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AUGUST CLINIC REPORT
by Bob Thomas
August was quite a month for PHS. We are thrilled to announce the
acquisition of land for a permanent PHS Clinic location. Doug and
Madalon Richardson have donated a portion of their land at Bahia
Laguna for this cause. Look forward to a ground breaking
celebration in the near future.
The regular clinic took place at the Placencia Community Center on
the 21st and 22nd but there was plenty more scheduled to keep Dr.
Floyd Bennett busy. He arrived at Robert's Grove on Wednesday
evening and was up bright and early on Thursday morning for the
Monkey River Clinic. Friday was to be one of two feral cat days,
but a family emergency at Feral Cat headquarters caused it to be
cancelled. Monday’s feral clinic went off without a hitch and a
dozen cats were trapped, treated and "fixed". Big thanks to
Robert's Grove for hosting Dr Bennett, and to Cat and Dale
Harshbarger for their support of the feral cat program.
For those who like to know:
Dogs spay - 4
Dogs neutered - 1
Cats spay - 6 (feral)
Cats neutered - 3 @ clinic and 6 (feral)
Rabies Shots- 13
Note: the above does not include the Monkey River Clinic. See
separate article.
The August clinic featured Capstar for Fleas to all current PHS
member as well as the "Rescued is our Favorite Breed" tank tops for
just $25, while they last. We still have a few of these left, so
get them while you can.
Feral cats and feral cat programs are still an area of controversy.
Some are in favor of Trap-Neuter-Return or TNR while others feel
killing is the best solution. In this article, I would like to
discuss feral cats and the benefits of Trap-Neuter-Release
.
Feral cats have been living outside in close proximity to humans for
over 10,000 years. Feral cats choose to resie in locations for two
reasons: one, there is a food source, intended or not, and two,
there is shelter. Feral cats are members of the domestic cat
species, but are not socialized to humans and are therefore
generally unadoptable. Feral cats lead healthy, natural lives on
their own, content in their outdoor home.
Catching and killing feral cats is animal control's traditional
approach for feral cats. Catch and kill attempts may temporarily
reduce the number of feral cats in a given area, but two things
happen: intact survivors continue to breed, and other cats move into
the now-available territory. This is a phenomenon known as the
vacuum effect, and it is documented worldwide. 
Animal control agencies have been catching and killing cats for
decades in a misguided attempt to reduce the number of feral cats in
a given area. They continue to practice catch and kill even though
the number of outdoor cats does not decrease, proving the futility
of these practices.
The TNR program does work. This program involves humanely trapping,
spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning the cats to their
original locations. To help identify these cats in the future, one
ear is notched. With their return, they produce no more kittens and
the population stabilizes. The returned neutered cats also benefit
with improved lives because behaviors and stress associated with
pregnancy and mating, such as yowling and fighting, stop. Not only
does Trap-Neuter-Release make good sense, it is also a responsible
and humane method of care for outdoor cats
.
In some cases, feral kittens are brought into the program.
Remember, these are domestic cats that where born in the wild. The
kittens make excellent pets and are usually offered for adoption.
But what about the time between capture and adoption? That's when
foster care becomes important.
For many animal lovers, the idea of fostering a pet can be scary.
To take on all the responsibility, put in all the work, time, energy
and love, just to have to say goodbye - it can be extremely
difficult. There is no doubt that fostering a homeless cat or dog is
an emotional experience. What people don't know, however, is that
there are also many wonderful, unique experiences associated with
becoming a foster owner. In fact, for the right person, having a
foster pet can be one of the most enjoyable and satisfying ways to
interact with the animal world.
Foster homes are needed because there is no other place to provide
for homeless animals. These adoptable pets can be sick, injured, or
simply too young to be adopted. As you can imagine, these animals
require more care and attention than your average pet. For some,
this can be too much to handle, while for others, caring for
especially needy animals can be extremely gratifying.
The whole idea behind foster programs is to nurse animals like this
back to health so they can be adopted out to a "forever"
home. PHS
will cover the costs of any veterinary care and food for the foster
animal: therefore the role of the foster owner is not to provide
financial support, but rather to provide love and patience necessary
for the animal to thrive. By the time the foster pet is ready for
permanent owners, it will not only be in good health, but also will
have learned to love and trust humans. The later is often the
biggest impact a foster owner can make in an animals life.
If
this sort of relationship is one that you think you may be
interested in, contact PHS to learn more.
