By Pam Dudding Contributing writer
By 9 a.m. last Friday, the rabies shots were to start being administered at the Craig County Fairgrounds with over 25 vehicles in line and volunteers in place at the gate to help guide people.
Cats were in their cages and many dogs were looking out windows checking out the event. Other dogs had their heads out windows.
Veterinarian Dr. Marge Lewter, along with many volunteers, set up the station, though blistering winds continually blew their papers off the tables and out of their hands.
Still, they pushed through until the very end.
The volunteers assisting were, Dr. Marge Lewter (administering shots), Robert Wrzosek, Walter Marsden, Annette Hackner, Brent Montgomery, Ruth Wrzosek, Regina Wrzosek, Ryan McCormick, Ronnie Alan, Trace Bellassai, Amber Charette, Andy Charette and Greg May.
They had a great system set up of getting the information ahead of time and volunteers preparing and recording the necessary information, while Dr. Lewter administered the shot with the assistance of other volunteers helping with the pets.
Lewter noted, “Rabies is the only vaccine required by law for your pets.”
Though they only ran the clinic for three hours, they administered over 160 vaccinations, according to Deputy Robert Wrzosek, who is also a member of the Volunteer Rescue Squad.
Lewter has been helping to host the rabies vaccines for about seven years with the exception of the two pandemic years.
“I like to switch the fundraiser between the fire department and the rescue squad, to support both of those groups,” she said. “We have in previous years done this twice a year, in winter and again in the fall at the fire department.”
Lewter added, “I want to thank all the volunteers who came out to help and also to all the families who waited patiently, as it was a long line.”
Lewter shared that she got the idea of the drive-thru from the Giles Animal Society Rescue as that is how they did it and it was so much easier to go from car to car.
She added, “And, there were no dog fight or cats jumped out of their owners’ arms.”
They positioned beside the bathroom so they could administer the vaccinations to the cats in there, so they could not run away.
Money collected will pay for the cost of the vaccine, and the remainder will be donated to the Rescue Squad.
“Craig County Volunteer Rescue Squad would like to send out their appreciation for the ones who supported and assisted with the Rabies Clinic that was held at the fairgrounds,” Wrzosek shared. “We had a successful day, despite the wind.”
“We are always looking for people that may be interested in applying to our agency. We have a new Education Coordinator in the county that is planning to teach a hybrid EMT class this fall,” he added. “It’s in the works, so if you’re wanting to help and serve by volunteering and obtain your EMT certification, keep an eye out for this class.”
One may click on this link for a membership application. http://craigrescue.com/membership or call (540) 864-5115 for more information.
Lewter and Wrzosek both added, “We always welcome new volunteers to the squads!”
If anyone is looking to help though they cannot be a volunteer, the Rescue Squad can always use things such as toilet paper, paper towels and cleaning products. (A homemade dessert or dinner always makes them feel good too, for those who are great in the kitchen.)
Also, any monetary donations can be sent to the Craig Volunteer Rescue Squad at P.O. Box 81, New Castle, VA 24127 or deposited into their account at the Farmers & Merchants Bank in town.
