Prevent A Litter reaches out to low-income seniors as it celebrates

Guest Blogger—Victoria Fenwick, P.A.L. Clinic Manager

This year, Prevent A Litter (P.A.L.) will be celebrating “Spay Day USA” by offering free spay/neuter surgery for a limited number of dogs and cats of low income senior citizens—those individuals who would not otherwise be able to afford veterinary services. This event will take place Monday, February 22 at the Prevent A Litter Vet Clinic (P.A.L.), in Carytown.

Low income, senior animal caretakers are encouraged to call P.A.L. at (804) 359-6369 to make an appointment. The event will provide surgeries for 12 dogs and 20 cats, and appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to mention “Spay Day USA.” In addition to spaying or neutering these animals, P.A.L will provide regular vaccinations, test for heartworm disease (dogs) and Feline Leukemia/FIV (cats), and give flea preventative to each respective animal.

Spay Day USA is an annual event hosted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to inspire people to save animal lives by spaying or neutering their companion animals. Last year, over 500 events were organized nationwide for this program.

Why are we focusing on senior citizens this year? Senior citizens deserve to be healthy and happy – and companion animals can help make this happen. A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that senior animal caretakers are less likely to be depressed, are better able to tolerate social isolation, and are more active than those who do not care for animals. Furthermore studies have shown that companion animals help lower your blood pressure, lessen depression, and increase survival after a heart attack.

We need your help with this project:

First, please help us spread the word to any eligible candidates who would benefit from free services that day. If you, or anyone you know, are over the age of 50 and are in need of the services our Spay Day event will offer, please call the clinic to make an appointment. We have spaces for 12 dogs and 20 cats at this year’s event.

Second, consider making a donation to help us with this worthwhile community endeavor. We need to raise $3,000 to cover the costs of the medical services being provided. We urge you to consider giving $40 or more if you are able. Please know that every bit helps and any amount that you can to contribute is deeply appreciated.

You can make a donation online at our website www.preventalitter.org. Just go to the “How You Can Help” page of the website and scroll down to the donation section. You may also mail a check to PAL by sending it to: Prevent A Litter; 3421 W. Cary St.; Richmond, VA 23221. Please write “Spay Day” in the memo line of your check.