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 What started with spaying and neutering barn cats became full-time volunteer work for Spay Neuter Assistance Program founder Anne Heim. With the help of a handful of volunteers and one veterinarian, Anne began to help low income families spay and neuter their pets in August of 2000. SNAP was incorporated a month later, and over the past seven years the phone hasn’t stopped ringing! Over 10,000 pets have now been spayed and neutered with the help of 40 veterinarians who discount their fees for SNAP. And all this without a single paid employee!
While raising two active daughters, Anne is the “voice” of SNAP. Working from home, she provides eligibility services; is SNAP’s treasurer; maintains a relationship with each vet; and helps with fundraising.
Why does she do it? Anne believes that pet-by-pet we can eliminate the need for euthanasia in our community’s animal shelters through spay/neuter. Each day Anne receives calls from people who recognize that something needs to be done. They want to be responsible, but they just need some extra help financially. Anne helps make this happen! Listening to her talk with a pet owner about their unique situation and how SNAP can help is an education in interviewing skills, compassion, negotiation, and developing an action plan.
It might be not-for-profit work, but it isn’t without its own rewards for Anne and the other SNAP volunteers who keep the organization going year after year!
Susan
Springfield, MO
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