One of PEACE’s main programs is called “Ayuda a los Animales,” or “Help the Animals.” It consists of weekly four-day clinics in small towns and villages around Banderas Bay. The goal of these clinics is to control the area’s animal population through free spaying and neutering, and to offer education about humane animal care.
We visited one of the clinics in Nogalito, a small village about twenty minutes south of Vallarta, on a rainy afternoon in October. We knew we were at the right place when we saw a garage with a PEACE sign. Despite the weather, the small building was filled with the bustle and good humor of a mix of people: PEACE founder Molly and her husband Lalo, veterinarians, volunteers, and pet owners.
The process is divided into four areas. First is the waiting area. Here, the dogs wait while all the cats are taken care of first. This is because the cats take longer to wake up from anesthesia (2½ to 3 hours) – since dogs are bigger, they take only an hour to 1½ hours to wake up. The second area is pre-op. Here, the animals are sedated, given anesthesia, and shaved. They are also vaccinated for ticks and fleas. The operation area is the third stop, and this is where the dogs and cats are spayed and neutered. Finally, the animals go to post-op, or recovery. Here, their heart rates, breathing, and temperatures are monitored, and they’re turned over every fifteen minutes so that they aren’t numb on one side when they wake up.
Last year, Help the Animals sterilized over 3,000 dogs and cats. Most of the animals are pets, but street animals are also taken care of – last year, the organization cared for and gave over 200 animals up for adoption.
Help the Animals relies on the work of volunteers and donations of supplies and money. Volunteers can do a number of things, including registration, working with the animals, or bringing food. As far as supplies, veterinary basics are always needed – old towels, sutures, surgical gloves, and Vaseline. Pet supplies such as collars, leashes, and food are also appreciated. Money can be donated via Paypal on PEACE’s website, at the PEACE kiosk in Puerto Vallarta’s airport, or at the PEACE office in Nayarit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