If you need to contact PHS please call:
For surgeries scheduling etc, contact - Pat Rarrick 610-0522
Rescues and adoptions contact - Pam Thomas 629-3599
or Shannon Romero 600-2473
Monkey River - More than Howler Monkeys!!
August, 2010
By: Pam Thomas
The
Placencia Humane Society hosted a clinic for the pets of Monkey
River in August. Dr Floyd Bennet is well known to the people there,
having done clinics there in the past. Our volunteers, Patty
Garlock, Ray and Carol Lim, and Bob and Pam Thomas, met Dr. Bennett
bright and early at the dock at Robert's Grove to await the boat
that would take us all to Monkey River.
The cars
were unloaded and all the necessary clinic supplies were gathered at
the dock. Right on time, a boat could be heard approaching from the
Lagoon. Our ride, captained by Winsley Garbutt of Monkey River, had
arrived. With introductions completed and the boat loaded we left
the dock and began our journey.
The trip
by water from Placencia to Monkey River was a five star ride. Once
through the open water of the Lagoon, the boat zipped into the
mangroves, finding open channels that would first be hidden from our
inexperienced eyes. Around every turn there were birds or awesome
views and I noticed we all had smiles on our faces after the ride.
For me, it was all too soon that we arrived at our first house
call. For the folks who live in Monkey River and would normally
have to bring their pets all the way to the Placencia clinics, it
was a real treat to have Dr Bennett visit them instead.
 While
at one of the house calls, it was brought to our attention that
there was a neighbor’s dog that appeared to have mange. The dog was
rounded up and brought in for an exam. Mange it was and since the
owners had no means to pay, PHS picked up the tab for the meds.
Mange is highly contagious, and we felt we should treat the dog so
the other dogs nearby would not catch it.
House
calls completed we are dropped ashore at the Monkey River Village
docks. From there, we made our way to the village health clinic and
started to prepare for our first visitors. That's when we met
Cassidy, a Peace Corp volunteer teaching school there. Dr Bennett
said that we needed a table and next thing we know, Cassidy has half
the little girls in the village helping her round up tables and
anything else we needed. They were such a huge help!
As word
got around that the Vet had arrived, the dogs started to arrive.
All in all, thirteen dogs were examined and received their shots.
We were assured that every dog in the village had been seen and
indeed, Cassidy and
Bob walked around the village going door to door
to personally invite all the dogs and cats. I have to admit that I
was wondering about the cats when finally, late in the clinic,
"Winston" the cat was brought in for his shots. Although not
certain, I believe I heard that this is the only cat in the
village.
After a
long day behind us, we found Winsley waiting at the dock to take us
home. While there, I learned that Monkey River was once a very
popular beach destination for Belizeans, rivalling Placencia. After
spending the day there, I can understand why. I have to say that
the people of Monkey River were friendly, gracious and a pleasure to
mingle with and the the beaches are gorgeous!
 To
make this clinic happen, Sue Harris of Steppingstones Resort in
Monkey River coordinated the house calls, the clinic in Monkey
River, and paid for the boat transportation from Placencia to Monkey
River. Placencia Humane Society donated the Rabies, 6/1 and 4/1
vaccines and Dr Bennet donated his time. An added benefit at this
clinic was in finding a volunteer who is willing to take on the task
of teaching the "Be Kind Belize" program to the children of Monkey
River. Thank you Cassidy for all you help, past and future. Thank
you to our guide and boat captain Winsley Garbutt for a most
enjoyable and professional boating experience.
For me it
was driven home once again that one of the best parts of being a
volunteer with PHS is, with their pets, we meet some terrific
people. Many thanks to all those who helped!
JULY CLINIC REPORT
by Bob Thomas
Wow, here it is, July already. Although many folks are away at this
time of the year, there's always a need for our monthly veterinary
clinics. It was really nice to see Dr Figueroa this month. Dr
"Fig" doesn't get to Placencia very often any more but we always
appreciate his services when he does. He and his family were hosted
by Robert's Grove for the weekend. Let me take a moment, on behalf
of PHS, to express our appreciation and gratitude to Risa and Robert
Frackman, Robert's Grove, for your support and generosity!
Assisting Dr. Figueroa is Veterinary Technician Ms.
