Five years after opening a clinic in Freeport offering spaying and neutering for pets owned by low-income people, veterinarian Elizabeth Stone is moving her operation to Topsham.
Community Spay-Neuter Clinic, located at 425 U.S. Route 1, will move to 321 Lewiston Road in Topsham on Sept. 3. Stone will have the help of a cadre of volunteers from Idexx Laboratories in Westbrook moving her entire clinic – counters, stainless steel cages, surgical and medical equipment – to Topsham on moving day.
Stone, who lives in Pownal, said that proximity to pet owners in need of Community Spay-Neuter Clinic’s services is a key reason for the move.
“I bought a small ranch already converted to commercial and a perfect space, and more connected to the north and Down East, where there is more need,” Stone said. “I have mixed feelings about leaving Freeport, since it’s near home for me personally. It was a great location, very central.”
Stone proudly pointed to the fact that Community Spay-Neuter Clinic has sterilized more than 18,000 dogs and cats since it opened its doors in Freeport. The clinic also provides animals with vaccinations at the time of surgery.
Stone’s business has four full-time workers, and one part-time worker.
“We serve low-income families who cannot otherwise afford this service, and have as our mission to reduce pet homelessness and euthanasia,” she said.
Though she’s moving her practice, Stone will continue to have an annual presence in Freeport, with the Action for Animals Summer Camp, a collaboration with Freeport Community Education. The camp, held each summer at Freeport Middle School, provides children with a range of projects and activities in and away from the school. The children take field trips to the Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Maine, a shelter and adoption center for cats in Cumberland. They hold bake sales for the benefit of animal welfare, and learn about the cause from books and discussions with Stone.
“We have worked with Anthony Johnson at Freeport Community Education, and they are wonderful,” Stone said.
Shaw’s, Derosier’s Market of Freeport, Whole Foods of Portland and Starbucks of Topsham all are chipping in with food and beverages for the volunteers who are helping to relocate the clinic on Sept. 3.
The Home Depot of Topsham is donating building materials.
For an appointment at the Community Spay-Neuter Clinic, call 865-0772.
Dr. Elizabeth Stone will move her Community Spay-Neuter Clinic from Freeport to Topsham next month. File photoSend questions/comments to the editors.
