Keeping the streets safe with free pet vaccinations
GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado
KKCO
Oct. 19, 2010
Reporter: Ashley Prchal
Many people in the homeless community choose to have dogs for protection and companionship, but with hundreds of dogs roaming the streets, diseases can easily spread.
95 pets received free Rabies and Distemper vaccinations in the parking lot of Catholic Outreach on Tuesday.
"We have seven dogs, we have 20 puppies, six kittens and one cat named Dog," says Amber Godden, who's getting her animals vaccinated.
Godden says over the course of two years, all of her pets have received annual vaccinations, thanks to the free clinic put on by Tiara Rado Animal Hospital.
"We live on the river bottom and they do drink the river water, so they need to stay strong and healthy," says Godden.
Godden says the homeless community takes very good care of their dogs, because they're both man's best friend and the best protector for a life on the street.
"I would hate to see one of the dogs get bit by a squirrel, get Rabies and spread it to the rest of the dogs," says Godden.
Something Symantha Trevino also worries about for her ten dogs.
"You know if you want to take them to the park or down to the river to have a good time, you have to make sure they're vaccinated. Because it's really easy to get Parvo or something from other dogs," says Trevino, who's getting her dogs vaccinated.
Two years ago Tiara Rado Animal Hospital noticed a demand for pet vaccinations for the homeless community and families struggling financially.
"Not everybody is able to provide veterinary care to their animals and it is very important to keep them vaccinated," says Susan Kingsbury, practice manager for the free clinic.
Kingsbury says Tiara Rado is hoping this service will help stop the spread of Rabies and Distemper around Grand Junction.
"And those are both very deadly diseases. And sometimes they're not treatable if they don't get help for them," says Kingsbury.
And the last thing the homeless community wants is to see their animal suffer, because they can't afford a bill.
"Sickness does spread between dogs a lot. They're a dog pack, they intermingle," says Godden.
Tiara Rado Animal Hospital says giving out around $3,000 worth of vaccines is an effort that pays for itself, because a healthy pet is priceless.
Officials with Tiara Rado Animal Hospital say they are planning another free clinic sometime in the winter months because of the huge demand.
