19th annual Whiskers and Tails event showcases new mobile surgical unit in Decatur

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The 19th annual Whiskers and Tails event was held at the Decatur Country Club on Saturday, Nov. 2.

This year's theme was "Go Dog Go," inspired by Dr. Seuss's children's book.

WAND's own Sean Streaty emceed the evening fundraiser for the Decatur and Macon County Animal Shelter. Over 200 guests attended the event, which included a peek at the new mobile surgical unit.

The mobile unit is a joint project with the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Shelter.

This was made possible with a generous gift of $100,00 from the estate of Grant Staley, which allows pets to be taken care of without going to the vet office. "The intent is to bring veterinary services, low-cost spay neuter primarily to central Illinois. So the van will go to various communities, Decatur being one, but pretty much throughout central Illinois," said board member Shirley Stanley.

The van is fully equipped with veterinary health gear and resources, and the mobile unit will be on the roads in 2025.