January 16, 2013 Matanzas City Spay/Neuter Clinic

We have started a year with a clinic in Matanzas City. The clinic took place in a casa particular (Cuban version of Bed & Breakfast). Five surgeons, two students from Havana and several volunteers gave their time off to our cause. Fifty one animals were successfully operated. The team prevented several offspring of cats and dogs to be born to a life of an unwanted, stray animals - always sick and hungry, living short, miserable existence.. We are very proud of our team. In spite of the obstacles unknown to other rescue groups, they patiently continue their job. Congratulations.

2012 Fall Spay/Neuter Clinics (Highlights)

Isla del Sur Varadero Clinic

On September 22, 2012 a spay/neuter campaign was organized. A lady Named Alberta opened her house to our small team of three veterinarians and their helpers. Over 20 animals were spayed/neutered on that day including several cats trapped the day before.

Patients waiting for surgery

Dr. Slavik Zenkov spaying a cat

The Spanky Project TNR Cats Clinic in Havana

At the end of October 2012, the Spanky Project organized a week clinic for the feral cats in Havana. Hundreds of animals were fixed. APAC-Varadero helped by lending several carries. Dr. Slavik Zenkov and Dr. Hanoi Dominguez performed surgeries on several animals. It was a very successful event that we were very proud to be part of.

One of many colonies in Havana

Black cats are the last ones to be adopted...

Madruga Campaign (Mayabeque Province) November 10, 2012

Madruga is a land-locked place between Havana and Matanzas, away from the heavy tourists traffic. The campaign was organized with the participation of the Agrarian University of Havana. We met several familiar faces of young students who also volunteered at the Spanky Project TNR for cats in Havana - just a few weeks before. Almost 40 animals were spayed or neutered. It was a great day - seeing so many young people involved, and willing to help their country, was very inspiring.

Students - volunteers from Agrarian University of Havana

Cardenas Clinic, December 1, 2012

Another spay-neuter clinic took place in our 'home' town of Cardenas. Once again, the city's clinic opened its doors for our team of volunteers. The response from the community was great and many people came to take advantage of the free surgery. Each fixed animal, many running free on the streets of Cardenas, translates into hundreds of homeless puppies and kittens being born to short and cruel lives. Here are few pictures for this campaign:

 
Boca de Camarioca Clinic, December 15, 2012

It was a small, ad hoc clinic with Dr. Slavik Zenkov as the only operating surgeon. The village is located between Varadero town and the International Airport but has no veterinary service and a large population of homeless animals. Dr. Slavik went there to help, and performed several surgeries. He is planning to come back with a bigger, planned ahead campaign - in 2013.

"One is not born into the world to do everything, but to do something." - Henry David Thoreau 

Pawlooza 2012

Once a year we let ourselves to relax and have nothing but fun. Pawlooza Festival is a perfect opportunity to do so. Our first appearance at this event for dogs took place in August 2011, and it provided us with an opportunity to learn how to present our organization to the Canadian public.

This year was great as we had several new ideas and more volunteers who helped us. Audrey Duann had worked hard to get animal toys and gift baskets. She also ordered t-shirts, bags and mugs with our logo - they were very popular. Jennifer Watts was able to get several gift certificates from the local London, Ontario businesses. Jackie Bowes, with great patience, did a penny drive at work, collecting over 10,000 of them! Jolene Hart - another great volunteer - created several posters with stories of our clinics, everyday work, and some special adoptions. Several of our rescues came for a visit including Nina and Rio who are fostered by Donna Snow of the Loyal Rescue.

Our booth was visited by hundreds of people (and dogs) and we had an opportunity to talk to Canadians about animal welfare work done in Cuba.

APAC's table

Our superstar Lily - a very special rescue

Jackie, Jennifer and Audrey

Jackie, Jennifer with Miley, Audrey, and Lynn with Lily

Donna Snow with Rio and Nina

We thank you all volunteers who helped with organizing this event for us. Weeks of preparations went to its success. A special THANK YOU goes to Lynn Wodzak, who, for the second time, coordinated everything - with a smile and a contagious enthusiasm! We hope to see you again in 2013.

"The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants" 

- Johnny Depp

Cardenas Clinic August 4, 2012

In order to be successful, each clinic must be well planned and prepared. It takes several weeks to do so. Doctors are notified and a group of volunteers must be gathered.  Deciding how teams will be organized is a next step. Making sure that there is enough supplies and medications is essential. Tags for the animals are needed in order to avoid confusion and errors. Advertisements are made and distributed in the neighbourhood encouraging pet owners to take advantage of a free sterilization surgery. Then - everything has to be delivered to the location of the clinic. Considering lack of private transportation, difficulties in communication, and a tropical heat - each campaign is a heroic effort of dedicated individuals. We are very proud of them all and happy to be able to help.

 ``A hero is a man who does what he can``- Romain Rolland

Weekend in Santa Ana - July 9, 2012

Dr. Yusleidys organized the clinic in her home town. Dr. Slavik and a group of volunteers went to Santa Ana to help.

Anton checking on dogs

Dr. Slavik with Anton

Dr. Yusleidys and Dr. Slavik

 "Everything that is done in the world, is done by hope" - M.L. King

The Clinics

Heavy rains and strong winds delayed the clinics in Matanzas Province. Finally, on June 14, 2012, the deworming clinic took place in a town of Colón. Dr. Sergio Chan who is a representative of Bayer Pharmaceutical for Cuba, supplied the medication. With the help of volunteers, Dr. Hanoi Dominguez took care of 32 dogs, two animals were also sterilized. There are plans to organize spay/neuter clinic for the area.

Dr. Hanoi

Helping hands are always welcomed 

Ingrid -  always there

Two days later, on June 16, 2012 in Matanzas City, a free spay neuter clinic was open for the residents with pets. Two teams were working: Dr. Hanoi Dominguez with his sister in law, and Dr. Slavik Zenkov assisted by Yudith. Anton, one of the best volunteers was preparing animals for the surgeries, and Ingrid was making sure that all was clean wrapped up properly after the campaign was over. The owners were helping with animals in the recovery room. Each one of them also received pamphlets about health and social benefits of pet sterilization.We are hoping that they will share the information and their own experience with friends and neighbours.

Waiting for the clinic to open its doors

The team arriving with the operating tables and supplies

Dr. Zenkov examining a cat prior to surgery

There were more than usual cats in this campaign 

Dr. Hanoi Dominguez spaying a cat

Recovery room

Because of the amazing skills of doctors, and dedication of the whole team, all animals recovered without any complications. Everybody is looking forward to... the next campaign.

"I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles" - Christopher Reeve