Pet PALS asks Santa for volunteers, towels and other creature comforts

DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR

MARBLE FALLS — Since getting rolling in 2005, Pet PALS has been a leader in the local effort to spay and neuter companion animals. The organization first started by setting up MASH-style clinics wherever volunteers could help, whether it was in a church gym, a community center or a fire hall.

It didn’t matter where the organization held its clinics; what mattered was helping make a difference for homeless and unwanted pets. In 2012, the organization altered more than 1,661 dogs and cats, many which would have gone without the surgeries because of the owners not being able to afford the service.

Now, eight years later, Pet PALS has a permanent location, 2003 FM 1431, where it offers low-cost spay/neuter clinics on a regular basis.

But the organization still has needs.

Deborah Nelson, a longtime volunteer, said the organization’s Christmas list includes simple but very necessary items when it comes to the regular spay/neuter clinics.

“We could use towels, a lot of them,” she said. “And paper towels. We go through a lot of both.”

Another item volunteers, vet techs and veterinarians use a great deal of during the Pet PALS clinics is rubbing alcohol.

“It’s the 91 percent rubbing alcohol,” Nelson noted.

There’s always the need for monetary donations. A donation of $20 will cover one pet’s surgery. Pet PALS offers low-cost spay and neuter clinics. One of the organization’s goals is to help low-income residents get their dogs or cats altered.

“That $20 would help one family get their dog or cat altered who might not otherwise get their pet spayed or neutered because of the cost,” Nelson said.

Also, volunteers are always welcomed.

Pet PALS also holds rabies and shot clinics occasionally throughout the year. The services also are held at the organization’s facility.

Go to www.petpalsmarblefalls.org or call (830) 598-7729 for more information or to make a donation.

daniel@thepicayune.com