Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 15 hours ago
Our speakers today:
• Azalia Boyd, DVM, Boyd Veterinary Services, Critters and Cultures Podcast
• Ebony Richardson, founder of Atlanta Dog Mom and organizer of community clinics
• Ariyonna Johnson, an aspiring veterinarian and mentee who has participated in these clinics
Community clinics have often been seen as “in-and-out” services, focused on quick fixes. But a new model is emerging—one that not only meets immediate needs, but also creates lasting impact for families, students, and the veterinary profession.
In this podcast-style panel discussion, Dr. Azalia Boyd will be joined by Ebony Richardson, founder of ATL Dog Mom and organizer of community clinics, and Ariyonna Johnson, an aspiring veterinarian and mentee who has participated in these clinics. Together, they’ll explore how community clinics can become powerful spaces for client education and student mentorship, offering real-world learning, trust-building, and deeper connection.
Through their perspectives, you’ll see how clinics can:
• Empower pet owners with knowledge that improves long-term animal health
• Provide mentorship and hands-on training for future veterinarians
• Strengthen community trust by making clinics more than just transactional
This is more than access to care—it’s an evolution in how clinics can serve people, pets, and the next generation of veterinary leaders.
To access the full agenda and the recording of this call - or to ask more questions - visit https://maddies.fund/communityconversations92225
About Community Conversations, hosted by Maddie’s Fund: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, animal sheltering transformed overnight. Foster-based sheltering, home-based employees and volunteers, along with collaboration galvanized our communities. The pandemic, along with social injustice, has motivated our industry to look at how we partner with our communities and confront our own biases. Shelter and rescue staff across the country began talking on a weekly basis, offering support and innovative ideas to do things differently. To learn more about these calls, visit forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Chapters
00:00 Welcome, Question of the Day and introduction to co-host Janel Griffieth
03:50 Presentation
Our speakers today:
• Azalia Boyd, DVM, Boyd Veterinary Services, Critters and Cultures Podcast
• Ebony Richardson, founder of Atlanta Dog Mom and organizer of community clinics
• Ariyonna Johnson, an aspiring veterinarian and mentee who has participated in these clinics
Community clinics have often been seen as “in-and-out” services, focused on quick fixes. But a new model is emerging—one that not only meets immediate needs, but also creates lasting impact for families, students, and the veterinary profession.
In this podcast-style panel discussion, Dr. Azalia Boyd will be joined by Ebony Richardson, founder of ATL Dog Mom and organizer of community clinics, and Ariyonna Johnson, an aspiring veterinarian and mentee who has participated in these clinics. Together, they’ll explore how community clinics can become powerful spaces for client education and student mentorship, offering real-world learning, trust-building, and deeper connection.
Through their perspectives, you’ll see how clinics can:
• Empower pet owners with knowledge that improves long-term animal health
• Provide mentorship and hands-on training for future veterinarians
• Strengthen community trust by making clinics more than just transactional
This is more than access to care—it’s an evolution in how clinics can serve people, pets, and the next generation of veterinary leaders.
To access the full agenda and the recording of this call - or to ask more questions - visit https://maddies.fund/communityconversations92225
About Community Conversations, hosted by Maddie’s Fund: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, animal sheltering transformed overnight. Foster-based sheltering, home-based employees and volunteers, along with collaboration galvanized our communities. The pandemic, along with social injustice, has motivated our industry to look at how we partner with our communities and confront our own biases. Shelter and rescue staff across the country began talking on a weekly basis, offering support and innovative ideas to do things differently. To learn more about these calls, visit forum.maddiesfund.org/communityconversations
Chapters
00:00 Welcome, Question of the Day and introduction to co-host Janel Griffieth
03:50 Presentation
