Good Works: Chris Wickliffe

Stall doors had to be dug through in order to save four horses imprisoned in three feet of their own manure. Officials at the local sheriff’s office estimated that these horses hadn’t left their stalls in more than two years. 

When 16 horses were recently seized from a neglectful environment,Oregon practitioner Dr. Chris Wickliffe helped by providing law enforcement officials with veterinary assistance. Because of Dr. Wickliffe’s involvement in the case, the horses promptly received long overdue farriery, vaccinations, dental care and health checks. Today, eight of the 16 horses have moved on to new homes, four have retired at an equine rescue and four are awaiting adoption.

Dr. Wickliffe of Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic volunteers his veterinary expertise and services to help the sheriff’s office remove horses in his equine community from abusive homes. In addition, Dr. Wickliffe helps Bright Horizons Equine Therapeutic Riding Center by donating his services and helping the Center find suitable horses for their programs. He educates members of the equine community about proper horse health care and is involved with his local Boy Scout and Pony Club programs.

Dr. Wickliffe said he volunteers his veterinary expertise because he believes every horse deserves a chance to play a productive role in the equine community.

“It makes me feel good that I can contribute to the well-being of the animals that give me a profession and help me make a living,” Dr. Wickliffe said.

Throughout 2011, the Good Works For Horses Campaign has highlighted selfless acts of service demonstrated by AAEP members. Equine organizations, rescue facilities and horse owners were encouraged to nominate their veterinarians throughout the year for monthly recognition.

The Good Works Campaign is sponsored in part by AAEP Educational Partner, Pfizer Animal Health. Pfizer Animal Health strives to improve horse health by helping to build strong relationships between veterinarians and horse owners and providing a range of products backed by the highest standards of scientific research.