Paw It Forward: Spay, Neuter Impact Program (SNIP)

15 Apr 2015

Paw It Forward: Spay, Neuter Impact Program (SNIP)

We forgot that today was B4TC ( Blog For The Change: Be The Change For Animals) And so Mom L and I dedicate this blog post to this very important global blog event.

WE ARE THE CHANGE FOR ANIMALS

I pawticipate

HIYA!! SAVANNAH HERE!!!

Many of you know that Mom L volunteers once a quarter at a clinic called SNIP (Spay, Neuter Impact Program). This last Sunday is the first one she has been able to do since she had knee replacement surgery. Yes, Mom L does now have not only one, but two, bionic knees!

And no, this does make her any faster in delivering treats and meals…just sayin’…

I asked Mom L to take you through her experience this time because she did something she had not done before and loved it. Take it away Mom!

Mom L:

Thank you Nana. I appreciate you letting me share my experience with your readers.

The SNIP clinic is run by an all volunteer organization and funded through donations and some grants. The vets, vet techs and the ‘staff chef’ and all others are volunteer people who want to make a difference in the numbers of stray, feral cats in predominately our east county. I so enjoy the time I spend here. This time I could only manage a half day; 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM. I had to take a two hour nap when I got home!

Let me tell you why.

I started with being on the intake table for all the rescue organizations who trap the cats to bring them to this low cost clinic. We spayed and neutered 109 cats Sunday and about 60 of those came through my intake table. I write on their trap tag their assigned tag number which will follow them throughout the whole process and I also note their color/breed. I work with a woman who is expert at identifying the color and breed.

This all requires standing for about 2 1/2 hours straight! But I get to see so many beautiful feral cats; even the large Tom cats with cuts and scrapes from so many fights are wonderful to see up close. Although, I always keep my fingers well outside the traps as those Toms and even females who were born feral can be very agitated.

We have a wonderful woman who brings in this fabulous spread of food and snacks to keep everyone fueled. I did not get a photo this time, but her lunch always has vegan, vegetarian and gluten free selections!

After admission was gearing down, I was sent to do ‘transport’ of the cat from the weigh station to the operation prep area. In the photos below, you can see the area where the cats receive their anesthetic injection. It is loaded with 3 types. There is a DVM present who always gives the injection while a volunteer rattles a pen or something on the trap to get the cat’s attention. As they are feral, they usually back against the back of the trap and ZZAP!!! they have their anesthetic.

Then they are lifted when asleep to the scale, weighed, get a pretty thorough examine by skilled volunteers who look for flea conditions, dental needs, wounds etc. They receive a pain med shot at this time to help them through recovery.

Then it was time for ME to do my new assignment. I got to scruff them with one hand, then scoop their butts with the other to hold them somewhat away from my body as I carry them about 50 feet down a hall to the surgery prep area.

Let me tell you, a cat weighing 7-14 pounds, while asleep, is very dead weight! I must have carried about 30 cats over about 2 hours.

I had a very fulfilling day. We had one beautiful Tom I fell in love with; he was a lovely dark brown tabby with polydactyl front paws. I hated to think of him being released back to his colony.

And that is the crux of this work. Can you believe we have so many cats who look like these??? (hover to view captions)

Asleep; at peace

Really? a feral?

She is gorgeous

Most of the cats Sunday, and every clinic, have luxurious coats which tell they get fed and have some safety. I cannot describe the joy of knowing that I was one of the few humans who may ever touch these cats. Each and every one of them is special. Each and every one of them need humans to help them survive with some resemblance of care and love. Even the beat up Toms tugged at my heart wishing they had never needed to know such a life.

If you have never volunteered at a local rescue during a spay, neuter clinic…I highly recommend it. It is an honor to be able to do something for these feral, stray cats who are only in this type of life due to humans.

During the time the cats are out of their traps, the trap is lovingly cleaned with fresh paper and disinfected. They also receive flea treatment, vaccinations and even a quick dental extraction etc if needed.

And then they are released back to the same place where they were originally trapped. Please send positive energy and healing purrs for all our ferals.

Thank you for reading until the end, Mom Linda

This is our Blog 4 The Change: Be The Change For Animals.

I pawticipate

Posted in Adult Animal Rescue Stories and tagged Blog 4 The Change, paw it forward, SNIP

48 thoughts on “Paw It Forward: Spay, Neuter Impact Program (SNIP)”

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Nerissa's Life on April 16, 2015 at 2:34 pm said:

Gosh, your mum sure did have a busy day. So amazing, all that she did. Helpin’ save lives, one snip at a time. LOVELY.

