NEWPORT-The Newport Animal Shelter and Remote AreaMedical of Knoxville (RAM) held another successful Big Fix on Saturday, Feb. 27at the National Guard Armory off Cosby Highway.

Jean Jolly with RAM, Veterinary Development, and Reach AcrossAmerican Development, said that approximately 175 of the 181 pre-registeredanimals were treated Saturday- the most the clinic has ever done in a singleday. The Big Fix Clinic is free of charge, offering spay/neuters for dogs andcats, the first round of needed shots, and Rabies shots. It is especiallyoffered for families who could not otherwise afford these services for theirpets.

"The Newport Animal Shelter and area humane societiesneed to be commended for their active volunteer support," said Jolly. "Thevolunteers give willingly and freely of their time and hard work. They worklong hours while doing tasks many people prefer not to do such as cleaning thekennels, surgery prep assistance, and assisting the animals in recovery. Thecity of Newport itself should also be commended for having such active animalagencies."

Jolly would like to extend her thanks to theveterinarians who volunteered their time and services during the clinic onSaturday: Dr. Carol Hood of Newport, who is also the principle coordinator ofthe Big Fix clinics; Dr. Gil Conklin of Cosby; Dr. Bob Henry of the Universityof Tennessee-Knoxville School of Veterinary Science; Dr. Richard Hewitt ofMorristown; Dr. Aimee Hossler of Indianapolis, IN; Dr. Carson Hutchinson ofMaynardville; Dr. Tonya Lawson of Louisville, TN, and Dr. John Shaw ofLouisville, TN.

The next Big Fix is hopefully to be set in June, but thedefinite time, date, and location will be announced in coming months as theNewport Animal Shelter and RAM prepare a schedule. Jolly explained that theclinic is held four times per year, approximately once per quarter.

For more information, please contact the Newport AnimalShelter at 423-623-1010 or RAM at 865-579-1530.