# Helping Retire “Bertha” – A Community Effort to Support Life Saving Veterinary Care in Las Vegas

Source: https://dogfriendlylasvegas.com/dog-news/local-dog-news/helping-retire-bertha-a-community-effort-to-support-life-saving-veterinary-care-in-las-vegas/
Published: 2026-01-22

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Behind every successful spay, neuter, and lifesaving surgery is a quiet but critical piece of equipment most pet owners never see: the autoclave. At Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, that machine has long been affectionately known as “Bertha.” And after years of nonstop service, Bertha is ready for a well-earned retirement.

 

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, a Las Vegas–based nonprofit dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation through accessible spay and neuter services, is raising funds to purchase a new autoclave — an essential surgical sterilizer that keeps both animals and veterinary staff safe.

 

## What an Autoclave Does – and Why It Matters

 

An autoclave is a medical-grade sterilizer used to clean and prepare surgical instrument packs before procedures. For veterinary clinics like Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, this process is non-negotiable. Every spay or neuter surgery relies on properly sterilized instruments to protect both patients and staff.

 

Each pack must be completely sterile before it’s used on a dog or cat. Without a reliable autoclave, surgeries slow down — or stop altogether. For a high-volume clinic focused on preventive care, that can have a direct impact on how many animals receive help each day.

 

The replacement autoclave Heaven Can Wait has selected costs **$7,999**, and the organization is raising **$8,000** to ensure their surgical program can continue operating safely and efficiently without interruption.

 

## Meet the Fundraiser – A Little Fun with a Big Purpose

 

To help raise funds, Heaven Can Wait is hosting a raffle that combines community generosity with a little hometown excitement.

 

For every **$10 donated**, supporters receive **one entry** into a raffle for **two Vegas Golden Knights tickets**:

 

- **VGK vs. Vancouver Canucks**
- **February 4**
- **Section 8, Row U, Seats 1 & 2**

 

For those who simply want to support the cause without entering the raffle, that option is available as well — donors can opt out and still contribute directly to Bertha’s retirement.

 

## Why This Matters Beyond One Machine

 

Spay and neuter clinics like Heaven Can Wait play a crucial role in animal welfare across Southern Nevada. By preventing unwanted litters, they help reduce shelter overcrowding and improve outcomes for dogs and cats throughout the community.

 

A dependable autoclave ensures:

 

- Safe, sterile surgical conditions
- Higher daily surgical capacity
- Less downtime and fewer canceled procedures
- Continued access to affordable veterinary care

 

In short, replacing Bertha helps ensure more animals get the care they need — on time and safely.

 

## How to Learn More or Contribute

 

Donations and raffle entries can be made directly through Heaven Can Wait’s **[secure fundraising page](https://secure.qgiv.com/for/berthasretirementraffle/).**

 

Whether you’re drawn by the Golden Knights tickets, the chance to support local veterinary care, or simply want to help a hardworking clinic stay operational, this fundraiser offers a meaningful way to give back.

 

Sometimes, the biggest impact comes from supporting the tools that quietly make everything else possible.