Rescue Pets of Florida is collecting donations to fund its all-volunteer organization and its neuter program to help keep stray cat and dog populations down.
But there is a Valentine’s Day twist — if you donate $20, you can “neuter your ex.”
This will allow donors to send their ex’s names to the organization.
Staff will then name stray cats and dogs after each donor’s ex.
Through March 9, the names of choice will be posted on Rescue Pets of Florida’s social media after each fundraising event.
The names will be accompanied by photos of strays the rescue helped spay, neuter or vaccinate.
Rescue Pets of Florida director Jeanine Cohen, who is also a full-time attorney, said she was surprised by how much traction the event got online.
“People are sponsoring basically the spay or neuter of a community cat, and they get to put the name on it, which is always good fun,” Cohen said.
Cohen said she was approached by other rescues who asked her about negative feedback because they were scared of throwing the same event.
But Cohen said she didn’t feel intimidated.
“Been there, done that,’” Cohen said. “I’m not going to let a few keyboard warriors ruin what has been a fun, good-natured event that has raised awareness and raised money for the rescue.”
Rescue Pets of Florida neutered 100 cats and nine puppies at their pop-up event on Sunday.
This is the first time the nonprofit has done a fundraiser with this theme — but it might not be the last.
Credits:
Reporter- Sam Poulin
Web Editor- Clara Rokita Garcia