PET owners across the region will have the opportunity to learn life saving techniques next week in a special animal first aid course in the Blue Lake city.
Run by Gambier Vets owner and senior veterinarian surgeon Rebel Skirving, the course could not only mean the difference between life and death for fury friends.
It will also raise money for local resident Sarah McDowell and her dog Callie to support their journey to the World Agility Open Championships.
Set to represent Australia in the championships in Europe as the first South Australian team next year, Ms McDowell said she was grateful for the support of the local veterinarian clinic and hopes community members will make the most of the course.
“I found the first course that was run recently extremely beneficial – it is often that time between us as owners seeing a dog or cat injured or finding them sick that can make the difference between life and death before getting them to the vet for further treatment,” she said.
“I would highly recommend this course to any cat or dog owner.”
Keen to support Ms McDowell and Callie, Ms Skirving said the course would focus on the common problems pet owners face.
“It’s not very often that a local person has an opportunity to represent Australia – the fact they have been selected is very exciting for the region,” she said.
“I’m happy to help them with their fundraising efforts.”
The two hour course will cover topics such as ingestion of sharp objects, heat stroke, fits, fractures, deep cuts and ingestion of poison.
Attendees will also go home with a free bag of first aid equipment, including bandages and syringes.
“You can’t cover everything, but we try and look at some of the more common problems,” Ms Skirving said.
“Sometimes just like with human first aid, the first aid applied at a scene can make a difference between life and death.”
With the first course attracting veterinary nurses, regular pet owners and welfare league workers, Ms McDowell said it was open to anyone.
“I really appreciate the clinic getting behind us and it would be great for the local community to get on board as well,” she said.
The animal first aid course will take place on December 5 at Tenison Woods College from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Bookings and payment can be made prior to the course at Gambier Vets, however last minute attendees will be accepted on the night.
All funds raised on the night will go towards Ms McDowell and Callie’s involvement in the World Agility Open Championships.
