Tulita, N.W.T., students get close-up look at vet care

Students across the Sahtu region of the Northwest Territories had the chance to be veterinary assistants this week when a group from the University of Calgary visited several communities.

The mobile vet unit comes once a year to provide services the communities don't have, and for two days students at Chief Albert Wright school in Tulita got to watch veterinary students perform surgery.

Clarice Larison was one of six veterinary students making community calls across the Sahtu, offering a series of free spay and neuter clinics.

"We've pretty much turned a classroom into a surgical suite," she said.

But it's not just university students who are scrubbing up. Clad in a lab coat and mask, 15-year-old Eldon Horassi has been doing everything from vaccinations to post surgery care. Horassi has been volunteering with the clinic for four years.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity that the students get to see the surgery and get to help out with needles and everything," he said.

Clinic organizers hope this kind of hands-on lesson will get the kids interested and excited about caring for the animals in their community.

"The students have learned a tremendous amount about the dogs in the community," said teacher Frank Isherwood.

"When they see what they see today, I think they have a better understanding of looking after dogs."

The program’s creator, Dr. Susan Kutz, hopes the experience will lead to improved care of animals in the north.

"The kids are the future and they go home and talk with their parents," she said.

The procedures offered by the vets in the smaller communities were free, but donations were welcomed.

Last year the students in Tulita raised more than $1,000 for the clinic by selling lollipops.

The travelling vets were only in town for two days and Horassi is already looking forward to next year.

"I only get to do this once a year," he said. "Every year I look forward to this. I really hope I can get this career one day."