Nearly 100 pets vaccinated at free PJ Clinic

By Sharon E. Siegel

Under the direction of several sources, Port Jervis pet owners had the opportunity this past Sunday, October 19, to receive free rabies vaccinations for any dogs, cats, or ferrets.

Nearly 100 animals (unofficially 73 dogs, 13 cats) received these protective shots as a result of funding from Orange County, supervision and assistance of county volunteers, coordination and help from Town of Deerpark and Port Jervis Animal Control Officers, adminstration through Tri-State Veterinary Hospital in Port Jervis, and help from members of Howard Wheat Engine Co. No. 4.

The vaccines were drawn by Orange County Health Department volunteers, administered by Dr. Jessica Saltalamacchia and staff of Tri-State Veterinary Hospital, coordinated by PJ and Town of Deerpark ACOs Jeff Ewing and George Debolt, and assisted by PJFD firefighters at Howard Wheat Engine Co. No. 4 Jeff Ewing and Stan Siegel.

The rabies vacccine clinic is offered at various times each year, and is always well attended. At times, the numbers have been over 200. Those on hand with their pets expressed their appreciation for this affordable means of protecting their pets and others.

Great job, everyone!

These four German Shepherds are all Service Dogs, canine mother, father, daughter and sister, that provide help for various concerns to four different individuals (not all of whom are pictured here). It was stated that the little dachsund also lives with these Service Dogs and, humorously, is known to be 'in charge' by the bigger dogs. They are pictured with an Orange County Health Department staff member/volunteer and Town of Deerpark and Port Jervis Animal Control Officers George Deblock and Jeff Ewing.