Free Help for Man's Best Friend

Roger Martell believes that Sheba, his sweet-natured mixed breed dog saved his life.

He had fallen asleep and was unable to hear the carbon monoxide alarm. But Sheba's barking woke him in "just enough time to get him and me out.''

This past Saturday, Martell tried to return the favor. He brought Sheba to the free pet vaccination clinic held March 5 at six Worcester Housing Authority properties, including the 40 Belmont St. site.

Students from the in Grafton and Becker College provided free vaccines, nail-clipping and head to paw check-ups to dogs, cats and ferrets owned by residents.

The students performed these free services last year as well to keep their skills sharp and to support an underserved population, said Alexis Messler, a second-year Tufts student who organized the program.

The students saw about 100 animals, said Lynn O'Toole, director of resident services for the Worcester Housing Authority. 

The service is greatly appreciated, she said, because the residents are often struggling financially. And being true animal lovers, the residents will often go without food themselves in order to pay for their pet's food or care.

By obtaining these services for free, they can use that money for food or other necessities, she said.

They also have the chance to showcase and talk about their beloved pets, Messler said. "We feel like we're welcome'' visitors, she said.

Steve Bernier lives on a fixed income with his eager papillon dog, the aptly named Pollyanna.

The shots for his beloved dog would cost $45, even at a clinic,  he said. "Having the shots done here for free is a real blessing,'' he said.