Dorcus Lampella
For those who like to know, the statistics for the July Clinic are:
Spays - 2 dogs
Neuters - 2 dogs
4/1 (cat vaccinations) - 3
6/1 (dog vaccinations) - 15
Rabies - 9
Memberships
New individual - 3
Family renewal - 2
Junior renewal - 1
Building Fund Donations - $175.00
Total people served - Saturday 28
Sunday 25
Many of you are taking advantage of the clinics by doing a little
pet shopping for everything from pet medications to leashes and
collars, pet treats and toys, and even pet pillows! There will
always be some special sale going for current members. For
instance, in July, Advantix (for cats) was offered at a great
discount. Another Summer Special offers the Humane Society "Recued
is my Favorite Breed" tank tops for only $25 (while they last!).
Available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
In the last two months, I've noticed an unusual number of pets
coming to clinic with skin or coat issues of one form or fashion.
Curious as to why the increase, I consulted Dr "Fig" and learned
that there is currently a very high level of mange in Belize. Let
me share what I’ve learned about mange and its' treatment.
Mange is a common skin condition that can cause a lot of discomfort
for your pet. Although there are several types of mange, they are
all caused by a specific type of mite. These mites are so tiny,
they can only be seen with a microscope. Mange will not go away on
its' own. It's important to know the tell tale signs of mange,
because they are the only indication that a problem exists.
JUNE CLINIC REPORT
by Bob Thomas
In June, this peninsula shifts gears and all thoughts focus on
Lobsterfest! It was no surprise then, that the June Clinic was a
rather relaxed one. It provided some time to reflect on some of the
questions that are frequently asked and sometimes difficult to
answer when the clinic is busy. Each month, this platform will try
to address a different matter of interest.
Dr Floyd Bennet was the attending vet again this month. Elsie
Elder a past volunteer for PHS was visiting this month and again
assisted Dr. Bennett as she did for many years.. For those
who like to know, the June Clinics Statistics are:
Spays - 1 cat
Neuters - 2 dogs
Dental Procedures - 4
4/1 shots - 2
6/1 shots - 22
Rabies - 11
Memberships - 1 Patron
Total people served - Sat 13
Sun 17
An often difficult decision for pet owners is whether to spay or
neuter their pet. Concerns range from, "Will my pet get fat and
lazy"', to "I don't want my male dog or cat to feel less like a
male". Well, why should you spay or neuter. Simply put, pet health
and over population are the two main reasons. Let's address over
population first. Consider these statistics as to how just one
litter can result in hundreds to thousands of unwanted pets.
The Prolific Cat
1st year 3 litters = 12 offspring
2nd year 144 offspring
3rd year 1,728 offspring
4th year 10,736 offspring
7th year 324,192 offspring
The Prolific Dog
1st year 4 offspring with 2 females
2nd year 12 offspring
3rd year 36 offspring
5th year 324 offspring
While you digest those staggering numbers, let's look at the
benefits spay/neuter has on your pet. Spaying/neutering helps dogs
and cats live longer, healthier lives by eliminating or
reducing health problems that can be both very expensive and often
fatal. Spaying your female pet before she goes into heat the first
time reduces the risk of breast cancer and eliminates the risk of
uterine and ovarian cancer in your dog. Neutered males will not
developer testicular cancer and their risk of prostrate cancer is
greatly reduced.
Spaying/neutering you pet has benefits for you pet owners too.
Spayed/neutered pets are, typically, better behaved and more calm.
Male cats are less likely to spray urine and mark their territory.
Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle, thereby eliminating
bleeding, and the incessant crying and nervous behaviour that often
accompanies the heat cycle. Neutering decreases the pets desire to
escape and wander the neighbourhood in search of a mate. This
decreases the risk of fights, and death caused by getting hit by
cars. Spaying keeps unwanted males away.
Remember those "concerns" I mentioned at the beginning of this
article? Here are several that we
often hear.
My pet will get fat and lazy. The
truth is, pets get fat and lazy due to over feeding and lack of
exercises.
It's better to have just one litter first.
Medical evidence suggests just the opposite. Females spayed before
the first heat are typically healthier.
The children should experience the miracle of birth.
It is unlikely that the children will see a pet give birth, since it
usually occurs at night and in seclusion. Perhaps it would be
better to explain to the children that sometimes the miracle of life
is that preventing the birth of some pets can save the lives of many
more.
But my pet is a purebred.
So is about one out of four pets brought to animal shelters. There
are just too many dogs and cats - mixed and purebred alike.
I want my dog to be protective.
Spaying or neutering does not effect a dog's natural instinct to
protect home and family. A dog's personality is formed more by
genetics and environment than by sex hormones.
I don't want my male dog or cat to fell less like a male.
