SNAP EAST KICK-OFF
Pictured above: the original Neuter Scooter spay/neuter bus
Most of our efforts have been focused on SNAP North in 2021, while we worked through the details to implement SNAP East, which will use the original Neuter Scooter as a stationary clinic site on donated land in El Cajon. The program is running every Wednesday in December as a start-up schedule and will increase in 2022. SNAP East will also serve Central San Diego and the South Bay until a third Neuter Scooter can be added to the fleet, which is anticipated in the future. We are waiting on the delivery of a modular building thanks to a $77,000 grant received in August from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous as a condition of the grant, to serve as extra post-surgical recovery space and a wellness clinic. The structure will be placed adjacent to the original Neuter Scooter to eventually make up the SNAP East Spay-Neuter Center. A celebration to commemorate our first stationary clinic will take place in 2022.
GIVING TUESDAY 2021
Above: Raphael & Leonardo
SNAP had its most successful Giving Tuesday campaign ever! We exceeded our fundraising goal by almost double the amount, including a full clinic sponsorship of $3,500 from a single donor. The “Kitties & Pitties” sponsored clinic to be free of charge to pet owners in El Cajon, is courtesy of Raphael & Leonardo as seen above. Thanks to other individual donations that really added up, additional free spay and neuter surgeries are available to those pets in need. Thank you to everyone who generously donated to SNAP on the most important giving day of the year.
Every Giving Tuesday we hold a pet photo contest for the honor of being featured as the face of our next campaign. Our Advisory Committee selected the winner from six finalists to be featured on the 2022 Giving Tuesday postcard. We can only have one winner, but they are all winners in our eyes as seen above. Congratulations to our winner "CALI" and a round of applause for all entrants!
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Above: Dr Isabelle in surgery with Dr Paris
We are pleased to announce that Isabelle Tancioni has been named
SNAPs 2021 Volunteer of the Year!
Dr. Paris, SNAPs rabbit surgeon, shared with us why Isabelle is so deserving of this recognition. In addition to her positive outlook and professional demeanor, we learned that Isabelle assists with rabbit clinics no matter the location or day, rarely takes a break, and stays to help tidy up the Neuter Scooter following surgeries. She closely monitors the rabbits while they are under anesthesia by checking their pulse, breathing, and depth of the anesthetic. Her role is critical to the safety of the rabbits who are known for having complications while under anesthesia and may stop breathing. Isabelle is a veterinarian in her native Brazil but not yet licensed to practice in the US. Having her veterinary knowledge and skill allows Dr. Paris to focus on performing surgeries which reduces the stress level of the medical team. SNAP is lucky to have Isabelle’s time, energy, and know-how to make our rabbit clinics a complete success. Congratulations!
Above: Dr Isabelle helping in recovery with SNAP medical team and other HRS Volunteers.
MULTI-YEAR GRANT AWARD RECEIVED FROM PETSMART CHARITIES
Above: A car full of puppies that SNAP fixed for a Rincon tribal member thanks to PetSmart Charities.
We recently received a $90,000 grant award from PetSmart Charities to support Tribal SNAP. This award sponsors 12 spay-neuter clinics (three per quarter) in 2022 and 2023, respectively, free of charge to pet owners of the Inaja-Cosmit, La Jolla, Los Coyotes, Mesa Grande, Pala, Pauma, Rincon, San Pasqual, and Santa Ysabel Bands of Indians. An increase in the number of clinics from the current eight per year (two per quarter) to 12 per year (three per quarter) over 24 months will have a significant impact on the number of unwanted litters to be prevented as well as a reduction in the stray population. The clinics are normally held at the Rincon reservation which serves as a central hub for the tribal community. Many individual tribal members at the reservations that we visit the most have become advocates of our services. We are often welcomed with baked goods and visits by tribal law enforcement to thank us for being there. One poignant quote from a tribal member at the first Tribal SNAP clinic in 2017 that remains fresh in our minds, “we are so happy that you’re here, no one ever does anything about the animals.” This aptly sums up the reason why we exist.
LIFESAVING DOG & CAT VACCINE DRIVE
Above: Sierra shows off the dog and cat vaccines SNAP is providing for FREE!
We were invited by Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation) to participate in their “One Million Free Pet Vaccines” initiative. The purpose was to immunize more dogs and cats in communities who may not otherwise have access to lifesaving canine DAPPv and feline HCP vaccines. The free shots are administered during regularly scheduled spay-neuter clinics which began in mid-September, and in most cases, vaccine clinics for the public were held at the same time. The initiative ended on November 30, 2021, and we are pleased to announce that we vaccinated over 1,000 animals and will continue to do so with an approved reorder after submitting the required report. Please note that appointments are required for pets to receive a free vaccine, while supplies last.
MATCHING DONATIONS
If you are considering a donation to SNAP, please check if your employer has a charitable contribution matching program, to double your impact in reducing the suffering brought on by pet overpopulation.
Thank you for thinking of us!
|
