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Dr. Kwane Stewart has been caring for pets belonging to the un-domiciled people of California since 2011, and mostly at his own expense.
The street vet who gives free medical care to companions of the homeless
A day volunteering at a soup kitchen would bring Dr. Kwane Stewart face-to-face with his life’s calling. What started out an exercise in teaching his young son the importance of giving back and helping others, became the start of a decade-long mission to provide free healthcare to the pets of homeless people on the streets of California. Today, the 49-year-old veterinarian spends his free time driving around the state in search of homeless people with animals who might be in need of medical attention. His role as "The Street Vet" has taught him a valuable lesson: these animals offer more than companionship to their owners. They also give them love, hope, and security.
Animals offer their owners “love, hope, and security”
Dr. Stewart wasinterviewedby GoFundMe, and he explained that pets were more than companionship to the people having to surrender them. They also “offered love, hope, and security.”
“About 25% of our homeless population own a pet, and I knew that if I set up a table at a soup kitchen I could help a small group of animals,” he explained. “So that’s what I did. I called over anyone who was holding their pet and told them I’d take a look and vaccinate or treat their pet if I could.”
On that first day at the soup kitchen, he treated fifteen pets. Seeing the need, he packed his bags with supplies and started making a regular habit of walking around underpasses and other encampments, checking in to see if anyone needed help with their animals. He was able to treat a number of ailments, from fleas to ingrown toenails, on the spot. But at times the need was greater. He ended up raising ten thousand dollars to help with pets that needed more serious care, including surgeries at his clinic.
Dr. Kwane: The Street Vet The Street Vet charts the humanitarian exploits of Kwane Stewart, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The series follows Dr.Kwane's journey to help the pets and people who need it the most. Traveling the city streets Dr. Kwane and his assistant Genesis administer basic care and in some cases life saving aid to some of society's most vulnerable. Amazing stories of hope, struggle and inspiration are revealed. Source: YouTube/GoFundMe/TheStreetVet
“Want to join me in making a difference? I'm Dr. Kwane Stewart, I've been a veterinarian for over 20+ years and over the past few years I've been passionately motivated to impact the lives of our homeless pets and people. When I had spare time or if I happened to be driving home and saw a pet and owner in need, I would offer some assistance. A quick check up, maybe some medication or food...it wasn't a lot but sometimes giving a little can make all the difference.”