SPARC benefit for spay/neuter service to S.N.I.P. pet-overpopulation
November 06, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
If you are an animal lover and want to help snip away at pet over-population so only dogs and cats that are wanted and loved are brought into the world then SPARC has a fundraiser for you!
The S.N.I.P. Spay Neuter Initiative Program fundraiser will be held for the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center November 15 at historic Glen Tavern Inn where you'll be able to socialize, enjoy appetizers, a wine tasting, have a chance to bid on fabulous Silent Auction items, win a neat Raffle prize and help our furry friends.
The fundraiser will from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Inn, located at 134 N. Mill St. and the cost is only $25 at the door.
According to Frankie Franks of Santa Paula, a certified SPARC volunteer and self-proclaimed animal activist, the nonprofit no-kill shelter has a specific goal in mind, to offer an on-site spay and neuter clinic at their location, 705 E. Santa Barbara St.
SPARC Board President Diane Rowley said among the generous donors are the Glen Tavern Inn and Opollo Winery.
"The purpose of the event is to raise $50,000 specifically to furnish a surgical suite on site at SPARC. We call it S.N.I.P. The Spay Neuter Initiative Program and the Glen Tavern event is Phase 1," of the fundraising campaign.
Having its own surgical suite, noted Rowley, "Will allow us to perform spay and neuter procedures as well as common surgeries on SPARC animals without the need to pay outside vets. We have a full time vet, but she had nowhere to do these procedures," and having the ability to perform such work in house will save SPARC between "$8,000 and $10,000 each month in fees we currently pay to outside providers."
Once SPARC acquires the portable equipment to do the job they'll have their in-house vet do the procedures for animals brought in as strays not claimed by owners that are adopted out. In addition, SPARC will offer the spay and neuter service at a low-cost to community animal owners.
The non-profit SPARC has gained support not only on the local level but from pet lovers throughout the nation: Franks said in a recent online Shelter Challenge SPARC, which opened in June 2012, had a strong showing especially for a newer facility.
"When it ended Shelter Challenge ended we had won 50 dog beds and 100 vaccinations for our animals.... all just by people voting online each day of the period," during the competition's timeframe.
"SPARC took second place in the state and we were number 12 in the nation!" said Franks. "Not bad for the 'Little Shelter That Could'.... and does!"
SPARC supporters are proud of the success rate with 99.5 percent of all animals taken in by SPARC finding new "furever" homes, going into foster care or being sent to specific breed shelters for adoption. SPARC has even exported popular California dog breeds to other states where they are rare and snapped up for adoption.
Only a scant few animals with severe injuries or illnesses that "Are beyond hope," are humanely euthanized after consultant between SPARC officials and veterinarians.
"It is a matter of life or death," said Franks.
She is urging supporters and animal lovers to take part in the national Autumn Shelter Challenge that started October 28.
People can vote by following links on the SPARC Facebook page or by visiting http://www.shelterchallenge.com and only entering Santa Paula's ZIP Code, 93060. Once you enter the ZIP Code you will be able to vote.... and vote everyday!
For more information about SPARC visit www.santapaulaarc.org
or email sparcsaveslives@gmail.com
