Page 38 - Dog-Harmony Life Summer 2021 V3Q2

community
PAWS BREAKS

GROUND ON NEW

LOW-COST SPAY &

NEUTER CLINIC

written by: Lorraine Whetstone

ushrooming colonies of feral cats. Hundreds returning them to where they were found.
Mof homeless cats in shelters, rescues and Over time, this will vasty reduce the number
foster homes. Litter after litter of unwanted kittens. free-roaming cats and “nuisance behaviors,” such
The number of homeless cats in Okaloosa County, as fighting and spraying.
Florida, has reached a crisis point. “The community has long needed a low-cost spay/
Thankfully, the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society neuter clinic to help bring the numbers of unwanted
has reached a crossroads. cats down,” said Nancy Schimmer, President of
The first building to break ground on the nonprofit the Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) shelter in
shelter’s new animal campus will be a low-cost, full- Fort Walton Beach. “SOCKS and other area rescues
time spay/neuter clinic. currently use a loose network of appointments
“The community has spoken, and spoken with local veterinarians and out-of-county clinics.
desperately,” said PAWS Executive Director Tracey Unfortunately, this leaves huge gaps for those seeking
Williams. “Our part-time clinic can’t keep up with the help with their pets. Having a local low-cost clinic
demand, and the nearest other low-cost clinics are operating fulltime is going to be a game-changer for
two hours away.” Okaloosa County and for the animals that we all care
In addition, PAWS is working with Okaloosa County about. SOCKS will be able to move our cats and kittens
commissioners to change an ordinance that prevents into the adoption program much more quickly and
PAWS from trapping and sterilizing feral cats, then make room in our program for more.”

36 dog-harmony life • summer 2021