Free Veterinarian Care For Your Pets

Sick Dog

By: Tracey Zysk – October, 2015

On the morning of August 15, 2015 Catlyn Wright woke up to a sick baby. Not one of her human children, but her fur baby. Dozer, her 6yr old, 142 lb Laberdane was whimpering. In fact, Dozer was more than wimpering, he was in serious pain. No mother ever wants to see her child sick. Human or animal, your baby is your baby.

Catlyn, a working class, paycheck-to-paycheck mom, knew Dozer needed medical attention, but also understood that it may be quite costly. She had adopted Dozer over four years ago and he had previously been diagnosed with a rare medical condition affecting his joints. Knowing prior visits to the vets had left Catlyn financially strapped, she knew this visit would be quite costly. But she also wasn’t going to withhold the medical attention her dog so desperately needed.

First the obvious, she contacted her existing vet in the New Bedford area. Unfortunately, this particular hospital had closed unexpectedly. Catlyn, realized at this point not only did she need to get her dog to a different vet, but she also wouldn’t have access to Dozer’s previous medical records. A little nervous that a new veterinarian would want to run a series of repetitive tests that Dozer had already had, Catlyn once again was concerned about the cost.

Catlyn, started her internet search for a veterinarian, when the unthinkable happened. As Catlyn said, “An angel was with me, I couldn’t believe what the search pulled up.” One of the first veterinarian hospitals to be listed on her screen was “Merwin Memorial Free Clinic for Animals.” Catlyn, literally starring at her computer couldn’t believe what she was reading. She immediately went to their website and realized her prayers were answered.

Merwin Memorial Free Clinic for Animals provides free office visits and free outpatient veterinary services. These can include routine physical examinations, nail cutting and recommendations for how people can best care for their animals. Medicines to cure sick animals, (e.g. antibiotics) and preventative medicines, (e.g. heartworm pills and vaccines) are available at reduced rates.

Catlyn, her grandmother, and dog made the trip up to Allston, MA from New Bedford. This was over an hour commute, but one that Catlyn was determined and needed to do. She was going to be able to get Dozer, her love, the medical attention he needed.

At Merwin, they do not accept appointments. Because of the demand for their services, they are a first come first serve location. It is recommended you get there early, a little hint, an hour before they open. They can only accept a certain amount of animals a day, and may have to stop accepting clients into the waiting line once the line gets too long. Please visit their website for hours at www.merwinclinic.org

Merwins Mission: “No animal should have to suffer pain because its owner is financially unable to provide the medical help it sorely needs.” -Harriet G. Bird, Founder.

Merwin accepts donations for their payments. It is suggested a minimum of $20, and they also provide medications at a discounted rate. Please remember if you can afford a little more than the $20, please donate appropriately. It would be greatly appreciated as this is a nonprofit and the veterinarians are donating their time and medical supplies to help care for our animals.

For Catlyn, she couldn’t have been more grateful to Merwin Memorial. Dozer received a complete examination and the medications he so desperately needed. Today, Dozer is feeling much better and is enjoying his life pain free with his family.

Tracey Zysk, owner of Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care in North Andover MA is a local pet care professional. She has been featured on local radio, TV and newspapers educating the general public on animal care and animal health & wellness. Tracey is a proud supporter of Police, Fire & Military K9 units and National Award winner of the Platinum PAW award. Tracey may be reached at wigglewalk@comcast.net. Become a fan on Facebook at Wiggles & Jiggles Pet Care