Healing Pets + Relieving Worry

OUR CVC’S RIPPLE EFFECT!

In a year marked by pandemic and fires, frayed nerves and uncertainty, we are fortunate to find reminders of kindness and hope each day at HSSC. Our work not only connects us to the wellspring of joy that animals give so freely, it connects us to a diverse and compassionate community of individuals united by a common thread: a commitment to ensuring animals are safe and loved. At our Community Veterinary Clinic, we see this commitment in each one of our clients. We see the moments of tenderness they share with their pets. We see the worry they have when their pet is in pain and they can’t afford vet care. We see their relief when they find out we can help. In these times of stress and isolation, as the demand for our CVC’s services continues to exceed our capacity and our team is stretched thin, CVC veterinarian, Dr. Ada Norris and her crew inspire us with their remarkable grace under pressure. They know that — in addition to providing critical, high-quality veterinary care for pets — a big part of their job is providing a caring presence for pet owners. Our CVC clients appreciate their calm, can-do approach and we do too! If you could use a little calm right about now, we invite you to take a moment and let some of these sweet CVC stories soak in.

Dr. Ada and her team work hard to minimize anxiety for patients, using a “Fear Free” approach to keep everyone calm and comfortable. Pete was shy to come out of his carrier when he first arrived for his appointment, so they let him take his time and check out his surroundings. He didn’t appreciate being picked up and put on the exam table, so they did his exam on the bench. When it was time for his ultrasound, Pete climbed onto Dr. Ada’s lap in the perfect position for the procedure. He seemed to enjoy the process, stayed still, and alternated between looking around and snuggling his head into the crook of Dr. Ada’s arm. His people were happy to hear how this low-stress approach helped Pete feel relaxed and safe. Tex is a pet duck who lives with a gaggle of lady ducks on a small hobby farm. His owners were very worried when he seemed to be experiencing a problem that is quite common in male ducks — a phallus prolapse. Taking Tex to an exotics veterinary specialist was out of reach financially for his family and they could not find a small animal veterinarian willing to see their beloved duck. They called our CVC to see if we could help. Luckily, before coming to HSSC, Dr. Ada worked at a mixed animal practice in rural Oregon where she treated ducks with Tex’s condition. We were able to get him in for a corrective procedure the very next day. Papo and Blackie’s family always make sure these two cuties are dressed to impress their friends at the CVC! Papo was one of our first patients when we opened in 2019. He came to have his allergies and skin issues evaluated, and Blackie came to see us for dental care. Since their initial visits, they have both received dental procedures and were neutered through our low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic. Their family is so grateful for the subsidized care that helps them keep their beloved duo healthy and pain-free.

This year, our CVC gratefully received support from PetSmart Charities! Their generous grant, and your contributions, are crucial in sustaining our ability to provide services to low- to no-income pet owners in our community. Be a part of this circle of kindness by visiting humanesocietysoco.org/donate and selecting Community Veterinary Clinic. Thank you!

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