Giving Back -- Dr. Lowery's Free Spay/Neuter Clinic

Wow!  I cannot believe how much support I have been given.  I suppose we all just LOVE our little furry kids and want to help others in need.  I have had sponsors on the medical side (Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Henry Schein) and the cycling side (Chamois Butt'r, Industry 9, Backcountry Research, Christopher Bean Coffee) give their support to get the ball rolling on my free spay/neuter clinics.  The first one is going to happen February 22 and my goal is to have at least one day each quarter.  I will be doing this on my off day and Dr. Workman is going to be my "surgical nurse."

When I first thought about this project, I had some reservations.  I have always been a firm believer of the motto, "Don't have pets if you can't afford them."  Too often I see clients come in with sick or injured pets that decline life-saving services due to finances, while carrying around the latest and greatest IPhone or bundled up in their Patagonia puffie. It is just so ... damn ... frustrating.

But, I only know one side of the story.  More than once the pet in question had been rescued from a horrible situation, or had been dropped off, or had been a starving stray. These people had graciously taken them in to provide, as best they could, a loving environment.  Now, their companion is in need, and the owner needs help.

What I want to do by providing free spays and neuters is to take a pro active approach to the health and well-being of these pets.  Intact dogs and cats can get themselves into trouble in so many ways. Traumatic injuries from fighting, "East Tennessee Lead Poisoning," and getting HBC (hit by car) happen when intact animals are in search of "love."  Diseases such as pyometra, mammary cancer, and testicular cancer can be eliminated and dystocias can be avoided.

In addition to provided sterilization, I will also be giving additional medical care (as needed) and providing the patients with parasite checks and vaccinations, as well as getting them started on the appropriate heartworm/intestinal parasite and flea/tick preventative.

While I have had the bulk the materials donated, I am seeking additional $$$ for the anesthetic and pain control protocol.  And that is where YOU come in.  I need your help.  What I cannot raise from social media, both the practice and I will make up the difference.  I am a firm believer of pain control and these guys will not go without.

So I am going to have a raffle.  For every $2 you donate, you will receive 1 raffle ticket.  Sometime towards the end of March/beginning of April, or if I reach my goal ($750) sooner, I have some SA-WEET schwag to give to several lucky winners.

Industry 9 has donated not one, but TWO Matchstix!   These are da bomb, helping to keep some necessary tools tucked away neatly inside your hub ... and off your person.

You pick the color!

Chamois Butt'r has donated some butt-saving cream and Kit Wash.

Backcountry Research has donated several products, including their Race Strap and Super 8.

Christopher Bean Coffee has donated a $50 gift certificate.

$50 of  mind blowing smooth flavor!

Here is how it it going to happen.  I am going old school on this.  No PayPal, as I want 100% of the money to go to the animals ... and I don't have PayPal anyways.  So you can either mail me cash or a check.  For those of you who live in my home town, you can just stop by The Animal Clinic to make your donation.  This will be deposited into an account at The Animal Clinic, from which I can draw from to pay for necessary medicines.