On Tuesday there will be a benefit for one of many worthy causes, spay and neuter. The second annual “Spay-ghetti and No Balls Lunch” will help provide money for Natchez and surrounding areas to continue to participate in the voucher program offered through Mississippi Spay and Neuter. These vouchers are like a co-pay which help reduce the cost of a spay or neuter surgery for your pet(s).

Last year, close to $3,000 was raised at the first “Spay-ghetti and No Balls Lunch.” Over the last year, this money helped provide 191 vouchers for our community. This means at least 1,400 animals lives were saved from being born to find homes. This helped open a few more doors for the animals already waiting in our shelter to be adopted.

It is no secret our shelter is full. They take in approximately 3,000 animals each year. Unfortunately, through no fault of their own, too many of those animals will never leave the shelter doors again. There simply aren’t enough homes to save them all. Spaying or neutering your pet is vital to help with pet overpopulation. Having your pet(s) fixed will also help prevent future medical problems that could arise, therefore giving them a better chance to live a longer, healthier life.

I have been a volunteer for Mississippi Spay & Neuter for several years now because they provide a wonderful service for pet owners in Mississippi — something I truly believe in. Their voucher program helps people be responsible pet owners by having their pet spayed or neutered. Currently, here in Natchez, Natchez Vet Clinic and Bluff City Veterinary Hospital accept these vouchers which may be obtained by calling Mississippi Spay and Neuter toll free at 866-901-7729.

The second annual “Spay-ghetti and No Balls Lunch” will be Tuesday at the Natchez Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Plates are $10 and will include angel hair pasta with Al Strickland’s marinara, French bread, dessert and a Pepsi beverage. Tickets are being sold in advance, so please call me at 601-597-2117 if you would like to purchase a plate.

We are very thankful for the many volunteers helping put the lunch together and also for each of our sponsors which include: Smith Printing, Blankenstein’s, Pearl Street Pasta, Sysco, Slick Rick’s, Natchez Market, Pepsi and Dunleith.

If you are unable to purchase a plate, but are interested in helping residents in the Natchez area to spay or neuter their pet(s), you may send a tax-deductible donation to MS SPAN, 100 Business Center Parkway, Suite B, Pearl, MS 39208. Please note on your check that your donation is for the “Natchez Fund.”

We truly appreciate your support of the second annual “Spay-ghetti and No Balls Lunch!”

 

Ginna Holyoak is a Natchez resident and volunteer for Mississippi Spay and Neuter.