Last weekend, braving the sweltering Louisiana heat, teams of American Humane employees joined veterinarians – including American Humane board members Dr. Mike McFarland and Dr. Marty Becker, as well as Dr. Theresa DePorter, Dr. Martha Littlefield of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Rebecca McConnico of Louisiana Tech University, and Dr. Rebecca Adcock of Baton Rouge Community College Veterinary Technology Program – to administer basic examinations, blood tests, vaccines, and heartworm, flea, and tick medications to animals in need at a free veterinary clinic hosted at St. Landry Parish Animal Control & Rescue. More than 50 veterinary and veterinary technology students from across the state also came out to help, gaining first-hand experience performing life-saving medical treatment alongside experienced professionals. And thanks to the support of Zoetis Petcare, our generous partner who provided the critical medications needed for this clinic, we were able to directly care for almost 300 animals in need.
One animal changed forever at the clinic was Relic, an adult Pit Bull weighing only 36 pounds, who had been found just ten days before, covered in flies and close to death. When Relic was brought to the clinic, he could barely walk, but nevertheless, he wagged his tail when he saw our clinic staff. Testing positive for heartworm, Relic received medications and a thorough examination, but more than that, he received more love in his short time of treatment than he may have had in his entire life. Though Relic still has a long road of recovery ahead of him, his chances of survival have skyrocketed thanks to the care he received last weekend.
American Humane was proud to provide this kind of life-changing treatment to St. Landry Parish, a community we have been dedicated to serving for over a decade since Hurricane Katrina caused disastrous damage to the area in 2005. In 2016, we rushed to the care of hundreds of animals that were caught in devastating floods, providing shelter, food, water, and care until they were able to be relocated to safe homes and shelters. Last year, American Humane returned to distribute grants to impacted shelters in the area and to unveil our new 50-foot American Humane Rescue vehicle dedicated to serving the southeast and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
Last weekend’s free veterinary clinic was a tremendous success – but we couldn’t have done it without the support of the veterinarians, veterinary and veterinary technology students, and volunteers who worked tirelessly alongside American Humane to help the animals of St. Landry Parish. Thank you, animal lovers!
