The Native America Humane Society in collaboration with the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine student group SIRVS (Student Initiative for Reservation Veteinary Services), Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Leech Lake community members and Leech Lake Tribal Police Department hosted a Taking Care of the Animals spay/neuter and wellness clinic in Onigum (Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota) on May 14-15, 2016. A huge thanks to the 27 vet school students, 7 volunteer veterinarians/surgeons, vet techs and community members who made this clinic possible. Over the 1.5 days, 85 pets received much needed care (including 16 spay/neuter surgeries, removal of quills on 4 dogs and every pet received a comprehensive wellness check, vaccinations, heartworm test, ears cleaned/checked, nails trimmed, heartworm preventative and a seresto collar for flea/tick prevention.
Community member Shirley Nordrum describes it best with the following quote: "This was one cool weekend! Native America Humane Society and The U of M School of Veterinary Medicine Student organization "Student Initiative for Reservation Service" (SIRVS) came to Onigum for a wellness clinic. This isn't one of those flyby night events where you run in get your dog vaccinated and you’re on your way. These talented students give your pet a thorough medical examination, they take time to explain and educate. The spayed and neutered too. They have to complete extra training to be part of these event, they fund raise so their services are free and there were also 7 veterinarian present who volunteered to shadow the student and provide one -on one for the surgeries. And on top of all that the students were mentoring our youth, letting them be part of the exams, looking in microscopes, observing surgeries. These folks ROCK!!!"
And from Rachel Johnson (president of SIRVS), “Words truly cannot express how grateful I am to you, Shirley, Leslie, Teresa, Rory and everyone else who made this clinic not only happen, but happen in a meaningful way. The clinic turned out even better than I ever could have dreamed - 85 animals seen is quite an accomplishment for 1.5 days! But not only did we provide medical care to the animals, we were deeply engaged with the community, and to quote Monte Fronk of Mille Lacs, I think we did it "in a good way".
There is gratitude from the community for services being received for pets on reservations where they would otherwise not have access to veterinary care; there is learning by vet school students from community members on so many levels; there is mentorship and camaraderie as native youth shadow vet teams to assist with wellness exams, remove quills, vaccinate, draw blood … the weekend was busy but the community center was filled with kindness and a special energy. “It felt like love and family”, one community member said. Shared learning from all directions. Vet teams and native youth working together as they engaged in conversation with community members with stethoscopes on hearts of adorable pups – supporting each other; learning from each other; holding each other up.
For many of us who were there at the clinic it is hard to put into words the energy felt in Onigum, an outlying community of Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota. Yes, it was Love. It was Family. Other words that come to mind are Community – Hope – Healing. We will share more stories and photos in our blog and we hope you will join us in this journey.
Click here to view more photos from the Taking Care of the Animals Community Event in Onigum.
Community member Shirley Nordrum describes it best with the following quote: "This was one cool weekend! Native America Humane Society and The U of M School of Veterinary Medicine Student organization "Student Initiative for Reservation Service" (SIRVS) came to Onigum for a wellness clinic. This isn't one of those flyby night events where you run in get your dog vaccinated and you’re on your way. These talented students give your pet a thorough medical examination, they take time to explain and educate. The spayed and neutered too. They have to complete extra training to be part of these event, they fund raise so their services are free and there were also 7 veterinarian present who volunteered to shadow the student and provide one -on one for the surgeries. And on top of all that the students were mentoring our youth, letting them be part of the exams, looking in microscopes, observing surgeries. These folks ROCK!!!"
And from Rachel Johnson (president of SIRVS), “Words truly cannot express how grateful I am to you, Shirley, Leslie, Teresa, Rory and everyone else who made this clinic not only happen, but happen in a meaningful way. The clinic turned out even better than I ever could have dreamed - 85 animals seen is quite an accomplishment for 1.5 days! But not only did we provide medical care to the animals, we were deeply engaged with the community, and to quote Monte Fronk of Mille Lacs, I think we did it "in a good way".
There is gratitude from the community for services being received for pets on reservations where they would otherwise not have access to veterinary care; there is learning by vet school students from community members on so many levels; there is mentorship and camaraderie as native youth shadow vet teams to assist with wellness exams, remove quills, vaccinate, draw blood … the weekend was busy but the community center was filled with kindness and a special energy. “It felt like love and family”, one community member said. Shared learning from all directions. Vet teams and native youth working together as they engaged in conversation with community members with stethoscopes on hearts of adorable pups – supporting each other; learning from each other; holding each other up.
For many of us who were there at the clinic it is hard to put into words the energy felt in Onigum, an outlying community of Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota. Yes, it was Love. It was Family. Other words that come to mind are Community – Hope – Healing. We will share more stories and photos in our blog and we hope you will join us in this journey.
Click here to view more photos from the Taking Care of the Animals Community Event in Onigum.
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