Las Vegas K9 Crew Rescue, a new local nonprofit dedicated to saving at risk dogs, will host a public adoption event on Saturday, September 12. The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at The Wagging Tail in Summerlin.

The rescue introduced itself to Las Vegas viewers this week on KTNV’s Pick of the Litter segment. Founder and President Kristi Cabena appeared alongside volunteer and foster Barbie Santana to talk about the group’s mission and its growing need for foster homes.

Cabena and Santana brought along Patty, a nine month old Husky and Shepherd mix, and three ten week old puppies during the segment. All four dogs are currently in the rescue’s care and could be among the animals available at the September event.

Las Vegas K9 Crew Rescue says its mission is to rescue, rebuild, and rehome dogs that have been abandoned, left on the streets or in the desert, neglected, or placed on euthanasia lists at local shelters. Cabena, a longtime Las Vegas animal advocate, has said she hopes the group can eventually open a 24 hour shelter where residents can bring lost or dumped pets directly to rescuers.

The rescue says the need for foster families is growing as it takes in more dogs from the valley’s streets and overcrowded shelters. Organizers have also been raising money through a GoFundMe campaign to help fund that expansion.

Las Vegas K9 Crew Rescue is one of several new rescue groups to launch in the valley this year, including Doodle Rescue USA, which started taking in surrendered doodles from across the country. Both groups point to a steady flow of dogs needing placement across Southern Nevada shelters and rescues.

Residents interested in adopting or fostering can meet available dogs at the September 12 event at The Wagging Tail in Summerlin. The event is free and open to the public from noon to 3 p.m.