Spay/neuter event on Navajo Nation is big success

"Please come back" were the parting words ringing in the ears of the people who worked together to help hundreds of cats and dogs in Tuba City on the Navajo Nation.

The event brought together staff from SNAP, Plateauland Mobile Veterinary Clinic, the Northern Arizona Second Chance Center for Animals, and Best Friends Animal Society, as well as Rose Moonwater of Desert Animal Companions and Frank Ramsey of Kayenta Animal Control & Shelter.

Spay and neuter surgeries

The event was held adjacent to the Tuba City chapter house, where the community conducts meetings. Spay/neuter surgeries were performed; animals were vaccinated and treated for parasites and worms. Best Friends staff handed out collars and leashes, and gave advice on dog training.

Sherry Woodard, Best Friends' dog expert, said she really enjoyed talking with people about their pets. "They were bragging about their ‘kids.’ We even had a person go home and get photos to show us. Young people were signing up to volunteer the next time we come."

A successful event

Several people repeatedly invited the groups to come back. Some of the ideas bandied about included putting up a booth at the community flea market and holding evening seminars at the chapter house on pet care and training.

"Teamwork is the key. Any of the groups alone could not have accomplished as much but all of the groups coming together bring the community into it as well," Sherry said.

Read about why it is important to spay or neuter your pet.