Saving the Lives of Homeless Individuals’ Pets The Street Vet
Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for
free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one-time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism. Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds! Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it.
What’s an Unsafe Lane Change?
You’ve probably seen people get in front or behind you without using their blinker or make a quick lane change that is too close for comfort. But what you might not know is a move like that can be considered an unlawful or unsafe lane change in the eyes of the law. According to section 22107 of the CA Vehicle Code, an unsafe lane change is a movement that fails to signal your intention on the road, because it doesn’t consider reasonable safety. You exercise reasonable safety by signaling before turning left or right and creating a distance of 100 feet or more between your vehicle and the vehicles around you. If you fail to take these steps, you will be guilty of an unsafe lane change. While anyone can receive a citation for an unsafe lane change, it is more serious for a commercial driver. If a commercial driver
receives a citation and is guilty, they will receive 1.5 points. They will get a 60-day driver disqualification if they receive their second citation within three years of their first citation. If they get a third citation within three years of the first one, they will get a 120-day driver disqualification. Some think they can defend themselves in traffic court and explain what happened, but they don’t realize that being honest about the incident will often mark them as guilty. Lying about the incident to save face will also get them into more trouble. Instead, it’s best to consult a traffic attorney before paying the fine or going to court. How can you avoid an unsafe lane change? For commercial and noncommercial drivers, here’s what you can do to avoid a citation.
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Be sure to use the correct signal when moving into another lane. This will inform the driver in front and behind you that you are about to switch lanes. Take your time while on the road. If you’re in a rush, it can cause careless mistakes and may incur harsher penalties in a citation.
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If you’ve found yourself with an unsafe lane change citation, allow Bigger & Harman to help! We will be happy to look at your case and assist you in traffic court.
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Always check your mirrors and see if any hazards can render your lane change unsafe.
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