These poor pups were so scared. The bigger one was very protective of the smaller one. When we approached he gave us a very fierce barking, and we were afaid we were dealing with a biter. It took two of us to muzzle her, so she could be prepared for sugery.
The operating room was set up in a classroom. The volunteer vets from
VIDAS bring down all the equipment and medications! They had 6 surgeons plus vet technicians/assistants.
On Saturday, over 90 sterilizations were performed! When we were there on Sunday, over 80 were done! That's a huge jump from last year, when about 50 were done each day. The clinic is really growing from word of mouth. Participants from past years encourage their friends and neighbors to attend, and some even round up dogs and bring them in theirselves.
In addition to the sterilizations, all the dogs receive an examination and are treated for any conditions when possible. Yesterday, one dog I know of had a tumor removed! Many dogs are sent home with much needed medications.
When a surgery is completed, the animals are brought to the recovery room. They're still pretty drugged up, so it's the perfect time to clean their ears, check for ticks and trim their claws/nails.
Laura, who fosters the shelter's kittens, cleans the ears of these tiny cuties. I believe Laura said these kittens are only 5 weeks old. Sterilizing such tiny kittens takes skill, and anaesthesia does pose more dangers to the youngest animals. But better to get it taken care of BEFORE they are adopted out.
Look how they blend in with the blanket!
Awww!!
That's teamwork! Tyra checks for ticks, Bruce cleans the ears and Jurgen brushes the coat.
Around the recovery room:
John's new best friend!
Tomorrow is the last day of the Playa del Carmen clinic, but already it has been a huge success! A big thanks to all the people who made this possible.
Sherry Stevens, the Organizer, makes this whole thing come together. She arranges the vets' transportation to and from the airport, their accommodations and the clinic. She solicits free accommodations for the vets. She coordinates meals and drinks for the vets during clinic hours. And many other things. She has donated countless hours of time and her own funds to make this work.
VIDAS (Spanish for lives) is a Boulder, CO non-profit organization made up of veterinarians dedicated to improving the lives of animals. Each year, they organize clinics in Quintana Roo, not only in Playa. Later this week, they will be in Puerto Morelos.
The Vets volunteer their vacation time to work! How many of us would be willing to do that?! They work hard in hot and humid weather, less than ideal conditions for 10-12 hours a day, and I've never heard them complain! Many of them keep coming back for more year after year!
Sandra Valdez, Director of Animal Control for Solidarid, for coming in and performing sterilizations along with the vets from VIDAS.
Recovery Room Volunteers - Quite a few locals make time out of their busy schedules to help in any ways they can. Amazingly, volunteers from abroad also come during their vacations to help! Marilyn and Bruce have been doing this for several years!
Mexico Vacation Villas for donating accommodations for the vet volunteers.
Blue Parrot for providing lunches to all the volunteers.
Contributors- Vet clinics in the states and animal lovers have donated equipment, medications and cash to make this clinic possible!