SUNSET GAP-The Newport Animal Shelter's Big Fix has been scheduled again for Oct. 17-18 at Sunset Gap Community Center.

Eligible families will once again have the opportunity to have free spaying or neutering and a rabies vaccination for their pets.

Families who receive Medicaid, food stamps, SS/SSI (Supplemental Security Income), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and/or unemployment compensation or are employed but receiving a limited income were welcome to submit an application for this free service by Oct. 12. We plan to perform 200 surgeries at this event. Applications received after Oct. 12 will be placed on a waiting list for the next event.

"You will also be required to submit a copy of benefits or a copy of your 2008 W2 form or the front page of your 1040 tax return," said Dr. Carol Hood, Newport Animal Shelter Director, "with your application. It cannot be processed without it."

"If your application is approved, you will be contacted by a Newport Animal Shelter volunteer to schedule your pet for surgical sterilization for either Saturday, Oct. 17, or Sunday, Oct. 18."

Hood also said that all pets must be either leashed or in carriers.

"Space will be limited," Hood pointed out, "and if you are more than 30 minutes late, your space may be filled by the next applicant on a waiting list and you may be asked to reapply."

Hood asked that everyone be patient. "There will be many people with their pets on the day of surgery, and you may be required to wait," she said. "Please understand that we are working very hard to accommodate every patient in a timely manner and that the safety and well-being of each pet is our first priority."

The Big Fix will be held at Sunset Gap Community Center, 1300 Sunset Gap Road, Cosby, TN  37722. The program is sponsored by Remote Area Medical Foundation, Newport Animal Shelter, and Friends of the Animal Shelter.

For more information, call Lora Garcia (423) 623-7742.

This is a tremendously rewarding experience for anybody who loves animals and would like to volunteer.  If you are interested in helping at this or future events contact, Lou Ann Bennett (423) 237-3721.

All volunteers must be at least 16. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Volunteers who would like to work hands on with pets must be 18 or older.