This past fall a team of 14
U.S. veterinarians, technicians, students and assistants traveled to Ibarra, Ecuador,
to volunteer in a week-long spay/neuter clinic.
The clinic was held by World
Vets, an international aid program that supports and improves veterinary care
in developing countries. Four of the six
veterinarians who made the trek to Ecuador are graduates of The Ohio State
University College of Veterinary Medicine.
The four College of
Veterinary Medicine alumni are Drs. Joe Zulty of Maryland, who headed the group,
Glenn Yovino of Maine, Ann Bittaker (formerly Ryer) of California, all Class of
‘88, and Dr. Dave Kovalik of Virginia, Class of ‘09. Their significant others, Kathy Zulty,
Bethany Yovino, Joe Bittaker and Barbara Harris, accompanied them as
participating assistants.
"Despite
the three long days of surgery, the accommodations at a picturesque and
comfortable hotel in the foothills of the Andes, La Estelita, gave us opportunity to relax and reminisce about our years spent as Buckeyes," Zulty said.
The volunteer clinic not
only afforded them an opportunity to reconnect, hike, shop and explore, but also to experience
the reward of making a difference in the
lives of people and their pets in need, he added. World
Vets is principally funded by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation and provides an
incredible opportunity for any interested volunteer, especially seasoned
veterinarians, to offer their skills and see the world.
March 30, 2015
