Free vet clinic for street pets

By Andrea Lavigne
Victoria News
Jun 14 2006

Snoopy lies on her back to receive a belly rub from owner Drew Curry. Her tongue rolls out and she closes her eyes to signal complete relaxation.

You'd never know she was in line to see the veterinarian.

Curry took Snoopy to the free street veterinary clinic held Monday at Our Place for a flea treatment.

They've lived together for the last two years in a van - parking overnight in various spots around Victoria. The six-year-old Australian red heeler is his constant companion.

"She's brought a lot of happiness to me," Curry said.

But Curry said his $710 disability cheque does little to provide for extras like a trip to the vet.

"There are things that both the dog and I do without," he said, adding, "I try to give her the best food I can and the best quality of life I can."

Street life isn't as hard on animals as people, but animals still have routine health needs, said animal crusader Rick Sargent.

The Greater Victoria Animals' Crusaders sponsored the free street veterinary clinic to address those needs.

"People have been talking about doing this for years," Sargent said.

The group has been operating in Victoria for three decades; however, this is its first street clinic.

It routinely provide free veterinary services for low income families and women in transition houses with pets, as well as lost or abandoned animals.

"There's a lot of new blood in the organization and it's a more activist-type group," Sargent said.

The crusaders have joined forces with Our Place, a drop-in centre at 713 Johnson St.

"For some of the inner city family that relationship they have with their pet, is the healthiest relationship they have," said volunteer co-ordinator Bob Frank.

Sargent hopes the partnership will lend the animal group more legitimacy in the eyes of the street people.

"One of the problems is street people are very skeptical to come forward," he said, citing a fear that City of Victoria animal control officers will swoop down and take away the animals.

Sargent said it behooves the community to back this initiative, as it will reduce unwanted puppies or kittens and reduce the transmission of parasites.

"That to me is important to me as a citizen that owns dogs," he said. "It helps us all."

Dr. Kam Brar of Lifeline Animal Hospital provided vaccinations, flea treatments, de-wormers and antibiotics.

"I think for street people their most precious thing is their pet," said Brar, who also booked appointments for spay and neuter services.

The free service will be repeated in July and August at Our Place with dates and times to be announced.

Veterinarian Dr. Kam Brar checks over Snoopy at Our Place.

Sharon Tiffin/Victoria News