Spay and Neutering in MASH clinics VS official vet clinic locations is a wonderful way to accomplish high volumes of spay and neuters and educate the community you are working in.
Operation Potcake focus' on just that. For 5 days in February 2014 we had 3 MASH Clinics set up across New Providence for 'Operation Potcake' to spay and neuter dogs.
We did have a cat clinic based out of the Bahamas Humane Society - as ofcourse cats are very crafty and good escape artists so we thought the most secure location would be best for the cats only.
1184 was our total for 2014! Dogs and Cats - 5 days - 4 clinics!
This report will highlight the MASH Clinic at East street from two of our wonderful volunteers who travelled in from the US to donate their time and help!
Being a non-local Operation Potcake volunteer, every day began the same......it was still dark out as we boarded the bus to our clinics. The excitement on the bus was infectious.....we all were on a 'rescue rush'. Our clinic, East Street Clinic, which was under a tent in the back of Our Lady Church on Deveux St, was a real MASH clinic. We were assigned to the recovery team. This involved performing tasks out of our normal comfort zone, but we were loving every minute of it. Even though every day began the same, no two days were ever alike.
Everyone at East Street worked together......locals and non-locals alike. We had Rick, Tali and Steve who were busy trapping the street dogs as well as providing shuttle service to pets who needed a ride to and from the clinic. Shaun and Byron who were always there providing their assistance with crates, tables and anything else we requested. The local and the international vets and techs working together to 'get the job done'; all with Laura's guidance.
But, we would not have had much to do if we didn't have the cooperation of the local community. The community's participation was very enthusiastic and appreciated. We even had local school children wanting to assist us with tasks. Gabi had an after school program every day for the local youth. This was an educational awareness for them to not only learn, but actually put what they learned to use. Their minds were like 'sponges' and they were so eager to assist us and the animals.
It was so nice to see how everyone was so into their work. The enthusiasm and positivity was exhilarating. We do it all for the dogs...and are loving it! There were no distinctions between locals or non-locals. We all worked together and we were 'family'. We had each others' backs and got the job done.
This was an incredible experience.....one that we will always remember vividly and also cherish the friendships that were made. It was also extremely rewarding. Our time at OP was tiring, exhausting, much fun and for sure our most rewarding experience. We can't wait to come and volunteer next year.
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