Story Published: Mar 17, 2009 at 5:26 PM PDT
EUGENE, Ore. -- Looking into a plastic cat carrier, Bruce Scott smiles.
A petite tabby cat named Top Cat, or T.C., peers back out at him.
"I'm by myself, this kitty keeps me company and everything," Scott said affectionately. "He's my friend."
Scott, a disabled Marine Corps veteran, is grateful for the company T.C. provides him. In return, he gives the cats food, shelter and lots of love but can't mange much else.
"I'm on a set income but I can feed him okay," said Scott. "I feed him, I can afford that, but I couldn't afford him getting fixed."
So Scott brought his cat T.C. to Pro-Bone-O, a vet clinic for pets of homeless people.
Pro-Bone-O has provided free care for 10 years. The clinic defines someone as homeless if they live in a motel, hotel, campground, car or trailer park. Scott fits the latter description.
Now, as many Lane County residents find themselves unemployed, Pro-Bone-O's services are in high demand.
Pro-Bone-O's clinics are held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at the St. Vincent dePaul Service Station on Highway 99.
Pet owners, animals in tow, lined up outside early in the morning. Once inside, they have a chance to see a veterinary student or a veterinarian.
About 65 percent of the pets receive vaccinations at their visits, according to Anne Baden, with Pro-Bone-O. Nearly all animals receive flea medicine, she said.
"It's something everyone who's ever loved an animal tries to help with any way they can," said Baden, of the Pro-Bone-O volunteers.
In an e-mail after KVAL's visit to the clinic, she wrote "Just after you left a woman brought in a beagle who was having trouble delivering puppies. We converted part of the laundry/operating room into a delivery area and we all got to witness the birth of two beautiful little puppies. We were all thankful to be there to help."
Baden estimates they've treated around 7,000 animals over the past decade.
"A lot of people think people who are low income or homeless should not have animals if they can't take care of them," said Baden. "I can understand that because it is a responsibility. But a lot of people have come to this situation after they've had these animals. They aren't going to let these animals go, they're part of their families now."
Pets also act as protection and are a source of comfort and happiness, she added.
Happiness is exactly what his cat, T.C. provides Scott. He picked up a voucher for T.C. to be neutered for free. The cat also got a rabies vaccine.
"It means a lot to me," said Scott.
The organization is currently searching for a new place to store supplies and records when the clinic is not in session.
For more information, visit Pro-Bone-O's Web site for call (541) 607-8089.