I received this and didn’t see any place to link to or to send folks to for information so I decided to just post the entire note. It had all the pertinent information. Looks like a great program!

(Reposting from note I received on Northside Pets Yahoo Group)

Dear Friends,

This year, 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.

For the animals,

Victoria
Victoria Fenwick
Clinic Manager
Prevent A Litter Veterinary Hospital
3421 W. Cary Street, Richmond VA 23221
804-359-MEOW (6369) * pal@preventalitter.org

Thirty-five awards were given in the state of Virginia. Here is a link to see some of the work.

However, there is a nice photo of the whole group posted out on Rich’s Flickr account. I don’t know the ins and outs of posting pics on someone else’s Flickr acount so I’m just going to tell you to go take a look for yourselves if you’d like. Rich has lots of other great pics to check out.

Richmond SPCA 2009 Holiday Extravaganza and Canine Cafe

Here’s Me and Java

Here’s Leah and Ziggy

Here’s Your Rover Team
From left to right — Josh (Sydney’s husband), Sydney Jessica (and Bonnie), Me (and Java), Leah (and Ziggy)

As a professional pet care provider, I never leave a dog unattended with a rawhide toy or treat. One time I saw a dog chewing on a small square of rawhide. She chewed it until it was very soft and then she attempted to swallow it. It was too large to swallow and so she coughed/choked it back up. After a few more minutes of chewing she did it again. I only had to see that happen that one time to decide that I would never feel comfortable leaving a dog alone with rawhide. My heart was pounding during that whole episode. I thought I was going to have to Heimlich that pit bull right then and there. Fortunately she was a sweetie and I was able to “trade” treats with her.