Big Fix January 2010

Children caring for dog that has had surgery

SNIPSA hit the streets again with another Big Fix clinic and spayed/neutered 152 dogs and cats in a high need neighborhood of San Antonio. This Big Fix clinic was no different than any of our other clinics. Days prior to the event, volunteers canvassed the neighborhood distributing bilingual flyers advertising SNIPSA’s outreach. Residents registered their pets on the spot and the phone calls poured in. SNIPSA set up a makeshift surgery suite in a series of Sunday school classrooms fully equipped with anesthetic machines, surgery lights, and tables.

Sometimes there were more dogs than people

While the tables were not top of the line surgery tables, they were a flat surface on cinder blocks that accomplished our mission. We have to be quite creative in these settings to surgically sterilize animals in a M*A*S*H type environment. The biggest advantage about doing portable clinics is that we can accept a variety of sizes and genders of dogs. We aren’t limited on space as with the traditional mobile spay/neuter van, which typically can accommodate only five to six large dogs. Of all our SNIPSA events, our volunteers especially enjoy Big Fix clinics as they can see the measurable difference they make in animals’ lives. A big thank you to all the volunteers that gave time on a Saturday to help the animals of San Antonio.

'''The surgeons at work'

Click here to view the Big Fix video ...

For an operation like the Big Fix to be successful it requires time, coordination, planning, equipment, supplies, cooperation, committed volunteers and caring pet owners. The day begins very early and ends very late. Even though volunteers are tired, physically and emotionally, there is a feeling of accomplishment and pride! This video captures the day ... the hard work and dedication of people to help our community's animals. After viewing the video, if you would like to help, several items needed for Big Fix events are listed below. These are only our immediate needs:

4' long tables with adjustable legs (need to be able to adjust height)
Folding kennels small and medium
Bleach
Towels
Monetary donations are greatly appreciated!

New SNIPSA Rescues Happy to Have a Chance to Ring in the New Year!!

As SNIPSA wound up its 2009, we found ourselves at San Antonio Animal Care Services to do routine evaluating and selecting of impounded animals. What we did not anticipate in these last couple of trips were the number of amazingly sweet dogs with medical issues that would not make them adoptable through ACS. We knew their only way to a happy and long life was through rescue with SNIPSA. Some of the animals were relatively routine to treat and simply needed extra time and love while others had more severe injuries and medical disease that required extensive treatment. Below you will see the faces we are bringing into SNIPSA to start 2010. Click on their individual link to read each of their stories. We know this will be a big year for each of these dogs and an even bigger year for SNIPSA and the animals we save. If you would like to get involved in the fight to save San Antonio animals there is so much you can do. Sign up to be a volunteer (Click here for Volunteer App) or sign up to foster (Click here for Foster App). Our volunteers help at adoption events to find animals their new forever homes and at Big Fix spay/neuter clinics to help reduce the numbers of stray and unwanted dogs and cats. Fosters open their homes to the animals we rescue and fall in love each time! If you want to help but don't feel you have extra time, donations (Click here for donation page) of all sizes are welcome and directly help all of the animals we save!

Faces of Rescues Needing Help:

Opie - Sarcoptic Mange and Skin Infections

	Otis - Sarcoptic Mange and Skin infections
	Herbie came to SNIPSA with a broken front leg, and after his exam was found to have two fractures in his front leg and a fractured hip. Herbie has had his surgery
	Teddy came to SNIPSA after being rescued from 10 years of living on a chain through Dogs Deserve Better.
	Simba came to SNIPSA with a suspected fracture in his rear leg. After a biopsy was performed, cancer was found and Simba had to have his leg amputated.

Be a angel for one of our special SNIPSA animals. See how you can help! SPONSORSHIP

Please Donate to the Big Fix

BIG FIXER

(Click to See Movie)

Did you know?

Numbers at a glance:

26,481 = Number of dogs and cats euthanized at Animal Care Services (ACS) in 2008

$306 = Average cost to taxpayers to catch, house, and euthanize each animal at ACS

67,000 = Number of puppies ONE DOG and her offspring can produce in six years

370,000 – Number of kittens ONE CAT and her offspring can produce in seven years

For less than the cost of catching, housing, and euthanizing ONE animal at ACS, you can make a huge IMPACT in these numbers.

SNIPSA is searching for 200 individuals, groups, or businesses to donate $200 (20-$10s!) to fund Big Fixes in San Antonio's high need neighborhoods.

Be Part of the Solution: Donate today and become a Big Fixer for 2010! Click here to join.

Big Fix Members

Winter Issue SNIPSA Newsletter

Please enjoy our newsletter covering the events and stories of the recent past and events yet to come.