Thompson’s Vet Crisis: Losing the Lifeline for Local Pets
Well, well, well, folks! It seems that northern Manitoba‘s largest city, Thompson, is facing quite the furry fiasco—or should I say a pet-tastrophe? With the local veterinarian, Keri Hudson Reykdal, hanging up her stethoscope, it sounds like Thompson’s pets will soon be auditioning for a vet soap opera entitled “As the Clinic Closes.”
To break it down, this is not just about losing a vet; it’s about a community losing its four-legged lifeline. Keri runs the North of 55 Veterinary Services clinic, and in case you missed it, she looks after a whopping 5,300 patients each month. That’s a lot of wagging tails and purring pals!
“There will be a crisis. I hope at that point it will prompt a veterinarian to say, ‘OK, I need to go help,'” – Keri Hudson Reykdal
Keri’s exit is like a doctor declaring an emergency room closed just when everyone starts to show up with their injuries. It’s a bit like a bad horror movie where the last line of defense against the oncoming chaos suddenly decides to take a holiday—December 31st, if you need specifics.
Recruiting Woes
Despite furious recruitment attempts, the town’s search for a replacement has been about as fruitful as a vegan at a barbecue. It appears that not even a “Help Wanted” sign in neon pink can draw in a vet! Keri’s departure is such a big deal that Sarah Driediger from Northern Pet Care feels the need to say, “We’re all struggling.” I mean, who knew that finding a vet would feel like trying to locate a unicorn in the Canadian wilderness?
“We’re all terrified of what could happen if we didn’t have full-time veterinary service.” – Sarah Driediger
The Dangers of a Vetted Vacuity
Now, let’s talk about the repercussions—Erica Massart, a Thompson resident, has shown just how dire things could get. Imagine your furry family member needing a vet and the only option is a road trip to Winnipeg? It’s like saying “let’s just pop out for a pint!” when you live twenty miles from a pub. And don’t even get me started on the possibility of a pet emergency; the thought alone is positively hair-raising.
It’s not just the animals at risk here—oh no! Todd Harwood, a resident with two dogs, is worried that the lack of a vet could impact more than just his pooches. Apparently, no vet equals no teachers. Let me repeat that: no vet = no teachers! So, if you thought education was going down the drain, just wait until you see what happens when our furry friends are left without care!
“Although they love the Thompson lifestyle, if there is no vet here we will probably leave.” – Todd Harwood
The Gloomy Future
To temporarily lessen the blow, Keri has offered to visit Thompson four days a month—because she just can’t quit her patients. However, she does note the treacherous nature of Highway 6. Folks, this isn’t just any highway; it’s the sort of road that makes you rethink your life choices while praying to avoid a “young lane from hell” scenario.
The situation is precarious to say the least. Erica Massart adds that the sense of insecurity grows when considering that the nearest alternative is far off. Thompson’s residents are left to ponder the fate of their fur babies—probably with their hearts in their throats and bated breath as they hope someone will come to the rescue.
Fundraising Frenzy
Meanwhile, Northern Pet Care has set the lofty goal of raising $1.5 million. That’s right; they want to create scholarships and grants for local residents to train as veterinarians, which sounds like a reasonable plan assuming the local vets don’t also turn out to be “running for the hills” types—good luck with that!
You know, it’s inspiring that the community is stepping up to try to fill this void. Let’s hope someone shows up before the fur really starts to fly!
Whatever happens next, let us all remember: a community without vets is like a pet without a name—utterly lost.
Thompson, the largest urban center in northern Manitoba, is set to lose its only veterinarian, Keri Hudson Reykdal, who will close the doors of her much-needed clinic, North of 55 Veterinary Services, on December 31. For two years, Hudson Reykdal has grappled with the decision to leave the city, contemplating a return to her hometown of Ashern, a move that could profoundly impact animal care in the region.
Since announcing her departure, efforts to recruit a suitable replacement have met with failure. With a patient roster of 5,300 and around 400 animal consultations per month, Hudson Reykdal asserts that her exit will leave a significant void in the community’s veterinary services.
There will be a crisis. I hope at that point it will prompt a veterinarian to say, “OK, I need to go help,” or the City to say that this is now their problem, or the community to come together to find a solution.
A quote from Keri Hudson Reykdal, owner of North of 55 Veterinary Services.
