The big-hearted members of the CVM Shelter Medicine Club (SMC) were in Portland last week to provide free veterinary care for low income pet owners at the Health Equality Screening Fair. Joining them were doctors Kirk Miller and Zarah Hedge from the Oregon Humane Society and Dr. Austin Viall, CVM resident. This is the second year that SMC has participated in the fair – the largest free medical event in Oregon.
One client seen by the OSU team was struggling to care for several cats on a low income. “When she heard about the fair, she thought it sounded too good to be true,” says volunteer Leslie Dunham, “She checked to make sure it was okay to bring multiple animals before she dealt with the logistics of bringing them downtown.”
The OSU volunteers provided basic exams, flea/tick treatment, dewormer and vaccinations. They also signed up clients for free or lowcost spay or neuter service through the Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) Team. The most requested services were rabies vaccinations and food. “We gave away a lot of food,” says Dunham. “It was all donated by the college community: students, staff, and faculty.”
The Shelter Medicine Club provides many animal welfare services throughout the year but the students never get tired of helping people and their pets. “You feel like you are making a positive impact,” say Dunham.
