About Us

Q

Sara began trapping feral cats in her hometown of Bend in 2002.  After having them spayed/neutered at regular vet clinics, and volunteering at the local shelter, she realized the severity of the pet overpopulation problem in Central Oregon and the lack of resources available for people who cared enough to help.  After much research, she realized that progressive communities across the nation were finding a solution to this tragic problem in non-profit, high volume spay and neuter clinics. She opened the clinic in October of 2005, representing the first and only effort to effectively reduce the numbers of unwanted pets in Deschutes County.  She serves as the Executive Director as a volunteer.

Dr. Gordon Bunting joined Bend Spay & Neuter Project in June of 2007.  He moved to Bend from Jackson, Wyoming in January of 2002 and is originally from Kansas.  He graduated from Kansas State University Veterinary School in 2000.   He has worked at the Animal Emergency Center as a staff veterinarian previously.  He enjoys flying and spending time with his wife and two children.  

Sharon began volunteering before the clinic even opened in 2005, she helped with transport of animals to a local veterinary clinic for surgery and helped with events while we prepared to open the clinic. She started as the Veterinary Technician shortly after the clinic opened in January of 2006. She spent two years in this role before being promoted to Clinic Manager/Volunteer Coordinator in January 2008. Her compassion for animals and their welfare makes her a perfect fit for the project. Sharon still volunteers at events and fosters kittens, going above and beyond the call of duty! She enjoys all outdoor activities, dancing, and of course,  hanging out with her furry family.

Tammy has been a dedicated volunteer since the Project started in 2005. She came once weekly to sterilize surgical packs, she has been a foster mom for many homeless kitties and has put in countless hours of other volunteer time. We are happy to have her on board as our receptionist. Tammy is a proud grandmother and enjoys spending time with her two dogs and two cats.

Jessaca Tesarik joined the board of directors in September of 2007.  Jessaca, a lifetime animal lover and spay/neuter advocate, has lived in Bend since 2004 with her husband, Jon, two cats and two dogs.  Her first experience with BSNP was when she donated a laptop when the clinic was in its beginning stages.  She then volunteered and enjoyed the feeling that she was making a difference.  It was those satisfying experiences that made her want to join the board of directors.  Being a CPA and a former member of the finance committee of the Humane Society of Central Oregon, she is hoping to put her financial knowledge to good use on the board of the Bend Spay & Neuter Project.

Karin has had a lifetime passion for animals, bringing home her first (but not last) stray as early as elementary school much to her parents chagrin. Since then she has continued helping animals throughout Oregon and Washington as she completed her undergrad and nursing school studies. Karin moved the Thompson herd to Bend in 2004 including her husband, Ben, two rascally cats, Kina and Paua, and a happy-go-lucky lab, Murray. Karin soon found Bend Spay and Neuter Project and joined the board of directors in November of 2007. Her natural blend of great people and nursing skills were quickly utilized in the animal recovery room and numerous public adoption projects. By pairing these skills with a deep passion for animals and their well-being, she is hoping to lend a helping hand and support the Bend Spay & Neuter Project in helping Central Oregon one cat or dog at a time.

We simply couldn't do it without the help of all of our wonderful volunteers!