MN SNAP clinic in May

MN SNAP (Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program) came to the Red Lake reservation in late May for a four-day spay/neuter clinic. The funds were provided by Chuck & Don’s 2010 Paw Prints campaign.

There were two veterinarians with their teams this time.

As usual, Dr. Kim Culbertson was there with her team Niki, Erin, and Lindsay.

Dr. Sue Spence and her team, Stefanie, Nikki, and Haley, made their first trip to the reservation. They brought two volunteers, as well, Taylor and Paige.

We also had two local girls, Viv and Skye, volunteer. We are very grateful for their hard work walking dogs, cleaning crates, checking out animals, and for Viv’s cupcakes! Viv and Skye’s own dogs followed them on their long walk to the clinic each day.

About 140 animals were altered, given vaccinations and flea & tick preventative, and wormed. Several animals with quills and other injuries were treated, too.

When four neonatal puppies were surrendered, Taylor and Paige assumed their care, which meant bottle feeding every three hours. They took them to the hotel at night and kept them in the bathtub. Needless to say, they did not get much sleep. Stefanie also assumed nightly care on the second night. A big thank you to them for taking on the care of the little ones, especially at night after long days working at the clinic.

There were a lot of very large dogs this time, and it was easier to lay them on the floor during recovery rather than trying to stuff their limp bodies into crates. As they slowly regained consciousness, some would start scooching across the floor, and we would have to find them and return them to their blankets.

As it was May, there were lots of ticks to remove, as well as some matted coats to groom.

Thanks to all for a successful clinic! And a special thanks to Dr. Kim for sharing her photos from the event.

DeeDee