Am I the only one who tears up at the sad commercials of the abandoned and suffering dogs and cats? I’m sure you know what I’m talking about, and as soon as that Sarah Mac-Lachlan song starts up, you bet I’m ready to empty my bank account to help these animals I’ve never even met.
Many people probably don’t realize how much work and money goes into every animal that comes through the doors of the nearby Sharonville SPCA. This past week, I was lucky enough to visit and watch a few animals receive their first treatments.
Each one is immediately vaccinated, de-wormed, checked for heartworms and feline leukemia, as well as spayed or neutered.
Recently, all animals have also started being microchipped. If an animal has a condition, it’s taken care of by many of the volunteers that give their time to the shelter.
“We do not have a full veterinary staff,” says Technician Amberly Lovitt. “We rely on volunteers, especially professional volunteers.”
The entire SPCA of Cincinnati employs only one veterinarian, who resides at the Northside shelter. Many vets and technicians in the Cincinnati area regularly volunteer their time and skills to the care of these animals and never see a dime.
Our own RWC Vet Tech students have been assisting with routine treatments and surgeries.
Not only does this speed up the adoption process, but it also gives RWC students valuable hands-on experience while helping the animals. All of this is done under the supervision of Dr. Jane Goecke and Dr. David Bauman from the RWC veterinary staff.
“We tell our students that once they graduate, it’s their job to educate people on our overly populated pet population,” says Kelly Vearil, Technician and Lab Associate for RWC.
Another great thing about the SPCA is that every animal that leaves will be spayed and neutered, so that they do not contribute to the overwhelming population.
If only people understood how many animals are abandoned every day, they might think twice about purchasing an animal from a pet store or breeding. The Sharonville SPCA has over 100 adoptable cats and dogs, not to mention the dozens that are still receiving medical treatment.
If you are thinking about adopting a cat or dog, please consider visiting our local SPCA. You can find anything you may want, kittens, puppies, or adults, of any breed you can imagine.
The price is very reasonable, $100 for puppies and kittens six months and younger, and $90 for dogs and cats seven months and older. For more information about adopting or volunteering, please visit SPCACincinnati.org.