CARE’s Dove Fund
Dove was a cat rescued in Parachute in the summer of 2004. She gave birth to twelve kittens while in foster care (an exceptionally large litter). Nine of the kittens survived, and were spayed or neutered and adopted from the Colorado Animal Rescue Shelter. Dove herself was spayed and adopted out to a wonderful home.
From the start, all monies in the Dove Fund have been raised through special efforts, as well as through direct donations. The initial fundraiser was C.A.R.E.’s "Calendar Vets 2005" project, which featured veterinarians from the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. Other fundraising events have included rummage sales and our fabulous "Spay-Ghetti and No Balls" dinners – watch for it again in 2008!
How The Fund Works
The Dove Fund disburses its money directly to veterinary clinics, to help offset the cost for spay and neuter surgeries for animals in our community. Along with veterinarians, animal control, and the general public, our mutual goal is now and has always been to stop the reproduction of unwanted kittens and puppies. Working together, we are trying to reach the pet owners in financial need and assist them in the spay/neuter process before their cat or dog begins reproducing – and before residents abandon litters or give them away, perpetuating an endless cycle.
The Dove Fund has no income guidelines and will authorize funding for multiple pets. Dogs and cats alike are included in the program. While preference is given to residents of Garfield County for the spaying and neutering of animals, assistance will not be denied to those outside of the County who cannot find other assistance. The Dove Fund is exclusive to spay and neuter surgeries; monies cannot be used for vaccinations, medications, etc.
Getting Help With Spaying and Neutering
How to get $25.00 help spaying/neutering your pet(s) through The Dove Fund:
- 1. Contact your veterinarian to set up an appointment for spaying/neutering your animal(s). Veterinarians from Parachute to Aspen have participated in the program.
- 2. Call Colorado Animal Rescue at 947-9173 to request assistance from The Dove Fund. CARE will record your name, town of residence, telephone number, statistics on your pet(s), the date of the appointment, and the veterinarian/clinic performing the surgery.
- 3. Upon the day of surgery, tell your veterinarian that you will be receiving $25.00 from The Dove Fund at CARE when you drop your animal off in the morning. They will take this $25.00 off your invoice.
- 4. CARE will confirm with the veterinarian that the surgery took place, and that CARE will be sending $25.00 toward the client’s invoice. CARE mails a check to the veterinarian directly.
- 5. Enjoy a pet that is statistically healthier, longer-lived, and better behaved; and above all else, know you have done your part to prevent pet overpopulation in our community.
