Austin Bell

The HSUS' Paul Bruce greets Princess at the Hoopa Valley RAVS clinic.

The HSUS' Rural Area Veterinary Services program recently visited the Hoopa Valley reservation in northern California, spaying and neutering more than 200 animals and providing vaccines and medical services for an additional 300.

RAVS provides free veterinary services where they are needed the most—on American Indian reservations and in other rural communities in the United States and around the world where veterinary care is unavailable.

While the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats (population control) is at the heart of the RAVS mission, the program doctors and veterinary students provide wellness checks and treat countless other conditions and species as well.

Horses, donkeys, goats, ducks, turtles, and many other species have all received care at RAVS clinics, and the mission to provide care whenever possible has resulted in many happy endings over the years.

This time, a mama dog named Princess (pictured at right) benefited from the ministrations of the RAVS team.
 
Princess, a sweet 8-year-old mom, was suffering along with her 6-month-old pup from the ravages of demodectic mange. She was also heartworm positive. Princess's owner suffers from serious medical problems of his own, but he arranged for Princess to be brought to the clinic for treatment.

"Despite her medical problems, she is a strong girl," said WCRO Regional Program Coordinator Paul Bruce (also a registered veterinary technician), who joined RAVS at the Hoopa reservation clinic. "When you look into her eyes, there is a quiet dignity and grace that has touched all of us." While her conditions were serious, with time and proper care, her problems can be corrected.

Princess and her pup are now being cared for by a designated caregiver on the reservation who assured the RAVS staff that the dogs will receive all their medications and treatments.

While Princess and her pup have a ways to go towards recovery, the Hoopa Valley tribe has made remarkable strides since RAVS began visiting four It is also hoping to build a shelter.

While RAVS clinics are a way to train veterinary students and provide services to animals and communities in need, HSUS staff also provide educational programs for community members to encourage responsible pet ownership.

"There is an increased awareness of animal issues since we've been coming here," said Bruce. "I have seen many of the same pet owners year after year, and they bring their friends. The tribe is committed to making Hoopa Valley a better place for animals and the people who love them."