Jefferson Award Ilana Strubel veterinarian for the animals at home

Jefferson Award Ilana Strubel veterinarian for the animals at home Bay Area Jefferson Award winner: Ilana Strubel, founder of SOS Vocational Training, a non-profit for the veterinary service for companion animals of homeless San Francisco. Getting Started: In 2000, Strubel was a former client who had the roof while working as a veterinarian for the San Francisco SPCA, where it is believed, help the homeless, unable or unwilling to provide health care for their animals households. "Most of the animals, the SPCA had been emergencies," says Strubel. "The idea of opening and prevention of medicine to help reduce the kind of cases it was exciting for me. "Strubel is the mobile service in June 2001, with volunteers and supplies from San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association Committee and van der road non-profit services. Your group of more than 14 animals on her first trip. "It 'been humiliating - to see a homeless camp and vehicle to realize that even the water for the animals is a challenge," says Strubel. And now: The SOS Vocational Training van on the streets, second Friday of each month. Staff by a veterinarian, a veterinarian and two tech-reach workers, instead the team average of 30 animals per trip. They provide medicines, pet food, flea collars and leashes, as well as referral and transport of veterinary clinics that have agreed to the care of the Vet-SOS customers. The van is stocked with donated supplies, and most of the running costs of the organization are provided by the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium. Once word is out that the "PET-van" is nearby, Strubel says: "Those who do not to help themselves for their pets. "SOS IFP even a shop in town sixth annual Project Homeless Connect events. Strubel, the organization serves more than 500 animals since its introduction. Their inspiration: Strubel, saying that the animals, but also help their human caretakers. "I have people who lost their vehicle, lost every possession they had, but that fight with teeth and claws, their animals," he says. "I see my responsibility to try, because better care of pets is often the greatest incentive to stop the streets. "His vital: Strubel, 37, lives in Beal Heights with his partner of five years, Michelle McAnanama, four dogs and two cats. He received his degree in veterinary medicine in 1995 from the University of Illinois. In addition to the Emergency Vet, she maintains a private practice in Pacifica. Who has the biggest impact on her: Strubel says Pali Boucher, the woman who in his first start of the mobile clinic, opened his eyes, which had to be done. In principle, Boucher, who was once homeless for 20 years, have contributed to the trust between the volunteers and the homeless pet owners knew about the company in San Francisco. "His dog, Leadbelly, was his best friend and faithful companion," says Strubel. "Have you noticed how difficult it was for his dog, and that in fact their going into the house. "In their words:" As a veterinarian, I understand the human-animal bond. These animals have the emotional support and a catalyst for human interaction, especially for those who can not interact with anyone. With all drugs, violence and stress of the house, we saw that people on the streets with the best companions pets. With the social isolation of homeless animals nonjudgmental society that a constant source of unconditional love. I do not think they deserve the love of their companion animal is not because they do not have a roof over their head. For people on the street, not just animals - they are his comrades. "What others say about them," Ilana and people are a blessing for me, "said Elizabeth Drury, who was homeless for four years and has three dogs - Hero, Fudge and Kissy. "They made it possible for me to see a remnant of the dignity of my former life, because to me the honor of taking my dog and keep them healthy. If you are homeless, much remains on the path, and respect and equal peers disappear. But (Strubel and her staff) and treat all fairly, openly and have big hearts. Have a lot of people who Teet on the edge of reason, a stepping-stone to rebuild their lives. If not for them, it would be very little hope in this community. They hope to keep our animals. "For more information: Call (415) 355-2248 or visit the website or