Cars lined the alley and street near the New Chicago Town Hall on Saturday as residents heard about the drive-through free vaccine and resource clinic being hosted by the Humane Society of Hobart and PetIQ.
“North of (Interstate) 80/94 there are 200,000 people and only two veterinary offices,” said Jennifer Webber, executive director of the Humane Society of Hobart. “This is so needed.”
PetIQ is a company that provides low-cost vaccine clinics at many locations, but this particular event was a unique situation brought about by a 13-year-old animal lover.
Bear, a 1-year-old St. Bernard/Rottweiler mix, waits in the car for his free vaccines with his owners, Rico and Maria Cruz of New Chicago, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at New Chicago Town Hall. (Deena Lawley-Dixon/for Post-Tribune)
“This exciting partnership was made possible when PetIQ received a very sweet letter from Calum Mick, a student at Union Township Middle School,” said Kara Schafer, vice president of corporate communications for Pet IQ.
“I just really love animals and so I wrote a letter to them asking if they would help,” said Mick.
Mick’s seventh-grade teacher at UTMS, Mallori Lucas, heeded the call and gathered her class to volunteer at the event, handing out supplies to those who attended.
“This particular class is a special group of students,” said Lucas. “I am very proud of them.”
Lucas has a program in which students learn fundamental writing and real-life skills through experiences.
Cindy Cutlip of New Chicago, left, with her dogs, Daisy and Rocco, receives free preventative medication and other information from PetIQ operations manager Katie Madonia at a free clinic on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at New Chicago Town Hall. (Deena Lawley-Dixon/for Post-Tribune)
Her students are challenged to learn about a nonprofit and write to companies, organizations and elected officials around the country to advocate for that organization and secure vital donations.
“This is a project that is dear to our hearts and also learning the importance in developing community service at an early age,” said Lucas.
Mick’s letter resulted in a Saturday event that affected an entire community, as well as a $15,000 donation to HSH and the community of New Chicago pet families, offsetting a huge operating expense for 2024.
“We were so excited to receive the news that a donation to shelter pets and full sponsorship of a free vaccine clinic will be provided to the community,” said Webber. “The Humane Society of Hobart is on a mission to build and strengthen pet families and this donation from Pet IQ is vital to our capacity to continue to engage with our community, improve access to pet resources and services, and save the lives of homeless pets.”
Precious, a 12-year-old Chihuahua owned by Tom Choate of New Chicago, receives vaccines from veterinarian Kimberly Bruce, assisted by Geter Granadis, field operations manager for PetIQ, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at New Chicago Town Hall. (Deena Lawley-Dixon/for Post-Tribune)
At the free event, pets received core vaccinations including rabies and microchipping, and returned home with free preventative medications, food, and a goodie bag to keep pets happy and healthy.
“We cannot thank Calum, the students of UTMS, and Pet IQ enough,” said Webber.
There are several Pet IQ events planned in Northwest Indiana in the coming months. Visit petiq.com for more information and how to sign up for veterinary services.
Deena Lawley-Dixon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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