Spay and Neuter Intermountain Pets and Pet Placement
SNIPPP
July 2009-July 2012
There is a 1500 square mile area in northeastern California that depends on one organization for all rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and abandoned companion animals. The area spreads over parts of Shasta, Lassen and Modoc Counties. SNIPPP is the organization of first and last resort for this isolated, economically depressed area.
The organization was founded by Suzanne Kane who in 1982 founded Humane Animal Rescue Team (HART/MuttMatchers) in southern California. HART specifically rescues senior, disabled and abused dogs and has re-homed hundreds of them since its inception.
SNIPPP was brought to our attention by a Chrissie's Fund board member who has known Suzanne for many years.
Chrissie's Fund will partner with SNIPPP to provide all of the in-need dogs in its geographic area, especially the larger and older dogs, with expanded support.
Our grant to SNIPPP will allow for an increase in the number of spay and neuter surgeries for the dogs of low-income residents. These dogs will be tested for heartworm and given appropriate medical attention in addition to the surgeries.
For lost dogs, SNIPPP is the only resource. Our grant will ensure that lost dogs who are waiting to be reunited with their owners are not sent to the high-kill shelter in Redding because of a lack of available foster homes. The dogs will be boarded. They will be saved.
For larger, older dogs who are in need of placement through SNIPPP, Chrissie's Fund will provide funds for spay/neuter, medical care, advertising, and boarding if necessary.
SNIPPP is an all-volunteer organization whose members are passionate, tireless and dedicated. We are proud to be its partner. We have high hopes that in the coming year there will be fewer residents in the SNIPPP area shelters and more happy endings for homeless dogs.
Evaluation of Grant for 2009 - 2010
Thanks to the hard work of the SNIPPP volunteers, the grant proved to be vitally impactful. In the year preceding the grant, SNIPPP was able to fund low-income spay/neuter surgeries for 10 dogs. Since the beginning of the grant, 124 dogs have been altered. This accomplishment is especially important in a geographic area like SNIPPP's where dogs are allowed to run free and breed at will.
For the rescued dogs, the grant did not influence the number of strays saved. SNIPPP has always invested heavily in rescue and adoption. What did change was the quality of health care for those abandoned dogs. Prior to the grant, SNIPPP had funding for only basic care; nothing for special health issues; no paid boarding. When expensive needs arose, SNIPPP launched a fundraising campaign for each case. Our grant provided health care and included one hip surgery.
We look forward to another successful year with this amazing organization.
2010 - 2011
We continue to be excited by the progress and work of our SNIPPP partners. The number of spay/neuter surgeries remained high, again topping the 100 mark. What is beyond exciting is that the SNIPPP community has clearly started to recognized the importance of spay/neuter. Last year, only 5% of the surgeries performed were on pets before they had their first litter. This year, that number was 51%. This will make a huge difference in reducing the number of future rescues and speaks volumes about the hard work of SNIPPP.
One story truly touched our hearts. Bandit, a six year old Akita mix, was scheduled to be neutered. The veterinarian discovered that all four of Bandit's eyelids were turned under and growing in. He reported that Bandit had been in discomfort for years and would eventually lose his sight because of the problem. He performed surgery on Bandit's eyelids at the neuter appointment.
Today, Bandit has no pain and the eyesight problem has been corrected. As it turns out, Bandit's owner had no transportation on the day of the appointment, so he and Bandit walked to the doctor's office - approximately five miles one way - to keep the 8:00am appointment.