STOP THE CYCLE

In the summer of 2019, Sharon, a Fulton County, Arkansas resident on a fixed income, needed to have two dogs and two cats “fixed.”  The cost for the procedures was well beyond her means.  She reached out to the community in hopes of finding financial assistance and discovered there wasn’t much help for Fulton County.   She did discover some wonderful organizations in the tri-county area.  Friends of Horseshoe Bend Animals primarily focused on meeting the needs of animals in Izard County.  They had received grants in the past that included funds for Fulton County, but the vouchers were always gone long before the need was met.  Friends of Cherokee Village Animals had served the Cherokee Village and surrounding area for many years, but they were in the process of closing their doors.  Sue, with FCVA, was able to provide some financial assistance.  Sharon also found help with the Martha Decker Foundation which helps families in the tri-county area get their dogs spayed or neutered.  With the help of her friends and a GoFundMe page, Sharon was able to get her pets spayed and neutered.  As she talked to these organizations, it became clear that Fulton County needed its own spay/neuter assistance group and that Sharp County would need one as well with FCVA closing.  When Sharon mentioned on a local social media page the need for this service in our area, someone replied, “You’re right!  Why don’t you start one?”  And so she did.