Another milestone: we sterilized our 24,000th case in August

On August 20, work paused briefly at our sterilization campaign in Valenciana when we registered our 24,000th sterilization case. In recognition of this important milestone, we presented an award to Vacilic and her guardian, Juan José Prado, to loud applause from all those present. Vacilic is a 6-month-old mixed-breed puppy who lives in Yerbabuena.

Juan José Prado and his puppy Vacilic receiving a certificate recognizing her as case number 24,000, presented by Amigos co-founder Sandra Ward

In addition to that important milestone, we had another occasion to celebrate. Two of our regular volunteers, Karla Ahumada and Abril Herrera, received their degrees in veterinary medicine earlier in August, after volunteering as surgical assistants at our campaigns while attending veterinary schools. We are very proud of them both.

Dr. Abril Herrera performing a surgery in Valenciana
Dr. Karla Ahumada performing a surgery at a mini-campaign

The campaign in Valenciana was the third of three campaigns this month. The first was held in Pueblito de Rocha on August 6 (76 cases). The second, a mini-campaign (18 cases), took place in the clinic of Dr. Ricardo Monte de Oca in Las Teresas on August 12, to handle overflow cases from Pueblito de Rocha. At the third campaign, in the village of Valenciana, we sterilized 53 animals. Altogether, we sterilized 147 dogs and cats in August.

A woman and her cat at the campaign in Valenciana
Waiting her turn
I think I’m next
Boy waiting with his cat
Stretcher bearers carrying a patient to his owner’s car

During the campaign in Valenciana, education volunteer Tony López entertained young children with hand puppets and a giant board game we created modeled on the game Chutes and Ladders. The activities focused on teaching the children to treat their pets with respect and kindness. The children thoroughly enjoyed the games.

Tony López (right) with children and hand puppets at the campaign in Valenciana
Children playing a giant board game about pet care

Our sincere thanks to our campaign team members this month. They included veterinarians Karla Ahumada, Verónica Almaguer, Abril Herrera, Ricardo Montes de Oca, and Arturo Rocha.  Supporting them were Julia Salido, our campaign coordinator, and volunteers Kathya Amaya, Cristian Campos Regalado, Rosemarie Conde, Sandra Alicia Barajas, Mary Beth Canavan, Fran Espinoza Flores, Miriam Gallado García, Ana Elizabeth García Huerta, Karina Hernández Ramírez, Deb Kallen, Victoria Larrasolo, Tony López Palacios, Vero Mares Flores, Adhán Mata López, Ana Luisa Miguel, Derek Rosas Lozano, Vicky Sandoval, Ivana Sofía Vargas, José Velázquez, and Azul Peña Zamarripa.