Spay Station returns to town today

By CHARLES W. JOHNSON / News Editor for the Southern Standard

Dr. Bob Nelson, of the Spay Station mobile spay and neutering van, works to spay one of the 50 or so animals who will be treated during the facility’s two-day stay here. (Charles W. Johnson photo)

Families who want to do their part to help control the local pet population, but find the expense of spaying or neutering prohibitive in an already tight family budget, are getting the chance to take that step. The Spay Station mobile spay and neutering van made a stop at Three Star Mall yesterday and will return again today.

The Spay Station, operated by the Humane Association of Wilson County, makes stops in several surrounding counties, but made its first stop ever in Warren County due to the auspices of the Warren County Humane Society thanks to the contributions of local animal lovers.

Dr. Bob Nelson, who has been with the mobile facility for close to two years, says having your pet spayed or neutered is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

“It helps to control a bad situation,” Nelson said, “and prevents litters of animals that do have to be euthanized.”

Sara Felmlee, program coordinator, says the van got its start due to a grant from a community foundation.

“A woman passed away who wanted to help animals, and we thought reducing the population would be the best way to help them because there are so many unwanted animals.

“So we started the clinic three years ago and since then we’ve spayed or neutered over 13,000 dogs and cats. It’s a free program for low-income people. They have to qualify by being on some sort of public assistance program for low income.”

The clinic does ask that clients donate what they can afford. The clinic also provides some vaccinations and general first aid for animals for injuries the staff discovers while the pets are there to be spayed or neutered. For more information call 931-939-3153.

The Humane Society would also like to invite everyone to Falcon Manor for another “Murder at the Mansion” to be presented June 14. The performance, which includes audience participation, will begin at 7 p.m. and proceeds for the evening go to the Humane Society.

Reservations need to be made by June 7. For more information, contact Roxanne Redmon at 815-9128.