Pets and their owners get help at Saturday clinic

Paul Bezdak hit the jackpot Saturday when he attended the free pet care clinic at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont. 

The clinic was geared toward examining and helping the pets of the homeless or those at risk of being without a home. Human services were also offered including dental cleanings and health screenings.

Bezdak got his scarred nose checked out while his two five-year-old companions, Birdie and Ernie, were examined by veterinary professionals.

“These people are wonderful,” Bezdak said while eyeing the various stations people and their pets could visit in the church’s courtyard.

“They both (Birdie and Ernie) needed their shots in August and they took care of that here,” Bezdak said. “Ever since we’ve been here they have gotten their nails done and Birdie is pretty darn close to getting a girlfriend. You can’t beat that.” 

The clinic was sponsored by the Street Dog Coalition and Annie & Millie’s Place. Both groups provide free healthcare to the pets of the homeless. Medical and dental students were also on hand to deliver dental and medical care. Hair cuts were also offered.

“This whole idea was to provide a first-stop shop..to offer care on both ends of the leash,” Kristin Baltrum, founder of Annie & Millie’s Place. Baltrum said she started Annie & Millie’s Place to honor her sister, Annie, who was homeless along with her canine companion Mille.

Annie couldn’t get into shelters and housing programs because they could not accept Millie as well, Baltrum said. Annie died by suicide in June 2019 and then Millie was handed over to animal control, she said.

“I just wanted to do something for those people who are out there and whose only companion is a dog or cat or some other pet,” Baltrum said. “You shouldn’t have to give up your pet to get decent shelter.”

Project V.E.T.S  - which provides donated equipment and food for homeless pets - was also at the clinic. The Boulder non-profit was formed to offer help to people and their furry partners, said the organization’s Marcy Thrash.

“Pets and people need each other, they keep each other safe and protected,” Thrash said. “It’s a good relationship no matter the circumstances.”