It all happens at Ken's Corner very early on Spay Day mornings. The big, white wooden Oasis cat shows people where to line up!

People - sometimes still dressed in ther P.J.'s! - wait patiently while volunteers from Oasis first check-in their pet cats, and then load the cats into the Oasis van for a trip to Lynnwood for spay or neuter surgery.

The third Spay Day was August 31. The morning was dark and foggy, but the white Oasis Cat was there waiting even before check-in time at 5:30. The well-lit parking lot made it easy for an Oasis volunteer to start the check-in and be ready to load the crated cats into the Oasis van (not pictured) right on time.

Once the van is loaded, the Oasis team catches the ferry and arrives at the Lynnwood clinic about 7 a.m. The cats are brought in to the clinic, paperwork is checked, and each crate is given a specific number. Then the cats in their crates are placed along one wall.

The cats wait quietly, in crates marked carefully to identify each cat and match it to the appropriate paperwork.

The cats wait quietly, in crates marked carefully to identify each cat and match it to the appropriate paperwork.

Jade looks like she was trying to pick the lock on the cage door! But we are watching you, Jade!

In its turn, each cat is anesthetized and prepped for surgery, and tattooed with an "S" for spay, or "N" for neuter.

In its turn, each cat is anesthetized and prepped for surgery, and tattooed with an "S" for spay, or "N" for neuter.

In its turn, each cat is anesthetized and prepped for surgery, and tattooed with an "S" for spay, or "N" for neuter.

Sleepy cats are monitored closely, and wake up gradually.

Sleepy cats are monitored closely, and wake up gradually.

When all the cats are awake and ready for the trip home, the van is loaded and the cats are brought back to Whidbey.

"People have been so appreciative, even though the clinic starts very early!" said Jean Favini, volunteer. "Some people even include extra in their payment to help others have their cats spayed or neutered! Thank you to all who have their cats spayed or neutered! It is Oasis' goal to keep this program going, and with contributions and support from the community, we will!"