Details are still being worked out, but thanks to a $239,000 grant the Humane Society of Blue Ridge has the funds it needs to build a low-cost vet clinic.
Diane Basco, executive director-development for the society, said last week the grant award comes from the DJ&T Foundation. The clinic will be built on the humane society’s campus off Mineral Springs Road.
“The Humane Society of Blue Ridge is pleased to receive this grand award and put it towards out plans to build a low-cost vet clinic to serve the members of our community that otherwise can’t afford basic veterinary care for their pets.
“Obviously, a lot of details (remain) to be worked out, but we are meeting with our builder this week to review the construction plans so that we can break ground as soon as possible,” Basco said.
The clinic is scheduled to initially open one day a week, on Mondays, as Tri-State Vet Clinic out of Murphy will provide the veterinary staffing on that day.
Basco said the humane society plans to eventually hire their own staffing to provide additional days of service. One Monday will be dedicated to The Wellness Plus Clinic that will provide annual exams and shots, as well as see sick animals for assessment, treatment and referral out when necessary. The following Monday will be dedicated for spay/neuter surgeries and minor soft tissue surgeries. The clinic will alternate Monday’s between operating the Wellness Plus and spay/neuter clinics.
The DJ&T Foundation was founded in 1995 by Bob Barker, well-known television personality from the Price is Right show. The foundation was named in memory of Barker’s wife Dorothy Jo, and his mother, Matillda (Tilly), both of whom loved all animals. The foundation’s primary goal is to fund low cost spay/neuter clinics and programs as a way to help relieve animal over population.