Sunday, March 20, 2011 | 6:53 p.m.
Maybe the song choice was coincidence, but the dogs parading into the St. PETrick's Day event at Aliante Station on Sunday certainly seemed to enjoy Kevin Rudolf's hit "Let It Rock" blaring over the speakers.
Their tails wagged and tongues panted to the lyrics, "Because when I arrive I — I'll bring the fire ... Let it rock, let it rock, let it rock."
They had reason to be happy: a chance for adoption and more money being given to their temporary home, The Animal Foundation, a private, nonprofit agency that operates the Lied Animal Shelter in Las Vegas.
Attendees, who paid a cover charge benefiting The Animal Foundation, enjoyed a craft beer-tasting from Budweiser, vegetarian food sampling from Aliante Station's Italian restaurant Il Vino Cucina & Wine Bar and rounds of blackjack inside the event.
"I hope they have a lot of fun and realize that our animals are great, and they just need a little love," said Meghan Scheibe, assistant director of development at The Animal Foundation.
The event also brought out self-proclaimed animal lovers Pro BMX rider T.J. Lavin and celebrity emcee Amy Heart, who has a nationally syndicated radio show, "Amy's Heart After Dark."
"I think found dogs are the best because they appreciate you stopped," said Lavin, who proudly owns a stray dog he found on Decatur Boulevard.
St. PETrick's Day evolved after officials from Aliante Station approached the foundation about wanting to coordinate a charity event to benefit the thousands of homeless animals in Las Vegas, Scheibe said. Gloomy and windy weather, however, forced the event indoors as opposed to its planned pool setting.
But the change of scenery didn't phase Dusty, a 4-year-old terrier mix, who nosed around his surroundings and warmly greeted visitors.
Dusty was one of the 10 dogs brought to the event — all hoping for a home after being spayed or neutered and implanted with a microchip.
Steve Tice, a volunteer at The Animal Foundation, immediately showed a picture of his two shelter rescue dogs, pit bulls Romeo and Chico, citing them as his inspiration for helping at the event.
"It was a way to continue staying involved, even though my house is full," he said while holding Dusty's leash.
The Animal Foundation relies on donations to cover most sheltering costs because municipal contracts only provide funds for the first 72 hours of each animal's admittance, Scheibe said.
The foundation hoped to raise upwards of $15,000 at St. PETrick's Day, the first in a series of planned events to raise awareness and, as a result, lead to more adoptions, Scheibe said.
"We're really hoping to increase advocacy and get our name out there more," she said.
Last year, the foundation took in 11,000 more animals than the Animal Care and Control in New York City, Scheibe said. That means 150 to 160 animals arrive at the shelter each day, adding up to more than 50,000 per year.
"It's a combination of things," Scheibe said of the high number, including "people not spaying or neutering their pets."
To help minimize animal populations, The Animal Foundation opened a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in February, Scheibe said. The cost is about $85, depending on the animal, at the foundation's campus, 655 N. Mojave Road.
For Sharon Elliott and Robert Lane, it was their new bundle of joy — 2-year-old Sammie, a boxer they adopted from the shelter two weeks ago — who motivated them to attend and support St. PETrick's Day.
"She won us over as soon as she came out the door," Elliott said.
Now, they intend to pay the goodwill forward in honor of Sammie.
"We'll be a lot more involved," Elliott said. "She's part of the family now."
Aliante Casino + Hotel, 7300 Aliante Parkway, is a Four Diamond AAA-rated resort at Aliante Parkway and Interstate 215, bringing dining, gaming and entertainment to North Las Vegas. Located across from the Aliante Golf Course, the $675 million dollar resort features more than 200 rooms and suites. It opened in 2008 as part of the Station Casino family and began operating under its own management in the fall of 2012.
The casino floor has more than 2,000 slot machines, 40 tables games. The casino also features an all-paper, all-day bingo hall with a blackout progressive starting at $10,000. It also features a race and sports book that offers an extensive menu of wagering propositions not found elsewhere.
Dining includes four restaurants and eight fast food eateries. The signature restaurant is MRKT sea & land, which features steak and seafood and a 5,000-bottle wine list. Three new restaurants were introduced in fall 2012: Bistro 57, which offers Mediterranean-inspired fare; The Salted Lime, a margarita bar featuring food offerings from south of the border, and Medley Buffet, which will serve culinary treats from around the world. The food options for quick eats include Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, Johnny Rocket's, Panda Express Gourmet Chinese Food, T.G.I. Friday's, Dairy Queen, Orange Julius, Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill and Villa Pizza.
Guests can enjoy live entertainment at the Access Showroom, a 650-seat concert venue. For movies, the resort features the Regal Aliante Stadium 16 & IMAX. The ETA Lounge is Aliante's nightlife scene, with a private VIP section, a DJ booth and cold cocktails. The pool features palm trees, umbrellas, daybeds and cabanas.
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