spaying and neutering

26 07, 2012

Community Outreach in July

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SpayHR and ART volunteers have been out and about in our Norfolk Pet Project neighborhoods, passing out flyers and talking to residents. Within a few days of our efforts last week, we received requests for spay/neuter appointments from at least four residents of Fairmount Park. Yesterday, our scheduling volunteer received an appointment request as we were still canvassing the neighborhood!

Being out in our target communities gives us the opportunity to talk with residents, many of whom have already spayed/neutered their animal companions. Before we even started yesterday afternoon, we encountered Choppy, an already neutered bully breed who was out for a walk with his person. Choppy was rescued from a neglectful home. Later in the evening, we ran into residents who attended one of our clinics earlier this year. They brought their dog, Trinity, to the April 15, 2012 clinic. They let us know that Trinity had bounced back from surgery quickly and is doing well.

This Saturday, July 28, 2012, SpayHR and PBAC volunteers will be attending the East Ocean View Block Party. Come out to meet some dogs and spread the word about responsible pet ownership and free and low-cost spay/neuter in our community.

Community Outreach in Julyartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:03-04:00

2 06, 2012

June 1, 2012 Spay/Neuter Clinic

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Jemma

What a gorgeous day for saving lives! One of our first arrivals, a pretty Weimaraner named Jemma, amused herself in the “waiting room” (parking lot) by playing with a stick. Jemma is from one of our more recently added target areas in West Ocean View.

Bella

At the end of check in time we met Bella, who is also from the OV target area. Bella’s person actually had an appointment directly through PETA’s Mobile Clinics Division, but when we found out she was eligible to be part of our program, we added her on! Her person was able to use the money for surgery to pay for vaccinations. He told us Jemma came to his family through friends who couldn’t handle her energy. At just seven months old and being an active breed, Bella needs lots of exercise and play time.

Stranger

It’s important to consider your lifestyle when selecting a canine companion. Sometimes, of course, the the choice is made by chance.

The Charles family found their dog wandering the streets. This Stranger became a part of the family quickly, though. Another “found” dog was Sally, whom we spayed last September. Sally is a Walker Hound who was found starved and covered with ticks out in the country past Franklin. The Mauldin family saw her on the side of the road, picked her up, and gave her the only food they had in the car that morning – glazed donuts (and water). On the way back to Norfolk, the car windows remained down, as Sally was in desperate need of a bath. From 29 pounds, half dead in a ditch, to 53 pounds, safe, loved, and healthy, Sally is a lucky dog. She lives with Sasha, who was spayed at today’s clinic. Sasha came from a puppy mill or backyard breeder: The person who sold her would not let the family come to her house and made them meet her at a gas station; the breeder told the family that Sasha was three months old, but a veterinarian aged her at possibly six weeks. Sasha is also lucky to be with a family who is taking proper care of her.

Ginger

We’re always happy to see repeat and multiple use participants like the Mauldins. Puppies Jak and Lil Man are the offspring of Fat Boy, who was neutered at a non-mobile clinic because of his size. The feline/canine duo Coco and Ginger came from West Ocean View after their people received a postcard.

A couple of clinic participants asked about volunteering. Yes – Please! In addition to the volunteering opportunities available through ART and SpayHR, one of the best things target area residents can do is simply advocate spay/neuter and our free service in their neighborhoods. We understand that some residents who receive our flyers and postcards or hear about us through their civic leagues may be skeptical about using a mobile clinic. Having people in the community who have participated and can speak up for these services is a great help. If you have had your dog or cat spayed/neutered at one of our mobile clinics, please spread the good word. Contact us for flyers or more information.

Tank

Please “like” us on facebook, where you can see more pictures from today’s and previous clinics. Post an update if your dog or cat was spay/neutered, too. We’d love to hear from you.

June 1, 2012 Spay/Neuter Clinicartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:03-04:00

15 05, 2012

Spay/Neuter Assistance from PHS

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Portsmouth Humane Society is offering spay/neuter assistance for Portsmouth residents.

Residents of Craddock, Prentis Park, and Lincoln Park, or residents receiving Government aid may qualify for FREE spay/neuter for large dogs. Please see their website for more information about requirements.

PHS is also working with PETA’s SNiP van to provide extremely economical spay and neuter surgeries. Residents can pay just $40 for dogs under 50 pounds and $25 for cats. For more information about costs and scheduling, visit the PHS website.

