Protecting Pets From Rabies

By Kendra Bobowick

Every year the basement doors open and the staircase fills with the sound of scrambling claws and rattling pet collars. During this year’s rabies clinic on June 7 sponsored by the town clerk’s office, pet owners stopped by the Edmond Town Hall gymnasium where Brian Silverlieb, VMD, from Mt Pleasant Hospital for Animals contributed his time to the Saturday morning clinic. His morning was well spent, vaccinating more than 40 pets.

Brother and sister Marc and Jillian Lasorsa, their father Vincent and younger brother Matthew hung onto Frasier, an energetic year-old chocolate lab — a wily pet that was one of 22 dogs and 19 cats that received a rabies shot. Between 10 am and noon that day, Dr Silverlieb’s son Darryl assisted his father and veterinary technician Mary Simpson as they tended to pet after pet. Helping with the paperwork were representatives from the Newtown Woman’s Club, GFWC, including Carol Mattegat, Peg Forbell, and Lorraine Vanderwend. Assistant Town Clerks Monica Duhancik and Ann Benore also helped with paperwork for their office, while Town Clerk Debbie Aurelia greeted pets and owners.

Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) President Virginia Jess and a handful of her organization’s members also helped residents with their animal’s vaccinations.

Next in line for shots following Frasier was Lily, a basset hound, who whimpered at the commotion of dogs, cats in carriers, children, and pet owners all trying to get through the clinic. Quieter, but just as leery of the doctor, was Sydney, a Maltese and terrier mix.