From Vegas to Big Sky: Giving a helping hand

After months of planning, the evening of June 12 was special for all those who helped create "Las Vegas 2 Big Sky", a collaboration of residents in Nevada and Montana whose purpose is to find homes for dogs who are in danger of being euthanized.

Shortly after 7 p.m., a van pulled up to the residence of Patti Reed, who lives outside of Whitehall. Along with Darla Martin and Annette Thomas of Las Vegas, the vehicle also had some very special passengers. Over 20 dogs were transported to the residence where Patti operates "Reed's Rescue and Rehabilitation, a non-kill organization that believes that every life deserves a forever home.

The idea for "Las Vegas 2 Big Sky" came out of a friendship forged between Reed and Martin. They originally met when Martin, who was visiting her brother in Whitehall, stopped to talk with Patti after seeing dogs in her yard. Martin, who is a school teacher, told Reed one of her students had to get rid of their dogs and she had been fostering them. Martin informed her she did not have a big space for them and asked for help.

Reed was able to find the dogs a home and over time she and Martin would work together on several occasions. It was during this time that Martin explained to Reed about some of the severe problems with dogs in Las Vegas. Reed said there are currently over 2,000 animals a month being euthanized.

The two soon would start working with Thomas, who is involved with Positive Difference, a dog rescue organization in Las Vegas.

The three, and many other volunteers worked hard in preparation for the trip in early June that would bring 21 dogs to the area.

When Martin and Thomas arrived, 12 local residents who had been patiently awaiting their arrival greeted them.

Reed said everyone who came to meet the dogs was very excited and helped get the dogs situated, as well as helping to walk and feed them. Reed added that local resident Nikki Babcock offered to foster five of the dogs on her own, which was a real help.

Reed has certainly heard complaints like "aren't there enough dogs in Whitehall", but she strongly feels they are missing the point of what they are doing.

"If we're able to save a handful of animals, we are doing our job," she said.

Reed stated they didn't care where the dog was from; they just wanted to give them a chance at life.

Martin echoed the statements of Reed.

"First and foremost our goal is to give dogs a chance at a better life and secondly to inspire others to help animals as well," Martin said.

Looking to the future, both Reed and Martin said they probably made mistakes with the first trip, but this is something they would like to continue in the future. Reed also wants residents to know more about what is happening at the kill shelters in Las Vegas.

"These dogs deserve better," she said.