San Angelo Shelter to Celebrate Make a Difference Day

National Make a Difference Day winner Daniel Soupiset will conduct another pet-related project this year when he spearheads an effort on Oct. 24 to raise funds for “Snip and Clip” coupons to reduce the cost of spay/neuter by the Animal Shelter’s veterinarian.

“Make a Difference at the Animal Shelter Day” will be from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at the facility, 3142 U.S. Highway 67 North.

Last year Soupiset raised approximately $4,500 to underwrite the adoption of 57 shelter animals. This year, the Central High School junior will be raising money at the event to assist pet owners with the cost of altering their dogs and cats. The City Council recently approved a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance in a move to reduce San Angelo’s pet overpopulation and decrease the number of animals entering the shelter. The amount of the coupons will be determined by how much money Soupiset raises.

Featured dogs will be available for adoption for $30 at the event and all cats will cost $10. That includes spaying/neutering the animal, a microchip (also required by the new ordinance), vaccines and City registration.

Daniel will be set up at the animal shelter with 100 FREE spay and neuter coupons. Coupons are limited to one per household. Applications for these free coupons will be taken from noon to 4:00pm. At 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00pm, 25 applications will be randomly drawn from the pile. All spay and neutering will be done at the animal shelter by the new animal shelter vet. The vet should be up and ready, to begin spay and neutering, in approximately 6-8 weeks time.

The Tone Pirates, one of San Angelo’s most popular bands, will perform from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Other activities include a bounce house, animal-themed arts and crafts, food, a raffle, a car show, face-painting and animal-shaped balloons. A local Girl Scout troop is creating a new shelter coloring book and pamphlet. Local artist Julie Raymond has painted a new piece for the shelter that will also be on display.

The winners of a contest for elementary school students will be announced at 3 p.m. Through Oct. 22, students can answer the question, “Why do shelter cats and dogs make great pets?” by drawing or painting a picture, writing an essay or poem, or using some other creative medium. Entries must include the contestant’s name, age and telephone number, and can be dropped off or mailed to the shelter. Winners will receive a Baskin-Robbins gift card and a stuffed animal.

Attendees to the family event are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and small coolers, though no alcohol is allowed. For more information, call Mo Soupiset at 325-374-8585.