with Spay the Strays
In collaboration with Spay the Strays, a new milestone was reached on March 12, 2011: animal number 32,000th was sterilized. Edith from Gorgona brought CHILINDRINA, a female mutt, weighing 20.3 lbs to be fixed.
Before the equipment was set up, people started arriving with their pets
214 animals were brought in to be sterilized. 159 dogs and 55 cats
As people become aware of the benefits of the sterilization, the 'macho' attitude of not getting the male dogs sterilized is diminished. This male dog was brought in by his male guardian.
Animals and people waited patiently for their turn
Dr. Augusto, Dr. Letty, Dr. Raquel, Dr. Andres, and Dr. Gloria sterilize the animals using the Quick Spay Method which includes small incision, early sterilization and use of stainless steel suture because it is strong and non reactive. All the stiches are internal and do not have to be removed.
Animals were preped by Alberto, David and Kathryn from UPenn. Animals get shaved, vacuumed, receive a shot of antibiotic and pain medication. Dogs get one ear tattood with the letter "S" to be identified.
Post-op care was given by volunteer Marlen and vet students Johanna, Mariel and Yelitza. Animals are dewormed, sprayed against fleas and ticks, injected with viamins, have their ears cleaned and dogs get a 3-year rabies vaccine. Sterilized cats are identified with one notched ear, following international humane organizations protocol.
Surgical instruments were cleaned and autoclaved by Rebeca and Dioselina.
Gini did the surgeons' paperwork and also assisted the vets; Sol and Roberto did general monitoring.
In addition to spay/neuters, the veterinarians removed tumors to improve the quality of life of the animals.
Doing larger sterilization campaigns have a greater impact in making a difference to avoid the number of unwanted births. This campaign eliminated the possibility of having 8+ millions puppies born in 6 years and 14+ millions kittens born in 7 years.
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Special thanks to Dusty Rhodes for the delicious lunch