L.A.S.S.O. Board
In Memory of Dr. Jack Walther who made L.A.S.S.O. possible
"Thou shalt go for it!" It was Dr. Jack Walther's (veterinarian) vision to build a spay/neuter facility at the Elko Animal Shelter. Past President American Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinarian for Key Animal Hospital, President Western Veterinary Conference, President Nevada State Veterinary Association, State Board of Veterinary Examiners & so much more! Dr. Walther, you inspired us to "Go for it!"
Current L.A.S.S.O. President: Vivian R. Wright
Current and Past President for L.A.S.S.O.
- Founding L.A.S.S.O. member.
- L.A.S.S.O. President & Development Director
- American Veterinary Medical Association Representative for 35 years.
It is my privilege and honor to serve the citizens & animals of Elko County.
L.A.S.S.O. Vice President: Cheryl M. Henning
NextHome Infinity Realty
REALTOR® , ABR, AHWD, REALTOR (B), C2EX Elko County REALTORS® REALTOR® of the Year 2021, Elko County REALTORS® President 2021
(AKA Super Woman) on The REALTORS Board & Elko Chamber Board, and now L.A.S.S.O. Board.
- Cheryl has been an animal advocate for many years. We "Lassoed" her into our organization.
L.A.S.S.O. Treasurer: Laurel Cabaret
LASSO's FEARLESS Treasurer,
FACEBOOK MANAGER, and
Elko Animal Shelter Volunteer Coordinator,
We are blessed to have Laurel (AKA Wonder Woman) on the L.A.S.S.O. Board.
- Laurel began volunteering for Elko Animal Shelter in 2013.
- Retired from Walt Disney Co. Volunteered for animal rescue in Van Nuys, CA. for 20 years.
L.A.S.S.O. Secretary: Susan Gammill
L.A.S.S.O. Secretary and .......
Our very own superhero, "CAT WOMAN"!
- Fostering so many of our most vulnerable kittens.
- 10 year volunteer at Elko Animal Shelter .
Thank you!
L.A.S.S.O. Board has no paid staff or salaried administration cost
L.A.S.S.O. Director: Alyssa Mangum L.V.T.
Elko Animal Shelter Manager & Licensed Vet Tech.
OUR FEARLESS LEADER!
Started working at the Elko Animal Shelter in 2011. Promoted to the Elko Animal Shelter manager position 2023.
NOBODY works harder than Alyssa. Her infectious smile and energy keeps us all going.
L.A.S.S.O. Director of Communications Heidi Bethel, Editor
Ruby Mountain Living Editor Heidi Bethel. Literally wrote the book on loving Elko - or at least edits the magazine about it. As Editor-in-Chief of Ruby Mountain Living, she's made a career of showcasing what makes our community special.
Her two shelter-adopted cats can attest that she practices what she publishes. Now she's bringing that same passion for highlighting local treasures to L.A.S.S.O., because every animal deserves a feature story with a happy ending.
L.A.S.S.O. Director: Jennifer Spencer, Attorney
Elko Attorney serving our most vulnerable population.
Attorney serving Elko County in Nevada Attorney General's Office, as a Senior Deputy Attorney General.
Jennifer serves Elko County and all other counties in the State, representing social services agencies.
Jennifer has prior experience in animal law and is a strong animal rights advocate.
And our very own Animal Advocate!
Jennifer is always fighting for the underdogs and under-cats
L.A.S.S.O. Director: Honorable Randall Soderquist
Elko County Courts. Elko Justice of the Peace.
Moved to Elko in 2003.
Randall is very passionate about animal welfare.
Randall is our compassionate "HEART WARRIER".
ALWAYS FIGHTING FOR THE UNDERDOGS (& sometimes cats)
L.A.S.S.O. Director: Stephanie Estrada L.V.T.
Aspen Veterinary Clinic
Licensed Vet Tech.
We consider ourselves lucky to have Stephanie on the L.A.S.S.O. Board.
"Best Vet Tech ever!" - Dr. William Wright- (Veterinarian for the Spay / Neuter Clinic)
L.A.S.S.O. Director:- Joe Jarvis
It's a bird... it's a plane...it's SUPERMAN... actually it's J.J.
- Native to Elko County.
- Pilot.
- Elko Animal Shelter volunteer and animal transportation specialist.
J.J. is always there when you need him..... except if he is flying his airplane.
"Junior" Mascot, Security / Fundraiser
Junior was rescued
from a DRUG LAB BUST.
Adopted by L.A.S.S.O.
Junior can both solicit
donations and protect them
simultaneously.
"He works for food".
Junior has thousands
of hours of intensive training!
L.A.S.S.O. Advisory Board
Advisory Board Retired Elko City Manager Curtis Calder
Retired City Manager for City of Elko - Our Knight in Shinning Armor.
Curtis courageously fought & cut through all the red tape required to build the Dumkee/ Weeks spay/ neuter building. THANK YOU!!!
Advisory Board Past L.A.S.S.O. Treasurer- Walt Goddard C.P.A.
Our CPA Super Hero.
Always there for us, unless he is riding his motorcycle THANK YOU!!!
Advisory Board Dorothy Dexter, C.P.A, C.F.O., Vitality Unlimited
15-year Donor, Adaptor, Friend, Project Consultant. Super Hero to all pets in need.
THANK YOU!!!
Advisory Board Dr. William B. Wright , Veterinarian
Senior Veterinarian at Elko Animal Shelter for 20 years, adopter and supporter. A True superhero to all our animals.
THANK YOU!!!
Ruby
Exciting Announcement
The City of Elko Animal Shelter is incredibly proud to announce that 2025 was another year that we have achieved a SAVE Rate for our animals to be considered a “No-Kill” Animal Shelter.
The Elko Animal Shelter & LASSO have worked tirelessly this year to save as many pets as possible.
As we look forward to 2026, we are proud of what we accomplished but the need continues to grow.
We are excited to be working on our shelter building expansion and would love your support!