A cut above
The Spay-Ghetti No Balls Dinner is quite an operation
Barbara Perry (left) and Vicki Seba of the Central Coast Humane Society
By Gretchen Ammerman
For the TODAY
Help pets, load up on some yummy carbs and score some local art at the next Spay-Ghetti No Balls Dinner at the Lincoln City Eagles club this Saturday, April 5.
A fund-raiser for the Beach Bark fund, the benefit has been held almost every year since 2010. The dinner includes a silent auction and raffle.
Started by Kip Ward and Kandi Hansen, former owners of The Historic Anchor Inn, the Beach Bark fund has helped more than 300 animals with services such as x-rays and blood work, and treatments for the litany of injuries that befall our beloved companions.
The fund is administered by the Central Coast Humane Society.
“We use the funds according to circumstance and need,” said President Barbara Perry. “The animals are not at fault for having a blockage, or breathing problem, a broken leg or terrible flea infestation. We weigh that with the caregivers' situation. We don't often pay 100 percent, as we feel the caregiver needs to take some responsibility.”
Originally set up to help reimburse veterinarians for care given to animals whose owners were unable to cover the expense of care, the fund is now dispersed more evenly, especially for spaying and neutering.
“We give basic amounts to everyone because we received complaints that people donate to us but are unable to get any assistance if they are not low income,” Perry said. “We felt that was a valid point and established that everyone gets a basic amount, and then we give a bit more for low income on a case-by-case basis. Of course, we hope that those who easily can afford veterinary expenses handle them on their own, and many do, but we understand if they request a bit of assistance.”
The fund is occasionally used to cover full amounts if the animal is in danger of death and the caregiver has absolutely no means to pay.
“In these cases, we require that the animal be spayed afterwards,” Perry said. “Almost always the caregiver is so thankful their precious fur baby was saved that they offer to help in any way they can. We talk to them about getting our blue bags and collecting bottles and cans, or passing out flyers. The reality of many elderly caregivers is they have outlived their relatives and friends. Their social circle is reduced to almost nothing and their pet is literally their lifeline.”
Special circumstances like the Echo Mountain Fire in 2020 affected pet owners in all walks of life and the society paid full price for any animal affected.
“We spayed, neutered and vaccinated about 200 community and pet cats that survived the fire and paid for injuries, breathing issues, intestinal upsets, etc.,” Perry said. “We set up an account at the local feed store for owners to get hay, food and needed supplies for livestock. We emptied every fund we had. In total we paid about $50,000 and were thrilled we were able to help to that extent. We have, however, spent the ensuing years building back our funds.”
Other fund-raising avenues include community donation boxes and the “Cans for Cats” program, specifically used for spay and neutering.
“I would be remiss if I didn't also mention Friends of Lincoln County Animals (FOLCAS) and their fundraising efforts at Pick of the Litter Thrift Store, which raises substantial funds for the animals of Lincoln County in the shelter system and in the community,” Perry said.
Perry retired after almost 23 years in the Lincoln County Sheriff's Jail Division. In 2009, she was transferred to be interim manager of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter for roughly a year.
“My husband was well known for being a cat lover, as was I, so I was in my element at the shelter,” she said. “I had never been around dogs that much but it was there that I worked with pit bulls and found them to be loving and mellow. Of course, I believe all animals are just wanting to be loved, cared for, safe and neutered to bring out their best personalities.”
After she transferred back to the jail division, she was asked by Central Coast Humane Society to join their board.
“I accepted and have been with them since,” she said. “We have evolved over the years from helping with a $10 certificate to get a pet spayed or neutered, to administering FOLCAS funds, obtaining grants and developing a full-fledged program to control the abundance of community cats. We have no building so we all work from our homes. We are few, but mighty!
Saturday’s dinner will be served from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Eagles Lodge, located at 737 SW 32nd Street in Lincoln City. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, go to centralcoasthumanesociety.com.