AR-News: (LA - US) Volunteers come to the aid of helpless animals

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Volunteers come to the aid of helpless animals
Operations help cut number of strays 
Sunday, May 09, 2004
Amy Althans

There must be an awful lot of animal lovers in the Folsom area. Not only are we blessed to have Jean Northrop, who volunteers a considerable amount of time to coordinate SNIP van visits to Folsom, but now she has two dedicated volunteers who help her handle the many tasks involved in reducing the population of unwanted animals. 

The van, owned by the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans, is actually the Dorothy Dorsett Brown Mobile Center and travels to communities throughout southeastern Louisiana to provide spaying and neutering services at a reduced cost. 

      
"Most of the dogs and cats we service on the van are rescues," Northrop said. "These are animals that people drop off in the country and kind-hearted residents rescue them from a cruel death." 

On a recent trip, a local woman brought in a Pomeranian mix that had been dropped off on a rural road. Some larger dogs were fighting with it and the dog was close to death. "This woman took the dog in and sat up all night with it," Northrop said. "He is doing well and she is happy to have him in her home." 

Northrop runs a tight ship with the aid of Folsom residents Mike Parrish and Betty Janes, who help with receiving and delivering the animals. 

Throughout the day, these two volunteers do whatever they can for the staff of the mobile unit, who work nonstop. 

Parrish is accustomed to the problems of unwanted animals, having volunteered at the Louisiana SPCA in New Orleans as a boy. He has always had a place in his heart for neglected animals. 

More than three years ago, Parrish found a very skinny puppy in a ditch and nurtured that puppy into an obedient, loving pet. "People just drop unwanted animals off in the woods, and they just can't take care of themselves," he said. 

Both Parrish and Janes became aware of all that's involved in scheduling a van visit when they brought in their own rescued animals for sterilization. "I asked Jean if she needed any help and I've been helping out ever since," he said, adding that he helps Janes set traps for strays, distributes fliers and steps in to do whatever he can. 

Like many people who care about animals, Janes got involved with the service because she can't stand to see animals suffer. 

Last year, the village of Folsom sponsored four trips and the Northlake Kennel Club sponsored two. About 150 dogs and cats were taken out of the reproductive cycle thanks to the support of these groups and volunteers. 

Northrop was delighted recently when an anonymous donor presented her with a check for $800 to cover at least two trips. She and others who schedule these visits rely on donations, community support and local governments to cover half the cost of the visit. 

"The people who bring in their animals pay a reduced fee for this service, which covers the other half," she said. Residents must meet income guidelines to take advantage of this service. 

"I really appreciate the support of local citizens, the village of Folsom and everyone who brings their animals in to be spayed or neutered," Northrop said. "If we can schedule a van trip every month, we will see a real solution to strays in this area." 

Northrop has two more trips scheduled for Folsom, one on May 20 and another on June 22. 

Drop-ins are not available and anyone interested in having an animal spayed or neutered must schedule an appointment. 

To raise additional money for future north shore trips, Northrop and coordinators from other communities are planning a huge garage sale this summer. She asks that the community keep them in mind when cleaning out closets and attics. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment to have an animal spayed or neutered, call the new hotline at (985) 727-2748. For more information on the Dorothy Dorsett Brown Mobile Center, check out www.la-spca.org. 

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Amy Althans is a Folsom resident. Send news about Folsom people and events to her at 1001 N. U.S. 190, Covington, LA 70433.