​In the world of animal welfare, there are numbers that tell a story, and then there are numbers that change the future. At the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society (BGWCHS), we are currently celebrating the 12,000 spay and neuter surgeries performed by Dr. Jeremy Creek in 2025.
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We have always known that Dr. Creek is a local hero, but the rest of the country is starting to take notice, too. Recently, the BISSELL Pet Foundation recognized Dr. Creek as the top-performing veterinarian in their nationwide Fix the Future® program.

Why 12,000 Surgeries Matter
To the average person, 12,000 might just look like a statistic. To our shelter staff, it represents 12,000 lives improved and countless generations of unplanned litters prevented.

Pet overpopulation is the root cause of shelter overcrowding. By providing high-volume, high-quality sterilization, Dr. Creek is effectively is limiting the number of unwanted animals entering our regional shelter system. His dedication ensures that fewer animals face homelessness, neglect, or the risk of euthanasia.

Bringing Affordable Care to Bowling Green
The impact of Dr. Creek’s work is amplified by our partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation. Thanks to their Fix the Future® initiative, the Hotaling Spay/Neuter Clinic is able to offer a life-changing rate for local pet owners: $25 Low-Cost Spay and Neuter

We believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of responsible pet ownership. This $25 rate includes the surgery performed by a national leader in the field, right here in our community.

How You Can Join the Mission
Preventing overpopulation is a community effort. You can help us "Fix the Future" in Bowling Green by:

• Scheduling Your Pet: If your pet isn't fixed yet, take advantage of our $25 low-cost option.
  
• Spreading the Word: Many pet owners simply don't know that affordable options exist.
  
• Thanking a Vet: Next time you see Dr. Creek or our clinic staff, let them know you appreciate their hard work!

We are honored to have a national top-performer leading the way at the Hotaling Clinic. Thank you, Dr. Creek, for your tireless work and for being a true champion for the animals of Warren County.

To schedule an appointment at the Hotaling Spay/Neuter Clinic, visit bgshelterpets.com/clinic or call us at 270-783-9404.

​When Cooper arrived, he was trapped in some of the most severe matting we’ve ever seen. He looked fluffy at first glance, but the scale showed us that this dog was hiding a serious issue. The truth was revealed after the groomer got to work. Cooper was dangerously emaciated. His thick coat was hiding his skeletal frame from the world.  

The good news? Cooper is on the mend, progressing well, and his new parent is a veterinarian committed to his health and well-being!

Cooper’s story is a powerful reminder that for Doodle breeds (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, etc.), grooming is not a luxury — it is essential medical care. Severe mats are more than messy — they cause constant skin pain, hide infections, and can even conceal life-threatening weight loss. To help our community of Doodle owners, we’ve put together a guide on how to manage these complex coats and ensure your pup is healthy beneath the fluff.

The "Line Brushing" Technique
Doodles have a unique coat that often consists of a soft undercoat and a curlier topcoat. If you only brush the surface, the hair near the skin will tangle into "pelts."
How it works: Use a slicker brush and a metal "greyhound" comb. Part the hair down to the skin and brush from the skin outward in small sections. Once you think you’re done brushing, run a metal comb through the fur. If it catches, there is a mat starting that needs attention.

The 6-to-8 Week Rule
Doodle hair doesn't stop growing. Unlike breeds that shed, Doodles require a professional "full groom" (bath, haircut, ear cleaning, and nail trim) every 6 to 8 weeks. Waiting longer doesn't just result in a "shaggy" look; it leads to matting that pulls on the skin, causing bruising and sores. In severe cases, these mats can even cut off circulation to a dog's limbs or tail.

Understanding the "Puppy Coat" Switch
Around 6 to 12 months of age, your Doodle will transition from their soft puppy coat to their adult coat. This is the danger zone for matting. During this time, the puppy hair gets trapped in the emerging adult hair, creating "insta-mats." During this transition, daily brushing is non-negotiable.

If Things Get Out of Control
Many owners feel guilty when a groomer tells them their dog needs to be "shaved down" to the skin. Please don't. If a dog is matted to the skin, "dematting" (brushing out the knots) is incredibly painful and traumatic for the dog. A "sanity shave" is the most humane choice. It allows the skin to breathe, heals sores, and gives you a fresh start to maintain a healthy coat as it grows back.

We are so happy that Cooper is now in a home where he will never have to feel the weight of a matted coat again. By staying educated and consistent with your grooming routine, you can ensure your Doodle lives a life that is as comfortable as it is cute.