011: Empowering Communities: The Long Island Cat Project with Dr. Gay Senk
United We Spay
Affordable spay-neuter services are the unsung heroes in the battle against feline overpopulation. On this episode of United We Spay, Stacy welcomes Dr. Gay Senk, a feral cat surgeon from the Farmingdale Dog and Cat Clinic, who shares her extraordinary journey from equine practice to becoming a fervent advocate for spay-neuter initiatives. Dr. Senk recounts her awakening to the feral cat crisis, her self-driven education through scientific research and TNR resources, and her impactful work with Last Hope Inc. She delves into founding the Long Island Cat Project and promoting TNR...
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010: Recruiting and Retention: The Twin Challenges of the Veterinary Profession with Stacy Pursell
United We Spay
Unlock the secrets to overcoming the veterinary workforce shortage with insights from Stacy’s expert guest, Stacy Pursell, founder and CEO of the Vet Recruiter. In this episode of United We Spay, we address the growing demand for veterinarians and the factors contributing to stress and burnout among current staff. Stacy shares her wealth of knowledge on the strategic, talent-centric solutions needed to secure the future of veterinary care. Discover innovative strategies employers are using to attract and retain veterinarians, especially in underserved areas. From student loan repayment...
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009: Empowering Veterinarians: Mastering High-Quality Spay Neuter Procedures with Dr. Becky Morrow
United We Spay
What if the key to transforming animal welfare was hidden in the precision and efficiency of high-volume spay-neuter services? On this episode of United We Spay, Stacy sits down with Dr. Becky Morrow, a shelter veterinarian, and professor, who shares her incredible journey from aspiring wildlife vet to founding Frankie's Friends Cat Rescue. Dr. Morrow opens up about her motivations and the hurdles she overcame in setting up a clinic dedicated to rescuing cats from cruelty cases. She passionately discusses how targeted trap-neuter-return programs save lives and significantly improve community...
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008: Unleashing Change: A Dialogue on Neuter Before Adoption (NBA) with Leading Advocates
United We Spay
On this episode of United We Spay, learn how spay-neuter services are transforming animal welfare and reducing shelter overpopulation with our expert panel. Hear from Peter Marsh, who provides historical insights into effective sterilization laws from California and New Hampshire, and learn from Dr. Jeffrey Young and Dr. Phil Bushby about their extensive experience in spay-neuter programs and veterinary training. Learn the importance of spaying and neutering animals before adoption and how these initiatives are essential in preventing an influx of homeless animals in shelters. We also...
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007: Revolutionizing Pet Welfare Through Global Spay/Neuter Initiatives with Craig Neilson & Joaquin Navaro
United We Spay
When Craig Neilson and Dr. Joaquin Navaro speak, it's impossible not to be moved by their commitment to transforming animal welfare. Imagine a world where pet overpopulation is a thing of the past. On this episode of United We Spay, we’re bringing that vision closer to reality as these passionate advocates recall the evolution of spaying and neutering from simple vet procedures to a sophisticated surgeon training program. Their journey outlines the power of compassionate action, and they leave no stone unturned in discussing how these initiatives rescue animals from suffering and safeguard...
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006: Addressing the Root Cause: A Conversation on Spay-Neuter Initiatives with Cheri Storms
United We Spay
Get the secrets to combating pet overpopulation and discover how spay-neuter programs are a practical solution for communities nationwide. On this episode of United We Spay, join Stacy as she teams up with Cheri Storms from Pet Friendly Services of Indiana to scrutinize the reproductive rates of cats and dogs that lead to shelter overflows. You’ll hear how their organization champions the fight through financial assistance and voucher programs. We discuss the overwhelming demand for their services and the need for accessible spay-neuter options, especially for low-income pet owners. We also...
