August clinic completed; September clinic needs volunteers!

The August MN SNAP (Minnesota Spay Neuter Assistance Program) clinic went very well. About 90 animals were altered, vaccinated, and wormed. Several dogs with wounds, fractures, porcupine quills, etc. were treated, as well.

KERRY & SIDNEYTwo cute sibling terriers from Ponemah, Kerry and Sidney, were surrendered. They were living in a feces and urine soaked crate, but are now learning how to walk on flat feet instead of on their toes and are running around enjoying the sunshine in their large pen at the shelter.

We had several heartbreaking cases. The worst was Tim, who came from Ponemah, too. He was about six months old, starving, dehydrated, and had a severe case of demodectic mange.

TIMHis short and long-term prognoses for regaining his health and quality of life were so grim that we made the difficult decision to euthanize him.

TIMFor the day and a half that we had him, we fed him all of the food that he wanted and held and comforted him. He crossed the rainbow bridge quickly and peacefully and is suffering no longer.

When I see dogs like Tim, I am reminded that we used to see many more like him, so we are making progress. Many of the worst cases are found in Ponemah, so we're committed to continuing/increasing our efforts there.

MEREDITHThank you, again, to the MN SNAP team - Dr. Sue, Dr. Jonna, Stephanie, Brie, Nikki, and Meredith - who work tirelessly to help the animals and reduce overpopulation.

Thank you to Chuck and Don's Pet Food Outlets for providing all of the funding for our three 2011 MN SNAP spay/neuter clinics!

BRIE & NIKKIThank you to all of the RLRR volunteers who worked very hard, too - Colleen, Crystal, Julie, Carol, Nancy and Ryan, and Nancy. A big thanks to Claudia for providing all of our delicious food again. Some of the highlights were fresh blueberry cake, sweet potato souffle, and wild rice salad! I am sure that few of us eat so well at home.

COLLEENThank you to Wallace, Viv, Skye, and Naomi our local youth volunteers.

Of course, without Karen none of these animals would have been helped. While there is still much ahead to accomplish, the results of Karen's five years of complete dedication to animal welfare on the reservation are clearly evident.

JULIE, COLLEEN, CRYSTAL, CAROLOur next clinic is September 22-24, and we need volunteers. It is a challenging, but very gratifying experience. At the clinics, activities include -- walking/socializing puppies & dogs; feeding/watering; cleaning crates; loading/unloading animals; checking in community animals; setting up and organizing supplies; checking out animals after surgery; and educating the public.

We welcome anyone who would like to experience and support rural, mobile, high volume spay/neuter in action. You need not come for the whole three days, even a portion of the time would be great.

Please contact DeeDee (dewelles@comcast.net) if you can help.

DeeDee