The Story of Our Mobile Unit
On the evening of November 1, 2020, as Dr. Nicole Sabo sat at her computer writing up patient notes from her day’s appointments, her phone rang. The display showed an unknown number, but given the amount of calls she receives each week from potential new clients, this was not unusual. Dr. Sabo reached over and answered her phone, not knowing this would be the call she had been waiting some time for … years, in fact.
On the other end of the line was PetSmart Charities, joyfully informing her that Veterinary Care Everywhere, Inc., had been awarded a very generous grant to help Dr. Sabo take the next step with VCE: acquiring a fully equipped mobile veterinary clinic, which would allow her to expand the services she offers Connecticut’s underserved pets. After a few days celebrating this extremely exciting news and validating vote of confidence with her dedicated grant writer, vet techs and other volunteers, Dr. Sabo got to work on step one: locating a suitable van in the time of COVID-19!
Helping her in this search was Dan McCabe, cofounder and president of Dog Star Rescue. During one of their many conversations during this time, the two decided that joining forces on a mobile unit would benefit both their charities. Already a biweekly volunteer with Dog Star (examining dogs who arrive from out of state into Dog Star’s care), Dr. Sabo knew a partnership with Dog Star would allow her to help even more animals, through VCE as well as Dog Star. The two organizations entered a formal partnership in February of 2021 and soon after purchased a 2019 high roof Ford Transit!
Step one complete, Dr. Sabo and Dan next contracted with a company to expertly equip the van with electrical service and to safely and securely mount the bigger and bulkier items within it. Len Baker, a customization specialist from Danbury, helped make the dream a reality, assisting Dr. Sabo and Dan with determining the design and storage needs, installing the cabinets and adding the finishing touches to make a fully functional veterinary clinic on wheels.
As for the outside of this mobile clinic, the amazing wrap design, incorporating not only VCE’s logos but also Dog Star’s and PetSmart Charities’, is courtesy of graphic designer and friend of VCE, Holly Davis of Hello Holly Design. The wrap was beautifully applied by our friends over at Go Graphix in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
Today, the dream has become our mission. We are on the road, treating pets at home with affordable, reliable and accessible veterinary care – everywhere!
Dr. Sabo would like to thank PetSmart Charities once again for its generous grant in support of VCE.
We welcome your donations to help us keep loving pets healthy for the benefit of our seniors and their communities. Please consider a regular donation. Any amount is appreciated!
