Pet Network Humane Society

UPCOMING EVENTS:

PET NETWORK ANNUAL FUR BALL GALA: June 11th, 2022

TO VOLUNTEER AT PET NETWORK EMAIL: volunteer@petnetwork.org

SIGN-UP FOR THE PET NETWORK NEWSLETTER: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/g30ABhG/signup

FOLLOW PET NETWORK ON SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.instagram.com/petnetworkhs/ https://www.facebook.com/PetNetworkHumaneSociety/

Visit the Pet Network Thrift Store, Open 11 am to 5 pm 760 Mays Blvd., Suites 9 & 10 Incline Village NV, 89451 (775) 548-5049

By Hilary Abrahms

PET NETWORK HUMANE SOCIETY in Incline Village

has undergone some exciting changes over the past year! With a new Executive Director at the helm, this nearly 30-year-old animal welfare organization is on a mission to rescue more animals than ever from overcrowded shelters. Pet Network cares for animals until they are ready to be adopted out into loving homes across the Tahoe basin and beyond. Cats and dogs from across the Western states are brought to the shelter where they receive medical care, behavioral enrichment, and of course lots of love and attention from staff and volunteers.

Since its inception, Pet Network has rescued and rehomed more than 10,000 animals in need, and new fur friends arrive to the facility weekly. Prior to adoption every animal is examined by the Pet Network veterinarian, Dr. Ryann Healy, who treats them for medical concerns, administers vaccines, and spays or neuters each animal before they are adopted out into the community. While waiting for their new families, the dogs rest in spacious kennels that have large windows and individual access to their own outdoor wooded play yards. The adult cats lounge in their indoor/outdoor ‘catio’, complete with a flat screen TV that imitates a fish tank, while the smaller kittens tussle around safely in their indoor ‘kitten playground.’

The upbeat energy you feel when walking through the humane society’s doors matches the growth they are experiencing. Staff bustle around the immaculate facility, tending to a new litter of kittens and consulting on the best video angles for a dog who will be featured on their Instagram page, all while a rather rotund lobby cat oversees the activity from her perch. The Pet Network team makes a concerted effort to ensure that the shelter is a place of love and laughter and new beginnings. From the afternoon ‘scent of the day’ that wafts through the dog halls via diffuser, to specially made pupsicles and Kongs chock-full of peanut butter and treats, the animals are lovingly cared for by the Pet Network family while they wait for their forever homes. Every staff person participated in a week-long training intensive, from the receptionist to the Executive Director, to become ‘Fear Free’ certified to work with animals in a safe, loving, and compassionate manner.

Pet Network’s warm inviting vibe extends beyond the care of their animals, with an increase in community outreach events and collaborations, their lifesaving work is touching communities in the Tahoe basin and beyond every day. Cats and dogs are brought to Pet Network where they receive the care necessary to adopt them out into loving and grateful homes. Over 645 animals were rescued by Pet Network in 2020 and this year they are aiming to top that number.

How You Can Help

Incline Village’s beloved humane society has big plans for the future! As they continue to save the lives of animals across the Western states, with a small but dedicated staff, the help of volunteers is more integral than ever to their mission. The shelter has a host of volunteer opportunities available for both handson animal lovers, as well as for individuals who would prefer to contribute to the cause by working at the Pet Network Thrift Store, taking photos of animals, or helping out the front desk staff. Shelter visitors are welcome 7 days a week, stop by for a tour and say hello to the furry residents!

Pet Network is honored to carry out the special work of changing the lives of rescue animals, and they are so thankful to the Tahoe community for their ongoing support.

(LEFT): The Nelson Family at The Potlatch, from L to R- Katie, Lisa, Penny, and Aaron. (RIGHT): The Menath Family, Scott, Stetson, Sheperd, and Ashley. (FAR RIGHT): The Azzara Gitchell family.

By Kayla Anderson

AS PEOPLE WHO’VE BEEN HERE for a while know,

Incline Village/Crystal Bay is a beautiful place to grow up, start a business, and raise a family, and few people are lucky enough to say they’ve done all three. Even luckier are the community members whose parents started a small business and kept it thriving, paving the way for their children to take over. Here are a few examples of some of our favorite local businesses now in their second or third generation of ownership:

The Potlatch

Celebrating 50 years in business, Lisa and Aaron Nelson sell unique jewelry and gift items that make it one of the best boutique shops to visit for any occasion. The Potlatch was originally started by the Ross family on Ski Way in Incline Village and bought Native American jewelry from Lisa’s grandparents who were traders. The Ross’s sold the business to the Olsen family, who then sold it to the Wurtele’s (Lisa’s grandparents) eventually took it over. Lisa and her mother Lynn Brown lived in the house behind the store, and Brown eventually bought the store, and moved it to the Raley’s Shopping Center.

Lisa took over The Potlatch in 2010 and still enjoys curating jewelry and other gift items from small mom and pop businesses. From home décor items to skincare, clothing, and children’s products, The Potlatch has it all. And while COVID-19 created some challenges with staffing and inventory, Lisa feels lucky to have great employees, repeat customers, and a supportive community.

“It takes a lot to run this business. But luckily, I have a great core group of amazing managers,” Lisa says. And she emphasizes being incredible grateful for the employees (and customers) who’ve stuck with her through the pandemic.

“It’s like having a second family. Especially during Covid, I’ve found that this is a nice little community, being able to lean on people and residents who come in to spend money,” Lisa says.

The Nelsons have two daughters, 10-year-old Penny and 12-year-old Katie, who are also “jewelry addicts”, Lisa says. When asked if her daughters have plans to take over The Potlatch someday, Lisa responds, “They talk about it all the time. In their ‘What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?’ reports for school, they say they want to be shopkeepers. My fifth grader says she wants to run a candy store.”

They already have a leg up on knowing how the business runs and Lisa appreciates their help.

“They know how to use an adding machine, they’ll vacuum, clean windows. They’re reliable… and their little fingers are perfect for handling necklace clasps and earrings,” she smiles. “It’s cute, it reminds me of working with my mom,” Lisa adds.

Menath Insurance

Founded in 1981 by Mike Menath, Menath Insurance has grown to be one of the most trusted and respectable insurance companies in the Lake Tahoe area.

Having a “passion for protection,” Menath provides its clients with all kinds of insurance and are happy to be able to help their clients in times when they need it the most. And being 40 years in business with offices in Incline Village, Reno, South Lake Tahoe, and Susanville, the Menath family shows no signs of slowing down.

Mike’s son, Scott, got hooked on the insurance business after moving to San Diego and getting a job with an insurance company after college to “dip his toe in the water” as he says. He found that he loved it and moved back to Incline Village to collaborate with his dad.

While running an insurance company in Lake Tahoe can be challenging (mainly insuring those in wildfire risk