Norwich – Lady, a 6½-month old black puppy was a “superstar” when it came to getting her blood test, but her yelping and squirming littermate, Gemini, was given a D+ by Brandon Guy, who had the task Wednesday of restraining nervous dogs and cats at the pet wellness clinic in downtown Norwich.

Guy, district manager of the Waterford Connecticut Humane Society facility, wore the results on his shirt and pants – dog urine, bits of poop from an anxious pug and even a couple of drops of blood. His spirits remained high, however, especially when he could deliver good news to waiting owners.

“Gemini's heartworm test was negative,” he said. “Yay!”

Wednesday's four-hour clinic was the third monthly pet wellness clinic held in Norwich by several sponsor agencies, with pet medical and support staff provided by the Connecticut Humane Society. The clinic was funded partly through a grant from Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, with the remaining costs borne by the participating agencies, including the St. Vincent de Paul Place soup kitchen, Norwich Human Services, Norwich Animal Control and the Norwich city clerk's office.

Aware that the previous two clinics filled up with appointments quickly, many pet owners started lining up as early as 8 a.m. for the clinic that opened at 1 p.m. in the lower level of the Buckingham Memorial Building. Appointments were booked by 9:45 a.m.

Four pop-up tents were set up on the back patio of the Buckingham Memorial and a large orange fan helped pets and owners cool off. Volunteers frequently tossed ice cubes in the several water bowls placed on the patio. Norwich Assistant Animal Control Officer Donna Kelo occasionally patrolled the nearby parking areas to make sure no one left pets in cars while waiting.

The Norwich city clerk's office registered 13 Norwich dogs for dog licenses, fees paid for by St. Vincent and Norwich Human Services.

Owners who couldn't get a full exam for their pets still received a pet nail trim, free pet food and a long-lasting flea and tick prevention collar, as well as brochures and fliers for clinics planned for Aug. 17 and Sept. 21. Humane Society staff and volunteers offered to carry bags and cans of food to cars for people juggling leashes, cat carriers, paperwork from their vet visit and fliers.

Elizabeth Timpe, community outreach manager for Connecticut Humane Society, said organizers hope to have an additional clinic in October and to obtain funding for next year to start again in spring.

Dr. Kathleen Riley, medical director of the Humane Society's three Connecticut facilities, including the shelter in Waterford, examined about 40 pets Wednesday, including two rabbits. No serious injuries or illnesses were detected, she said, but there were the usual skin and ear infections, “kitty colds” and vaccinations.

Gordon Willard, executive director of the Connecticut Humane Society, said if serious health issues were detected, owners would be referred to the Humane Society's Fox Memorial Clinic in Newington. Services there on average are 27 percent below market prices, Willard said, and for serious illnesses, pet owners might be able to tap into other resources for assistance.

“We love this place,” said Christy Squires of Montville, who sat in a lawn chair under a shade tree with her nearly 5-year-old pit bull, Lady Girl. Squires has had the dog for nearly a year, after the dog was found by her neighbor in a truck in the apartment house parking lot on a hot day. The neighbor had to move and gave the dog to Squires.

“I don't think she's ever had shots,” Squires said.

Lady Girl also had a bump on her leg that she was scratching and biting earlier Wednesday, her owner said.

Wednesday was Squires' third attempt to have Lady Girl examined at the Norwich free pet wellness clinic. She tried to come to the May and June clinics, but they filled up too fast. This time, she arrived early enough to get an appointment.

“This helps a lot of people who can't afford to go to the vet,” Squires said. “This is my third time here, but they can only take so many.”

c.bessette@theday.com

Upcoming Norwich pet wellness clinics

Norwich Pet Wellness Clinics are free for New London County residents. They offer pet health exams, nail trims, flea and tick prevention collars and pet food, and will be held on the lower level of the Buckingham Memorial Building, 307 Main St., Norwich, on the following dates:

 1-4 p.m. Aug. 17

 1-4 p.m. Sept. 21

There are a limited number of appointments available, and will be offered first come, first served.