PARAGOULD, Ark. — The Henry Wrinkles Foundation, a Paragould-based nonprofit, has officially opened the doors to its new low-cost spay and neuter clinic, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.
The organization, known for its mission to promote healing through relationships between people and animals, unveiled a $140,000 blue barn facility named Hero Henry’s Low-Cost Clinic. The new building features enough capacity to care for 40 to 50 cats and around 20 dogs at a time and is staffed by two full-time veterinarians, according to Susan Boyd, the foundation’s CEO.
"We were having some issues trying to keep the store functioning as a store and the spay and neuter clinic functioning as a spay and neuter clinic," Boyd said, referring to the organization’s prior arrangement. Until now, the clinic operated from a corner of the foundation’s thrift store, Henry’s Second Chance Store. Boyd explained that both the store and the clinic had outgrown the shared space, prompting the need for a dedicated building. She added that proceeds from the thrift shop were used to fund the construction.
The creation of Hero Henry’s Low-Cost Clinic is seen as a timely response to persistent challenges. "Everybody has a problem with overpopulation of cats, dogs, things like that," Boyd said. She noted the facility offers families an affordable solution to ensuring their pets are spayed or neutered, which can help combat animal overpopulation.
Boyd also highlighted how inflation has made it harder for many families to afford veterinary care. The availability of low-cost services aims to remove financial barriers for pet owners and address a growing need in the community.
While the new building marks a significant milestone, the foundation has been providing spay and neuter services for years. The facility’s launch is an expansion of its existing efforts to meet increasing demand.
The clinic is located next to Henry’s Second Chance Store, offering convenient access to both services. Boyd expressed gratitude for the community’s support of the thrift store, which made the new facility possible.
The Henry Wrinkles Foundation continues to address critical animal welfare needs in Paragould and beyond, working toward a long-term solution to pet overpopulation.