No doubt your veterinarian is involved in helping his or her community take better care of their pets. Vets, for the most part, are as much pet people as pet parents (and most are pet parents), so they understand the issues around not being able to pay for that regular care folks normally give their dogs and cats...in today's dark economy.
One vet, here in Rochester, NY, is taking what I think is a giant step in the right direction. Michelle Brownstein from the Henrietta Animal Hospital created something called PINC: Pets in Need Clinic. Here's what SHE's doing, along with a boatload of volunteers:
"We are responding to our new President's plea for community service. And after thinking 
long and hard about what I could do, the idea of a free clinic was developed...yesterday morning, in fact. (Yvonne says: this note is the original explanation)
In that short time we have enlisted the support from Purina, Intervet-Schering Plough, Merial, Butler, Penn Veterinary Supply Co., Heska, and Bayer (to name a few). Corporate logos will be on banners and brochures and given press recognition.
The purpose of this clinic is to provide basic veterinary medical support to people with pets who have fallen on hard times. Many have lost their homes and or their jobs as a result of the current economy. Some have suffered disasters. And some have family members serving in the military. These are the people we will be serving. Services are limited to vaccination, deworming (hopefully heartworm testing) and food donations.
Dr. Brownstein goes on to mention the organizations that are helping her identify the families with pets in need. Orgs such as our Catholic Family Center, Open Door Mission, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Veteran’s Outreach Center, Visiting Nurse Services, the United Way and the Jewish Family Service.
She goes on to say, "A referral from a social worker, caseworker, clergy or similar stating need is going to be essential. All goods and services will be free of charge. Clients must have their registration form, vaccine consent forms signed in advance in order to facilitate the process. Sincerely, Michelle T. Brownstein DVM."
Tom and I have participated in two of these events and it's just an allaround great idea.
What's your vet doing to pay it forward? Dr. Brownstein is hoping to connect with more vets interested in her pets in need clinic idea, but if your community has something that serves this purpose, we'd love to hear about it so we can help support you with a menion here, on the blog. (one thing we loved was the way herthe two Greyhounds and a Welsh Corgi had the run of the place! altho Dr. Brownstein did have to kennel them while the clinic was in process)
Send your stories along. Remember to click the T&C box! Thanks!