Some boxes and a few pet carriers were sitting on the front porch at the animal clinic. Inside were seven adult cats - six females and one male - and eight tiny kittens. "Two of the kittens were hairless and just a couple of days old," veterinarian Linda Osborne told The Oak Ridger. On Monday afternoon, Osborne spent time taking care of the menagerie, in between seeing her scheduled patients. "We're doing physical exams and deworming, treating for fleas," she explained. All of the cats have upper respiratory viruses - like the common human head cold - and are being treated for that, the vet said. Some of the cats also have tapeworms and ear mites. By Monday afternoon, two of the kittens - one of the youngest and another kitten - had died. The other kittens were being examined, treated and sent home with clinic employees for the night. Of the adults, Osborne said she would begin operations on Tuesday to spay the pets. "It's obvious they're used to people, just not used to being held that much," she said as one of her assistants held a female cat in his arms and rubbed her ears. "Are you purring? I can hear you purring over here," Osborne said with a smile. "We have no idea where they came from or who left them here," she said. Osborne explained she usually does about $5,000 in pro bono work each year. "So far this year we've done $3,300 worth," she said. The veterinarian said people often bring in their pets that are sick, but they can't pay for the treatment. "So they sign over ownership and we treat their pets and then adopt them if we can," she said. Osborne said she'd like to see these cats and kittens get well enough for adoption. "Three of the kittens are about six weeks old. They're too young to be spayed, but can be adopted now," she said. I hope people will give donations to help with their care, or just adopt them. That would be great," Osborne said. The clinic charges a $30 adoption fee and interested citizens must apply for consideration. "We want to make sure they don't already have a bunch of pets at home," she said. To learn more, call the Tri-County Small Animal Hospital at 865-435-1374. Hours are 7:30am to 6pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 7:30am to 5:30pm Friday; 8:30am to 5:30pm Wednesday; and 8:30am to 1pm Saturday. |
