Good news for the pets in Pulaski County.

Mountain View Humane Spay/Neuter Clinics, with locations in Roanoke and Christiansburg,  was awarded a $2,000 grant by the Community Foundation of the New River Valley to create the Prevent Another Litter Subsidy – Pulaski County (PALS-P).

The money will be used to support our PALS-P program to help subsidize the cost of spaying and neutering the animals of seniors living on a fixed income, the animals owned by low income families, and free-roaming cats in Pulaski County. Each individual that applies for funding will fill out an aid application form verifying income and pay a small portion of the total surgery fee.

MVH’s services are targeted to serve pets from low income households, pets being readied for adoption, and stray free- roaming animals.

“By providing an affordable, accessible solution to pet overpopulation, we can reach that portion of the public who otherwise would not be able to afford the surgery,” Corrie Prater, the clinics’ marketing director, said in a news release.

Service                 MVH Cost            PALS-P Subsidy                        Total cost to owner after funding

Feline Spay                  $58                         $31                                   $27

Feline Neuter              $45                         $30                                   $15

Canine Spay                 $73                        $35                                   $38

Canine Neuter             $68                         $32                                   $36

Pet owners in Pulaski County that would like to take advantage of this fund can call the Christiansburg clinic at (540)382-0222 or  (855) HIP-SNIP. Aid applications can be filled out online at www.MountainViewHumane.org or over the phone with clinic staff.

The RVSPCA is trying to reach a big goal today and tomorrow: Find good homes for 50 percent of its adoptable pets for 50 percent off the normal adoption fee.

Is it Adoption Impossible? Or can this mission indeed be possible?

You can visit with kitties and dogs in search of loving families at PetSmart at Valley View this weekend from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

To see the gallery of pets available for adoption, including Harris who is pictured here, click this link right here.

Here’s an excerpt from a news release from Mountain View Humane:

The Waldron-Ricci Spay Neuter Clinic in Christiansburg and The Sabrina & Lucky Garvin Clinic in Roanoke, have received a $5,000 grant from the Animal Farm Foundation, Inc to help 100 Pit Bull or Pit Bull mix owners spay and neuter their pets. A female Pit Bull can be spayed for $23 and males can be neutered for only $18.

This is a $50 savings per surgery off Mountain View Humane’s normal low prices.

Mountain View Humane asks bully breed owners to call (855) HIP-SNIP (855-447-7647) to schedule their dog to be spayed or neutered and for more information.

Reduced fee surgeries are by appointment only and space is limited. Owners must show proof of current rabies vaccination or their pet can be vaccinated at the time of surgery for an additional $10.

This is a WONDERFUL opportunity to get your bully breed baby fixed at a very reasonable price.

As the pet parent of a bully-breed-mixed boy, I highly encourage you to get your dog fixed. There are too many unwanted pups and not enough good homes, and let’s be honest, bullys can be hard to place. It’s unfair, I know, because my Stormy is a sweet, lovable boy. But the reputation — built by less-than-responsible dog owners, thugs and the horrors of dog fighting, which usually victimizes this breed — makes them often the last ones chosen at a shelter.

A spayed and/or neutered dog is a happier and healthier pet, I promise you that.

The Virginia Veterinary Medical Association announced that Courtney Wiegard, D.V.M., has received the 2013 Recent Graduate Leadership award in recognition of her contributions to the profession of veterinary medicine.

Wiegard was presented with this prestigious award at the 2013 Virginia Veterinary Conference on March 1 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

Wiegard, who graduated from Virginia Tech’s vet school, joined  Vinton Veterinary Hospital in Vinton, Va. in June 2005 and was the driving force behing the Biggest Loser campaign at the clinic, which raised awareness about pet obesity. Wiegard alos helps raise money for the Good Samaritan Fund at Vinton Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she is an instructor of two courses at Roanoke Memorial Hospital: one for expectant parents about integrating their newborns into homes with pets, and one teaching proper techniques for CPR for animals.

Congratulations to Dr. Wiegard.

Angels of Assisi Spay/Neuter Wellness Clinic and Adoption Center is inviting the public to a seminar on animal welfare laws and the court system.

The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenfield Education & Training Center, 57 S. Center Drive in Daleville.

This is the course description on the event’s Facebook page:

“Have you ever wondered what role prosecutors take in animal abuse cases? How to truly identify a bait dog? What happens when an animal is taken by Animal Control officers? Why do some court cases last so long, and some are resolved right away? Leading experts in animal welfare law will be be answering those questions, and many more. Registration is free, and open to all- Animal Control officers, rescue groups, volunteers, and students are all welcome!”

Click here to register.

Mountain View Humane Spay/Neuter Clinics of Roanoke and Christiansburg are not running low on pets in need of fixing, but the clinics are running low on cash to help the pets of needy families.

The Spay it Forward Fund, which helps subsidize the fees for surgery for low-income families, is “nearly wiped out,” according to a news release.

“This fund if designed to assist residents who would like to have their companion animals sterilized and vaccinated but cannot afford even the low-cost fees charged by Mountain View Humane,” the news release said.

If you can afford to help, tax deductible donations can be sent to the Waldron-Ricci Spay/Neuter Clinic, 53 W. Main St., Christiansburg, 24073 or the Sabrina & Lucky Garvin Spay/Neuter Clinic, 5363 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, 24019.

A Roanoke Police Department K-9 dog died Monday because of a medical condition, authorities said.

Police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson said Oskar, a 5-year-old German shepherd, joined the department in August 2010 and was trained in narcotics detection, tracking and criminal apprehension.

