What will happen to my animals if I can no longer care for them? Pet
owners will not have to be concerned by this question any more. The Oklahoma
State University College of Veterinary Medicine has constructed a facility
and developed a program to assure lifelong care for beloved family pets
such April shown above with her Cowgirls scarf and Kiki below. Pet owners
can feel secure in the knowledge that their pets will receive the love,
care and attention they had always enjoyed at home. A generous donation
from the estate of Ms. Leah Cohn Arendt along with matching funds from
the University has enabled the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine to construct
a life-care center for companion animals.
The center is located on eight acres of land north of the Boren Veterinary
Medical Teaching Hospital. The 6,600-square-foot facility is designed as
a home with some very special features:
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a playroom where visitors and veterinary students can enjoy the animals
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areas for examination, treatment and grooming
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outdoor runs and separate kennels
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apartment for a live-in veterinary student to provide 24-hour observation
and care
An on-site caretaker will keep close watch on all animals. Animals will
receive thorough physical examinations on a regular basis, and illnesses
will be treated as sooon as symptoms appear. Twice a month, the animals
will be bathed and groomed. And of course, all the animals will receive
periodic disease preventative medicine and annual vaccinations.
Spending time with the animals and having such close contact with
them will provide the students and faculty a wonderful opportunity for
learning more about animal behavior an observing the kinds of problems
animals develop as they age.
Like people, older animals suffer from cataracts, heart conditions,
aching bones, and other signs of aging. What we learn from these animals
in this home-like environment will expand the scientific knowledge about
the aging process in animals.
It is simple to enroll your pet in this program. You will need to call
or write to advise us of your interest. We will provide enrollment materials
and discuss your plans for providing the necessary funding. Most people
choose to provide necessary funding through a bequest in their wills. A
5% non-refundable reservation fee assures your animal a place in the center.
For more information contact Dale
E. Ross, vice president--planned gift programs or Mary
Curl at (405) 744-6728.
