Ellen Griffin’s journey with her beloved Diesel has sparked a deep commitment to helping other pets in need, leading her to support UGA’s Shelter Medicine Program
Ellen Griffin knows the value of expert veterinary care. She turns to the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH) whenever her pet receives an advanced diagnosis requiring specialty care. For example, when Diesel – a Golden Retriever/Bassett Hound mix nicknamed “low rider” in homage to his short legs – started having seizures. Her local veterinarian suspected epilepsy but couldn’t say definitively without testing to rule other causes. “So, they said, ‘We can treat it as epilepsy, or you can bite the bullet and pay for all the tests.’ And I said, ‘I’m going to bite the bullet. I don’t want to treat for something and not know what I’m treating,’” Griffin said.
Ellen decided to take Diesel to the VTH, where they conducted further tests to refine his treatment plan. Since then, Diesel has visited regularly for bloodwork to ensure his medication is not causing any harmful side effects. Over the years, Griffin’s experiences in veterinary offices have deeply inspired her to give back, and she has since become a passionate supporter of the UGA Shelter Medicine Program. This initiative helps veterinary students assist shelter staff in ensuring that companion animals stay healthy and ready for adoption.
She is also a big proponent of the idea to start a new mobile veterinary unit that will deliver care to pet owners in rural and underserved areas. “I have a soft spot in my heart for people that cannot afford to take care of their animals, and I’ve seen it too many times when I’ve been at (the veterinarian’s office), people crying because they found out how much it was going to cost to take care of their dogs. And I thought, well, you know, I need to do something for other people.”
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The UGA College of Veterinary Medicine’s Shelter Medicine Program offers expert guidance to animal shelters on issues like disease outbreaks, population management, and facility design. Veterinary students, under the supervision of faculty and house officers, collaborate with shelter staff to improve animal health and wellbeing. Students gain hands-on experience in population health and shelter protocols, preparing them to support life-saving goals in clinical practice and better serve community shelters.
To make your impact and support the Ellen Griffin Shelter Medicine Intern and Resident Support Fund: ugavetmed.com/EllenGriffinShelterMedicineFund