Over the course of his career, Oskar recovered 70 pounds of marijuana, 44 grams of cocaine and 26 ecstasy pills, Johnson said. On at least one occasion, the dog found a handgun tossed by a person running from police.

Johnson said Oskar was paired with Officer T.A. Barber.

“The men and women of the Roanoke Police Department are proud to have served with K9 Oskar and are proud of his service,” Johnson wrote in a statement.

– Chase Purdy, The Roanoke Times

I have a special place in my heart for all service dogs, no matter if their partner is a police officer, military member, or a person with a physical challenge. These dogs live to be of service and they ask for little in return. Smart, loyal and brave, these dogs keep us safe and help people stay independant. Rest easy, Oskar. You were a proud servant of the people of Roanoke and we honor your memory.

It may be winter now, but I promise you that spring is just around the corner and the heat is on the way.

Not just the external temperature, either. Spring turns up the heat on the sex drives of unaltered dogs and cats.

An unspayed female cat can produce, oh, I don’t know, about ten bazillion kittens. That’s an exaggeration, but only slightly. And to the folks who take in unwanted kittens at the pounds and shelters of our area, that number may sound low-balled.

You can help your girly kitty avoid littering and save a chunk of change, too, by taking advantage of Mountain View Humane’s “Beat the Heat” spay program during the month of February. Sponsored by PetSmart Charities, the program will fix your cat for just $20, a $38 saving.

The program is limited to the first 280 cats whose pet guardians mention “Beat the Heat” when their appointment is made, and at least 40 of those spots are already taken, so if you want to take advatange, you should act soon.

Kittens as young as eight weeks old can be fixed, thus preventing them from making more kittens before their first birthday. And that old saying that it’s better to let a cat go through one heat or even one litter before getting her fixed is a MYTH, folks.

What does the American Veterinary Medical Association have to say? It endorses spaying and neutering and backs up that endorsement with research that shows that the procedure can improve behavioral problems and even reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections.

Mountain View Humane has two convenient locations: 53 W. Main St. in Christiansburg and 5363 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke. Call 855-447-7647 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Here’s a compendium of news for your and your pet,:

Let’s start with PetEx, the big critter-related expo happening at the Roanoke Civic Center on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the event is $7 for adults and $5 for kids, but a little bird on Facebook said there are FREE kids passes at the checkout counter of your friendly neighborhood Kroger store.  That makes the event very affordable for families.

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Speaking of affordable, if your pet needs a rabies vaccine, the Virginia Department of Public Health is holding a clinic at Washington Park (corner of Burrell Street and Orange Avenue in Roanoke) from 9 a.m. to noon on May 12 and the vaccine will only cost $5. Pups must be at least three months old and all dogs must be leashed. Cats must be in a carrier. If you have a certificate of prior vaccination, your pet is eligible for a three-year vaccine.

You can save time by pre-registering online at www.tinyurl/rabiesclinic2012 by May 9.

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Got a pit-bull-type doggie and want to be a responsible pet owner? You can get your pittie fixed for the low, low price of $23 at Mountain View Humane in Christiansburg. The clinic got a grant to fix 100 bully-breed dogs and so far 19 people have taken advantage of this bargain. To get in on the deal, call 382-0222 to make an appointment. If you can’t make it all the way out to the New River Valley, ask about a free ride on the Hip to Snip trip when you make your appointment.

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Has your dog gotten into something potentially toxic? There’s an app for that.

The Pet Poison Helpline has launched a new iPhone app and a mobile-enhanced website, making it that much easier to get your questions answered when your pet has made a questionable edible call. The app has an index that allows users to search a full-color database for toxins, cross-referencing them by common and scientific terms.

The app costs .99 cents and is available through iTunes. For more information, go to www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Last night I had the pleasure once again of enjoying FABULOUS food served by some of the most talented chefs in our area at the Puttin’ on the Dog dinner, a fundraiser for Saint Francis Service Dogs.

Saint Francis Service Dogs trains dogs to become life partners to adults and children with disabilities, neurological conditions and veterans returning from service in the wars. The organization, which provides these highly skilled dogs to clients free of charge, is 100 percent supported by donations and this annual dinner is one of its biggest fundraisers.

This was the fifth year my husband and I have attended this lovely event, which features seven courses donated and prepared by local chefs. Among the wonderful dishes served last night, we enjoyed a cumin-scented crab cake served with an amazing vegetable ceviche (made by Jeff Doudiken of the Bonsack Kroger chef shop), a light and delicious beer and cheddar soup made by Chris Dye from Blue 5 restaurant), a refreshing quinoa salad (from Chef Prem Nath of Taaza and Elephant Walk restaurants) and a fantastic duo of lamb prepared by Aaron Deal, who is the chef at the new River and Rail restaurant set to open in South Roanoke next month.

If all this food talk is making you hungry, you can still enjoy some really great food and help a worthy cause.

A week from Saturday, April 28,  is the 11th annual Puppy Love Ball, an event that raises money for the Roanoke Valley SPCA. The event is held at The Hotel Roanoke and features dining stations (with some wonderful appetizers, entrees and desserts), a live band and dancing. Though I love to bust a few moves, a bum knee will keep me sidelined this year, darn it.

The event is a blast and my husband and I look forward to it each year. Each year the ballroom is decorated with pictures of pets adopted from the RVSPCA, and this year our Stormy’s smiling mug will be among the alumni photos.

We adopted Stormy as a wee pup from the SPCA in 2008.

Click here, call 339-9502 or email Kathy Perdue (kperdue@rvspca.org) for ticket information.