Isolation -- Tricia Fleming

September 12, 2012

Tricia Fleming , AVC 2013, travelled to Nain as one of the student participants on the Chinook Project. As part of the experience, the students craft various pieces of writing.

This beached, abandoned fishing boat once sailed freely in the ocean until circumstances made the vessel unseaworthy. Attempts were made to rectify its sad condition, but, unfortunately, because of financial constraints and the isolated nature of this northern community, the boat could not be fixed.

 Just as this boat goes without needed repair, the domestic animals of Nain go without access to basic veterinary care. Dogs reproduce at an alarming rate, increasing the feral dog population, disease transfer among animals and the frequency of bite wounds to humans. Rabies is endemic in the area, threatening the safety of dogs and humans alike. Intestinal parasites as well as bacterial and viral diseases go without treatment. Because of all these factors, dog euthanasia rates are high in isolated northern communities. Sick animals go without the basic medical care that could improve their quality and length of life. 

The people in these communities care deeply about their animals and would seek medical attention if it were available. The Chinook Project is designed to help provide a temporary veterinary medical clinic to offer basic veterinary care to the animals in isolated northern communities. Services include vaccination, deworming, spays, neuters, advice and assistance for any medical issue treatable with available supplies and equipment.  The Chinook team is composed of veterinarians, technicians and veterinary students from the Atlantic Veterinary College, making the project an excellent learning experience. 

The Chinook Project helps animal health in isolated communities stay afloat by providing the necessary equipment and expertise.  In a way, the Project is trying to mend boats in the Canadian north.