Out of a Lost Dog Rescue Comes a Positive Chance Meeting

I learned even more about SNIP Collier today. SNIP Collier is an amazing spay and neuter initiative program that operates a low-cost clinic at 7795 Davis Boulevard in Naples.

Here’s what happened and how I learned about this organization. I was driving south on 951/Collier Blvd when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a medium/large sized dog frantically trying to pull his leash and thrashing around as if it was stuck. I pulled over to the right, put the blinker on and exited my car to see if the owner was nearby, or maybe, at the end of the leash. No such luck. The dog was frantic, but didn’t seem aggressive, so I tried to reassure him and determine what was at the end of the leash. The retractable leash was wedged securely in the roots of some bushes nearby and all the tugging in the world would not dislodge it. Good thing because he was lunging toward six lanes of traffic hurrying to their destinations.

As the dog continued to lunge, I gripped the canvas leash and tried to hold him, but he was incredibly strong, plus his adrenaline was surging. I jogged back to my car, grabbed my phone and headed back to the poor animal to call for assistance when another car stopped, like a miracle. Her name was Linda and we talked about what to do. I explained about the strength of the dog and there was no way the two of us could hold him.

Linda said, “I know who to call. She explains that Tom had just returned from taking a dog for surgery on his deformed leg but was ready to leave immediately to help with this situation. We are watching the traffic backing up and getting nervous about the dog and our cars.

Another vehicle pulls up, parks behind our cars, and a muscular guy heads toward us. Turns out he is the owner of the dog and has been driving around looking for “Marlin” who had pulled away from him earlier and ran away. Double miracle. He dislodged the retractable leash holder from the roots and could actually lift up this hefty dog.

The traffic continues to merge and swell, and another car pulls up with a flashing red light on the roof (miracle three) and keeps the light flashing after he parks in a way to protect our vehicles. After finding out what is going on, the officer encourages the three of us to get in our cars before there IS an accident, which we do.

Linda doesn’t live far, so we pulled off 951 safely. She offered me her card for SNIP Collier and told me about the organization. She mentions that Tom Kepp, the man she called, is the original founder. No wonder he was ready to hit the road to help! 

Linda Schwoeppe also works with SNIP Collier and is helping Tom start a fostering program. What is that exactly? Between the time that cats and dogs are neutered or spayed, and the age and time they are adopted, there is sometimes a gap. The organization needs fostering help with those animals to be sure they are old enough and healthy for adoption. Although sometimes they go right back to the original owner.

Presently, Linda has three seven-week-old chihuahua puppies, the cutest pups ever, that she has been hand feeding since they were born. Honestly, I would have adopted one on the spot, but they weren’t old enough. Ironically, Linda and Tom took the puppies to an event at Mercado, shared them with attendees and had a plethora of applications for their adoption. I told you they were the cutest puppies ever! But, as their card says, “We can’t adopt our way out of pet overpopulation.” 

So, the SNIP Collier mission is to spay and neuter cats and dogs at low costs and give them their necessary exams and shots before they are adopted or returned to their owners. The Founder of SNIP Collier, Tom Kepp, has 20 years of dedication and a 24/7 advocate for the neglected dogs and cats in our county, and for those owners who do not have the knowledge or financial ability to keep them vaccinated or spayed/neutered to keep them healthy. Tom has been passionate about pet overpopulation for many years and gives no signs of decreasing his advocacy. 

Through Tom’s challenging work and fund-raising with other dedicated souls, they will be breaking ground for a new surgical clinic between Naples and Immokalee soon. Tom used to drive a bus from Naples to Immokalee and Ft. Myers to round up dogs and cats that needed spaying or neutering, drive them to Naples for treatment and then return them to the owners. This proved to be awfully expensive, hence the fund-raising and development of their own surgical clinic, where their focus will still be low-cost spaying or neutering.

Tom is hopeful of change and increased interest in these problems. In the hours that I talked with both Linda and Tom, if anyone can do it, Tom Kepp, Linda Schwoeppe and their devoted SNIP Collier team will make it happen - and it will be a highly successful addition to our community. For more information go to info@snipcollier.org.