New low-cost vet clinic opening

Julia Russill is a perfect example of someone who is not afraid to get her hands dirty for a great cause. She plans to open a non-profit low-income spay, neuter and vaccination clinic this fall which will definitely be appreciated by Douglas County’s low income residents.

Russill became involved while researching a paper for her instructor Amy Sargent at Umpqua Community College. She decided her thesis would be on the amount of animals being euthanized and whether or nor there were spay and neuter clinics in the area. She learned that Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center is only able to adopt out or reunite pets with owners one third of the time. The others are euthanized. Space constraints and the expense of caring for so many animals is a real issue.

Russill’s instructor, Amy Sargent said, “When she discussed her topic with me, (the perceived gap in local care for animals) I had little doubt that she would take her ideas further than just a research paper.”

Russill knew from her past experience that there was a definite correlation between dogs in shelters and dogs being spayed or neutered. Unfortunately, she also understood that in poor economic times non-profit organizations are few and residents are doing the best they can. Many times owners have to choose between feeding their families and having their pet spayed or neutered or even immunized. To a family with a pet, it is equivalent to a medical procedure on any family member.

Russill committed herself to creating a non-profit organization so that she could solve the growing problem. She spent thirty years in California working with a dog rescue organization and now brings her expertise to Douglas County. In less than a year she has set up the non-profit organization, procured a building and has a Veterinarian who plans to fill the position of head Veterinarian at the clinic when it opens in late summer.

In the meantime she has been holding immunization clinics at several places including Grooming by Linda B on Stephens in Roseburg. Owner Linda Bruinsama said, “I think this is a very valuable and needed project in our community. It’s a problem when owners come in to get their pets groomed if they haven’t been immunized because it causes a danger to the other pets I groom.”

Russill plans on holding another vaccination clinic sometime this summer if the new clinic is not finished.

“I doubt that anyone can talk to Julia about DCLVS and not see her determination, as well as the selflessness behind all of the time and effort she puts into the organization,“explained Sargent. “Would I say that I’m proud of her accomplishments? No. I would say that I’m honored to know her and to watch this idea come to fruition. She is an inspiration in the truest sense,” Sargent continued.

The problem is that strays and unwanted pets are a serious health problem for communities. Dogs can breed up to twice a year and can deliver from six to twelve puppies a year according to The Sacramento Area Animal Coalition. Cats can have up to five litters a year and deliver three to six kittens in each litter, according to answers.com. Many of those puppies will end up euthanized.

One of the issues that Russill’s new clinic may help with is the discrimination that low-income pet owners sometines face. Some people condemn neighbors who don’t take care of their animals. They think that people who have to give their pets away are irresponsible and don’t understand that they really believed they would care for their pets forever.

With the economic slowdown, the American people are facing job losses and are being forced in some cases to give up their pets with the belief that they would be better off. With the statistics on euthanasia in Douglas County, that seems to be incorrect at this time.

In this recession, choices can be hard on families, especially if they’re low income. Many of us find ourselves choosing food instead of medication or doctors visits. Now, imagine having a sick pet with no options in your county. That is exactly what is going on in Douglas County.

This low-cost spay and neuter organization will help keep these families and their pets together.

Thanks to Russill and others willing to help, some families may now be able to provide for their pets with low-cost spay and neuter assistance.

The Mainstream is a student publication of Umpqua Community College.