Purrs,
Nissy

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 2:39 pm said:
  
  She was busy indeed Nissy. But loved every minute
  
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meowmeowmans on April 16, 2015 at 3:20 am said:

This is awesome. Thank you, Mom Linda, for helping out with the SNIP clinic! It’s so important, and you all really DO bring about pawsitive change!

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:43 am said:
  
  you are so kind to say so. I know that you also do wonderful things for your cat rescue shelter. The ferals are so hard to see and work with knowing what they will be released back to…but better than just …you know….
  
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Cathy Keisha (@CathyKeisha) on April 16, 2015 at 1:36 am said:

What a great Blog the Change post! You WERE the change for these ferals who will never know they let a human hold them. Appaws appaws!

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:41 am said:
  
  *HUGE BLUSHES* thank you Savvy’s BFGF. It was such a great honor to serve these cats who will mostly live in limbo and in the shadows their whole lives. But for this one time… I SAW THEM!!!
  
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The Island Cats on April 15, 2015 at 11:27 pm said:

Good for you, Mom L, for taking part in such a wonderful cause. This is a lot like our low cost spay/neuter clinic.

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:40 am said:
  
  I hope you volunteer there at least once in a while. such a wonderful experience
  
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Marty the Manx on April 15, 2015 at 9:43 pm said:

Mom L you and all the other volunteers ROCK!!!! We luvs you!!!!!
Marty and the Gang

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:39 am said:
  
  awww…blushes…and all the vols are wonderful for sure
  
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Brian on April 15, 2015 at 7:14 pm said:

That was a wonderful post Savvy and Mom!!!

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:39 am said:
  
  thanks Brian
  
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Nylabluesmum on April 15, 2015 at 6:53 pm said:

Mee-you savannah an Lady L that iss sum project you helped out at!!! PICKERELL bet you ‘broke’ inn thee new knee fur sure!!!
Fankss fur helpin thee sweet Feral katss what need all thee help they can get…
an how did a Snowshoe Siamese end up beein a Feral????? That iss turriblee sad an LadyMum got all wet eyed (no sirprize there rite?)
Well dun Lady L an keepss up thee good werk!
**nose kissess** an ~~head rubss~~ Siddhartha Henry an LadyMum xxxx

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:38 am said:
  
  I have definitely broken in the new knee MOL! My back was broken next couple of days!
  
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The Swiss Cats on April 15, 2015 at 6:26 pm said:

Very interesting post ! Wow, that’s a wonderful program ! Paws up to mom L ! Purrs

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:38 am said:
  
  it is indeed a great clinic and I love that I know at least one DVM cat specialist who gives her time free and she is retired.
  
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ewok1993 on April 15, 2015 at 5:06 pm said:

What a wonderful program. Way to go mom Linda.

Emma and Buster

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:37 am said:
  
  paw kisses for reading and coming by my friends
  
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Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal on April 15, 2015 at 4:58 pm said:

Thank you for sharing about SNIP it with us , it was interesting to see and read about !

XOXO

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:36 am said:
  
  Do you have this type of program in Sweden? or do you not even have problems with feral cats? Would like to know from you Charlie Rascal
  
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Kitty Cat Chronicles on April 15, 2015 at 4:48 pm said:

Wow, what an amazing experience! Thank you for sharing about it with us. Those cats are gorgeous – it’s a shame that they, and all stray/ferals, don’t have a home. GOod to know that many have people that feed them though!

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:35 am said:
  
  there were so many that looked just like any cat who lived in a loving home. Lovely coats, no fleas or scars..making their fate oh so sad. They still must be returned to live in limbo as Leader Otis calls it.
  
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Annabelle on April 15, 2015 at 4:40 pm said:

How wonderful to have that experience and so helpful to all those beautiful cats.

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:33 am said:
  
  I wish I could have saved them all.
  
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Connie on April 15, 2015 at 3:42 pm said:

I volunteered once at a spayday spay clinic, which was high volume like this one (although not nearly as many) and it was a very rewarding experience for me. I wish I had more time to volunteer for things like this more often..

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:33 am said:
  
  This is the best volunteer work ever for sure
  
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Nanuk on April 15, 2015 at 3:39 pm said:

Bless you & all your hard work!

