Residents of Fort Simpson were given a chance to take their pets to see a veterinarian as the NWT SPCA set up shop at the community rec center in late April.
Dr. Michelle Tuma, a veterinarian who is based out of Yellowknife and has worked in a number of communities throughout the NWT, treated a total of 107 animals at the fully booked clinic that took place between April 16 to 20.
SA国际影视传媒淲e were welcomed with open arms into the community,SA国际影视传媒� said Tuma. SA国际影视传媒淓veryone in the community was very happy to see us.SA国际影视传媒�
The idea to host the clinic first came about through talks between the SPCA and Fort Simpson resident Troy Bellefontaine, that took place just over a year ago. Bellefontaine began pushing for the organization to visit the community after his stepmother, a long time nurse and original person to go to for injured pets, left the community.
SA国际影视传媒淢y stepmother, who was a nurse, was the original go to (person) when people had injured pets,SA国际影视传媒� said Bellefontaine. SA国际影视传媒淲hen she left, I sort of became that person but I'm not a nurse, so I had to send the animals to the SPCA most of the time.SA国际影视传媒�
Bellefontaine said he had hoped to get the clinic into the community much earlier, but the community had to deal with a number of obstacles SA国际影视传媒� such as funding as well as complications with the ice road - that made getting the necessary people into town difficult. Despite the troubles with timing, Bellefontaine said the response from the community has been very positive.
SA国际影视传媒淧eople have dropped off cinnamon buns at the office,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淧eople have wanted a vet to come in at the right time.SA国际影视传媒�
While, funding was initially an obstacle that the clinic had to face, Dr. Tuma said that thanks to generous donations from Dezoa Gogha and First Air, they were able to offer reduced rates throughout the week.
SA国际影视传媒淲e were able to subsidize the costSA国际影视传媒� said Tuma about offering $150 spays and neuters. SA国际影视传媒淒own south it would cost about $350 depending on the size of the dog.SA国际影视传媒�
The success of the clinic is a good sign moving forward, according to Tuma. She said it is important that residents have access to vets at least once a year. Both, Bellefontaine and Tuma, agree it would be beneficial to have annual visits with communities without a full-time veterinarian office.
SA国际影视传媒淚t's important for animal overpopulation and public health as well,SA国际影视传媒� said Tuma. SA国际影视传媒淲e are hoping to visit any community that doesn't have veterinarian services, at least once a year.SA国际影视传媒�
Bellefontaine said there are already plans in place to start that annual cycle.
SA国际影视传媒淭here's a woman in Wrigley that is raising money to get a clinic in her communitySA国际影视传媒� Bellefontaine said. SA国际影视传媒淗opefully we can get into Jean Marie River, Nahanni Butte and Trout Lake as well.SA国际影视传媒�
As of right now, Tuma said she is scheduled to run a clinic in Nunavut next month and in Behchoko in June of this year.
