Dr. Kwane Stewart has been working overtime. When his workday ends, the San Diego-based veterinarian does not stop caring for animals. Stewart, who has been a vet for over 20 years, has developed a passion for helping the homeless and their pets. And a few years ago, he found himself stopping to treat pets living on the street.
As he walked on the streets of San Diego, Stewart would stop to give free check-ups to homeless people's pets. "A quick check-up, maybe some medicine or food... it isn't a lot but sometimes giving a little can make all the difference," says Stewart.
Word about his mission to help animals spread, and he ended up getting his own reality TV show, which follows him to other cities in California, where he provides free treatment for the pets he sees on the streets.
With his show, the Street Vet, which is shown on Canada's Cottage TV, Stewart hopes to "raise awareness and encourage others to give a little back, too." But despite the widespread attention, his mission does face some challenges.
"Some of the pets I come across need treatment (life-saving in some cases) that can be very costly and it's hard to ever say no to a pet that is suffering," Stewart explains on GoFundMe page he created to help raise money for these animals.
The money raised could go to minor treatments, like ear infections, which can be around US$100, or more serious cases like a tumor (肿瘤) removal, which can be up to US$1, 500. "All donations will go to the care of these pets and will surely make a difference in the owners' lives as well," Stewart writes.
He started a story about one dog he treats named Dinker, who has a rare condition that will require surgery. Stewart and the pup's owner, Walter, are trying to make the procedure happen, but it's very expensive. With over US$ 60, 000 raised so far, Stewart hopes to soon help Dinker and other homeless pets just like him get the treatment they need.
"Working on the streets, I've experienced some of the most genuine stories of love, compassion, struggle and hope," he says. "It's been life-changing and truly inspiring."