A Howling Success: Vets, staff vaccinate 100 dogs at no cost
Cricket is calmed by his owner, Ricky Bush, after getting vaccinated by Dr. Frank Coons Wednesday morning at Grand Valley Catholic Outreach.
By Kate Schwenke
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Cricket growled menacingly as Dr. Frank Coons walked up to him, needles in hand. Well, as menacingly as the three-month-old, two-pound dog could muster. Cricket was just one of 100 canines receiving free parvo/distemper and rabies vaccinations Wednesday morning at Grand Valley Catholic Outreach.
Coons, who has been a veterinarian for 37 years, and his staff from Tiara Rado Animal Hospital provided the service to dogs whose owners may not have been able to otherwise afford the medications, which normally cost $37.
"We try to provide optimum care and the minimum appropriate care" to keep costs down, Coons said. He and his team try to focus on preventive care, such as vaccinations, which generally is cheaper than treating a pet after an illness strikes.
The event was wildly popular, with Coons running out of the parvo/distemper vaccine and unused syringes. Pet owners who were left after medications ran out were offered vouchers that can be redeemed at the Tiara Rado Animal Hospital building.
The large turnout highlighted a fact that Coons already knew.
"The homeless population are pretty strong pet owners," he said. "Their pets mean an awful lot to them. Sometimes it's the only thing they have."
The concept for a free vaccination clinic to serve the low-income population hit Coons' colleague and Tiara Rado Animal Hospital owner, Dr. Bob Marquis, three years ago. It didn't take much convincing to get Coons and the hospital's third veterinarian, Dr. Julie Becker, on board with the idea.
"We have always recognized that we have a wide range of client capabilities" in terms of ability to afford medical care for pets, Coons said.
The effort to provide vaccines for dogs whose owners can't afford the medications will continue for years to come, Coons said. He and his team will offer the vaccination clinic again in the fall.
As for Cricket, he didn't take Coons' vaccination attack personally. After accepting a dog biscuit as a peace offering, the little pup and his owner went happily on their way.
