Arrests Made In Death Of Reba The Bulldog

The death of Reba the Bulldog was a horrendous story in Las Vegas this past summer.

On July 26, around 1 a.m., the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department were called to the 1100 block of East Twain Avenue. that is where they found Reba inside a plastic container that was taped shut in 110-degree heat. She was in critical condition and suffering terribly from heat stroke.

Sadly, Reba passed away two days later after she went into sudden cardiac arrest, because of blood clotting caused by severe heat stroke and shock.

Justice may prevail, as two people have now been arrested in connection to the death of Reba, the English Bulldog found inside a sealed plastic container. Over the weekend, police arrested Issac Laushaul Jr, 32 and Markeisha Foster, 30, both on a felony charge of willful/malicious torture/maiming/killing of a dog, cat or animal.

Laushual was scheduled to appear in court Sunday morning but refused transport and remains in custody with no bail. He is scheduled to appear again this week. Foster appeared in front of Las Vegas Judge Amy Ferreira who spoke on the “concerning” allegations against Laushual and Foster.

8 News Now says that the arrest report details observations from neighbors who lived next to Laushaul and Foster. They reported "seeing that animal tied to a railing outside of the apartment, often times in extreme heat and under circumstances where that animal did not have appropriate food and water,” Judge Ferreira said.

Judge Ferreira went on to say that the allegations in the arrest report were very concerning. The allegations include taking what appears to be a family dog, and putting it in a rubber bin in July, when temperatures were in the 110's, sealing the bin shut, and abandoning the animal.

Foster’s bail was set at $50,000. If released, she will have high-level electronic monitoring and absolutely no contact with animals will be allowed.

Las Vegas police turned to the public for help with identifying the suspects in Reba’s death. Surveillance footage was released of a man and a woman driving a white four-door sedan and parking the vehicle in the area where the container holding Reba was found.

Vegas Pet Rescue volunteer, Lindsey Pinapfel, told 8 News Now, “We are relieved. Because this is a step in the right direction.”

The sad and horrible nature of Reba's death is unforgiveable, but it is good to know that some sort of justice will be served.

Today is Giving Tuesday, where we give to others without expecting anything in return. Except likes, if you're bosting about it on social media. If that's why you're doing it, just stahhhp!

Giving Tuesday has been around for 12 years. It was launched in 2012 as a "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities." It was actually started by three tech companies:  Mashable, Skype, and Cisco.

In a poll, 36% of people say they've heard of Giving Tuesday, and 15% of people have actually participated. And 15% of people claim they drop MORE money on Giving Tuesday than on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here's hoping that's true

3. In that same poll, 33% of people admit they haven't given ANY money to charity in the past year, for various reasons.

4. About 22% have been able to part with a small amount - up to $100 - which is very generous. Another 29% have donated between $100 and $1,000 over the past year, and another 16% have given MORE than $1,000.

5. 13% of people have donated MORE to charity THIS year than last . . . 29% have given LESS this year . . . and 58% say they're on track to give the same.

6. There are a lot of reasons to give:  The two most common are:  "It makes me happy," and "it aligns with my values and beliefs."  But 10% of people admit they just do it for the tax deduction.

7. People were asked what they'd give money to IF they were given $1,000 to donate. The most popular response was charities involving animals. Health-based organizations were second, followed by food insecurity, human services, disaster relief, education, the environment, community development, civil rights, and arts and culture.

7.  56% of Americans think they are more generous than their friends. And 7% of Americans just flat out say, they would NOT consider themselves generous. But we will give them points for honesty!

8.  Posting about Giving Tuesday on social media is fine, as long as you don't make it about yourself.  Awareness can definitely inspire action, reinforce social norms of kindness, build community, and open people's eyes to giving, and helping others.

9.  An amazing $3.1 billion was raised worldwide on Giving Tuesday last year, in 2023, which was pretty much the same as the year before.

10.  Here are some online sites you can use, to see how much of a nonprofit's budget goes toward its mission (and its overhead costs) before contributing. Charity Navigator, Better Business Bureau, Charity Watch, GiveWell, GreatNonprofits, and Candid (used to be GuideStar).

Giving Tuesday is a great thing. But don't be afraid to donate, even just a small amount, a few times a year.

Here are some local Las Vegas, Nevada non-profits, and charitable organizations, that can ALWAYS use your help.

AFAN provides assistance for people living with HIV. Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) was founded in 1984 and is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. 2024marks AFAN’s 40th anniversary of commitment to the community. They provide unparalleled health expertise, support and advocacy for adults and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Nevada. AFAN

Candlelighters of Nevada provides emotional, financial and quality-of-life support for children afflicted with cancer and their families, to allow them to focus on the journey, and most importantly, loving their child. Donate to: Candlelighters of Nevada

Hearts Alive Village is an incredible animal rescue organization in Las Vegas, offering veterinary care, adoptions, fostering and more. $50 wellness visits. You can foster, adopt, or donate your way at Hearts Alive Village. Any donation makes a huge difference!

The Just One Project helps provide grocery assistance, and connections to social services, for needy families and individuals in Las Vegas. Everyone should have access to fresh groceries and services in a dignified, and efficient Donate at: The Just One Project

Safenest provides support to victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and trafficking. In Las Vegas for over 45 years, they are working passionately to end these horrible epidemics. Safenest

Another longtime Las Vegas angel, Shade Tree's goal is to provide safe shelter and resources to homeless and abused women and women with children in crisis. They offer life-changing services that promote stability, dignity, and self-reliance. Shade Tree

Rebuilding Together Southern Nevada performs vital home repairs for low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. Since 1994, RTSNV has been working with the communities in the City of Las Vegas, the City of North Las Vegas, and the City of Henderson,  to preserve affordable homeownership by bringing volunteers and community partners together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners. Donate to RTSNV