Akwesasne Animal Society & Partners Serve Over 200 Animals

Submitted by Jennifer Herne, LVT

The Akwesasne Animal Society spent last week providing spay and neuter surgeries and wellness appointments to just over 200 animals from Akwesasne. A group effort that included Akwesasne Animal Society Director Jennifer Herne, LVT; Grand River Veterinary Hospital practice partner Dr. Tammy Hornak, DVM; Toronto Humane Society veterinarian Dr. Karen Ward, DVM and University of Guelph 4th year veterinary students. The event took place September 18-22, 2017, at the Kawehno:ke Recreation Center.

Monday through Thursday was spent performing spay and neuter surgeries for 100 dogs and cats. Each pet was given a thorough exam and detailed consultation was provided to the owner. All of the pet owners would drop their dog or cat off in the morning and pick up was later in the day between 4-5 pm. The cost of the surgery for dogs was $140, for cats it was $80, an extreme savings. All animals received a rabies vaccination and microchip included in the surgery price. Many owners opted in for the wellness package, which included a heartworm/lyme test, de-wormer and distemper vaccine.

Friday was a whole day of wellness only, no surgeries were performed on this day, instead, each pet received a physical exam, rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, microchip, heartworm/lyme test and de-wormer for only $20. A total of 104 animals were seen on this day, which was absolutely amazing. Walk-ins were accepted which many Akwesasne members took advantage of. Flea and tick prevention as well as heartworm disease prevention medication were available for purchase on-site as well.

The veterinary group was extremely grateful to be able to come to Akwesasne and loved every minute of being in Akwesasne. They were treated to corn soup, fry bread, and traditional hash courtesy of John & Binky Herne and were also lucky enough to be given a cultural presentation by the Native North American Travelling College, Karahkwino.

The Toronto based group is excited to continue this relationship with the Akwesasne Animal Society and we are currently planning to return in April 2018.

Niawen to the following for supporting the Akwesasne Animal Society: Kawehno:ke Recreation Center, Missy Francis, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for the gifts given to the veterinarians and staff, Akwesasne Animal Society board members and volunteers Shereese Thomas who volunteered all week, Dr. Mary Arquette, Karahkwino, Amberdawn Lafrance, Reen Cook at CKON Radio. An event like this could not take place without all of the wonderful people who help make it happen.