HSUS’s Rural Area Veterinary Services has made several trips to the White Mountain Apache tribe in Arizona’s northeast corner, where the returning clinic aimed to improve residents lives, both human and animal.

Each year, RAVS provides free or low-cost spays, neuters and veterinary care for more than 40,000 animals in areas that are too remote or too poor to have access to veterinary care. Without RAVS and its volunteers, the animals would go without these desperately needed services. At each of the RAVS clinics, the veterinarians, students, and volunteers work tirelessly from before dawn until well after nightfall with few of the comforts of home.

When their long day is over, team members take one-minute showers in a school gymnasium before turning in for the night on the cold, hard floor of the school cafeteria. Without the sacrifices of these dedicated volunteers, the animals would continue to suffer. But RAVS volunteers know that helping the animals brings its own rewards.

Oscar, like many dogs in remote areas, suffered from internal parasites and mange, both easily-treated conditions. But because there is no available veterinary care in Oscar's White Mountain community, such conditions linger, worsen and cause great suffering. When RAVS arrived, Oscar not only received treatment for his ailments, but he also won the heart of a veterinary student volunteering at the clinic. Oscar has made remarkable strides in his new home and is well on his way to a complete recovery.

Animals Become a Community Priority

Animal welfare issues have historically had low priority on reservations. RAVS is helping to turn this around by bringing humane education information and programs to residents. One of the jobs HSUS regional offices have is to help provide such education programs during clinics. This time, SWRO’s Tammy Hawley joined the team.

After several visits to White Mountain and other reservations, it is evident that animal issues are drawing more attention. For example, the White Mountain Apache tribe has instituted an animal control program to address free-roaming animals, to educate the public and to oversee all aspects of animal care on the reservation.

The work of RAVS in the community provides a model for inspiration. Returning team members now see the same animals come back each year for vaccinations and routine care—without a litter of 10 in tow. The volunteers are energized each time they hear pet owners brag about their pets’ improvement since the previous year’s visit.

Perhaps the greatest reward is hearing that so many of the children take a sincere interest in helping animals. Many of the young tribe members aspire to becoming veterinarians and one day returning to their reservation to provide care for the tribe’s pets. RAVS brings hope that future generations will see animal suffering come to an end—a rich reward indeed. 

Posted June 22, 2006.