Sarge Fund established to provide affordable spay/neuter and veterinary care to pit bulls

Thanks to private donations and a grant from the Animal Farm Foundation, PAWS launched "The Sarge Fund" in 2010 to celebrate and serve Philadelphia’s pit bull population. "The Sarge Fund" enables dogs identified as pit bulls (or pit bull mixes) to spay/neuter surgeries on a Pay-What-You-Can basis at PAWS’ Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic, thus promoting a lifetime of health, companionship, and responsible pet ownership. Since one in four people in Philadelphia lives below the poverty line, PAWS is committed to helping pit bull owners - and all pet owners - obtain affordable and accessible health care for their pets. Doing so allows pets to remain beloved family members, helps reduce the homeless animal population, and limits the number of pets killed in city shelters simply because they do not have homes.

Donations to "The Sarge Fund" also enable PAWS to host monthly Community Pet Days in under-served neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. At Community Pet Days, dog and cat owners can receive low-cost vaccinations, low-cost microchips, and information about low-cost spay/neuter services.

With financial support from "The Sarge Fund," pit bulls and pit bull mixes can receive vouchers for Pay-What-You-Can spay/neuter surgeries at PAWS’ clinic. Volunteers also distribute free leashes and collars to pet owners in need (or in exchange for ropes, belts, chains, and other items used for dogs) and provide tips on reward-based training and responsible dog ownership. Click here for a recap of our recent Community Pet Days in Hunting Park and Overington Park.

Donations to "The Sarge Fund" enable PAWS to provide affordable and accessible animal health care services to Philadelphia’s pet owners, especially those who own pit bulls and pit bull mixes. They also enable us to promote responsible dog ownership and to celebrate dogs identified as pit bulls. This proactive, community-based approach (based on best practices across the country) will reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals pouring into shelters, which brings PAWS closer to its goal of making Philadelphia a no-kill city.

Here are some of the ways your donations to "The Sarge Fund" will be used:

• $10 pays for one microchip (including registration)
• $25 pays for one round of vaccinations
• $50 pays for one spay/neuter surgery
• $100 provides clinical evaluation and care for an animal with a common, treatable illness

About Sarge: Sarge is a 16 year-old pit bull who was rescued in 2008 from an animal cruelty case in Philadelphia. After spending 14 years with a person who abused animals, he was adopted by a family in Philadelphia and quickly became the city’s most beloved "Elderbull." Sarge is now a Certified Therapy Dog with Pals for Life (www.palsforlife.org) and visits nursing homes, hospitals, and schools to spread cheer to people in need. In 2010, Mayor Michael Nutter presented him with the "Humane Educator of the Year" award for his service to the City of Philadelphia, and the Animal Farm Foundation gave Sarge an "Achievement Award" for paving the way for dogs identified as pit bulls to be treated as individuals. As a testament to his handsome looks and amazing talents, Sarge won the "2010 Philadelphia Barking Beauty Pageant" - the first pit bull to win the crown! He lives with five other dogs (all adopted from shelters), including his girlfriend Mary Todd Lincoln (a 10-year-old pug) and his sister Martha Washington (a 9-year-old pit bull). When he’s not busy winning hearts and opening minds, Sarge enjoys dancing (he loves to Salsa!), eating cream cheese, snoozing on his geriatric doggie bed, and attending happy hours around Philadelphia. Sarge’s adventures are documented on his blog, "Elderbulls," at www.elderbulls.blogspot.com.

Sarge was recently featured in Atomic Dogg magazine! Click here to read about his busy life as a therapy dog and a recap of his Sweet Sixteen birthday party. 

He was also featured in the Winter 2010 issue of American Dog Magazine! Click here to read the article.

Sarge is grateful for his second chance to enjoy "a dog’s life" - and he truly appreciates your support in helping other dogs like him!