The McCullough Foundation, of Houston, recognized The Woodlands Dog Park Club this week with a $15,000 donation to be used in the Partnership for Paws Vaccination/Spay & Neuter Clinics that the Club hosts in cooperation with the Montgomery County Animal Shelter and County Commissioners. 
  
In 2008 the Partnership for Paws “Love Your Pets” outreach program vaccinated more than 1000 dogs and cats and spayed or neutered 500. 
  
The Partnership for Paws clinics offer free on-site vaccinations to the public’s dogs and cats and are held throughout the year in various communities (representing the four precincts) around Montgomery County including Willis, New Caney, Magnolia and The Woodlands area. The clinics, typically held on Saturdays, also offer qualifying families, on income assistance, vouchers for free or half-price spay/neuter services, to be booked and redeemed at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter on SH 242. 
  
Laura McConnell, president of The Woodlands Dog Park Club, said the donation is a great honor and will do much good in the county. “With this generous donation, our 2009 Partnership for Paws effort is secured, and we know that many more lives will be saved,” said McConnell. “Thank you to Jim McCullough and the Foundation for your support and your desire to help the animals of this area.” 
  
“Its wonderful to know that this spay/neuter directed grant will, over time, prevent countless litters of puppies and kittens and help to alleviate the overpopulation of our local shelters.” said Jim McCullough, who was responsible for the grant. 
  
The McCullough Foundation, a 501(c)(3) private foundation as opposed to a 501(c)(3) public charity, makes grants only to 501(c)(3) public charities chosen by the trustees of the foundation. The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for grants. 
  
Partnership for Paws began in 2007 as a joint effort of TWDPC and Const. Tim Holifield’s office, as it oversees the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, to serve populations in areas of Montgomery County not proximal to the Shelter. The success of the program is due to the commitment of the County Commissioners, TWDPC’s board and dedicated volunteers, the staff and volunteers at MCAS, and the response of a conscientious public interested in ensuring the health of their pets and combating pet overpopulation in their communities. 

Fighting Pet Overpopulation and Stopping the Spread of Disease 
  
With monthly intake numbers at MCAS sometimes reaching as high as 2000 animals, the need for responsible pet ownership cannot be overstated. The first and best step in fighting pet overpopulation is a strong spay/neuter program. Every dog or cat taken as a family pet should be altered. Up-to-date vaccinations ensure that the county’s pet population is healthier and resistant to life-threatening diseases such as parvo, distemper, pneumonia and parasites. If animals do stray and are brought into the shelter, if they’ve been vaccinated they pose a much lower threat to the animals already in care at the shelter as well as being much safer themselves. 
  
The next clinic will be held on March 21st, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Willis at the Precinct 1 County Barn at 510 Hwy 75 North. 
  
How To Help 
Volunteers are needed to set-up and carry out various tasks during the clinics. Volunteer duties include: assisting folks in holding dogs and cats, filling water bowls, handing out treats and goody bags, running errands, and helping with paperwork. Pet crates of various sizes are also required on a temporary basis for the day of the clinic. 
  
Contact Bob Herrell if you are interested in volunteering: robert.herrell@sbcglobal.net