Rankin Inlet (Aug 27/03) - Just like you or I, pets require medical care on an annual basis to lead healthy lives.

Medical services for pets is difficult in Rankin and many other Northern communities, which are without veterinary services throughout most of the year.

On Sept. 12-13, however, two veterinarians and a veterinary assistant will be in Rankin providing medical service for animals.

The vets are from the Tuxedo Animal Hospital in Winnipeg.

The hospital sends veterinarians to Rankin every year on behest of people like Michele Ashby.

She is a local animal lover and is concerned with not only animal health but responsible ownership.

She recently organized a dog walk to help raise money to have animals spayed and neutered.

"We definitely encourage spaying and neutering animals that are not going to be used for breeding programs," said Ashby.

"It's not healthy for dogs and cats to go through multiple pregnancies."

Not to mention having animals fixed helps to keep stray populations down.

Neutering reduces a male dog's urges to wander and fight," added Ashby.

Dr. Stavros Iacovides is one of the veterinarians that will be coming to Rankin.

He is looking forward to the his first trip to Canada's North.

"I've heard the people are wonderful," he said.

Iacovides encourages pet owners to come and see him, stressing the importance of regular animal check-ups.

"It's very important because dogs and cats, just like people, have underlying things that can smoulder," he said.