Heroic dog brings award to shelter

Friday, May 10, 2002 | 9:44 a.m.

The Animal Foundation of Nevada has received the prestigious Lewyt Award from Animal People newspaper for the heroic actions of one of its dogs who recently nursed to health four homeless kittens.

A May 2 Las Vegas Sun story about Daisy the Chihuahua, who mothered the orphaned Siamese kittens after they were brought to the Lied Animal Foundation Shelter, was the catalyst for Daisy and the shelter winning the $500 prize, the award's organizers said.

"We are thrilled by this recognition because this little dog has brought so much attention to the need for foster care of kittens," said longtime Animal Foundation director Mary Herro. "The day after the Sun ran the story we got 45 kittens into new foster (temporary) homes."

Animal People Editor Merritt Clifton said since 1995 his 10-year-old Clinton, Wash.-based national newspaper has documented cases of shelter animal heroism and presents the Lewyt Award for Heroic and Compassionate Animals in each of its 10 issues per year.

Daisy and the Animal Foundation will be featured in the June issue.

Daisy, age 2, gave birth in late April to stillborn puppies. While recovering, she watched Herro's daughter, shelter manager Stacy Herro, hand-feed the four kittens -- Violet Lily, Tumbleweed, Cactus Jack and Stinkweed -- and began grooming and playing with them. Later she began nursing them.

This Friday through Sunday, the Animal Foundation will host a 60-hour "Marathon Animal Festival" at the 700 N. Mohave Road shelter. Daisy is scheduled to make a brief Mother's Day appearance, shelter officials said. More than 180 dogs and 100 cats will be available for adoption.