Free vet clinic supports unhoused pet owners

Manna soup kitchen and the Street Dog Coalition partner to provide care

Amanda Penington, a volunteer kennel tech, left, and Dr. Jen Scheduler, provide care to Bugatti and Porsche, belonging to James Wilson on Friday during a free pop-up vet clinic run by the Street Dog Coalition at Manna soup kitchen. The event offers care for the pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Terry “Gypsy” Woody and his dog, Buddy, met for the first time last Christmas. Buddy, rescued from an abusive home, was scrawny and skittish – until he met Woody.

As Woody and his friends sat around catching up, Buddy inched closer and closer. Within an hour, he was sitting in Woody’s lap. They’ve been inseparable ever since.

“I didn’t choose him – he chose me,” Woody said. “He’s like my kid. I take better care of him than myself.”

Dr. Stacee Santi talks to Terry “Gypsy” Woody about his dog Buddy at the clinic on Friday. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

The friendly dog with a shiny coat now sitting at Woody’s feet, begging for treats, is unrecognizable as the emaciated dog he first met in the winter. But no matter how healthy Buddy looks on the outside, he still needs his shots – and a checkup from a vet.

That’s why he and Woody are braving the cold morning air to stand under an awning outside Manna soup kitchen.

On Thursday, the Street Dog Coalition, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing free veterinary care for the pets of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, set up a pop-up clinic in the soup kitchen’s parking lot at 1100 Avenida del Sol.

By noon, dogs of all shapes and sizes were waiting to see the doctor.

Buba, a dachshund, waddled behind his owner while Porsha and Begati, energetic blue heeler mixes, pulled on their leashes, dragging their dad, James Wilson, around the parking lot in circles.

Wilson said they were there to get vaccinated. Booster shots can cost around $75 to $185 each. Without the clinic, he wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Charolette, belonging to Christopher Brown, was curious about everything. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

It’s a very amazing thing what they’re doing, without it, I was going to have to wait to get paid before getting her shots,” Christie Southworth said.

She recently got a new puppy – a 7-week old teacup Chihuahua terrier, who was dressed in a miniature red sweater.

Christie Southworth holds her new puppy. (Jerry McBride/ Durango Herald)

Southworth, who is homeless and battling an invasive form of cancer that has already cost her half a lung, isn’t worried about herself right now. She’s just relieved that her new companion will finally receive her first round of immunizations.

Medicaid helps Southworth access necessary medical care, but the government doesn’t cover her pet.

Owning a dog while being homeless “helps keep you sane,” Southworth said.

She thinks it’s unfair to say people experiencing homelessness shouldn’t have pets. Her dog sleeps bundled up in her jacket and never goes hungry.

“We deserve the love too,” she said.

Nicole Williams, holds her dog Bubba, 12, as they wait for the vet. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Veterinarian Stacee Santi said she understands the common perception that if someone can’t afford to take care of themselves, they shouldn’t have an animal. In fact, before starting the clinics, she thought the same thing.

But her opinion has changed.

“These people take amazing care of their pets,” she said. “They're outside. Most of them don’t have a leash. They eat well. They’re with their friends. They really are happy.”

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., people brought their dogs and cats for checkups, vaccinations and antibiotics. They were also able to pick up vouchers to have their pets spayed and neutered at the Durango Humane Society.

“A lot of these folks can't qualify for public housing, and the only reason is because their pets don't have the vaccinations that they need,” said Karyn Ekola, a volunteer organizer.

“This is really important, because we're able to get the pets the care that they need, so that they can qualify for public housing and get them into a better lifestyle, in a better situation,” she said.

Amber DeFrenchi, a case manager at Manna, said she reached out to the Street Dog Coalition about putting together the pop-up clinic when she noticed a large population of people bringing their animals to the soup kitchen.

“Its been really well received,” she said. “Everybody here is super grateful and appreciative for the clinics. You know, we're always full.”

Amanda Penington, a volunteer and kennel tech, pets Christopher Brown’s dog, as volunteers from left, Vika Huber, Dr. Jen Schoedler and Karyn Ekola work. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

It is the second year Manna and the Street Dog coalition have provided veterinary services, and there will be three more clinics in 2025, DeFrenchi said.

The vet services are meant to support people with limited incomes, or those who are facing a financial emergency; it's not only for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The Street Dog Coalition operates on donations from pharmaceutical companies and donations and funds from the national organization. And those resources are limited.

“It's primarily for the folks who utilize Manna's resources, and, you know, are struggling with housing,” Ekola said. “This is for people who really need it. We really want you to come if you really, really need the services.”

Nicole Williams talks with Durango veterinarian, Stacee Santi, about her dog Bubba, 12. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Last year, local veterinarians Stacee Santi and Jennifer Schoedler, opened a local branch of the Street Dog coalition. They wanted to give back to the community, and hopefully get something in return – like a sense of peace.

Veterinary care is a difficult, mentally taxing profession. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study found vets were two to three times more likely to die by suicide than the general public.

“It's a tough job being a veterinarian. It's really nice to give back,” Santi said. “It's kind of one of those things that when you give something to somebody else, you end up getting your cup filled,” Santi said.

jbowman@durangoherald.com

Charolette, belonging to Christopher Brown, wears her harness. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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