Kim Thorn regularly lines up on Second Avenue, outside of Eugene Mission, with a cat carrier. Her cat, Oliver, has severe asthma and requires monthly shots in order to stay alive.
A shot of cortisone, the drug used to treat feline asthma, costs between $70 and $90 — making the annual cost upward of $1,100. Thorn says she is grateful that Pro-Bone-O, a pet clinic aimed at serving homeless individuals, covers the cost every month.
“He comes once a month to get his allergy shot that keeps him from having terrible attacks, which, if I couldn’t get the shot anymore, it’s just too terrible to watch and too scary to deal with,” Thorn says. “I’m very thankful that Pro-Bone-O is here for me and my cat.”
Pro-Bone-O is a completely volunteer-run organization that provides free veterinary care for people who are homeless. Many of the volunteer staff are veterinary medicine students from Oregon State University, or from local vet clinics nearby. The clinic is open biweekly and serves patients on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patients line up outside the clinic entrance on Second Avenue, and when called, are redirected to Eugene Mission, located on First Avenue…