Spay and Neutering Clinic

It's inspiring to witness people coming together within a community to work for a pivotal cause, but it's an even greater success when the act addresses and resolves a very visual and prevalent issue for every party involved. The excess of stray dogs and cats in Mexico and across the globe has been a growing issue and is rarely addressed within developing nations. Along the Riviera Nayarit, the dog and cat populations are exponentially increasing due to a lack of appropriate sterilization methods, and thus the spread of diseases and malnutrition has plagued these poor animals as they continue to reproduce new generations that will disappear into the shadows.

Fortunately, there has been a group of gringos and Mexicans in San Pancho and Lo de Marcos who have mobilized with traveling Mexican veterinarians to organize biannual clinics. These veterinarians travel throughout Mexico to volunteer their time and in turn receive an array of experience(they are usually young vets), while the people of the town, foreign and national alike, volunteer their time to administer the endless logistics of the week long clinic. At these functions, dogs and cats will be either be spayed or neutered, and are able to receive any sort of medical attention necessary. This is an essential resource for these towns to ensure their animal's health and happiness, and the prosperity of the overall community.

I was able to volunteer at San Pancho's clinic this past week while hundreds of dogs and cats passed through the transformed community center's resource room as the quantity and quality of canine and feline life in the town was revolutionized. Below is an assortment of photos in order for you to relive such an inspiring gathering of people and energy.

A little chihuahua was being neutered. The calm and kind demeanor of the vet reminded me of my grandfather who was a vet in Baker County, Oregon for 40+ years. Grandpa Bill was always eager to help any animal in need and did so with loving care. Another very inspiring and compassionate mover and shaker! 

This litter guy had been in a dog fight earlier in the week and lost an eye. The vets were able to successfully operate and stitch the socket back up, so he will never have to be live with an agonizing infection. He is just waking up as sweet volunteers look after him lovingly. 

Melinda, a Lo de Marcos neighbor, looks after her dog and helps the vet as they calmly neuter him. The entire clinic was a very swift and professional function occurring with the help of 5 vets and 7+ volunteers working at any given time. 

Barbara is nurturing the chihuahua as he wakes up. He was in surgery in the first photo. 

Here is the recover station as the chihuahua is awoken and cats are fast asleep behind him. Cats take 5+ hours to come out of anesthesia. There have been no casualties during these clinics nor have there been any negative reactions to their presence and impact upon the communities. It was an amazing mobilization of people and animals to be a part of!