Photography by Vivian, Tessa, Karon and Virginia
(Editor’s Note: All pictures were taken at the Rainier Animal Fund In-Service Clinic on September 17, 2022 at Elliott Bay Animal Hospital.)
Our favorite way of sharing the Rainier Animal Fund story is through those images captured on the run during our surgical and advanced care clinics. In these moments, we are able to witness the hard work and dedication of our tireless volunteers who come together for one day to provide advanced medical care to those pets whose families cannot afford the full cost of treatment.
Photos are unique. In one frame, they are able to capture a moment in time; the dedicated veterinary technician comforting a scared or painful pet, the doctor, in all earnestness, making their plan for care and the volunteers, always the volunteers, doing all they can to lend a hand and help heal the heart of a concerned pet owner. As they say, “these are their stories…”
Our patients come from around the sound seeking advanced care for everything from dentals to mass removals to spays and neuters. For a handful of special cases, these patients are hoping to find answers as to what is causing them pain or discomfort.
Our team makes sure each pet is carefully assessed and a full-work up is done upon their arrival. The goal is for them to be treated for their primary compliant or concern and head out the door up-to-date on all vaccines, microchips and, if time, a nice little nail trim.
Dental care remains the number one request through our programs. It is an essential procedure, but is often one out of reach for many of our clients. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and donors, we can ensure this care is offered.
We do what we can to have a full dental team in place for each clinic to address those dental needs which, in many cases, include several extractions. It is remarkable what a difference it makes for those pets dealing with dental discomfort. They often return home to new energy and back to a normal, healthy appetite.
Quiet, calm and focused attention is all part of our patient care. We are here for them and, in turn, they give us a chance to make a difference.
At each clinic, there tends to be that one special case that captures our hearts and the full attention of our team. Kiwi (above) had a terrible accident and their owners didn’t know what they were going to do to get help for their beloved kitten. Our team, including two, talented surgeons, were able to assess Kiwi’s injuries and develop a surgical plan for their care. We look forward to taking the next steps in that care and updating everyone soon.
The model of our clinics is one day of care. This translates into a very busy hospital day for our volunteers who must quickly move from one case to the next so we can see as many pets as we can in the time we have to care for them. It goes without saying that this care would not be possible if it were not for the support of our sister hospital, Elliott Bay Animal Hospital. Their state-of-the-art facility helps us provide the quality care all patients deserve.
It is the quiet moments after surgery where our team truly shines. They provide the support these pets need to recover and understand that they are safe and warm and will be going home soon.
Bringing all our volunteer teams together gives them a chance to learn from one another and share experiences.
It takes many hands to attend to one patient. Teamwork is at the heart of our clinic success.
Our surgical teams offer a fine, delicate approach to their care; a skill that has taken years to hone for surgeons and technicians alike.
Our clinics are not only for those in the community needing medical care for their pets, but also for our many nonprofit partners. Just like the larger veterinary community, animal welfare nonprofits and shelters are also facing staffing shortages and limited resources for surgical care. We are happy to be a resource for them too. At our last clinic, the Rainier Animal Fund was able to provide spay and neuter services for 12 cats from the Seattle Animal Shelter and the Alleycat Project. 
Of course, we do run the chance of making a love connection when there are so many wonderful shelter pets spending the day with us. This little guy (right) almost went home with one of our amazing nurses.
Special shout out to the team at Animal Surgical and Orthopedic Center who brought their entire crew to support our clinic. In fact, Elliott Bay Animal Hospital and Animal Surgical and Orthopedic Center have provided the backbone of our care for the last two years of clinics. Truly amazing!
(For all of those volunteers missing from the photo gallery, please know you are so very much appreciated for all you do. We will get your picture next time!)
For more information on the Rainier Animal Fund, their upcoming clinics and to make a donation, please visit rainieranimalfund.org.
