Project Date: January 13-20 2018
Localisation : Central America
Population : 340000
Spoken Languages : English, Spanish, Creole, Mayan, Garifuna
Local Partner : Hopkins Belize Humane Society ( HBHS)
Once again, the Foundation for Veterinary International made a lot of people happy in Belize in the beginning of 2018. In spite of the fact that a blizzard delayed our departure from Montreal for a day, the volunteers from FVAI were able to sterilize no less than 75 dogs and cats in the small village Sarteneja. Not a bad accomplishment for a team that has never participated in a MASH (Moblile Animal Surgical Hospital)! It is always amazing to watch the team adapt to practicing in an environment totally different from their daily lives, learning that a lot can be accomplished with so little.
Following a visit to Wildtracks, a rehabilitation centre for manatees and monkeys, it was time to restart our adventure. We said goodbye to our faithful supporters in Sarteneja, and took a boat ride to our next destination, Corozal. The volunteers of the Corozal Animal Program (CAP), warmly welcomed us and organized a 2 day clinic in the Mayan village of Patchakan. It was a resounding success! 84 sterilizations and dozens of vaccines were offered without charge by FVAI and CAP during this campaign.
Another interesting fact: a newly graduated veterinarian joined our project to evaluate our anesthetic protocol for his internship seminar. The results were very reassuring. We will share the results with you in the near future. Thank you Dr. Sylvestre!
A total of 155 surgeries in 4 days in Sareteneja and Patchakan is extraordinary! Thank you to the villagers of Sarteneja, the volunteers of the Corozal Animal Project (CAP) and to Clara Lee Arnold of the Hopkins Belize Humane Society (HBHS). A special thank you as well to our team of volunteers. FVAI could not exist without you!