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Lori Johnson approached many other animal rescue organizations in Hampton Roads when her dog, Mason, became ill. None were able to help her until someone suggested ART.

“I had filed for bankruptcy and wasn’t able to pay for Mason’s vet bills,” Johnson explained. “I paid the first $300, and then ART stepped in and helped with the rest.”

Mason underwent many tests.

Johnson said she was told it was vaginitis, as Mason had problems with frequent urination. When Mason had blood in her vomit and her stool, Johnson finally learned from the vet’s tests that Mason had giardia, an intestinal parasite.

“We are going through a lot of trial and error with her medicines,” Johnson said. “She is able to eat chicken and rice now and is improving.”

Mason is a 10 month old Basenji mix that Johnson adopted from a friend who wasn’t able to keep her. “My friend knew that I would take her because I’m an animal person,” said Johnson. “Once I took her in I knew I wouldn’t be able to give her up.

         The time to take your pet to the veterinarian can be a difficult question to answer. In the case that your dog or cat is vomiting and/or having diarrhea, or suddenly shows signs of trouble breathing, it is clear that they’re not feeling well. However, sometimes the signs of sickness can be as subtle as a cat that suddenly starts to hide more often or a dog that just doesn’t seem to have the same interest in his favorite toy. Owners know their pets best and if a change in behavior is noticed, it may be your pet’s way of telling you that he or she is just not feeling well. All dog and cat owners are recommended to have their pets spayed or neutered to reduce pet overpopulation. This procedure can be at an early age. The benefits of spaying and neutering not only prevent unwanted litters and behavioral problems, but also decrease the risk of medical problems. Perhaps one of the most important reasons to take Fido to the veterinarian is for an annual or biannual check-up. Your veterinarian will advise you on the vaccine regime for your pet. Yearly exams will help to provide preventative health maintenance that can ensure your best friend lives a long and healthy life.

Yandace K. Brown
DVM, MPH

yandaceb@gmail.com

SpayHR, the free/low cost mobile spay/neuter program sponsored by ART, recently reached the impressive milestone of 1,000 altered animals.

“The goal of the program is to help keep animals out of local shelters by preventing unwanted litters,” said Sarah Crawford, chairwoman of the SpayHR program. “By providing this service, we are helping to reduce the euthanasia rates in area shelters.” The program began in 2010 when ART formed a committee that used Animal Control data to pinpoint hotspots for stray animals in the city. The clinics are held twice a month.

Pet owners call ahead to set up an appointment for their animals, drop their pets off at the site, then return later to pick them up and learn about post surgery care.

“We have gotten a great response from the program,” Sarah said. “The people we have helped are very content and happy with the process as well as the services we offer.”

The SpayHR program aims to keep records and track results to show local jurisdictions what an impact spaying/neutering can have on the numbers of stray animals that roam the streets and end up in shelters.

“Our main goal is to bring down euthanasia rates; we also want to encourage citizens to be responsible with their pets. If we can decrease the number of animals in shelters, we can save the local governments money. A lot of money is spent on Animal Control that wouldn’t be needed if more animals were altered,” noted Sarah.

Education is also an important component of SpayHR. “The more we’re in the neighborhoods, the more we talk to people, the bigger we realize the problem is,” Sarah commented. “With the help of these clinics, we are able to educate people about why spaying/neutering is important. We are able to show these pet owners that they are making a difference by having their pets altered.”

With continued support from donors, this valuable program can continue to make an impact on the number of animals at area shelters. To learn more or to donate to the program, please visitwww.SpayHR.com.