Sassy, the kitty that was failing after being spayed, has gone home. The bleeding was unrelated to the spay surgery, but fortunately she was with an incredible bunch of people that refused to let her go. They went over and above to make sure she would have a happy ending. A huge THANKS! to Dr. Ma and staff for their kindness and effort.

Sunday, our amazing vet and her wonderful staff, spayed and neutered another 50 cats. Most of the females were pregnant, or in heat, so once again we averted an unwanted explosion of cats that would end up dying in a shelter. Three people brought their daughters to help and they worked as hard as the adults. I think we may have three future vets on our hands.

Each time we do this clinic, I am more impressed by the dedication and care they put into what they are doing. One of the female cats was in distress after she was spayed and they worked their butts off to save her, even taking her back into the operating room to try and find the source of her bleeding. After she came out and was stable, they bundled her up, placed her on a crate pad and took her to the breakroom so they could keep an eye on her while they had a late (but very well-deserved) lunch. She was the centerpiece on the table, with all of us arrayed around her, checking her constantly, talking to her and rubbing her head.

This weekend was packed and HOT! Our volunteers at the Hughson Fruit and Nut Festival roasted in 100+ weather. The Community Dog Walk was cancelled due to safety concerns, but I hope to schedule another one soon.

Wednesday, we celebrate 8 months in operation. I can't begin to express my gratitude to everyone who has helped us get this far so quickly. With thousands of pounds of pet food distributed to senior citizens, dozens of cats (and several dogs) spayed/neutered and lots of school presentations it's hard to believe we haven't been doing this for very long.

We held our second spay/neuter clinic this past weekend. Despite a few no shows we managed to alter 68 cats and kittens. We had 45 female cats scheduled to be spayed (and 30 boys neutered) and if every one of them had 2 or 3 kittens the consequences would have been tragic. Of the females that were spayed, all but five were either pregnant or in heat. As a result of our work none of those kittens will end up at the shelter waiting to be euthanized. No kittens will be dumped out in the country. No kittens will grow up to produce more kittens. The list goes on and on.

For a little comic relief, a cat named Chuck managed to avoid being neutered because Chuck turned out to be a girl.

Alley Cat Guardians also held a clinic this weekend. They spayed and neutered almost 90 cats, feral and tame.

Of course, all of this is possible because of wonderful people in the community. People who have donated to our Spay/Neuter Fund, volunteers who donate their time and expertise, Petco for providing carriers for the cats, the amazing and talented veterinarians and staff, the list goes on. I can't thank them enough, but I am going to try.

Our appointment goddess, Pam, will be taking the month of March off (well-deserved and bravo!) We are currently in need of someone who can help out with scheduling, etc. please contact us. We got spoiled by Pam and her husband, so the bar is set pretty high!

We are also looking for another vet willing to hold a clinic. I'm sure Dr. Ma and her amazing staff could use a month or two off.

Once again, THANK YOU!!!!

Below are some photos of pet owners that attended our February clinic:

Great news! We have set the date for February's Spay/Neuter Clinic! Even better news, we will be spaying and neutering 75 (75!!!!!) cats.

Pay close attention to the following:

If you are already on the February clinic list, relax. You are in.
If you are on the March waitlist, stand by and wait for our appointment Goddess to call you. She will call people on the list in order.
Once the February clinic is filled, we will see how many spaces are available for March and we will begin accepting appointments.
These clinics are for companion cats only. No feral cats will be accepted.
If your cat is in heat, pregnant or cryptorchid (only one testicle descended) LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY. We will still take your pet, we just need to know for scheduling purposes.
If you want your cat tested for FELV or FIV, we need to know at the time we call to set your appointment. We won't provide it the day of the clinic if it isn't scheduled. Same goes for vaccinations.
There is a specific number to call for appointments. When we open the March list I will post it. Please do not call before then. I can't make appointments for you.

We appreciate your patience on this matter. Believe me if I could alter everyone's cat, I would.

On a different note: The doctors and staff providing these services are very generously donating their time. None of us are getting paid to do this. Please remember to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Anyone acting rude or disrespectful will be barred from all future clinics.

Stanislaus County Animal Services Auxiliary has the following programs available to county residents.

SPAY-NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ASA is committed to decreasing the number of unwanted animals in our community. Please help us by spaying or neutering your pet, or giving this information to someone who needs  our help to get their pet spayed or neutered. We usually have an on-going $25.00 spay-neuter rebate  available. Sometimes the amount is more.  Please contact ASA  at 209-558-7387 for details before spaying-neutering your pet.

SAVED Spay-Neuter Program is Also available. SAVED (Stanislaus Area Veterinarians for the Economically Disadvantaged) will alter your pet at no charge to you. You must demonstrate that you are low-income by presenting a current and valid California Med-Cal card or EBT card. This program will not  cover additional expenses for animals that are cryptorchid or pregnant, or for other medical or unforeseen conditions. All animals must have proof of current vaccinations. Appointments scheduling will vary and may take several weeks to get an appointment. Call for an appointment from these participating veterinarians:

Coffee Road Veterinary Clinic   577-4567  

Empire Veterinary Clinic     521-7305

Maze Animal Hospital   524-9281

Modesto Vet Hospital    524-4791

Olive Animal Clinic     634-0023

Sylvan Vet Hospital   551-4527


Humane Society of Stanislaus County is not responsible for content from the ASA website. If any of this information is incorrect please notify Animal Services.