HAMLET — Richmond County Operation Fix hosted a photographic fundraiser at the Hamlet Depot this holiday season to help carry on its mission into 2025.
Ten local pet owners flocked to Winter Wooferland on Dec. 14 to have their furry family members — including dogs, cats and a rabbit — take pictures with Santa Paws.
Photos were taken by Drew Wheeler.
According to founder Allison Story, the group raised $300 in that event and a little more than $600 at its kissing booth during Christmas on the Square the previous weekend.
The main mission of Operation Fix is to quell pet overpopulation in the county through its spay and neuter program. The group, formerly Richmond County Animal Advocates, also helps provide pet food and place animals in a caring home.
In 2024, Operation Fix was able to spay or neuter 602 dogs and cats — more than 200 of those were during the first five months of the year — according to Story. That number included 49 female dogs and 55 males. The remaining nearly 500 animals were cats, partly from feral catch-fix-and-release projects in both Rockingham and Hamlet. Earlier this year, Operation Fix raised more than $900 with its second annual Paddle for Paws at Hamlet City Lake. Other fundraisers included the annual Spayghetti dinner and participating in Belk Charity Days. The group also received $5,000 from the county budget, $500 from the Rockingham Rotary Club and $787 from the third annual Walk and Wag in Hamlet. For more information on making donations or participating in the spay and neuter program, contact Operation Fix through Facebook.
