World Vets set up a field hospital in one of the very poor neighborhoods in San Juan and for 3 days the group of 16 volunteer veterinarians, technicians, vet students and assistants worked hard to spay and neuter as many dogs and cats as possible. Dr. Harper performed surgeries, taught surgical techniques to the vet students and did over 100 consultations. Some of the dogs and cats were strays brought in by concerned townspeople, but most of the animals were owned pets. The majority of the pet dogs were living outside with no shelter, had never had any veterinary care before, were being fed occasional scraps of food or were eating garbage, were covered in fleas and ticks and were totally emaciated. The reality is that the people are so extermely impoverished, that they cannot afford to feed and clothe their children, no less their dogs.
During the 3 day spay/neuter clinic nearly 100 dogs and cats were sterilized, dewormed and treated for fleas and ticks. The group worked in very hot and humid weather and lost electricity and water for most of one day, but kept on doing surgery. By the end of the week everyone was exhausted but elated.
The whole experience was incredible and at the end of the week everyone was making plans for their next World Vets trip. If you are interested in learning more about World Vets or would like to learn how to volunteer to go on a trip like this one go to http://www.worldvets.org/
This is fantastic. I will tell people about this. I love you guys!
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