Instead of purchasing a new kitten or puppy during the Christmas holiday period, an Orange vet is encouraging people to adopt a rescue animal.
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Orange Vet Hospital's newest member, veterinarian Dr Ryan Lane recently adopted Inka, nicknamed Binky, and is encouraging others to to educate others about the benefits of adopting a rescue animal.
Dr Lane adopted the one-eyed six-year-old cocker spaniel about five weeks ago and said she was fitting in well with the two Great Danes and little Maltese Terrier, which were already part of the family.
Orange Vet Hospital treats and checks all animals that are in the care of the RSPCA and Dr Lane said he fell for Binky when she came in and arranged to adopt her before she was listed.
"I'm not breed sensitive," Dr Lane said.
"I have a bit of sympathy for dogs that are middle-aged that have lost their owners."
He said she was surrendered because he last owner travelled a lot and couldn't give her the attention she needed.
Dr Lane said he wasn't sure why she only had one eye but the other eye was still good and she was a happy and healthy dog who loved water.
However, he said some of the RSPCA animals that the clinic treated had been abused or neglected and recently a severely underweight and malnourished dog was brought in.
Dr Lane said at one stage they weren't sure if the dog would survive but it gained five kilograms in about two-and-a-half weeks and was adopted.
Many shelter pets were already house-trained and were used to living with families.
"It's a good feeling to be able to rehome an animal that's been abandoned," Dr Lane said.
He said it also cost less to adopt an animal than buy one new and said it cost $385 to adopt the pure bred cocker spaniel after the RSPCA spent $1000 on dental work and other health checks, vaccinations and treatment.
Dr Lane said as well a making sure all animals had vet treatment, the RSPCA also conducted extensive personality checks to make sure the animal was suitable for adoption so people should not be concerned about mixed-breed dogs or so-called "pig dogs".
"The big scary 'pig dogs' some of them come in here and they are spectacular," Dr Lane said.
"Appearance means nothing, we see every breed through the vet hospital.
"If they are up for adoption they are up for adoption for a reason. Dogs that aren't fit for adoption unfortunately they are put down."
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