By Aliya Carey and Shelley Hardman | Baark! Volunteers
March 16th 2017 - Baark! Report #17
Spay and Neuter Update
In 2016 Baark! completed a total 1,803 spay and neuters ! We have started 2017 with enthusiasm and ready for action.
Almost all of Baark's volunteers are stationed in Nassau, New Providence, however Baark! tries to travel to other family islands of the Bahamas as frequently as possible to assist animal populations outside the capital.
From March 3rd- 5th, 2017, 8 volunteers, 2 vets(Dr. Solomon and Dr. Dorsett) and 2 vet techs travelled to Grays, Long Island to carry out a spay and neuter initiative for the animals on the island.
Although Dr. Dorsett is a frequent visitor to the island to provide private care, this was the first trip for Baark! to Long Island to provide free spay and neuter for the animals of the island.
In total, 126 spays and neuters were carried out over 3 days. Most were cats that had to be trapped by volunteers and then transported to the clinic site for surgery. Vet techs and volunteers assisted vets through surgery and particularly in aftercare where the animals are monitored closely following their operations. Feral cats that were trapped were then returned to their communities, where they were found, in order to live out the rest of their lives contently without adding to the population of cats on the island. Dogs that had been spayed/ neutered were also happily reunited with their appreciative owners.
Equally rewarding as providing care to the animals was the support Baark! received from the community of Long Island. Being a first for the island, residents were eager, helpful and grateful for the assistance given. Through hard work and dedication, this initiative proved to be an invaluable experience to the volunteers, community members and most importantly, the animals of Long Island!
Education Update
On Wednesday March 8th, 22 Grade One students from Adelaide Primary School, New Providence, took part in a half day field trip sponsored by Baark! and the Bahamas Humane Society. Accompanied by volunteers from the school, the children participated in classroom based activities that centered on safety around dogs and kindness towards animals. They practiced techniques to protect themselves and how to approach dogs safely, preventing potential bites. They then toured the shelter, and were given the opportunity to put their new skills into practice! They socialised with adoption animals and saw the veterinary clinic in action. Last but not least they enjoyed a story about adopting a dog from a rescue and also colouring activities which focused on responsible pet ownership.
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