Editor:

I am grateful to live in a community where people join together to work on a common cause. In 2009, out of a love of animals and a desire to help decrease the number of homeless pets in our area, The Fix Is In, Inc., was established. I did not do this alone-the support of friends, family and local pet lovers was critical in this venture, and I would like to recognize them here.

Helping to establish the non-profit, and providing on-going support with organization management and fundraising are the kind and hardworking folks at Boyd Financial Services, Mike Boyd, Jennifer Cordy, Shannon Kowalski and Dave Manniko. Putting her surgical skills to task, Dr. Alison French was the first local vet to volunteer her time and talent at a spay day. Dr. French made her clinic available for all the spay days we held, and her staff was always helpful and accommodating.

Many vets and veterinary clinic personnel donated time and skills at our spay days. Sincere appreciation is extended to Doctors T.J. Dunn, Julie Germano, Katie Hom, John Klessig, Holly Nash, Dan Paretsky, Janet Riebe and Tina Schwanke; clinic personnel Cheri Ellis, Candy Grambow, Eva Hall, Amber Higgins, Ashley Ison, Jenna Kane, Gina Karl, Becky Kuckkan, Jo Lazore, Kelly Nelson, Kathy Oatman, Ginger Saari, Megan Wehrwein; from the Woodhaven Vet Clinic in Plover, Annie, Lisa and Jamie; and Globe University students, Stephanie and Jesse.

Finally, individuals volunteered time and service to our spay/neuter events. Special recognition goes to Diane Vanlandingham for the many hours she spent on the phone with clients, in addition to her help at nearly all of our spay/neuter events. Others who provided valuable service were Candy Whidden, Angela Ring, Paula Knapp, Bill Klase, Mary Kircher, Anna Kazda, Susan Corrieri, Nancy Conway, Sue Castona and Beth Burns.

If I have missed anyone, I apologize, and please know that I am truly grateful to everyone who has been involved with this organization and have had a role in helping to spay and neuter more pets for their health and to prevent unwanted litters.

Karla Ortman, Rhinelander
Director, The Fix Is In, Inc.