Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Friday

Related Photos

  • Douglas Tesner

    Neuter-a-Thon

  • Douglas Tesner

    Neuter-a-Thon
October 9, 2009

Area vet clinic hosts 'neuter-a-thon'

Veterinarian donates time, facilities to neuter 13 dogs

BY MARTA HEPLER DRAHOS

TRAVERSE CITY -- To many, Animal Medical Center simply is known as "the big blue farmhouse."

It's been that way for 25 years.

But on Tuesday the center on U.S. 31 just north of Chum's Corner became a "neuter-a-thon" site to benefit Cherryland Humane Society pets awaiting homes -- and their potential adopters.

Veterinarian Karen Mertaugh donated her time, facilities and medical and surgical supplies to neuter all 13 of the shelter's male dogs, from pint-size Pekinese Widget, to big bloodhound Bowser.

One-by-one the dogs were transported from the shelter to the medical center where, besides sterilization, they received free exams, toenail trims, ear cleaning and, in a few cases, tooth extractions.

"It was an all-day process," said Laura Boynton, Animal Medical Center veterinary technician.

Boynton said the services could help dogs find homes by saving potential adopters sterilization fees, which normally range from $85 to $175.

"It's so much more helpful when it's already done because it's cheaper for people who adopt," said Cherryland Humane Society shelter manager Sue Gates, noting adopters have to agree to sterilize their animal or forfeit a spay/neuter deposit. "And this way we know that this animal is neutered."

Gates said the shelter off LaFranier Road is always full but has more pets now as a result of the economy.

"I think because of the loss of jobs people are moving away or moving in with family and can't bring their pets, or they lost their home and are moving into an apartment and can't have pets," she said. "Right now we are scheduling people to bring in their pets (for surrender) into November."

For more information on shelter adoption, visit www.cherrylandhumane.org.

Text Only