Lounging in a crate, the small mostly white dog was a bit woozy from surgery but became the center of attention as the 100,000th spay-neuter patient of Dr. Don Popa, the veterinarian for Ramona Humane Society's low-cost clinic in San Jacinto.
Dr. Don Popa, the veterinarian for Ramona Humane Society's low-cost clinic in San Jacinto, cradles his 100,000th spay-neuter patient. Popa keeps a record of surgeries he has performed in his career. He says he might perform 40 to 50 surgeries in a day, operating on both dogs and cats.
The 1½-year-old pup came to the shelter as a stray picked up in Hemet on Nov. 7. But after a party Dec. 22 for Popa, humane society supporters and staff, dog No. R133640 was headed to a new adoptive home in Riverside, according to society Executive Director Jeff Sheppard.
Popa, 53, keeps a record of surgeries he has performed in his career. He said he might perform 40 to 50 surgeries in a day, operating on both dogs and cats.
There continues to be a need to educate people about pet overpopulation. But in recent years, Popa said, "People are more willing to come in" to get their pets altered, with increased regulations and the incentive of price breaks on licenses for altered dogs and cats.
Sheppard said it has been an honor to work with Popa, whose care and dedication extends to teaching the shelter staff how to administer medications and address the needs of the animals.
Popa was born in Romania and studied at a university in Cluj. After coming to the United States in 1985, he took exams to qualify for a state veterinary license. He worked at a number of clinics in Riverside County and became a relief veterinarian at the Ramona shelter clinic about six years ago, where he now works full-time. He has specialized in spay-neuter surgery for 12 years.
Dr. Don Popa, the veterinarian for Ramona Humane Society's low-cost clinic in San Jacinto, cradles his 100,000th spay-neuter patient. Popa keeps a record of surgeries he has performed in his career. He says he might perform 40 to 50 surgeries in a day, operating on both dogs and cats.
His record day was 105 surgeries a year or two ago. "I have very good support staff and a lot of coffee and cookies," he said.
Riverside's Lorena Chavez, 24, who works in telecommunications, adopted No. R133640.
Chavez spotted her new dog on the Petfinder Web site. "Actually I was looking for a small dog, no breed in particular," she said by phone. "I saw her picture and I thought, 'She's really, really cute.' "
Chavez came to the shelter Dec. 16 to meet the dog, which reminded her of a Jack Russell terrier, a breed that can sometimes be jumpy and hyperactive, she said.
The mixed-breed dog has a curled tail with some tan and dark splotches on her face.
"I came and I played with her and she was really, really calm," Chavez said. The match was made.
Chavez had to work and missed the party, but said, "I was telling everyone at work my dog is going to be famous."
She understands the importance of spaying and neutering to control the pet population and said that when she hears friends contemplating buying a dog from a breeder, she tells them to check out the shelters first.
Chavez has a couple of names in mind for her new pet, but said, "I do want to get to know her a little" before picking a name.
© 2009 [Subscriber] and its licensors.
Portions © 2009 Bring the Blog,
LLC and used with permission.
All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce without permission.
No comments:
Post a Comment