The month of February was a month full of service for the Ross Medical Education Center Huntsville campus’ Veterinary Assistant students. For over 20 years, February has been National Spay and Neuter Month, with the Humane Society and other organizations fighting to raise awareness and support in making sure that pets are spayed and neutered responsibly. The month-long event culminates in World Spay Day on the last Tuesday in February. This year’s World Spay Day was February 24th.
In order to support the community and the local animals, the Veterinary Assistant students volunteered their services for the New Leash on Life Campaign. A New Leash on Life is a unique foster and adoption program for homeless dogs and cats. Each pet in the program is fully vetted including spay/neuter, microchip, FIV/Felv tested (cats), heartworm tested (dogs), vaccinated, dewormed, etc. before adoption. This “no-kill shelter” never rejects a pet in need. They take on all responsibilities for their lodgers until they find a forever home or a foster home. If the pet is injured, sick, or in need of further vetting, the veterinarians provide excellent care and service until the pet is adopted.
At the Ross Huntsville campus, Lead Veterinary Assistant Instructor Alexandria Stone, Office Assistant Veronica Dobbins, and the Veterinary Assistant students assisted with the city-wide pet adoption New Leash on Life organized. The event took place at the PetSmart in Jones Valley, Huntsville on Friday, February 13. The students also collected supplies to help A New Leash on Life continue their hard work with homeless pets in Huntsville community.
The Veterinary Assistant students weren’t the only ones busy in February! The month ended with another round of Medical Assistant students ending their first MOD. They also shared their excitement for having their shirts just in time for the American Heart Association’s “North Alabama Heart Walk” that will take place March 14. Heart Walk organizer Jessica Schofield continues to work hard to rally students, faculty, and staff to represent Ross Medical Education Center in the North Alabama Heart Walk.
If you are interested in learning more about A New Leash on Life and/or how you can help, visit their Facebook page or their website at http://anewleash.org/.