I was fortunate enough to be a volunteer on Friday, July 22, at the “Neuter for a Nickel” mobile spay and neuter station that came to North Bend. What an awesome experience.

First off, many, many thanks to Pasado’s Safe Haven for sponsoring the free/low-cost spay and neuter station and for coming out to our beautiful area to help control the rampant pet overpopulation that results when our beloved pets are not spayed or neutered. Many thanks to the Mount Si Senior Center for graciously allowing Pasado’s to use the center for the spay/neuter station.

I especially want to thank all the wonderful, responsible pet owners that came to the spay/neuter station. Everyone was so appreciative, there was no grumbling about the early arrival time (6 a.m.), no grumbling about the waiting time and the comment I heard several times was, “This is so wonderful. I’m unemployed right now and otherwise wouldn’t be able to neuter my pet.”

Pasado’s neutered 26 pets last Friday, which is still only the tip of the iceberg. Thank you to the few people who showed up later with dogs that unfortunately, due to space limitations, had to be turned away. Again, the few who had to be turned away were most gracious and understanding and I appreciated the responses.

Pasado’s comes to Snoqualmie every month for the free/low-cost spay/neuter program. If you receive any type of government assistance (SSI/SD, food stamps, medical coupons, WIC, section 8 housing, unemployment, etc.), bring proof of the assistance you receive and the animal will be spayed/neutered for free. All others are $20 for a cat neuter; $30 for cat spay; $40 for dog neuter; and $50 for dog spay. They offer microchipping for $15, shots are $8 each, earmite medications are $5, worming is $5 and flea control is $7 for cats and $8 for dogs. Even if you qualify for the free spay/neuter, you must pay cash for any of the above listed treatments.

Do not feed your pet after 10 p.m. the night before surgery. Water is OK. Do feed your young kitten half of the normal breakfast the morning of surgery. Pasado’s Web site is www.pasadosafehaven.org and their phone number is (360) 793-SPAY.

Pasado’s will be in Snoqualmie on Friday, Aug. 19, with the spay/neuter station at the Sahara Pizza/Adventure Bowling Center parking lot. Only four dogs total will be done that day so if you want to bring your dog in, arrive early. I again will be volunteering at this wonderful event and I look forward to meeting more responsible pet owners from our beautiful Valley

Debbie Peterson

volunteer with Three

Rivers Rescue

Snoqualmie