WeSNIP hit a significant milestone. Bagheera, a gorgeous black kitty, had the 7,000th surgery. Bagheera was found abandoned in a kitty carrier at a bus stop in downtown Bellingham. Pet abandonment has increased in the current financial environment. Local examples are of box of kittens left in a volunteer’s driveway, with a note that the owner could not afford to take care of them. This scene was also played out at a local veterinarian’s office where 3 adult kitties were abandoned with a note that this owner also could not afford to care for them. Since Dr. Karen Mueller's and Patricia Maass' “baby” hit the road in late August 2008, 7,000 dogs and cats will not bring unwanted kittens and puppies into a Washington county with a pet overpopulation problem. Both Dr. Karen and Patricia had worked in animal rescue and knew the solution to overpopulation lies in pro-active spay and neuter --- and WeSNIP became a reality. Chris Haulgren, and a dedicated staff and volunteers, joined the fledging organization and the Spay Station was on its’ way.

Bagheera is named after the Jungle Book character – the name means panther in Hindi.

Dr. Mueller performed another surgery while WeSNIP coordinator, Patricia, cuddled Bagheera.

As the news circulated that WeSNIP’s initial funding had ended and the program needs to raise funds to continue operating, the community is beginning to respond. The need is great - all donations, large and small, go to continuing the operation of this valuable program. A Request-For-Support letter was recently sent out and donors are beginning to respond to that plea. Every penny is used to continue this public service. Some members of the community have already stepped up with innovative ideas:

• One mother and daughter donated $1,000. They decided to forgo Christmas presents and instead donated to WeSNIP. We can’t thank them enough, but they know that families with little or no money can now have surgeries for their precious kitties and dogs. It’s a wonderful demonstration of the spirit of giving at this time of year.
• In the Bellingham Herald newspaper's Letters to the Editor, Corey Priddy, a staunch supporter of WHS and WeSNIP, issued a $10 a month “double dog dare” challenge to the community (see below).

Issues challenge for WeSnip support

From Corey’s challenge, the “$10.00 Club” was born. Please call 733-6549 for details of this unique way to support WeSNIP.

The WeSNIP staff, volunteers, and all families whose pets have had spay and neuter surgeries, thank you for your support and generosity.

Please help WeSNIP continue in 2011 - make a donation through PayPal on our website or join the $10 Club!

Write a check and mail to:
WeSNIP
424 W. Bakerview Road Suite 105-250
Bellingham, WA 98226

FIGHTING PET OVERPOPULATION -
ONE PARKING LOT AT A TIME

Since August 2008, owners of more than 7,000 kitties and dogs have been arriving early in parking lots across Whatcom and north Skagit counties so their animals could be one of the lucky ones taken onboard the Spay Station that day for surgery.  In rain, snow, or glorious sun rise, some arrive as early as 4:00 a.m. to make sure their kitty or dog will make the surgery list.  As much as the WeSNIP staff and volunteers are dedicated to reducing animal overpopulation, our pet owners have proven to be just as dedicated to taking care of their dog and kitty family members.

Whatcom Humane Society parking lot, Baker Creek shelter

Big Lots parking lot – Bellingham

Toad’s parking lot – Birch Bay

Whatcom Farmer’s CO-OP parking lot – Ferndale

Starvin’ Sam’s parking lot – Kendall

Safeway parking lot - Lynden

Walmart parking lot – Mount Vernon

Safeway parking lot – Mount Vernon

Dodson’s IGA parking lot – Nugent’s Corner

Shuksan Middle School parking lot – Bellingham

“Neuter is Cuter” Tails-A-Wagging parking lot – Bellingham

“National Feral Cat Day” Safeway parking lot – Lynden