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Last Updated: Aug 17th, 2007 - 17:18:39 |
Thanks to local donations and the Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS), over 100 dogs and cats will be spayed or neutered during their 3 day stay in Decatur County. RAVS is a program of The Humane Society of the United States and The Fund for Animals.
The program began in 1995 and since then RAVS has provided free veterinary service, to qualified pet owners, for approximately 10,000 animals each year. There is no cost to the clients or communities. The program also provides training and experience for hundreds of future veterinary professionals. The RAVS staff is all volunteer and the students are able to gain experience that goes far beyond anything they could learn in a classroom alone.
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| Pam Immendorf speaks with Kristy Morris about the procedure as Beth Eck looks on |
RAVS staff and equipment arrived late Wednesday night and with the help of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, they worked late into the night setting up. Everyone was back at the Firehouse Gallery early to begin the first day.
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| Volunteer students test blood and chart all animals |
The clients had all been pre-screened as to qualifications and appointments were set. As each of the animals came in they went through a series of stations. Some of the older animals are tested for heartworm and all the animals had various blood tests. After clearing there they go to a holding area and wait for their turn.
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| Vet looks on as students perform surgeries |
There are 3 surgery tables, each with a vet supervising as third and fourth year vet students perform the surgeries. Most of the surgeries lasted approximately 30-45 minutes. When the surgery is completed the animals are placed on warming blankets and monitored as they come out of the anesthesia. The entire process takes about 4 hours.
According to Pam Immendorf, Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society President, "This will have great impact on our community. We very much appreciate the Humane Society of the United States and RAVS and all the people in the community the made donations to cover the expenses to have RAVS here."
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