On February 1st, 2010, Bend Spay & Neuter Project performed its 20,000th surgery.  The proud recipient was Specter, a seven month old long hair, black kitty.  In continuing with the mission, “to end pet homelessness in Deschutes County by providing low and no cost spay and neuter services,” Bend Spay and Neuter has asked the public to, “help us stop the cycle of unwanted animals and unnecessary killing.”

Each day, 10,000 humans are born in the U.S., compared to 70,000 puppies and kittens born daily.  With birth rates such as these, there will never be enough homes for the animals.  So, 4 to 6 million animals end up euthanized, while millions more live on the streets.

Before the Snip

Bend Spay & Neuter Project uses the highest quality anesthesia and pain management available.  Each individual animal is treated with the highest regard at their clinic.  All dogs are given fluids post surgery, ears checked and cleaned, nails trimmed and vitals monitored by caring volunteers.  Bend Spay & Neuter also performs vaccinations and microchip implantation.

Bend Spay & Neuter Project is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization.

On a side note, our Malamute-Wolf (don’t tell anyone about the wolf part though please ) mix Kona had is surgery yesterday and I am pleased to say that everything went extremely well! The entire staff was beyond caring and friendly. We highly recommend this wonderful clinic!

Instead of trying to find the place in your budget to cut back, how about ensuring the local businesses where you shop also find a place in their budget to give.  Fivepercentback.org does just that.  Fivepercentback.org is a volunteer-based organization that donates 5% of the proceeds to a charity or non-profit of your choosing.

So whether you want to make sure the Humane Society has enough funds to care for animals or Big Brothers Big Sisters of America can continue to care for America’s youth, Fivepercentback.org has you covered.  Check the website to see if a local business you frequent is signed up.  And if they’re not, ask them why.  Also, if there is a charity you would like to have listed on the site, go to www.fivepercentback.org to find out how.

In 2007 (most recent data), Americans gave over $295 million to charitable donations.  That’s over three times what the French (next on the list) gave.  About a third of this money went to houses of worship, and the rest going to secular activities, such as education, health and social welfare.  If nothing else, I think this proves we do want to make the world a better place.

Since the people are giving, isn’t right to expect the same from the businesses we support?  If businesses expect our support, then shouldn’t we expect the same from businesses?  Now there is a way to demand that support.  Fivepercentback.org allows businesses to donate 5% of profits to a charity or non-profit of your choice.  Is the local business you support signed up?  Shouldn’t they be?

You have the ability to support organizations that represent environmental stewardship, healthy lifestyle choices, social efforts and more.  The program is a shining example of businesses and customers partnering to make this a better world in which to live.  Go to www.fivepercentback.org to see if a business you frequent is signed up or to check out some of the charities supported by the program.