November 3, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center will host an open house for its new veterinary space next Tuesday afternoon.

The event will run from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the shelter located at 450 Old Del Rio Road, just west of Winchester. Saving Grace will be closed for adoptions that day in order to give staff enough time to care for the animals and prepare for the open house.

Executive Director Megan Gram said the space will allow the organization’s medical team to perform up to 35 surgeries per day, and provide more comprehensive care for shelter animals. Gram said fundraising has been ongoing for this project and has resulted in the ability for Saving Grace to purchase a used x-ray machine as well as new dental equipment and surgical packs. Grant funding will also allow for the purchase of a new autoclave.

Dr. Valerie Rathbone, Medical Director at Saving Grace said, “We are so excited to have finally completed the new clinic space and to start using it”. Rathbone said they had quickly outgrown their old space and the new clinic will allow for a greater capacity for care as well as more comprehensive care.

The release said Saving Grace is currently hiring for a full or part-time veterinarian and will begin offering affordable, accessible spay/neuter appointments for public animals as soon as that person is hired. Operations Director Courtney Davenport said, “We know there is a huge need for affordable and accessible spay/neuter, especially for cats in Douglas County”. Davenport said the non-profit is working hard to identify and hire a second veterinarian for its team.

For more information about the organization, go to: https://www.savinggracepetadoptioncenter.org/