Jennifer Mauceri, President, Southern Nevada Pug Rescue
A pug’s best friend
The depth of Jennifer Mauceri’s empathy is demonstrated with her full-time job at Nathan Adelson Hospice and volunteer work for the Southern Nevada Pug Rescue.
At Nathan Adelson, Mauceri is the volunteer program manager managing 365 volunteers who, according to Mauceri, “are the most kind, unselfish and compassionate people you could ever meet.”
As for rescuing pugs, it was her desire to give the gift of pets that led Mauceri to a pug rescue.
Mauceri explained, “I could help bring lots of love to a lot of families if I bred Banzai and Daisy (my pugs). So I got online to find out how to go about doing so and thankfully in some Google search “KC’s Pug Rescue” came up. Pug rescue? I had never heard of such a thing. I clicked on KC’s Pug Rescue page, read every single word on every single page and cried. I immediately called the vet and made both of my pugs’ appointments to be spayed and neutered the very next day. I then emailed KC’s (Pug) Rescue to find out how to get involved.”
A few months after her involvement, the founders of Pug Rescue announced they were leaving Las Vegas. Mauceri opened her home to a meeting of about 30 people (including the founders) and it was decided to continue the organization with the new name of Southern Nevada Pug Rescue.
“I think we all thought we would do some business paperwork, spend a couple hours a month saving some pugs, and that would be it,” she said. “We had no idea what we were in for!”
Since then, Mauceri has become the president of Southern Nevada Pug Rescue and volunteers with four other women who have all contributed to saving more than 525 pugs in six years.
Mauceri has advice for anyone considering adopting a pet: Think from a pet’s perspective. What would living in your home or apartment for a day be like for the pet? What will the pet do while you are away? How long are you away? What if the pet becomes disabled or medical expenses come up? Are you planning to start or add to your family? What if you have to move? Are you able to make a lifetime commitment?
As for adopting a pug, Mauceri explained, “Pugs are especially stubborn, strong-willed little creatures who don’t know that they are dogs. They are very people-oriented animals and need human companionship as often as possible. They are very smart but, because they are stubborn, can appear otherwise.” Mauceri also admits, “I jokingly tell people that pugs are a sickness and there is no cure. In fact, one of my favorite bumper stickers says, ‘My pug had me at woof.’”
Born in Colorado, Mauceri and her mother moved to Las Vegas when she was 5 years old and calls Las Vegas home. As for the person who most inspired her, Mauceri said, “My grandmother Ruth has always been, and will always be my inspiration. My hero really. She quietly has led our family by example and is the reason I am who I am today. She is the strongest woman I know and I love her with all of my heart. I could never repay her for the gift of courage she has given me.
As for her life today, Mauceri is grateful. “Nathan Adelson Hospice and Southern Nevada Pug Rescue help me find purpose in every single day and for that I am very blessed.” Spoken like a true Fearless Female.
Sunday, May 13, 2012 
