Here is an example of the International Spay & Neuter Network-Jamaica's part in furthering the process towards solving the animal overpopulation problem pon de island:
SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC
FALMOUTH, JAMAICA
ISNN recently had the honor of conducting its fourth spay clinic for 2011 in Falmouth Jamaica. Falmouth, a historical town that now serves as a major cruise ship port, is located on the north coast of Jamaica between Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. The spay clinic was held at the Elliston Wakeland Community Center which served as an ideal location for this community; lots of parking, ease of access for local residents, and cool ocean breezes that allowed us to operate the clinic in a comfortable environment.
ISNN was assisted by several local community members who helped to identify and secure a suitable site for the clinic. Several area businesses donated their services, including installing lighting and electrical in the community center, delivery and pick-up of a trash container, disposal of our medical waste, and discounts at local shops.
Many local residents worked alongside our staff to help keep the clinic running smoothly. Lunches were prepared and donated by some of the local residents and accommodations were secured at the local church hostel.
Over 300 pounds of dog food was donated as were recreational activities for the volunteers to enjoy during their free time.
A total of 224 dogs and cats were sterilized and another thirty more dogs were provided with dewormer. Eighty-seven dogs were brought in by four local rescuers and the remainder by the residents of Falmouth and surrounding communities.
One Jamaican vet, a new graduate, joined us for a day of surgical training. We also provided two days of training to ten Jamaican vet tech students that also shared the dorms with us. Everyone was pleased to have the experience and to gain more animal care skills.
A group of 20+ school children were constantly present for the first two days of the clinic. Several brought their dogs to be fixed and each participated in education activities that included a poster contest, discussions about animal needs, and distribution of educational books that cover such subjects as Animal Cruelty, Caring for Your Pet, and Helping Animals.
One clinic day was spent without running water as the whole town had the water shut off. But with the assistance of several local residents we were able to bring in bottled water, thus preventing us from having to close operations.
ISNN would like to thank the following individuals, businesses, and organizations that came forward to help us make this clinic a success.
Sheona Muschett, Mary Lee Caldwell, Anne Hyatt, Janice Harvey, Tasha Bogden, Wendy Lee, and Suzy Shepherd for the many long hours they put into finding a suitable location for the clinic, soliciting for donations and making sure all the small details were addressed. You ladies did an awesome job!
Andrea Heim and Brad Hanson for working so hard alongside us and showing us what the Peace Corp is all about. You are one in a million!
TankWeld Electric and Carpentry for installing the lighting and switches in the community center. Thank you for your generous donation!
Mr. Brian Salmon for discounting our grocery supplies at his shop. This really helps us stretch our meager funds. Thank you!
Mr. Cosma Earle and Mr. John Byles for donating recreational activities to our volunteers. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and it was a welcome relief after three grueling days of surgery.
Mr. Nashun Ricketts and Mr. Neville Black for donating the waste dumpster.
Ms. Elsa Summerville and the Falmouth Hospital for disposing of our medical waste.
Mr. Gerald Lee and the Parish Council for allowing us to use the Elliston Wakeland Community Center.
N Resort and Breezes for donating rooms and entertainment for some of our volunteers.
CariMed and LUPO Distributors for the generous donation of dog food.
Kathleen & Hervin Radcliff for providing several months of storage for our supplies.
Most importantly, to all the local and international volunteers that go above and beyond to make this program a success. Truly, we couldnâ€t do it without you.
We would like to thank the Pegasus Foundation and Humane Society International for generously supporting this program by providing the funds to purchase the drugs and medical supplies needed to conduct these clinics.
Last, but not least, we want to thank all of our private supporters who donate to the cause without ever seeing our work. Thank you for believing in us and caring for Jamaicaâ€s companion animals.
A clinic was also held in Kingston Feb. 5th to 7th. Ocho Rios clinic will be late April to early May & then back to Negril for another clinic there in the summer!