About our National Problem
A pair of uncontrolled breeding cats produce two litters a year. On average 2.8 kittens survive each litter. Continued breeding will produce 12 cats the first year, 66 cats the second year, 2,201 cats in the third year, 3,822 cats in the fourth year, 12,680 cats in the fifth year, and on and on . .
We can make a general estimate that the Spay-a-Thon has prevented the additional population of something well over 200,000 cats. We are proud to have made a dent in the problem that results in 4 million cats and dogs being euthanized in shelters every year.
In cooperation with Animal Advocates of Howard County, we examine, spay and neuter more than 60 cats every year. We offer this service free-of-charge to financially strapped members of our community. Our goal is to make a small dent in the pet overpopulation in our area.
Paradise Animal Hospital supplies all of the materials and the medications. Veterinarians, technicians, receptionists and kennel staff all volunteer their time on this important day. These feline patients are handled with care; their surgeries performed with the same high level of professional care that is extended to our “weekday” patients. The event brings staff members together in a day of giving. In return our staff is rewarded by knowing they have helped to address a serious problem for as many as sixty needy families in our community.
An insider’s view to the day of the Spay-A-Thon
On the morning of the Spay-a-thon, the atmosphere in the hospital is charged with readiness from weeks of preparation. Staff is intense with expectations and intentions for completing without incident, the huge task of the day’s work.
Animal advocates and hospital management have set a groaning table of breakfast and snacks in the kitchen, to help move workers through a demanding day’s effort. More than 50 cats are given physical examinations, and vaccinations.
When a surgeon is nearly done with one patient, the next is put under general anesthesia shaved and disinfected for surgery and given pain medications by the preparation team. When surgery is completed, the cat is transferred to the recovery team who insures that the body temperature and other vital organ systems are normal throughout the process of waking.
When the cats are fully recovered they are discharged to their loving owners, with home care instructions and pain control medications.
At the end of the event, participants can celebrate a day well spent and be proud that the well-oiled machine that makes Paradise Animal Hospital a community icon allows an incredibly productive day of high volume surgery.
Once the days work is over staff communes over food and cleans up the hospital. The mood is congenial and congratulatory.
To learn more about Animal Advocates of Howard County, go to: http://www.animal-advocates.org/
