Kimmirut (Aug 14/06) - A steady stream of pets ambled through Qaqqalik school recently.

A visiting team of five veterinary students and two animal surgeons set up a makeshift clinic and tended to a wide variety of needs. They neutered and spayed dogs, examined eyes, snouts and teeth and administered vaccines and de-worming medication.

The animal specialists came from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), where they obtained a grant to undertake the pilot project.

Kimmirut resident Tommy Akavak was grateful for the free service, even if it was only available for four days.

"This is the very first visit we've had from any vets. I think there's been a lot of interest from the local people," he said.

Akavak explained that many ailing pets' fates have, unfortunately, hinged on their ability to heal on their own. Those that failed to get better were often shot to put them out of their misery.

Having too many loose dogs in Kimmirut has also been an issue, Akavak added. Therefore the spaying and neutering program should be helpful, he suggested.

"I think that's going to help solve the problem," he said. "I've had nothing but good comments from people.

Rabies and distemper have been another ongoing concern, said Pascale Baillargeon. She's a Kimmirut dog-team owner who helped initiate the pilot project through a friend, who is a professor at UPEI.

"It's been great," Baillargeon said of the veterinary clinic.

Vaccines for the aforementioned viruses and others will be left behind for community members. The veterinary students showed people how to give vaccines and de-worm a dog. They also offered public information sessions on several pet health topics.

The team from UPEI was expected to depart Monday. There is enough grant money for them to return to the North next year.

Their destination could again be Kimmirut, or it could be another community, said professor Jane Magrath, who helped secure the grant.

Beyond that, the future of the Chinook project - named after a puppy that died in Kimmirut - depends upon further funding.

"I'm really hopeful that we will (obtain it). It's such a great program," said Magrath.