The Big Fix is Back!
Area Veterinary Clinics Offer Spay and Neuter Discounts during February’s Month-long Campaign

Noah’s Ark’s CCSNAP (Caring Community Spay / Neuter Assistance Program) and area veterinary clinics are sponsoring our 9^th annual spay/neuter event for February, National Spay/Neuter Month. Our local event is called “Friends Don’t Let Friends….Have Litters,” and is another event in their ongoing efforts to ensure that every dog and cat in our area has a home.  The local veterinarians, listed below, have all agreed to offer discounted spays and neuters for the entire month of February, 2010!

Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can give your dog or cat. These routine medical procedures not only help control pet overpopulation; they also prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Hundreds of dogs and cats in our area, however, are not so fortunate. Because there are not enough loving homes for them all, unwanted animals are often dumped in the countryside, left to fend for themselves all alone.  Many are precious kittens and puppies less than six months old – the products of animals not yet spayed or neutered – and many won’t survive.

But there is some very good news—the tragedy of pet overpopulation is a “fixable” problem. If each of us takes responsibility to spay and neuter our pets, we can put an end to the heartbreak of homeless animals.  And remember: a first litter can happen as early as six months of age!

Building on Success

Community support is the key ingredient to the success of this spay / neuter campaign.  There are several ways you can help: Spread the message that pet overpopulation is a “fixable” problem. Tell neighbors, co-workers and friends about the February discounts. Provide transportation for someone who needs help bringing their animal to and from surgery. Make a donation so this important program can continue (All donations are tax-deductible and can be sent to Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation, Attn: CCSNAP, P.O. Box 748, Fairfield, IA 52556).  And obviously, make sure your own pets are spayed or neutered.

To make an appointment for your dog or cat, call the following veterinary clinics directly.

In Brighton, call Drs. Anson & Vittetoe: (319) 694-2815
Fairfield Animal Hospital: (641) 472-6983
Fairfield Veterinary Clinic: (641) 472-2455
Henry County Veterinary Clinic: (641) 385-8034
Richland Veterinary Clinic: (319) 456-6321
Sessions Veterinary Clinic, Bloomfield: (641) 664-1815
Sigourney Veterinary Clinic: (641) 622-2940

Working together, we can create a world where every dog or cat has a home.

Laura Cohen is Director of Noah’s Ark Animal Foundation and is available for interviews and more information on spaying and neutering. Call her at 641-472-6080 or 919-4182.

On the web: Visit www.NoahsArk.org for more information on our CCSNAP program.

When I married an animal lover, I thought I knew what I was in for. A dog, a couple of cats, some fish. As I look at the two 4 week old kittens who are literally on my feet however, I guess I got more than I bargained for…

These kittens are part of a litter that was left for dead, in a trash can in Jefferson County State Park. One did die before they made it to our house, and now there are 6 of the cutest little babies you ever did see.  You can read more about them and see them here.

Not only are they cute, but from day one they were as friendly towards humans as I’ve ever seen kittens at this age. Which begs the question. Why. Why would anybody do that to innocent little lives such as these?

Being in the animal welfare biz (ok, full disclosure, my wife is the now acting Executive Director for Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter), my wife always seeks the kindest and most understanding answers – maybe they couldn’t afford them any longer and didn’t know what to do – like that.

But as I watched them chasing shadows this morning, (before one white and one tabby one perched on my slippers) I realized that one of the reasons in Fairfield at least, may be that not enough people know about Noahs Ark. Not that they can take every “stray” – due to the large number of cats who are not spayed or neutered and allowed to run free in this town – but they can take some, and they can provide options, and they can at least stop animals from being abandoned and left for dead…

These trash can kitties are indicative of larger problems related to the treatment of animals that I’m not knowledgeable enough to write about – so I won’t. What I will do however, is to encourage you to do what you can to help.

Ever consider being a foster home? It’s so much fun and so rewarding. Our kids love to have kittens running around the house (and just think, when they’re old enough, they get spayed and neutered on Noah’s Ark’s dime, and then get adopted out!)

Not into fostering but still want to help? The shelter can always use volunteers. Give them a shout at 641-472-6080 if you’re interested.

With our lives as busy as they are, we don’t always have time to donate, but there are other ways to help too. For example, the shelter has a wish list of items that they can always use…

After days at the shelter when calls come in to save kittens from trashcans, or to help a 3-legged dog find a home, my wife is pretty wiped out. She feels like she, too, is chasing shadows.

But all it takes is an email or call from somebody like you, to remind her that it’s all good. That more people value these animals’ lives than not. And that this incredible little animal shelter in SE Iowa will continue to save lives…