This vet clinic was different

We left Lima to start our 17 hour long journey to Huancavelica, one of the most impoverished provinces in Peru, at 4:00AM. The road was winding and the altitude sickness was real, but the experience was worth every minute. Our 48 hour trip was brief but packed a punch.

From the moment we stepped into the Sachaorco community, we were welcomed with open arms by everyone, especially the children. But what truly blew my mind was being part of something I had never experienced: a livestock veterinary clinic. It never crossed my mind how essential such an initiative could be for a rural community.

In bigger cities, it’s easy to think of vet clinics as something for dogs and cats that need vaccinations, checkups, and treatments. But I hadn’t thought about how cows, sheep, and other livestock also require similar care. Witnessing over a hundred animals being examined and treated by our vet was an eye-opener. It became clear that these sheep and cows are more than just livestock; they are the lifeblood of these families.

Through conversations with the locals, I learned that these animals provide food and income for survival. For many, a sick animal is more than just a setback; it can mean the difference between feeding their families or going without meals.

What hit me the hardest was realizing that veterinary care for sheep and cows is a luxury that many families simply cannot afford. But through this livestock vet clinic, we were able to make a significant difference, giving these families hope and security.

On our first evening in Huancavelica, we visited the home of some of our Star Kids who spend all of their spare time herding cattle and sheep. They wanted to show us their cow. I’ll spare you the details, but within minutes of being at the little barn, the cow emptied its stomach. Trust me, this was not a color you want to see coming from any living thing. We told the family that the vet would visit their house first in the morning. Across the board, seeing the joy on the families’ faces as their animals received the care they desperately needed made me appreciate the true value of this service.

Our first livestock vet clinic was a success, and I can’t wait to see how many more lives, human and animal alike, we can touch through our efforts. This journey to Huancavelica reminded me of the power of compassion, the importance of community, and the incredible impact we can have – one donation, one step, one clinic, one life at a time. It all starts with one!