Hudson Reykdal collaborates with Northern Pet Care, a nonprofit organization actively seeking to recruit veterinarians for Thompson. She emphasizes that the community requires at least two full-time veterinarians to meet pet care needs effectively.
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Recruitment in progress
Established two years ago, Northern Pet Care aims to address the ongoing recruitment challenges faced by the northern regions. Its president, Sarah Driediger, is dedicated to creating a long-term strategy to ensure animals in the north receive the necessary veterinary care.
We’re all struggling… We all have pets and we’re terrified of what could happen if we didn’t have full-time veterinary service.
A quote from Sarah Driediger, President of Northern Pet Care.
Northern Pet Care is on the lookout for a Lead Veterinarian who would be tasked with purchasing and managing any clinic that may open in the future. There is also the potential to bring in locum veterinarians to cover service gaps.
To support its mission, Northern Pet Care is aiming to raise at least $1.5 million, which includes plans to purchase the North of 55 Veterinary Services building and equipment, facilitating recruitment efforts.
One of their long-term goals is the establishment of a scholarship and grant fund designed to train community members for veterinary roles within the area. However, the ongoing challenge of recruiting veterinarians persists, as demand continues to outstrip supply across the nation, according to Sarah Driediger.
Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook acknowledges that local businesses are struggling to fill employee vacancies. Consequently, the city has been lobbying both provincial and federal governments for assistance with initiatives aimed at recruiting foreign workers to alleviate staffing shortages.
Smook notes that organizations like Northern Pet Care and the Thompson Humane Society are actively working to fill the veterinary vacancy, but recognizes the limitations of what the city can do to support these efforts.
Residents concerned about the fate of their animals
Thompson resident Erica Massart articulates her anxiety about her dog Petra’s future veterinary needs. She expresses deep concern that her beloved pet might lack access to essential health care.
Todd Harwood, a local dog owner, echoes this sentiment, reflecting on the potential implications of not having a veterinarian as his pets age and require increased attention and care.
I had discussions with staff members, young teachers. Although they love the Thompson lifestyle, if there is no vet here we will probably leave.
A quote from Thompson resident Todd Harwood.
When her clinic shuts down in January, Keri Hudson Reykdal has committed to traveling to Thompson four days each month to provide care for the approximately 120 patients that depend on her for regular treatment.
The risk involved in traveling on Highway 6, which she recently experienced through a personal accident, limits her ability to provide care more frequently. The closure raises serious concerns about public safety, as residents may be forced to seek emergency care in Winnipeg or The Pas, jeopardizing their pets’ health, as highlighted by Erica Massart.
With information from Chelsea Kemp
– What strategies are being implemented by the Thompson community to raise funds for veterinary services?
Ort these efforts. The situation is indeed precarious, and the community’s reliance on Keri’s expertise underscores the urgent need for immediate solutions to maintain veterinary services.
Community Resilience
Amidst these daunting challenges, the spirit of the community is shining through. Residents are becoming increasingly proactive, engaging with local organizations and spreading awareness about the importance of veterinary care. Fundraising efforts are in full swing, showcasing the collective determination to ensure that no pet goes without necessary care due to a lack of professionals in the area. Events, online campaigns, and outreach programs are all part of the community’s strategy to meet the $1.5 million fundraising goal that Northern Pet Care has set.
While the financial target may seem lofty, it represents hope—a chance to train future veterinarians who can step up when local care is needed most. Each initiative is a reminder that valuing and supporting animal health is at the heart of Thompson’s values as a community.
Conclusion
As Keri Hudson Reykdal prepares to take her leave, Thompson faces an uncertain future for its four-legged residents. However, amid the anxiety and fear of loss, there lies a thread of optimism woven into the response from the community. With every effort to recruit new veterinarians and raise funds to sustain veterinary care, Thompson demonstrates that while they may be losing their current lifeline, they are not without hope. The call for solutions is strong, and the resilience of the community could very well pave the way towards a brighter future for both pets and their owners alike.
In the words of Keri herself, this moment could act as a catalyst for change—perhaps prompting the next generation of veterinarians to rise to the occasion and serve this dedicated community. Truly, a community without vets may feel lost, but with teamwork and resolve, Thompson can ensure that its furry friends will continue to have the care they deserve.