Nuk & Famliy

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:32 am said:
  
  Nothing less than what your Dad will do Nukkers
  
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Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady on April 15, 2015 at 1:33 pm said:

Ah wow, I don’t doubt your arms must have been tired after carrying all those kitties for 50ft each one!!! Good on you for helping such a wonderful project.
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:32 am said:
  
  *play bows* for such nice compliments
  
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Fozziemum on April 15, 2015 at 12:10 pm said:

Linda what a rewarding day you had..those cats all being treated like they mean something to someone must warm everyones heart..i am astounded at this problem you all have as here it seems to be almost(it isn’t) not a problem..the numbers ..oh my…and such beauties…bravo to all who care and best of life to all those being released..may they survive and live as best they can…loves Bev

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:32 am said:
  
  Bev this was the best ever. Not just because I was able to view the feral up close; and NO I did not get to ‘snuggle’ the cats. They ARE FERAL; hence could have disease, fleas etc so we hold them away from our body as we move them hence how hard it is on the back. I did give everyone of them a loving pat and scritch as I placed them on the towels where they are shaved et.
  
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  - Fozziemum on April 17, 2015 at 1:56 am said:
    
    Absolutely..i would never snuggle either ..too risky and easy to spread problems around..knowing human hands have at least touched them in a gentle way means so much…i have been badly mauled by a poor feral and i know just how strong their will to survive is..bless them ..loves Bev xx
    
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mistletoeandhitch on April 15, 2015 at 10:57 am said:

While we hope all kitties will find loving homes with true Guardians, the care these ferals get is awesome. Bless you for your hard work. If these shadow kitties cannot find the promise land it is good to know that there are people like you that build a umbrella of protection over them.

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:29 am said:
  
  This is better than a needle IMHO. Contrary to what PETA and others say
  
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Clowie on April 15, 2015 at 10:42 am said:

I’m glad your mom has recovered enough from her surgery to be able to do this. It’s very sad that any cats are living rough.

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:29 am said:
  
  I am happy I could do this as well Clowie. It was no problem until THE NEXT DAY! MOL
  
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easyweimaraner on April 15, 2015 at 10:12 am said:

Snip is a good word :o) And it was so great that your mom was a part of the team… I agree that it is hard to let them go after you met all that fabulous cats…because every cat is special and touches our heart…
The one in the last row looks like a cousin of Shoko :o)

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:28 am said:
  
  Yes it IS a great word Easy! so sorry to not have been by to visit recently. promise to do so this week buddy. paw kisses, Savvy and Mom L
  
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The gang at Sometimes, Cats Herd You on April 15, 2015 at 10:02 am said:

What a wonderful event to be part of. SNIP sounds awesome! And you get to be one of the volunteers to touches the sleeping feral kitties… how cool is that?

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:27 am said:
  
  Ever so briefly, but so rewarding
  
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Cat Blogger in NZ (@HarveyButtonNZ) on April 15, 2015 at 8:36 am said:

As jf we would NEVER read to the end of this wonderful and amazing report. Thank you and all the volunteers for your fabulous work * cheers wildly *

Harvey, Miranda, Silver and Phoebe

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:27 am said:
  
  Thank you Silver, Miranda and Harvey and company. I do try to do what I can do
  
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Summer on April 15, 2015 at 6:06 am said:

What awesome work SNIP is doing! I hear that at these spay and neuter clinics, the volunteers love to cuddle the unconscious ferals… because they can! And I can see why.

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:26 am said:
  
  well I did not get to do any ‘cuddling’ as there are strict rules about making sure the cats are held away from your body to insure no fleas, disease etc is transferred from cat to cat. Nope, wish I could have cuddled, but every cat I moved had extra pats when I place them on the prep table
  
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Tammy Rieser on April 15, 2015 at 5:06 am said:

I am so glad you posted about this! Great Job! btw – please send David’s address to me/text info when you get a chance. Hope to see you soon. Did you hear back from Chrissy? Tammy Rieser “No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a DOG/CAT makes you rich! ~Lewis Sabin

From: Savannah’s Paw Tracks To: tamara.rieser@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2015 9:49 PM Subject: [New post] Paw It Forward: Spay, Neuter Impact Program (SNIP) #yiv5692639803 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv5692639803 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv5692639803 a.yiv5692639803primaryactionlink:link, #yiv5692639803 a.yiv5692639803primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv5692639803 a.yiv5692639803primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv5692639803 a.yiv5692639803primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv5692639803 WordPress.com | Savannah’s Paw Tracks posted: “HIYA!! SAVANNAH HERE!!!Many of you know that Mom L volunteers once a quarter at a clinic called SNIP (Spay, Neuter Impact Program). This last Sunday is the first one she has been able to do since she had knee replacement surgery. Yes, Mom L does now hav” | |

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- Savannah's Paw Tracks on April 16, 2015 at 4:24 am said:
  
  hey Miss Tammy, you are THE ONE who got me involved; APAWS to YOU!
  
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