Spay/Neuter Assistance from PHSartanimals2012-05-15T13:37:24-04:00

7 05, 2012

May 4, 2012 Spay/Neuter Clinic

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Hello…Hello…???

Earl Grey (a target area community cat)

We’re looking for the cats and cat people in our target neighborhoods. We’re so thankful for those we do see, but we want to see (and help) more of you!

Precious

Precious is the offspring of an Ocean View cat who remains unspayed. The cat’s owner became tired of the litters of kittens she kept producing and told Ms. Cashion she was going to kill them. As is often the case, this adoption saved two lives. Having Precious helped Ms. Cashion through her mother’s death. When she saw Precious, with her white shoulders (they are hard to see in the picture but distinct in person), she knew it was a sign that Precious was meant to be with her, because her mother’s favorite fragrance had been White Shoulders.

Waldo

Also participating from OV was Waldo, a friendly English Springer Spaniel. He arrived just before Sasha, an energetic mix who decided that local residents needed a wake up call (in the form of barking). Sometimes you’re just so excited, you can’t hold it in!

Leigha

Holding clinics in the neighborhoods we serve often makes transportation a breeze for local residents. Leigha was escorted to the clinic by two caretakers on bikes. So cute!

Please visit and “like” us on facebook, where you can see more pictures from today’s and previous clinics.

May 4, 2012 Spay/Neuter Clinicartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:03-04:00

27 04, 2012

April 27, 2012 Clinic

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Kit Kat

Woohoo to West Ocean View! After sending postcards to residents of one of our more recently added target neighborhoods, we saw some fresh faces at this morning’s clinic. Ms. Garcia found Kit Kat in her neighborhood two and a half years ago. Back then, Kit Kat could fit into her palm. Now…well, she’s not much bigger! This fluffy flirt is still kitten size.

Jax

Another pint size personality from West Ocean View at today’s clinic was Jax. His people found our postcard in their mailbox, too, and contacted us soon after. We hope to see their other dog at a future clinic.

Sara & Tegan

We also met pairs of pets from the neighborhood, including rock star kitties Sara and Tegan. They weren’t too happy to be out and about so early, but they didn’t show it and posed for this cute picture. Continuing on the music theme (it’s a reach)…When in Rome, adopt a pit bull!

Rome

Coming from West Ocean View as well was regal Rome. His person heard about us through his previous roommate, who brought Sienna and Olive to our February 24, 2012 clinic. One of our last arrivals from WOV was Domino, who sought some divine intervention in finding himself a home.

Domino

Domino was part of a litter that was abandoned when residents moved out. He showed up at the door of a local pastor, who could not keep him but found him a home with the Tatom family.

For more pictures from today’s clinic, please visit our facebook page. Don’t forget to “Like” us!

April 27, 2012 Clinicartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:03-04:00

15 04, 2012

April 15, 2012 Clinic

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Smokey

For this morning’s clinic, we were back at the beautiful Ernie Morgan Center. In addition to the familiar setting, we saw some familiar faces. Renee R., who had her girls Miss Pepper and Carmon spayed at the March 23, 2012 clinic, brought her boys Benji and Smokey. We also saw Tricia D. with Kitty. Back in May of 2010 we neutered Tricia’s dog Chibi. From just a month ago to nearly two years (!) ago, it’s wonderful to see returning participants.

Dahlee

We also love seeing pairs of pets. In addition to Benji and Smokey, there were four other pairs of feline friends and one cat-dog duo. Ann F. saved Blaze and Dahlee from terrible conditions. They had lived confined in a bathroom, inexplicably living off beans and rice, and were covered in flees. Ann’s sister found the cats and asked her to take them in. Now these gorgeous girls are in safe hands, though they were a bit stressed in the unfamiliar environment of the clinic.

Tigger

Someone who was not at all stressed was Tigger, who looked like a zen master sitting quietly in his carrier. His family said their ten year old carries Tigger around the house like a doll. He came to surgery with his canine companion Scooby.

Scooby

To see more pictures from today’s clinic, please visit our facebook page.

April 15, 2012 Clinicartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:04-04:00

23 03, 2012

March 23, 2012 Clinic

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Shy Smokey

It would be hard to have worse weather than we had for the last clinic…and luckily, we didn’t! It was a lovely morning for meeting new people and pets and seeing returning participants.

