My name is Margaret J Thompson, and I am the founder of Clemson Paw Partners. I want to share the story of how Clemson Paw Partners began and our vision for the future, driven by our commitment to be true paw partners for animals in need.
After dedicating 25 years to law enforcement with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, I retired in 2002 and transitioned to the private sector, establishing Upstate Process Service for attorneys. In 2017, I closed that chapter and began volunteering at the Pickens County Animal Shelter. This experience profoundly changed my life and set me on the path to create Clemson Paw Partners.
My first day at the animal shelter was truly eye-opening. I witnessed firsthand the harsh realities faced by shelter animals: dogs confined to concrete floors without bedding, injured and sick animals lacking proper medical care, all simply awaiting euthanasia. I knew I had to take action and become a paw partner in their plight.
Initially, with the invaluable assistance of a friend experienced in animal rescue and adoption, we started moving dogs into foster homes, providing a nurturing environment as they waited for their forever families. Next, recognizing the immediate need for comfort, we reached out to our community to purchase elevated dog beds, ensuring these animals no longer had to rest on the cold, hard concrete. Thanks to generous donations, we quickly acquired 23 Kuranda dog beds. Our efforts expanded to collecting quality food for both dogs and cats, and raising funds for outdoor fencing, giving the dogs much-needed access to fresh air and space. However, it was clear that more systemic change was necessary to truly address the needs of these animals and become reliable paw partners for the community.
In 2017, with the pro bono legal support of a friend, Clemson Paw Partners was officially founded as a non-profit organization. Our initial focus was on fostering and adoption, but we soon realized the overwhelming demand for affordable spay/neuter services. We partnered with local veterinarians to offer discounted spay/neuter procedures, but the demand far outstripped the available appointments. This bottleneck highlighted the urgent need for a more comprehensive solution to control pet overpopulation and prevent animals from ending up in shelters.
A turning point arrived in 2020 when Pickens County’s new administrator, Ken Roper, approached me with an extraordinary proposition: the county would provide a building if Clemson Paw Partners could establish and operate a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. Without hesitation, I accepted. In July 2020, we received the keys to a building at 115B Commons Way in Central, SC. Clemson Paw Partners undertook the financial responsibility for remodeling and equipping the former Magistrate’s building into a state-of-the-art spay/neuter clinic. Through the incredible generosity of private donations, we raised just under $200,000 and, remarkably, opened our doors in March 2022 completely debt-free. This achievement is a testament to the power of community and our collective dedication to being paw partners in animal welfare.
Before the clinic’s inception, outsourcing spay/neuter services allowed us to perform approximately 100 surgeries annually. Since opening the Clemson Paw Partners clinic, our impact has been transformative. In just nine months, we performed over 1,300 spay/neuter surgeries. In 2023, we anticipate tripling that number, significantly reducing animal overpopulation and its tragic consequences.
Looking to the future, my goal is to expand our services by opening an affordable veterinary clinic. The need for accessible and affordable pet care is immense. We believe that everyone who loves their animals should be able to provide them with basic veterinary care, regardless of their financial circumstances. This vision is attainable, and Clemson Paw Partners is committed to making it a reality.
In closing, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Pickens County Administrator Ken Roper, Pickens County Council, and Dr. Kim Sanders for their instrumental support in launching Clemson Paw Partners. My deepest thanks also go to our dedicated volunteers, our tireless vet techs, our guest veterinarians, and our community for their unwavering belief in our mission. Together, as true paw partners, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of animals.
Spay/neuter remains the most effective strategy for managing companion animal populations and preventing animals from entering shelters and facing euthanasia. We believe in proactive solutions and compassionate care, ensuring every paw has a partner.
For The Paws,
Margaret J Thompson
Founder/President of Clemson Paw Partners
