By Coralie Rogez
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) has scheduled “Bone App/tit,” 6:30 p.m., Friday, at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club.
AVMF Co-chairmen R.L. Collinson, owner of Alpine Animal Hospital in Los Altos, and Thomas Mack, owner of Bayshore Animal Hospital in San Mateo, said the benefit will celebrate vets helping pets in times of disaster.
Profits from the $200 per person event will be donated to the National Disaster Relief Emergency Fund which includes the American Veterinary Medical Foundation Disaster Relief Emergency Fund.
“Basically, our philosophy is if you’re going to take care of disasters, you’re going to take care of the whole family,” Collinson said, “and that includes the pets.”
The AVMF Disaster Relief Emergency Fund promotes emergency preparedness and provides emergency aid for animals affected by disaster. It supports the veterinary teams who treat animals in disasters when the local veterinary community is overwhelmed.
“The problem with disasters is that people won’t even leave their homes because they won’t leave their pets,” Collinson said.
Jim Dunbar, member of the Radio Hall of Fame, and State Senator Jackie Speier highlight the evening’s program honoring guests such as featured speaker, Barry Kellogg, VMAT-1 Team Leader for 9/11 relief.
Mack said, “There won’t be a dry eye in the house when Kellogg tells the stories of the heroism of the dogs after the New York City Twin Towers and Washington terrorist attacks.”
Dr. Cindy Lover of the American Veterinary Medical Association Disaster Relief Programs will discuss veterinary disaster relief.
VMAT teams consist of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support personnel capable of responding within 24 to 48 hours of notification. They assess the medical needs of animals, help maintain food and water safety, decontaminate, provide veterinary services for Secret Service and search-and-rescue dogs, as well as providing zoonotic disease surveillance and public health assessment.
“No one could have predicted the problems in New York City or Washington; or as remote as it might be, that there may be a catastrophic problem in San Mateo County,” said Mack, “but that is exactly why we always need to be prepared.”
For more information, contact Bayshore Animal Hospital at 342-7022, or logon to www.bahospital.com. Donations can be mailedto 233 North Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo 94403.
