February 27, 2015 at 3:14 p.m.
Pet lovers flock to Spay-ghetti and No Balls dinner
Pet lovers flock to Spay-ghetti and No Balls dinner
By Kayla Thomason-
Just over 80 guests enjoyed a heaping plate of spaghetti, a choice of sauce, bread and a salad.
"I think it's a great turnout. I'm surprised by the number of people that support the nonprofit," said Tarsie Goes, Rhinelander GM marketing director. "The spaghetti is amazing, so of course that's a perk, and good turnout for all the raffle prizes and it's really just a great time."
This was Goes first time attending the Spay-ghetti dinner. She hasn't had a pet sterilized through the Fix Is In but knows people who have.
"I've known quite a few people that have (had a pet sterilized through The Fix Is In) and they've been so happy and the professionalism is just outstanding," Goes said.
Amber Plautz, a former volunteer at the Fix Is In, was attending her second Spay-ghetti and No Balls Dinner.
"(The dinner is) good," Plautz said. "I like the venue, (it's) very pretty here."
She commented on how far the event has come since its first year. The event seemed more organized and included more prizes, she said.
"It's a lot of fun. You can eat good dinner, win some prizes and learn more," Plautz said.
Debra Patek, a teller at Ripco Credit Union, enjoyed her first time at the event.
"It's a cute building and the room is really nice and I'm excited," she said. "I think it's going to be fun. I think it's a really nice thing that they do (the dinner) annually and I think it's a worthy cause so I'm glad that a lot of people come up."
Patek is an avid supporter of the organization and its efforts to control the local pet population.
"The two cats I've had were already fixed, but I think it's a wonderful idea because there's too many animals that are strays and it's sad," she said.
Diane Vanlandingham, scheduling coordinator and board member of The Fix Is In, has been with the organization from the very beginning.
"I joke that I started with Karla (Ortman, founder and board member of The Fix Is In) before it had a name," Vanlandingham said.
"I'm really pleased with the turnout," Vanlandingham added. "I think that we're a small group so considering the presence that we have and the turnout that we have we're really fortunate."
She said she likes being able to see clients and hear feedback.
"It's one of those things where every day you either talk to someone or meet someone that is so thankful for what we do and it just makes you feel good about what we're doing and a lot of the pets would never be fixed if we wouldn't have done it," Vanlandingham said. "It's really rewarding knowing that people are just very appreciative."
The name "Spay-ghetti and No Balls Dinner" is borrowed. According to Ortman "other animal welfare groups and spay/neuter clinics in the U.S. have done these. I learned about it and wanted to do one in Rhinelander."
"That's the women's take on a fun way to do it," joked Mike Boyd, board president of The Fix Is In, referring to the name.
Boyd has been involved in the dinner since year one.
All proceeds from the evening will benefit The Fix Is In. The money will be used to purchase equipment and cover repair, maintenence and replacement costs.
The clinic was founded in July 2012 and will soon hit a special milestone.
"I am so grateful for the support from the community," Ortman said. "The Fix Is In Spay/Neuter clinic will be performing its 8,000th surgery in March and we are proud to have helped so many pets and their people."
The Fix Is In mobile veterinary clinic is open to everyone. The only requirement is that the pets are healthy.
"We're trying to target lower or moderate to lower income families that really want to have their pets done. That's our target audience," Boyd said. "We don't ask or verify income or anything like that."
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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