College DVM aids third-world animals

Leicester, Mass.-A humanitarian program created by theMassachusetts Veterinary Medical Association has an active supporter in Dr.Gail Hartman.

The manager of animal science clinical services at Becker Collegefound the program worthy enough of her money and time that she packed herveterinary belongings and booked a trip to the Samana Peninsula of theDominican Republic.

"We were servicing, for the most part, people who did nothave access to this type of veterinary care," says Hartman, who mayconsider a second trip.

Hartman was part of a group who spayed, neutered, and medicallytreated about 140 animals, including dogs, cats and horses.

The MVMA, which established the program in 1992, sponsors tripstwice a year. It gathers a team of veterinarians, veterinary students andtechnicians to spend a week working with small and large animals. The next tripis scheduled for November 2002.