Goodfellow provides care to furry friends

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Leanne Hedgepeth
  • 17 Training Wing Public Affairs Deputy Chief
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The veterinary clinic here, provides an array of veterinary services; starting with military police dog care to vaccinations for Fluffy the household cat.

Whether the situation is keeping the military police dogs healthy, to treating a sick puppy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Denise Ruark, is ready to assist.

Although she doesn't have the means to treat exotic animals, Ruark performs animal vaccinations, heartworm prevention for dogs and holds a minor sick call for animals not in need of surgery.

She explained the veterinary clinic on base is an extension of the mission to keep the military police dogs healthy and fit for duty.

Ruark encourages military members and dependents to use the veterinary clinic, located behind the bowling alley, as a resource because services can be cheaper than off base; the clinic absorbs the cost of animal registration fees.

"Even if I cannot provide service to the patients, I advise their owners on what to expect when the pet undergoes treatment," she said. "I also let the owners know what their pets must have for their treatment and the nice to haves."

Ruark explained this helps educate customers before going off base and getting charged for something they thought was mandatory.

If a pet owner is moving to an overseas duty location, it is important to let her office know as soon as so she can help with the pet's transition. Different countries have their own rules on allowing animals into their country. Some require quarantine for at least 120 days.

If the assignment is short notice, the chances of smoothly bringing the animal are slim.

For more information on the veterinary clinic and services please call (325) 654-3251.