DeFuniak Springs, Fla— A local veterinarian aids in the donation of $30,000 in diagnostic equipment to the Walton County Animal Shelter.

Doctor Blackwood, owner of Walton County Animal Clinic, has served the county’s animal shelter for over five years by providing assistance with blood testing and sterilization surgeries. During that time Dr. Blackwood realized the shelter needed in house equipment to provide animals with the testing they need during their stay. In November, he reached out to Abaxis Diagnostics, a leader in veterinarian diagnostic equipment.

This week Abaxis Diagnostics donated a printer and brand new diagnostic machinery to the Walton County Animal Shelter in honor of Doctor Blackwood and his contributions to the shelter. These state-of-the-art, fully-automated pieces of equipment use a small sample of blood to test for anemia, diabetes, and other infections. Abaxis Diagnostics’ equipment can also help the shelter’s veterinarian understand how well the animal’s internal organs are functioning, such as the kidneys and liver.

The Walton County Animal Shelter, located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, is managed by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. Being an open-admission shelter, the Walton County Animal Shelter’s mission is to enhance the lives of the animals and people in our community by advocating adoption through education, awareness, and compassion. Volunteers are welcome and donations can be made to the animal shelter through Let the Green Be Seen, a 501 3c non-profit that donates to a variety of charitable organizations throughout the community. Donations can be mailed to 365 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.