located at 1511 E. Siri Lane.

They have enlisted the help of a man who goes by the name of “Vaughn” to drive the items 75 miles south to Pahrump.

“I will be delivering these items to the Desert Haven Animal Society later this month,” she said. “When you tell people it’s for a good cause, many of them really step up and want to help. Some people have brought me blankets and towels as well as doggy beds. I make sure they are all washed, cleaned, and in good condition.”

The new operators of Desert Haven Animal Society opened its doors April 30 to the public. For additional information on services, call (775) 751-7020.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes