On Sunday, May 31, we held another sterilization campaign, this one at a home in the village of Molineros. We sterilized 36 animals that day—21 dogs and 15 cats. We had nearly as many male as female dogs (8 and 13) and more male than female cats (9 and 6). In our educational program we emphasize the importance of sterilizing males as well as females, for the benefit of the animals as well as for the effectiveness of the sterilization program in preventing unwanted offspring. In recent years the number of males arriving at our campaigns has grown steadily.
Case no. 21 of the day was also case no. 28,000 for Amigos. This new celebrity is a mixed-breed female dog with huge ears named Bingo, about two years old, who was rescued in the village of Cienega a couple of months ago. She had been tied up and was nearly dead from starvation and injuries that were probably caused by being a bait dog used in dog flights. Today she’s a playful and friendly addition to her human family. We celebrated her new status with a certificate of recognition, some guitar music, and a round of applause. The dog treats she received will be shared with other dogs.
Beth Kaiser, one of our clients on the 31st, who pitched in to help our team, made the following comments afterward: “I cannot get over what pros all the vets and techs were and how organized the entire group is. I have to say I’m really impressed. One standout aspect was the zero judgement atmosphere: Here to help anybody willing to take the help. I loved that there wasn’t so much as a sideways glance at the cats who arrived in plastic potato sacks.”
Our hosts, Marion Pritchard and Mick Connelly, donated used but freshly washed collars, halters, and leashes for pets who did not have them. We welcome such pet supplies, especially now that tariffs have made new ones more expensive or just unavailable at less expensive stores.
Our thanks to the sterilization team for their hard work on the 31st. Team members were Julia Salido, campaign manager; veterinarians Sandy Hernández, Abril Herrera, and Ricardo Montes de Oca; and volunteers Karla Ahumada, Julie Boyles, Mary Beth Canavan, Rosemarie Conde, Paulina García, Mia del Ángel Gutiérrez Rangel, Beth Kaiser, Tony López, Beth Lozano, Vero Mares, Adhán Mata López, Dulce Sandoval, and Sandra Ward. Our thanks too to Marion Pritchard and Mick Connelly for providing not only a perfect space for the campaign but also snacks and lunch for the volunteers.