Saving animals’ lives one month at a time

Dr. Andrea Master Everson, CEO and medical director of Robinson’s Rescue Center, the local low-cost spay/neuter clinic for dogs and cats, is excited about the Center’s new 2025 calendar, currently available online and in about a dozen locations in Shreveport and Bossier City. Local photographer Kathryn Gaiennie donated her time to photograph 13 pets for the full-color calendar — mostly dogs, but also two cats. The cover photo was sponsored by John Carriere, owner of Fairfield Place Bed and Breakfast. Looking as if belongs more at home in some high-end fashion magazine, the cover photo depicts Carriere’s three pet dogs elegantly lounging on a hot-pink sofa.

The calendar also somewhat doubles as the Center’s “annual report,” with information about the Center’s mission “to decrease the overpopulation of healthy dogs and cats in the community by increasing affordable spay/neuter,” along with photos and dates for events like Best in Sheaux and Give for Good. Proceeds from calendar sales go directly to the Center’s low-cost and free spay/neuter programs. Because of the calendar sales, the Center has not had to increase its low-cost price.

Robinson’s Rescue 2025 calendar cover

Dr. Everson is also grateful to the calendar’s sponsors who sell the calendars at their stores. Stores that carry the calendars, which sell for $20 each, include Akins Nursery, Birdwell’s, Chop Shop SHV, the Enchanted Garden, Fur-Ever Fresh Pet Spa, Ivy and Stone, John Pickens Clothiers, Jolie Blonde Gifts, Learning Express Toys, Lewis Gifts, Paper Tulip and Simply Chic Bossier. Calendars are also available online.

“We collaborate with the whole community to get the word out about how important spay/neuter is and how many animals’ lives we’re saving through prevention,” Dr. Everson said. “When we started, the euthanasia rate was 85 percent at Caddo Parish Animal Shelter, and we have been part of the puzzle that has gotten it down to about 40 percent. So we’re definitely working toward our goal of becoming a no-kill community.”