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An anonymous, female donor has given $20,000 for the creation of Jasper’s Christmas Wish – a short-term initiative to spay and neuter dogs in Beaufort County. 

The initiative was created to mitigate repopulation and slow the breeding of dogs in the county. 

Chris Newkirk, Beaufort County Emergency Services Director, made the announcement at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, Dec. 2 when making a request to add the large donation to the county’s general fund balance as a line item. 

Newkirk and Beaufort County Animal Services Manager, Melanie Sawyer, estimate the initiative will treat 66 dogs at either Pamlico Animal Hospital or Chocowinity Veterinary Hospital. 

Jasper’s Christmas Wish is named in honor of the donor’s dog. Jasper was adopted from Beaufort County Animal Services after he was found in a muddy ditch on a hot, summer day. He was malnourished and suffering from several medical issues, according to a flyer from Animal Services. This was in addition to being born without a portion of his brain due to “poor breeding practices.” 

Jasper’s Christmas Wish has since been fulfilled, according to Animal Services.