By Sue-Ann Wayow
JUST as human beings need love, care and attention, so too do their pets.
It is almost borderline criminality to want to dispose of an animal, especially dogs and cats by simply throwing them out on the streets.
That was the opinion of Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) Davlin Thomas who lauded the work of the veterinarians last month as they came together to commemorate World Veterinary Day.
World Veterinary Day was held on April 29, this year.
The only vet school in Trinidad and Tobago located at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (Mt Hope) collaborated with Island Tails Dog Grooming Services from Freeport to provide pets, mainly dogs with
Dogs received paw cleaning, nail trimming, ear cleaning and coat brushing while owners received information on how to better take care of their pets.
Speaking with AZP News, Thomas noted the good work that has been taking place at the hospital that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health as well as its challenges.
As a person growing up with pets himself, Thomas said, “There is a correlation between animal pets and human well-being. The NCRHA has a vested interest even if through indirectly to engage the health and well-being of the human being by ensuring that they treat the pets well.”
The NCRHA is focused on the whole wellness of an individual which includes pets he emphasised.
“That is really the genius of this,” Thomas said.
As the only veterinary school in Trinidad and Tobago, it offers a wide array of services including vaccinations, ultrasounds, x-rays and surgical procedures as well as in-patient care.
While the hospital is funded by government, some services require a fee from pet owners.
Thomas said currently, reviews of the pricing and services were being conducted.
One of the free services offered is the spaying and neutering of animals, an incentive to assist with keeping the number of dogs and cats at bay, especially on the streets.
Thomas said, “It is very difficult for me to imagine that somebody would throw out a dog. A dog is almost from my own encounters, part of the family. If we more engage in the positive understanding that an animal can have, in particularly cats and dogs, we would understand how much of a criminal activity it is if you throw out a cat or dog on the streets.”
Apart from treating humans and animals at the NCRHA’s facilities, the NCRHA was heavily engaged in public education at the community level the CEO said.
“This is a really a part of that non-traditional approach to engaging the health and wellness of the individual,” Thomas said.
Most of the discussions were centered around preventative measures for non-communicable diseases and similar discussions would take place concerning pets.
He said once the fees were rationalised, there would be more engagement with pet owners on what they can do to prevent pets from becoming ill and overwhelming the hospital system.
To the vets Thomas said, “Keep up the great work. It could get better. The executive and the board is paying a lot of attention more to veterinary services that we provide particularly as it provides an indirect feedback loop to the wellness of the human individual.”
Because of the great work, persons may have problems getting through on the phones to make appointments for their pets.
“The difficulty of getting on the line is a testimony to the nature of services that we offer. We are currently overwhelmed. The quality of the service has created a demand that is now extremely difficult to satisfy. It is now not a question of being able to answer each call, it is a question of having the infrastructure to deal with it whether, its personal or physical infrastructure, to deal with the burgeoning number of persons who are now requiring the service,” Thomas said.
He assured that the NRCHA was doing what it could to improve its services on that end.
Positive feedback
As huskies, collies, German Shepards, rottweilers and other types of dogs big and small lined up for their spa treatments, their pet owners told AZP News how pleased they were with the initiative and the service.
Many of them said it was their first time going to the hospital and taking their dog for a grooming.
There was a line-up from as early as 7 am.
One said, “The staff was very professional. He stayed very quiet while he was getting his nails trimmed. I am pleased with the service.”
Jason Patrick, from Valsayn, brought his husky Alfie for a treatment. He said he was impressed with the service and staff.
Danielle Basheer from Barataria expressed her excitement about her dog, a Cocker Spaniel called Milo getting groomed.
And another who carried two common dogs, Bamboo Patch and Teddy Bear said, “It was pleasant experience for the dogs as well as it was informative for the owners.”
In information provided by the NRCHA, pet owners were advised not to give their animals certain human foods as it can be toxic to them.
These include: Xylitol – an artificial sweetener, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, grapes and raisins, avocadoes, garlic and onions and macadamia nuts.
Alfred Bibby Company Ltd which is based in Chaguanas also provided
Animal dental care products were distributed by Sensodyne.
*When asked how they felt about their treatment, the dogs replied, “Woof!”
