December 29, 2010
Every summer for 2 weeks from late July to August, in conjunction with Christian Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Page Wages of Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin and Dr. Sam Galphin, a local dairy veterinarian, take a group of veterinary students from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine out to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. That’s 36 hours west on Interstate 40 in a 16 passenger van! During their time on the reservation, the students learn and teach the Navajo people about deworming and vaccinating their sheep, goats, cattle, horses, dogs, and cats. Dr. Wages teaches and assists the students in spaying and neutering dogs and cats as well.
Over the last 8 years, Drs. Wages and Galphin have developed some great friendships with the Navajo people in each of the towns they visit and serve. They have shared cultural experiences and are able to spend time with the Navajo to share the Christian Gospel.
The Navajo Reservation spans 4 states, yet the veterinary care is limited. At present, there are only 2 veterinarians working the area of the reservation, whose people’s livelihood is their sheep, goats, and cattle. Over the past 8 years, with the continued support of the CVM group and the training the Navajo people have gained, Dr. Wages reports an increase in the general health of the animals. “No longer are we seeing as many animals dying of parasites, which can be easily treated, which is just awesome! The Navajo depend on our group each year to give their pets the wellness checks needed and treat as much as ear infections, to limping sheep, to pneumonia.”
If you have any questions about the trip or Christian Veterinary Mission, please don’t hesitate to stop by Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin. Dr. Wages will be giving a presentation on her trip on Tuesday, January 18th at 7:00 pm and Saturday, February 12th at 2 pm at the Care First Animal Hospital at Oberlin location.
