What a long process.  I am in no way, shape, or form done.  I will never be done.  I hope I get to slow down for a few minutes at some point.

I started working at the SPCA of Solano County in 2003 just after it reopened.  It had closed due to lack of funds for a short time.  They decided to close temporarily and regroup.

I was training horses at the time and needed a steady income.  I answered an ad in the paper for kennel help.  I applied and was hired.  I worked with two other people Amanda and Chad, who is now a fantastic officer for Humane Animal Services, our sister company.  A few months later Amy joined team and our Director was Jill.  We thought we were full when we had 10 dogs and 15 cats.  How times have changed.

The conversations about a low cost spay-neuter clinic for Solano County began then.  I wasn’t sure at that time how animal services in general worked.  How did you license your dog?  Where do you take strays?  What exactly does the SPCA do?  Solano County is way behind other counties when it comes to animal services.

Here we are in 2013.  We are full when we have 40+ dogs and 30+ cats and misc. creatures.  It seems we always manage to find room for “just one more”.  We have built up an active Facebook following.  We are becoming the place to get your questions answered and now we have the only high volume spay-neuter clinic in Solano or Yolo county.

I have now written and won a large grant $93,500.00 from Petsmart Charities.  Hired an amazing staff.  Chaunte is our RVT and clinic manager.  I don’t think I could have made it through the couple months before opening without her.  Hard word and dedication.

Things just keep growing.  We have more people that want to help us and that is fantastic but it also leads to more events, more programs and more work.  Success keeps you busy.  Success keeps you motivated.

We have done almost 75 surgeries already.  I actually got to be a technician for the first few days of surgery.  I do miss doing that but my position has changed and I need to do what I am doing.  I will have to settle for filling in when someone is sick or on vacation.  It was nice to get to use the new  equipment.

Shelden Steele is a rep with Henry-Schein.  She has been a huge part of putting this clinic together.  She has negotiated prices, researched equipment and coordinated deliveries.  Now that the grant from Petsmart Charities has had documents signed it is time to order the rest of the equipment.  The clinic staff has been working with the basics they need to get into the rhythm of working as a team.  Now  the fun will start.

All the shelters are full and they keep coming in.  The goal is 30 surgeries a day 10,000 a year.  This is how we will reduce euthanasia rates in Solano county.  It is the only way….

Puppies waiting for forever families to adopt them at the SPCA of Solano County