Seventeen dogs rescued from the recent Mesquite animal hoarding case are now getting a second chance at life thanks to the dedication of volunteers with Path 4 Paws, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit rescue organization devoted to helping homeless and abandoned dogs across Southern Nevada.

Among the volunteers helping lead the effort is former Mesquite resident Marleen Szalay, who retired in 2010 and later moved to Las Vegas with her husband. Looking for a meaningful way to spend her time, Szalay became involved with Path 4 Paws after seeing a volunteer advertisement. What began as a way to stay busy quickly became a life-changing passion. Today, she dedicates countless hours helping what is considered one of Nevada’s largest all-volunteer, no-kill, dog rescue organizations.

Path 4 Paws operates an adoption center located at 232 N. Jones Blvd., Suite 170, in Las Vegas. The building was donated to the nonprofit, allowing volunteers to continue expanding their rescue efforts. Path 4 Paws holds adoption events every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the adoption center.

The organization accepts owner surrenders from the public for a variety of reasons, including illness, death, financial hardship or inherited pets that families are unable to care for. If a dog was originally adopted through Path 4 Paws, adopters sign an agreement promising to return the animal to the rescue if they are ever unable to keep it.

Szalay said she has worked closely with Mesquite Animal Shelter staff over the years and reached out to shelter manager after learning about the recent confiscation case involving more than 100 dogs.

“I contacted Joe and asked how we could help,” Szalay said.

Seventeen dogs from the Mesquite case arrived at the Las Vegas rescue facility June 4, 2026. Since arriving, the dogs have received extensive care from volunteers determined to help them find loving homes.

Shannon Mason Photography donates professional photography services for all rescue dogs at the shelter. Volunteers say quality photographs dramatically increase adoption opportunities by helping potential adopters better connect with the animals online.

Another volunteer, Andrea, owner of Baxter’s Grooming, donates grooming services free of charge for every dog entering the adoption center, including the Mesquite rescues.

“All of the dogs are professionally groomed, photographed, vaccinated and spayed or neutered before adoption,” Szalay explained.

Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers work around the clock transporting dogs, coordinating veterinary care, fostering animals in their homes and helping organize adoptions.

The organization’s director, Naomi Yaussy, has spent the last 25 years rescuing homeless dogs throughout the Las Vegas area. Foster coordinator Laura Ward works tirelessly to locate foster placements and permanent homes for rescued animals.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, Path 4 Paws relies entirely on donations and volunteer support. According to volunteers, one of the easiest and most effective ways the public can help is simply by following and sharing Path 4 Paws on social media. Increased visibility online often leads directly to more adoptions.

The organization can be found on Facebook and Instagram, and adoptable dogs are listed online at path4paws.org.

Path 4 Paws also accepts donations of blankets, dog food and sheets to help care for the animals. Szalay said the transformation in the rescued Mesquite dogs has already been remarkable.

“They’re doing amazing,” she said.

For information about volunteer opportunities, donations fundraising events, or the rescued Mesquite dogs, community members can contact Marleen Szalay through Path 4 Paws or at 702-349-2183.