Dr. Dee Ann Dugger preps TJ with a sedative prior to his neutering surgery as he receives a comforting hug from Amanda Ditson, a ’99 graduate of the Tarpon Springs High School Veterinary Academy.
TARPON SPRINGS – Last week, two community organizations came together in a partnership that will benefit veterinary services and aid the plight of homeless dogs and cats throughout Pinellas County.
The first of its kind relationship sponsored by Tarpon Springs High School Veterinary Science Academy brings together private veterinarians and the Suncoast Animal League, a volunteer rescue organization headed by Rick Chaboudy, the former head of the Humane Society of Pinellas, in a program designed to give students hands-on surgical experience.
The academy, which started in 1995, trains approximately 250 high school students in the practices of animal health service through its five-level Veterinary Technician program.
Last week, Chaboudy’s group brought three rescued cats and a young hound-mix named TJ to the academy for spay/neuter surgeries performed by Dr. Dee Ann Dugger of Florida Veterinary Specialists – a private veterinary hospital with locations in Clearwater, Brandon and Tampa.
Dugger is one of three veterinarians from FVS who, along with a fourth veterinarian, will take turns twice monthly on rotation at the school performing spay/neuter procedures on rescued dogs and cats from Suncoast Animal League.
Debora Edwards, academy instructor and department chair, who began developing the vet tech program in 1990 said, “Students who have completed four of the five program levels are allowed to assist the veterinarians during surgery.”
Each student is required to complete 100 volunteer hours working with a local veterinarian, boarding operation or in a related animal care venue.
The Suncoast Animal League, which has several academy student volunteers, is a nonprofit organization located in Palm Harbor.
“Students volunteering at a ‘dot org’ may at the same time complete their requirement for community service under the Bright Futures scholarship program,” Edwards added. “The academy program is open to the entire county. We have students from as far away as South St. Pete; however, the program is very competitive, and entry is by application only.”
As about 100 students maneuvered to view the procedure through windows to the surgical suite, Dr. Dugger demonstrated the proper sterile protocol for hand washing and gowning.
“The procedure will take about 20 minutes,” she explained, as TJ was gently anesthetized prior to his surgery.
The objective is to save many dogs from the fate TJ had once experienced, being born into a world that either did not want him or had no room for him. TJ had been found wandering alone on the street.
“He was about 6 weeks old then, hungry and covered with parasites. Now he has regained his health, he has been in a foster home for six weeks and he’s tripled his weight.”
Tarpon Springs Veterinary Academy currently conducts a pet day boarding/grooming service; pet owners may bring their cats and dogs for medicinal bathing, toe nail clipping and a routine health screening. No diagnosis is performed and only pets with up-to-date vaccinations are accepted. Fees charged are used to resupply the students with grooming supplies and instruments. The academy does not administer vaccinations.
Edwards explained that students, by participating in the grooming sessions, gain hands-on experience in physical examinations and in the past have identified conditions such as hematomas and heart murmurs.
“They have saved lives,” she said.
“TJ has some new friends in these students,” adds Chaboudy. “We’re very excited about this program. After all, these kids are the next in line who will speak for the animals.”
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