Tails of Hope marks 15,000th client

Apr. 24—HERMITAGE — The Tails of Hope spay and neuter clinic recently celebrated its 15,000th client.

Burghill, Ohio, resident Melinda Smith brought her cat, Little Buddy, to the clinic Monday.

Tails of Hope is a nonprofit organization located at The Thomas M. O'Brien Animal Care Center in Hermitage.

Tails of Hope offers spaying and neutering services at low to no cost for qualified pet owners to address the root cause of pet overpopulation, homelessness and suffering, along with other services such as trap-neuter-return programs.

Tails of Hope Executive Director Soraya Hejazi said Smith received a free T-shirt and a special price of $15 for the procedure, in honor of being the 15,000 spaying or neutering at Tails of Hope.

Smith said she was surprised to find out Little Buddy's special status, but added she also felt blessed because the services were offered at a discount she "really needed at this time."

"We have two spayed female cats at home, and feel it is responsible to have all pets spayed and neutered," Smith said.

"When I called to make my appointment, I left a message and was pleased to receive a return call the same day. I didn't expect it to be so easy and so friendly."

Smith said she will "definitely" tell people about her experience and recommend Tails of Hope to others.

More information can be found at tailsofhopewpa.org or the "Tails of Hope, Inc. W PA" Facebook page.

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