Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital makes first visit to Maricopa

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Some barked, several purred and a few of the cats and dogs slept while waiting patiently for the services of the Mobile Animal Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit. The unit, stationed at the Stage Stop Ol’ Time Country Store, made its first visit to Maricopa on Saturday morning.

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Pets and their owners wait patiently for the MASH unit’s services.

Spays and neuters had to be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. The clinic stayed open until the last alter had been done, the pet recovered and picked up. According to event coordinator Shana Kerr from Arizona Animal Assistance, Dr. Trina Neufeld and her staff closed up at 8:45 that evening.

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Harrah’s Ak-Chin events coordinator Lynn Peterfreund with Baby Girl, who was waiting to be spayed.

The unit spayed or neutered 47 animals and vaccinated and chipped even more than that. “That equates to over 100 animals cared for that may not have able to see a vet or be altered or vaccinated otherwise,” stated Kerr.

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Sandra Baker-Probasco registers her three little kittens with event coordinator Shana Kerr.

The microchips cost $25, including the chip, its insertion and a lifetime registration. All veterinarians and shelters are equipped to scan for chips, which is a sure way to recover a lost cat or dog. The pet would be scanned at the site, and the owner would be notified immediately.

Attendance at Saturday’s clinic determined whether or not the unit would be coming back to Maricopa. “This is an unbelievable turnout,” exclaimed Mary Martin from Animal Rescue. “We were a little bit, but wonderfully, surprised, thanks to Shana Kerr who really got the word out.”

Martin added, “I know it’s been a long wait for some, so we’re apologizing to everyone. If we’re invited back, we’ll be here. Next time we’ll bring more volunteers and have more shade for the pets and their owners who are waiting.”

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Animal Rescue’s Mary Martin with Debbie Quaid. PJ and Prissy are both smiling because they don’t need vaccinations.

If you missed the MASH unit this time, it will be back in four weeks at the same time and at the same place. The exact date has yet to be confirmed. For further information, contact Shana Kerr at 568-9386 or by email.