- MARY'S LAST INTERVIEW -

Looking back to 20 years ago, I remember well the problems we had when we purchased the kennel property at 67800 18th Avenue. After a long delay due to restrictions, we finally owned 1.6 acres for a sanctuary for the 13 dogs we had rescued and boarded at an expensive Morongo kennel. When we discovered that kennel was being closed down for violation of codes covering proper maintenance of a boarding kennel, we had to get our dogs out immediately or they would be sent to the pound. The small house and carport could not house our 13 homeless pets, so everyone helped to enclose the carport with a chain link fence. Our board members, friends, volunteers and anyone with a vehicle joined us in a motorcade to bring the dogs back to our “new kennel”. We spent the afternoon bathing, tick dipping and grooming the grateful pets and discovered it’s not wise to put food bowls in an open area with 13 dogs and expect a sociable, calm dinner hour. A week later, two expectant mother dogs were brought to us and each delivered 5 to 6 pups. These moms were no happy to share their quarters. This was our first experience as Save A Pet in providing home-type care for homeless pets. Nevertheless, we pressed on. We had no resident caretaker so our Board Secretary Jean Hughes provided these services for many months as the number of pets increased at a rapid rate. From there we progressed with planning, fund raising and hard work with the help of our devoted volunteers and the support of our membership over the years. Our thanks and blessings go out to each and every one of you who have been our mainstay through the years. We memorialize the faithful who are no longer with us. Mary E. Sydnes President and founder

- THE HISTORY OF SAVE A PET -

1981 - Mary Sydnes founded "Friends Of Needy Animals" and a Thrift Shop in Desert Hot Springs. 1983 - Mary purchased 1.6 acres with a house and a carport at 67-600 18th. Ave. in Desert Hot           Springs. 1984 - Save A Pet was incorporated. A chain link fence was installed. Kennel facilities were added. 1985 - Received a permit for 55 animals. Added urgently needed kennel facilities. 1986 - Built 900 square foot building for a vet clinic, grooming room, office and two rooms for cats and           kittens. 1989 - First Open House ant the kennels Sunday, October 22nd. 1991 - First edition of the Save A Pet newsletter, "Happy Tails" is printed. 1993 - Purchased 5/8 acre at 67-630 18th, Ave, adjacent to the kennels to be used as a cattery. 1994 - Save A Pet transformed into a first class animal care organization. 1996 - Established the "Maxine Palmer Veterinary Clinic for Homeless Animals". 1997 - New landscaping, concrete work and misting systems were installed in the kennels. 1998 - Established the Hootenanny Bargain Barn in North Palm Springs. Also established the "Sydnes           Senior Center for Aging Dogs and Cats". 1999 - Finished the indoor/outdoor cattery. 2000 - Established the Dixie Resale Gift Barn. 2001 - Rent increases forced closing the Thrift Store on Pearson Blvd. and concentrating on the           Hootenanny Barn. 2002 - Anniversary of 10 year partnership with Petsmart's Luv-A-Pet Adoptions Centers finding homes           for pets. 2003 - CBS News Team and Tom Tucker, the anchor of Channel 2 began spotlighting our animals for           adoption every Monday Morning. 2004 - "Desert Hot Springs has the lowest kill rate in State of California" quoted from the Press           Telegram. 2005 - Thom Daves announced as new director. 2009 - Low cost vet clinic opens to the public. 2010 - Founder Mary Sydnes passes away.