We did it!
...and we couldn't have done it without you.

The team has landed safely back on this side of the Pacific and the reports are in . . .  Perros Project 2013 was a huge success!

Operating out of the living/common room of a generous supporter’s home, our small but dedicated team of veterinarians, vet techs, and volunteers performed 101 surgeries in four and a half days.  From 6 week old kittens to 14yr old dogs, all types of animals ended up on our innovative surgery tables made out of beer crates and topped with yoga mats. Every morning, people would arrive bringing animals in backpacks, boxes and on makeshift leashes, entrusting their pets to our team. Every afternoon we would return those animals to their relieved owners and without fail be flooded with cries of “Muchas Gracias!”  It was an amazing experience.

Of course, we couldn’t have done it without all of our amazing volunteers. The 10 volunteers from the United States joined with half a dozen Peruvians affiliated with the organization Amigo Fiel, creating an effective team that did all types of tasks. From weighing big dogs on bathroom scales to making sure animals in recovery were kept warm, they did it all. The two American vets worked side-by-side with two Peruvian vets for most of the clinic. One of the most rewarding aspects of our time was the veterinary skill sharing – on both sides. Members of the community also pitched in. On our first morning there were homemade cupcakes from one volunteer and throughout the clinic dogs were adorned with fleece blankets made by friends in Huanchaco. Every day was early to rise and late to sleep, with some members of Amigo Fiel coming to clean up the clinic (which was no pretty sight) in their office attire after work. 

And, of course, we couldn’t have done it without our amazing donors, most of whom we know personally and most of whom had to dig deep to support us : )! Please know - we believe strongly that every one of the animals who came to our clinic will lead healthier and happier lives because of the surgeries our team performed.  The dollars you entrusted to us were used effectively and your contributions made a difference. If you were unable to follow us while the clinic was in full swing, please check out these photos and videos onFacebook  - they tell a much richer story than our words ever could. Also, take a minute to read the recent article about the Perros Project in our state newspaper, The Oregonian.

Finally, please stay in touch to hear about our future plans. On the last day of our visit, we met with a dozen members of the animal welfare community in Huanchaco/Trujillo to review the clinic and discuss best practices for the future. Many innovative ideas were put on the table and we looking forward to sharing those with you very soon. 

In happiness & gratitude,

Links:

• Oregonian Article