By Tim Leeds
Kitty Keepers will start offering low cost medical services for pets, including spaying and neutering, the first Wednesday of every month, starting Jan. 3 Penney Bergren said.
Bergren, who co-founded and co-directs the nonprofit organization with Sue Markley, said they want to offer the service to help prevent the killing of unwanted kittens and puppies. She said the problem of unwanted pet births is pretty bad in the area.
"We always knew there was a problem, that's why we do what we do," she said. "But the problem's even bigger than we thought. We're not even making a dent."
Bergren said the way to prevent the unwanted births is through spaying and neutering, but many pet owners tell them that they can't afford the operation. So they have joined up with Dr. Ken Harshman, a veterinarian from Chinook, and received a small amount of funding to allow them to offer the low cost services. Some tests and rabies vaccinations also will be available, she said.
She said a they have a mobile home which was donated to them by the shelter to do the services in. She said they also now have the equipment to do the service on dogs, which they could not do before.
Bergren said people must call in to make reservations for the operation, at which time they will also be given instructions for preparations for the procedure.
She said they want to stress that this service is for people who can't afford the regular price of the operation. She also said that it is not their goal to take business away from veterinarians.
"By all means, stay with your veterinarian," she said.
For more information or to make a reservation for the services, contact Kitty Keepers at 262-2279 or 265-4032.
