The Raccoon River Pet Rescue (RRPR) treated 25 cats — a one-day record — during Wednesday’s low-cost spay and neuter clinic, and it was all done as one big gift.
The cost of all the surgeries was covered by a donation from Scot and Sherry Dickerson of Clive in memory of Scot’s parents, the longtime Perry residents and animal lovers Wilbur and Naomi Dickerson.
“We enjoy doing things for the community,” Scot Dickerson said. “You get to a point on life where it just makes sense to help out people and give back.”
The Dickersons are no strangers to animals and their needs. They have three dogs and three cats of their own, plus they run a successful animal grooming and daycare business in Clive and Urbandale called Stylin Paws Salon.
“We opened a little grooming shop, and it just exploded in a good way,” Scot said. “Now we have 13 groomers, and we also do boarding and daycare and an indoor dog park. The Christmas party is this Saturday, with an ugly sweater contest for the dogs.”
As the 25 recovering cats were picked up by their owners, who were pleasantly surprised to hear the bill was already paid — about one-third went ahead and donated what they would otherwise have paid to the RRPR — they met and chatted with the Dickersons.
“There are so many animals in need,” Scot said, “and to meet people like this, who are taking care of them, it’s just amazing. You get to meet so many cool people from doing these kind of things, a lot of wonderful stories.”
Natalie Hanisch, director of the RRPR, said donations are always welcome, particularly this time of year, and there is a variety of ways to help the RRPR, including volunteering, fostering pets, donating supplies and others.
