Lori Cicchini with assistance from Kristine McCalla and Carol Croyle described the goals, activities, projects and fund raising efforts of the Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode, located in Diamond Springs. Some of their goals include: to provide community services for animals in need through low cost spay, neuter, and vaccine services to help eliminate pet overpopulation and euthanasia of adoptable animals and to provide a safe and caring haven for our feline shelter animals until adopted. Some events from their history include: opening in 1992 to provide a safe haven for cats; providing low cost spay, neuter and vaccination services in 1995; winning a nationwide 3rd place from the Rachel Ray organization in 2012; and providing dental services for cats & dogs starting in 2015. In 2018 the started a homeless outreach program of spaying and neutering their pats at no charge. Animal Outreach has a program for feral cats in which volunteers trap them humanely; they are brought in for spaying and neutering; and the cats are then placed with ranches, wineries or other rural residents who appreciate the feral cats rodent control capabilities. The new owner does need to acclimate them to their new outdoor home, shelter, feed and water them. Animal Outreach gets their funds from several sources and activities: adoption fees, vet services offered, private donations, various grants, and two big fundraisers -- the Big Day of Giving and an Annual Spaghetti Dinner in the Fall. Rotarians who are looking to develop new community projects in this area should coordinate with Carol Croyle who manages the Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode side of the projects.
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