Dr. Eve Ryan and veterinary technician Brit Cashman care for a kitten at the Healthy Pet Clinic.
/ Matt Mulcahy
Volunteers served some 120 dogs and cats today over a busy five hour clinic set up inside the gymnasium in one of the neediest neighborhoods in Syracuse. Pet owners started arriving before 10:00 a.m. even though the official opening time for the Clinic was 1:00 p.m.
"Now that we are into the second year of the Healthy Pet Clinics we are running a smoother more effective operation," said Matt Mulcahy one of the event organizers. "The gratitude that comes back to us from the pet owners makes the effort truly rewarding for our volunteer staff."
Many of the clients attending the 2012 fall series of clinics first came to a Healthy Pet Clinic one years ago. "It is exciting to see familiar faces coming through the door one year later," said Shamrock Animal Fund co-founder Jamie Pomilio-Mulcahy. "It's good to know they are following up on the needed care for their animals." The CNY Animal Welfare Coalition is a combination of several animal helping groups that have worked to develop the clinics.
Volunteer veterinarians included: Drs. Eileen Fatcheric and Dr. Andrea Lee from Fairmount Animal Hospital, Dr. Nancy Freeborough from Nottingham Pet Clinic, Drs. Marcia Ziegler and Jo Millard from Stack Hospital for Pets, Dr. Eve Ryan from Beaver Lake Animal Hospital, Dr. Gayanna Gilbraith from Cicero Animal Clinic and Dr. Elizabeth Berliner leading a group of veterinary students from Cornell University's Shelter Medicine Program.
"An amazing turnout by volunteers and residents alike," said Dr. Eve Ryan via Facebook. "It is one small step for one small city, but together we can make a difference in this little corner of the world. Hopefully it catches on, and the initiative will spread."
This series of fall clinics return to St. Lucy’s Church at 425 Gifford Street in Syracuse from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Sundays: October 14th and November 11th. These clinics specifically are offered for residents of Syracuse’s south and near west sides. Pet owners who live outside of the Syracuse city limits cannot be served.
People are encouraged to arrive early. Owners must bring documentation of financial need and proof of address. There is a $10 cash fee per animal. Owners need to bring past veterinary and vaccination records. Cats must be in carriers. Dogs must be leashed. Aggressive dogs need muzzles. The City of Syracuse will offer dog licensing for an additional fee of $10 per dog that is fixed and $20 per dog that is not fixed. Onondaga County is assisting with support on rabies vaccinations and tags. Information will also be given on low cost spaying and neutering.
Up to eight exam tables will be in operation on October 14th staffed by volunteer veterinarians and veterinary technicians from several Central New York animal hospitals.
You can find more information about the fall Healthy Pet Clinics and past Clinics by going to Shamrockanimalfund.com or Facebook.com/shamrockanimalfund. Pet owners can call 315-415-8563 with questions or e-mail: info@shamrockanimalfund.com
The Shamrock Animal Fund is a 501c3 not-for-profit started by CNYCentral news anchor Matt Mulcahy and his wife Jamie Pomilio-Mulcahy.