Smokey the shy grey kitty was the first arrival. His mom, Deborah, recently lost her older dog and brought donations for the Norfolk Pet Pantry in his honor. Thanks!

Rocky

The morning’s first canine arrival was Rocky, an adorable chocolate brown Shih Tzu who was more than happy to pose for the camera. Rocky’s family hopes neutering him will help reduce his marking in the house and hyperactive behavior. This was a concern we heard more than once and is especially relevant when the weather gets warm and animals begin to mate and reproduce.

Keiree & Talia

Participants heard about our program through a number of sources, including mailed flyers, internet searches, and positive word of mouth.

To see more pictures from today’s clinic, please visit our facebook page. Make sure to “Like” us and “Like” our parent organization, Animal Rescue of Tidewater.

March 23, 2012 Clinicartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:04-04:00

28 02, 2012

The Good, the Bad, and the Fluffy

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The Good: Today is World Spay Day!

Thank you to everyone who makes our work possible: volunteers who canvas target areas and talk to residents; residents who bring their pets to surgery; neighbors who share the word and encourage their friends to spay/neuter their pets, too; and clinic staff who ensure safe surgeries. Everyone plays an important part in helping address companion animal overpopulation in Hampton Roads.

The Bad: SB 359 was tabled (and essentially killed) yesterday at the House Agriculture Subcommittee. Thank you to Senator Creigh Deeds for serving as Patron of SB 329 and Delegate Mark Sickles for voting in favor. Thank you also to Charlottesville SPCA, Virginia Federation of Humane Societies, Richmond SPCA, Shenandoah Valley Spay/Neuter Clinic, Angels of Assisi, and UVA Law School for speaking in favor of the bill. And finally, thank you to everyone who contacted their representatives, asking for support of SB 359.

The Fluffy: Vote for Hank!

From the Washington Post: Hank for Senate: Cat campaigns against George Allen, Tim Kaine for Va. seat

The Good, the Bad, and the Fluffyartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:06-04:00

24 02, 2012

February 24, 2012 Clinic

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Olive

At our last clinic, we met Toad, a handsome grey and white kitty who had been bottle-raised by the Lewis family. This morning, we met Toad’s sister, Olive, who lives with the Thornton family. Olive doesn’t know she’s a cat, though – she thinks she’s a pit bull terrier!

Sienna

This pretty girl lives with Sienna and another dog. Sienna is Olive’s canine “mom.” She takes her maternal duties seriously and kept close to Olive in line. Sienna even furrowed her brow with worry when another kitty meowed nervously. Too sweet!

Irene

Another canine-feline duo (trio, really) this morning was Irene the tabby and white cat and Doodle the black Pug. Doodle and Irene came with Whoopie, who needs to wait until she’s a little older for surgery.

Whoopie & Doodle

After the low temperatures of the February 10th clinic, we really enjoyed today’s unseasonable warmth.

Raymond

Sharing the morning breeze with us was early arrival Raymond. This big goof came from a shelter in North Carolina where his name was Rainman. His family didn’t want to confuse him too much, so they kept the sounds of his new name similar. Of course, everybody loves Raymond. His neighbor even says, “Hi,” to him first before going into his own house after work. Raymond lives in one of our more recently added target areas in West Ocean View.

Otter

Also from the Ocean View area was Otter, a big-pawed grey and white cat. Otter was abandoned when his people moved. His new caretaker, Scott, would see Otter when walking his dog. Scott saw that Otter was on his own and began feeding him. From there, Otter began to follow Scott on his walks. One day Otter followed him all the way home! Now Otter has a furr-ever family.

For more picture of today’s clinic, visit our Facebook page.

February 24, 2012 Clinicartanimals2017-07-17T16:18:06-04:00

17 02, 2012

Gus

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When dogs are too big for the mobile clinics, we send them to other locations for surgery. Such was the case with Gus, who was neutered in January at the Norfolk SPCA Clinic.

Gus

This handsome four year old came from one of our target neighborhoods in Ocean View. His person heard about SpayHR from Suzy Swims while walking Gus on the beach. Gus’ “dad” worried about potential health issues related to Gus’ being unaltered. He also knew that too many animals are put down in shelters because of overpopulation.

On the day of surgery, he stayed by his canine companion’s side until Gus was administered anesthesia. He didn’t want Gus to be nervous. So sweet! We’re happy to report that the surgery went well.

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