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005: The True Cost of Pet Overpopulation in California with Kit O'Doherty & Judie Mancuso
United We Spay
Join the fight against pet overpopulation as we unpack the power of spay-neuter initiatives with animal welfare advocates Kit O'Doherty and Judie Mancuso. On this episode of United We Spay, Kit's front-line experiences in California blend with Judie's legislative expertise to highlight the urgency of accessible spay-neuter services. They are an aspect of animal healthcare and a vital public service. This episode reveals how these preventative measures can better the lives of pets and communities. We explore why efforts in Massachusetts struggled initially and how targeted campaigns eventually...
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004: Bridging Gaps in Rural Pet Healthcare with Linda Chitwood and Denise Bynum
United We Spay
Staring into the pleading eyes of an animal in need, you can't help but feel a pull to do something, anything—that's precisely the moment Linda Chitwood knew she had to act. This episode of United We Spay takes us through the heart of rural North Mississippi, where Linda, the founder of the Homeless Animals Relief Project (HARP), and Denise Bynum, HARP's director, paint a vivid picture of the critical need for affordable spay-neuter services to prevent pet overpopulation. Their conversation with Stacy navigates low-income communities' challenges, with veterinary deserts leaving pet owners...
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003: Revolutionizing Feline Care: Feline Fix by Five with Dr. Phil Bushby and Esther Mechler
United We Spay
Could the key to transforming animal welfare lie within the simple act of spaying and neutering our pets earlier? On this episode of United We Spay, we sit down with Esther Mechler and Dr. Phil Bushby, two trailblazers in the fight against pet overpopulation, to unravel the effectiveness of spay and neuter programs and how they align with animal care ethics. Esther, the founding force behind Spay USA and United Spay Alliance, shares her passionate journey towards advocating for the Feline Fix by Five initiative. Dr. Bushby, with decades of veterinary experience, reveals the harsh realities of...
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002: Empowering Communities Through High-Volume Clinics with Patricia Chan
United We Spay
Are you ready to become a part of something bigger? On this episode of United We Spay, join us as Stacy explores spay/neuter initiatives in Panama with guest Patricia Chan. From a pioneering woman in the Panama Canal Commission to becoming an advocate for animal welfare, Patricia’s story is inspirational. Hear the story behind Spay Panama, a groundbreaking organization that has spayed or neutered over 320,000 animals, and learn how education plays a significant role in shifting public attitudes toward animal welfare. We also traverse the intricate logistics of massive spay/neuter events,...
info_outlineIn this inaugural episode of United We Spay, host Stacy LeBaron takes us on a journey with Esther Mechler, the founder of United Spay Alliance.
Stacy and Esther delve into the ongoing issue of animal overpopulation and the importance of affordable spay/neuter services in preventing the needless suffering of animals. From the harsh conditions of a rundown shelter to establishing a renowned referral program with 8,000 vets nationwide, Esther's story is an extraordinary tale of compassion and commitment.
You’ll also hear Stacy and Esther discuss the "Feline Fix by Five" campaign, a pioneering initiative that advocates for spaying and neutering cats by five months old. Listen in as they discuss the role of public health officials in addressing cat overpopulation and the critical need for community involvement.
This is a conversation where you can learn how each one of us can make an impact in tackling animal overpopulation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- United Spay Alliance founder Esther Mechler’s experience working in a rundown shelter to establishing a referral program involving 8,000 vets nationwide
- Her goal of addressing animal overpopulation and promoting affordable spay/neuter services
- The success of the "Feline Fix by Five" campaign, an initiative advocating for cats to be spayed and neutered by five months old
- The role of public health officials in tackling cat overpopulation
- The importance of community involvement in promoting spay/neuter services
- How the concept of "Feline Fix by Five" month can significantly reduce the number of homeless cats
- How spaying and neutering can be a form of public health for pets
- Esther’s personal experiences that ignited her passion for animal welfare
- Being proactive in addressing animal overpopulation, the urgency of the issue, and various ways people can make a difference
Resources from this Episode:
- Feline Fix by Five program: www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five
- United Spay Alliance website: www.unitedspayalliance.org
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Episode Credits:
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