We interviewed Amanda Wheeler, the force behind The Rawley Project and now FIXBend, a low cost spay/neuter program in Bend. This monthly clinic also offers low cost vaccinations and check ups. A pack member of The Dog Guide Bend, Amanda has an incredible goal in mind to help dogs and cats all across Central Oregon and beyond. The next low cost spay/neuter clinic will be held Saturday, March 26th at Companion Pet Clinic of Bend. At this clinic and possibly at future clinics, dog and cat vaccinations are completely free – even for walk-ins.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Who is Amanda Wheeler?
Oh gosh, I’m boring, let’s move on to the animals. Ha!
What gets you up in the morning?
My dogs.
Tell us where you found your dog/s.
My three dogs are of course all rescues. Willow is from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Monkey is from Chapala, a suburb of Guadalajara and Pancho is from a tiny village outside of Guadalajara, Mexico.
When was The Rawley Project founded and why?
The Rawley Project began June 1, 2021 and is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit animal protection and welfare organization that was created to help dogs that may be suffering from a life of cruelty, neglect and/or abandonment. Additionally, we strive to serve our community by providing protection and refuge for pets with humans in crisis and we work to provide affordable care to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats through sterilization and wellness clinics. We strive to be transparent, collaborative, inclusive and progressive. We believe that together, we can make a difference.
What is FIXBend? Who will this low cost spay/neuter initiative help?
FIXbend is a program of the Rawley Project that is an initiative to bring low cost spay/neuter, vaccine and microchip services to our community. We serve the public but we also work with other local organizations such as Companion Animal Medical Project and Furry Friends to ensure we are reaching the folks who need these services the most.
What was the impetus for the creation of FIXBend?
Due to the indefinite closure of the Humane Society of Central Oregon’s Bend Spay Neuter Program there are currently no low cost sterilization (spay, neuter) vaccination or wellness options available to the residents of Deschutes County. Because of this, the animal population is spiking and disease is on the rise due to a lack of accessible care. Prices have increased dramatically in the last 24 months and due to lack of veterinary professionals in the area most private practices are booked out months and months in advance and also offer a price point that is out of reach for many residents especially the low and fixed income segment. There is an intense need and incredible demand for these services.
What are your goals for FIXBend?
Our goal is to offer one low cost spay/neuter clinic a month in the year of 2022. After that, we will assess the needs of our community and see where we need to take action.
Why is FIXBend so important to the Central Oregon community?
The demand for these services is astounding. I receive lots and lots of emails from people in dire need of help. Someone has to do something. FIXbend alone can’t solve the problem, but we can surely make every effort to make as much of an impact as we can.
How can the community support FIXBend?
Lots of ways! You can volunteer to help at a clinic, you can donate, you can spread the word by following and sharing our posts on social media at @FIXbend on Facebook and Instagram.
Author: Ely Twiggs
Ely's love for the outdoors and having first hand experience of the shortness of life was the impetus for her move from Australia into an RV to travel the US. When she got to Bend, she knew this was the place. After creating The Dog in Us, a multi-channel platform about exploring National Parks with Dogs, she wanted to bring dog-approved resources to a local community she loves. Enter The Dog Guide Bend, a resource made for the Bend Dog Community. Ely is the guardian of two rescue dogs, Alaska and Smoky Joe, and they are the center of her universe. Ely and her husband Tom run a mobile RV repair business called Meet You There RV Repair & Inspection.
Literally a LIFE saver in Bend! Thank you Amanda for being a badass in our community!