The night after Christmas, an EF4 tornado swept through Rowlett, Texas, destroying many homes. Almost a year ago, my incredible vet, Dr. Josh Cope, opened
Premier Vet Care Animal Clinic in Rowlett. Luckily, the building was not damaged, and he immediately swung into action, treating pets who were injured, and offering free boarding to those who had no place to go. Josh has been my vet for many years, and he's an amazing man. This morning, I stopped by with Rose the Rat Terrier, to have her stitches removed from an earlier procedure. The clinic was bustling, and I only spoke with Josh briefly, but it was clear that the remaining sixty animals were receiving the very best of care. All but one or two had been reunited with their families, and are now being boarded until the families are in a position to take them back. All have been given shots, microchipped, and groomed. Volunteers have been so plentiful that an online sign-up sheet is being used. Walkers, groomers, people who handle the laundry, vet techs...you name it, they are helping out, and it's wonderful to see everyone working together to give the dogs and cats the best possible care. You can read more about it on the Clinic's
Facebook page.
Donations of pet food are no longer needed.
Blankets and towels, clothing, paper towels...all donated.
Some of the cat boarders:
and some adorable pups:
I don't think Dr. Josh has slept since Christmas Day, yet he's still intent on giving the very best of care to his patients.
Rose the Rat Terrier is very picky about vets, but she loves Dr. Josh.
All tornado patients are carefully tracked.
Although super busy, the office staff posed for a quick photograph.
I met Jade and her daughter while waiting in the lobby. They were some of the lucky ones: all of the homes on their block were completely destroyed, except two...one being theirs. The family's cat, dogs, two guinea pigs, and a small turtle all survived. Still without power, they are trying hard to work with the hand that was dealt to them. She spoke to me about how they all huddled in the bathroom as the tornado sirens went off, and then afterwards, her husband pulling neighbors out of the rubble as soon as it was safe to do so. It's clear life will never be the same for them.
Thanks to Dr. Josh, his staff, and the volunteers, who have given peace of mind to so many families affected by the tornado. One thing they won't have to worry about is their pets, and for those of us whose pets are family, we know that's a priceless gift.
