Saturday, September 12: 91 cats and dogs were sterilized at Rosarito’s GSL and SCAAT free monthly clinic.
This was a highly successful event, made possible by the tireless efforts of a number of Rosarito Rescue Angels, (and a few Tijuana Angels) working side by side to achieve this extraordinary number of pet sterilizations.
Joaquin Villaseñor, MVZ, Rosarito’s Give Some Life Clinic Director, performed surgeries. Volunteer veterinarians Mary Elizabeth Danley and Arturo Segoviano provided special assistance.
A clinic event of this size requires a lot of people working together to keep things running smoothly. People are needed in the pet recovery area, to care for the animals after they come out of surgery. Connie, who has also volunteered for Tijuana clinics, was on hand to watch over the pets waking up, along with a small group of volunteers. Keeping everything clean and under control were the tireless Marta and her daughter Olivia. Carol Hanna, assistant to Joaquin Villaseñor, bustled about the clinic area, taking the time to thank volunteers for their efforts. Carol Swanke of Villa Lepro was on hand with several cats brought in for sterilization. And last but not least, Bill Clark manned the reception table, greeting pet owners and keeping tabs on the day’s activities. Each time a pet was sterilized, Bill would announce:”number 81! Number 82! etc.,
emphazing the importance of each successful pet sterilization.
Karen Patonai, President of the SCAAT (Second Chance Animal Advocate Trading Post) made sure everyone felt appreciated by providing a continuous supply of refreshments.
Alejandro Zaragoza Castañeda, President of the Brigada Preventiva Animal rescue organization, wearing his signature safari hat and combat shorts, was also there to lend a hand.
91 sterilized pet’s means thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens will never be born, and all thanks to the tireless efforts of these Rosarito and Tijuana vets and rescuers.
Joaquin Villaseñor told the Baja Times that a special meeting was held at the GSL clinic several weeks ago. The directors of five Baja municipal perreras, (animal control centers) met with Joaquin to discuss the use of humane euthanasia. All five animal control centers, (Tijuana, Ensenada, Rosarito, Tecate and Mexicali, are now using only humane injections to euthanize un-adoptable homeless pets. Special thanks to Mexicali Perrera Director Dr. David Ibarra, for recently making the switch to humane euthanasia.
A new anti-animal abuse law has recently been announced on TV and in the press. This possibly came about after a young Rosarito man was arrested and jailed for mutilating his bulldog. The young man, who was high on drugs, volunteered to spend 6 months in Rosarito’s re-hab program. The bulldog was brought to the GSL clinic, where it was treated by volunteer veterinarians Arturo Segoviano and Mary Elizabeth Danley. The dog was recovering from its wounds nicely, and was being petted almost constantly by sympathetic volunteers. It was also provided with a big, fluffy dog bed to lie on.
SCAAT President Karen Patonia wishes to remind everyone that “we can only continue these programs with financial support.” Karen also told the Baja Times that SCAAT members will be entitled to special discounts for the month of October. As always, beautiful donated items can be found at the SCAAT Trading Post store.
If you would like to become a GSL or SCAAT volunteer, of simply just a supporter, contact Karen at karenpatonia@yahoo.com.
Or call Karen at Rosarito (661)-613-0737 or San Diego Vonage 619-377-4433 or the Trading Post Rosarito (661-)100-6062.
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