Fat Wilma brings hope for animals in need
On the road with the mobile veterinary practice
He calls his four dogs his colleagues, and before his working day begins, team building is the first order of business. Christian Ergenzinger starts his days at 3 a.m. so that he can walk them for at least two hours without interruption. Only then does he do his office work, before devoting himself to the animals of people in need until the evening. His profession? Animal naturopath. And in a very special way. With his mobile healing practice, he travels throughout Germany to treat animals whose owners cannot afford regular veterinary costs.
A new beginning with ‘Dicke Wilma’
When Christian Ergenzinger drives his caravan to social hotspots to treat the animals of homeless and socially disadvantaged people free of charge, he spends the night with his dogs in the caravan. The treatment room is in ‘Dicke Wilma’, a converted ambulance. She is also the reason why the WAS team got to know Christian Ergenzinger. We had the honour of subjecting Dicke Wilma to a thorough technical inspection. A few essential components were optimised, including the repair of the entry step, which is particularly important for older pet owners and injured animals. Now that everything is running smoothly again, the veterinary practitioner can once more make full use of the possibilities: "There's a lot that can be done here! The only thing that didn't fit in was an X-ray machine, but other diagnostic procedures such as ultrasound, otoscopy, microscopy and ECG are possible on board. And thanks to the telemedicine connection, I can connect to any of my vet friends at the touch of a button." The typical complaints? Untreated wounds, parasites, dental problems, tumours. Most patients are cats, then dogs, but guinea pigs, hamsters, rats and even a horse have also been treated.
A network of animal lovers
The entire project is financed by Tierhilfe Rhein-Mosel e.V., of which Ergenzinger is a founding member. The association has a clear goal: to provide medical care for animals that would otherwise fall through the cracks. It does not rehome animals, but ensures that they receive medical care. The scope of its work is vast. ARD accompanies him, and regional and national media report on his activities. ‘I receive constant requests from all over Germany. But I also have to think economically and plan my route strategically. It's anything but a pleasure trip and it's also super exhausting,’ explains Ergenzinger. He is assisted in this by a network of veterinarians, hospitals and donors. ‘I often receive medical supplies as donations from hospitals, but medication remains expensive. Here I am dependent on donations.’
2,000 animals treated and no end in sight
Ergenzinger recently treated his 2,000th animal. ‘This work is a balancing act between immense pressure and constant concern about financial resources.’ But he is not giving up. When things get tight, he launches appeals on social media or contacts acquaintances from his network. ‘So far, it's always worked out somehow. I'm not alone, I have the association with lots of great people and I meet incredibly charming people from all walks of life on the tour. I'm most inspired by the guests in soup kitchens who have nothing themselves but still want to donate something from their bottle deposits.’ How long does Ergenzinger want to continue? ‘As long as I can,’ he says resolutely. ‘Either until I drop dead or until Dicke Wilma gives up the ghost.’ The WAS team will gladly continue to ensure that Dicke Wilma stays afloat so that Ergenzinger can continue to send a strong message for more empathy and responsibility towards animals with his mobile animal healing practice.
A love of animals as motivation
Ergenzinger recently treated his 2,000th animal. ‘This work is a balancing act between immense pressure and constant concern about financial resources.’ But he is not giving up. When things get tight, he launches appeals on social media or contacts acquaintances from his network. ‘So far, it's always worked out somehow. I'm not alone, I have the association with lots of great people and I meet incredibly charming people from all walks of life on the tour. I'm most inspired by the guests in soup kitchens who have nothing themselves but still want to donate something from their bottle deposits.’ How long does Ergenzinger want to continue? ‘As long as I can,’ he says resolutely. ‘Either until I drop dead or until Dicke Wilma gives up the ghost.’ The WAS team will gladly continue to ensure that Dicke Wilma stays afloat so that Ergenzinger can continue to send a strong message for more empathy and responsibility towards animals with his mobile animal healing practice.
Customised ambulances: built for your operational reality
Every location presents its own challenges. That is why at WAS we do not develop off-the-shelf vehicles, but tailor-made ambulances that are precisely tailored to your requirements, your environment and your processes. Whether in the city, the countryside or on an island – we deliver tailor-made solutions that make all the difference in an emergency.
Your contact person
Simone
Bergmann
Head of Marketing/Communications
![[Translate to English:] Simone Bergmann, Head of Marketing, WAS](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/1/csm_Simone_Bergmann_Head-of-Marketing_WAS_b2002fe1ff.webp "Simone Bergmann")