Pets have no concept of sexual identity or ego. Neutering will not
change a pet's basic personality. He doesn't suffer any kind of
emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.
My pet is so special that I want a puppy/kitten just like him/her.
A dog or cat may be the world's best pet, but that doesn't mean her
offspring will be anything like her. The truth is, an entire litter
might receive all of a pet's (and her mate's) worst characteristics.
It is too expensive to have my pet spay or neutered.
Whatever the actual price, it is a one-time cost. It's a relatively
small cost when compared to all the benefits. It's a real bargain
compared to the cost of having a litter and ensuring the health of
the mother and the litter; two months of pregnancy and another two
months until the litter is weaned can add up in cost and
aggravation.
I'll find a good home for all the puppies and kittens.
You just may. But each home that takes one is one less home for
dogs that already need a home.
Overpopulation starts one litter at a time.
The Placencia Humane Society is here to help those who might not be
able to afford the entire cost of the spay or neuter procedure.
If you need to contact PHS please call;
For surgeries, scheduling etc contact Pat Rarrick @
610-0522
Rescues and adoptions etc. contact Pam Thomas @ 629-3599
or Shannon Romero @ 600-2473
___________________________________________________
MAY CLINIC REPORT
by Bob
Thomas
The Placencia Humane Society, and Dr Floyd Bennet, assisted by
Dorcus Lampella, hosted a
successful May clinic at the Community Center in Placencia. Maddie
was there to greet everyone, get the paperwork going and answer any
questions as the pets and there owners began to arrive. And arrive
they did! For those of you who just have to know, here's some of
what we
 did:
Cat
Neuters - 3
Cat Spay - 5
Dog Spay - 2
Teeth Cleaning - 3
Rabies - 27
6/1 - 24
4/1 – 9
Special guest of PHS this month, 6 feral cats were spay/neutered,
bringing the total to 73 cats since the start of the Feral Cat
Program last October. The donations made to this program are
utilized for this service. It is nice to get this program back on
track after suffering a setback last month when Pat Rarrick, the
head of the program resigned unexpectedly. Her services as the
Clinic Coordinator and head of the Feral Cat Program will be sorely
missed. Special thanks to Debbie Coston and Shannon Romero for
their help in trapping and delivering this month’s felines.
It's the members and volunteers who are PHS. Some help at
clinics, others help with donations of their time or materials.
A call was recently put out for pillows, sheets and towels.
The sheets and towels are used at the clinics for every imaginable
purpose. The pillows will become stuffing in the new Dog
Pillows (Coming soon!). Special thanks to Blue Crab, Toucan Lulu and Graham Berrie for
answering that call. And remember, PHS can always use more. Drop
them off at clinic or contact a PHS for pickup. A special thanks to
Jodie and Erin for the kennel they donated.
Every month there will be a clinic special for current members of
PHS. This month it was 1/2 price Heart Guard Plus. Many of you
took advantage of the special and 14 new or renewed memberships were
purchased so that they could take advantage too. Other membership
benefits include; complementary pet pedicure at monthly clinics,
free Tropic Air emergency pet transportation to Belize City for
veterinary care (some restrictions apply), and email updates for PHS
info and events, adoption email updates. So if you're not a member,
maybe it's time you joined?
Everyone has been talking about how bad the fleas are lately. I
noticed many of the clinic patients were there for skin issues and
"sore spots", or just because of fleas. Hot spots on dogs and cats
are usually self inflicted sores that are red, wet and painful.
Dogs and cats will start scratching because of fleas, bug bites, or
allergies and open the skin to bacteria, which grows, spreads and a
hot spot develops These spots can become very large and grow quite
quickly.
Remember, pets with hot spots have another condition that started
the itching to begin with. The original problem needs to be dealt
with. If fleas are the culprit then a flea preventative needs to be
started. Something like Front line or similar products might work.
After treating the cause, the hot spot itself should be addressed.
An effective "home remedy" would be to mix 1/3 Listerine, 1/3
coconut oil and 1/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray on affected
area. In a severe case, infection is a serious danger and
veterinarian should be consulted.
A
special thanks to all the clinic volunteers and especially our
Junior Volunteers, Evelyn and Kimberly from Seine Bight. Thank you
Robert’s Grove for you generously hosting Dr. Bennet this month.
If
you need to contact PHS please call:
Pam Thomas 629-3599 (surgery scheduling etc)
Shannon Romero 600-2473 (rescues and adoptions)
Please
contact us if you need additional information about PHS, or,
see the following pages:
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