The SPCA/Humane Society of Prince George’s County, Inc. is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to animal welfare. We do not operate the county shelter. We are chartered by the State of Maryland, but we receive no state or county funds. Our activities are supported solely by contributions, dues, and fundraising events.
Remembering a Local Musician and His Love for Animals
Steve Dorman, 66, was a talented local musician – a keyboardist and singer – who was equally comfortable as a solo pianist, a member of jazz and rock combos or a big band front man.
When he passed away in January, his family decided to celebrate his life with a memorial concert. An animal lover and devoted pet owner for most of his life, his family decided to donate all of the concert proceeds to our group.
On April 18, before an appreciative audience, some of the area’s finest musicians – Steve’s friends and family members – shared their talent and their memories of Steve. The afternoon concert featured jazz, contemporary songs and Broadway hits. Steve’s brother Mike called it a touching tribute to a wonderful little brother and even better friend, adding “Steve would have absolutely loved it.”
We appreciate the generosity of the Dorman family in their time of grief. Steve's legacy lives on through his music and through the many animals that will be helped because of his family's substantial contribution to our programs.
PHOTO: A clinic intern adds information to the board our staff uses to track surgery clients.
FUNDRAISING AND OUTREACH
Foundation Doubles Spay/Neuter Grant for PGSPCA By Cherelle Wells, PGSPCA Volunteer
We are happy to announce that the Snyder Foundation, which has partnered with PGSPCA for more than 20 years, is giving twice as much funding to our free spay/neuter program this year! Thanks to Snyder, thousands of animals have been altered for free in Maryland, and we are lucky to be one of their grant recipients.
Under our program, Prince George's County residents who meet our low-income requirements or receive public assistance can get free spay/neuter surgery for up to four animals in their household. This is a huge help to those residents and their pets, some of whom do not receive regular veterinary care.
“This grant will enable us to better serve Prince George’s County residents who need assistance in altering their animals," says Samantha Cooper, who coordinates the screening of grant applicants. "One of our organization’s objectives is to reduce pet overpopulation, and this grant provides us with the opportunity to achieve that objective by focusing on residents who are unable to afford to spay or neuter their animals. ”
The spay/neuter events usually run between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends.We schedule 18-20 animals per day, and the veterinarians are assisted by surgical technicians and clinic interns. Administrative tasks are handled by clinic volunteers.
The offer of free surgery brings in the clients, but once at the clinic, they can get other services at reduced costs. Many clients purchase rabies and distemper vaccines, microchips, and services such as nail trims or ear cleaning. Sometimes other conditions or health problems are found during an animal's exam or surgery. Our veterinarians have found and treated mammary tumors, rotting teeth and infections, all at lower cost than the owners would face elsewhere.
“Snyder helps us help more animals. We're so glad they have faith in us! With this increased funding, we can do more events and increase our outreach to get more clients,” says Terye Dame, PGSPCA Vice President.
PGSPCA IN THE COMMUNITY
PGSPCA Dogs Hit it Out of the Park By Candace Rojo, PGSPCA Volunteer
Phoenix shone bright like a diamond at the Prince George’s Stadium on April 23 when she was featured as the Bowie Baysox’s Diamond Dog of the Game.
Phoenix, a basenji-boxer mix, and foster Jeff Schneider were at the stadium to show her off and hopefully find her a furrrever home as part of the Baysox’s new program. According to marketing director Brandan Kaiser, the team partners with seven local animal organizations – including the PGSPCA – to help place homeless dogs faster.
“We know there is a ton of shelter dogs out there, dogs that need good homes,” Kaiser said. “We figured by bringing this program here to a large audience that we hopefully would be able to get some dogs adopted during the season.”
Diamond Dogs are featured during Baysox home games. PGSPCA fosters will be in the spotlight at Saturday home games. Since the season began in April, the team has already had three dogs adopted at the stadium.
And while Phoenix was not adopted during the Baysox’s 7-2 victory over the Harrisburg Senators, she was the star of her very own show, making two Jumbotron appearances and earning her fair share of admirers from the crowd.
Jeff had a great time at the game with Phoenix and thinks the Diamond Dog program is a hit. “It’s awesome. Anything that helps more dogs get out of shelters and get adopted, I think, is a great idea,” Jeff said.
Ten of our fosters will have a chance to be the Diamond Dog of the Game this season.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Orientations
If you are interested in volunteering with the PGSPCA, then these events are for you!
Spay/Neuter Event
Saturday, June 11 (by appointment only)
July date to be announced—please check our website!
Schedule subject to change. Visit www.pgspca.org to confirm times and locations for all events.
Thank you to our PGSPCA Tales from the Barkside Volunteers: Editors: Faith Weiner, Ashley Procum Contributing Writers: Candace Rojo and Cherelle Wells Design: Kerry McCutcheon
