First you smile. Then you think, “Wait a minute!” And, finally it sinks in. Our duty is to protect all pets.
As the snow is piling up in a lot of countries right now, this was posted to remind folks to be responsible pet parents.
So, last week we wrote about their dog houses and now we focus on veterinary medicine in Playa del Carmen. Certainly, this is a very beautiful spot on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. On the other hand, however, it also has a not so pretty side when it comes to Mexico’s vulnerable pets.
Mid November 2018, she was found wandering in traffic, confused and terrified. Thankfully, though, Alex saw this tiny, skinny pup and took her home. When she was unable to find its owner, The Snoopi Project immediately took on this extreme rescue case. Without hesitation, Founder/Director, Kelly Whittemore, went straight to HospiPet Playa veterinary clinic to see Dr. Eduardo “Lalo” Cárdenas.
It was evident that this very sick girl had been abandoned, but she needed a new name. And, for her new start in life, she became Chanel. Yes, that same tiny Chihuahua you saw last week in Whittemore’s arms, and topping this page, held by Dr. Lalo.
The first examination revealed that she was approximately seven years old, extremely malnourished, and weighed barely 2.5 pounds. She also refused to eat or drink on her own. On top of that, she had lost 50 percent of her hair, and suffered from hypertension in her lungs. And, to make matters even worse, the little girl had a bladder tumor as well as heart worms. Her chances of survival looked really grim.
But Chanel is a little fighter. When she is strong enough, she’ll undergo surgery to remove the tumor, be spayed, and have her teeth cleaned. Only then will she be able to start heart worm treatment. Meanwhile, she is receiving excellent care from her vets as well as foster mom, Cryss.
Established in 2012, HospiPet Playa Clínica Veterinaria is a medical center specializing in surgery and cancer treatment for small species. Dr. Eduardo “Lalo” Cárdenas has been practicing in Playa del Carmen for 25 years and is highly regarded by the community. So, counting on his experience and excellent reputation, I asked him about veterinary care for Mexico’s most vulnerable.
Pet Peeves Unmasked: What are the most common illnesses you see in your practice?
Dr. “Lalo”: Many of our cases involve hemoparasitosis, such as ehrlichia and anaplasma.
Note:
Ehrlichiosis is an infectious tick-borne illness. The ehrlichia bacteria attacks a dog’s blood cells and causes chronic infection.
Anaplasma is also spread by ticks. Anaplasmosis comes in two forms and infects white blood cells and platelets.
DL: We also treat a lot of patients suffering from viral infections, like parvovirus, feline leukemia, and distemper. Fairly common, too, are skin infections, such as atopia.
Note:
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is highly contagious, the most common form being intestinal.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs a cat’s immune system and commonly causes anemia and lymphoma.
Canine distemper has no known cure. It affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems, as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eye.
Atopia. Atopic reactions are caused by localized hypersensitivity reaction to an allergen.
PPU: Are some of the illnesses you mentioned prevalent in tropic climates, especially when pets are outdoors for extended periods?
DL: Yes, that is so. Hemoparasitosis is typical of hot, humid regions like ours.
PPU: In Playa del Carmen are there campaigns offering free or low-cost sterilization and parasite treatment for dogs and cats?
DL: Absolutely. Both local government and private organizations hold events so that low-income families can have their pets neutered.
PPU: What can you tell us about incidences of mistreatment?
DL: First of all it’s to do with irresponsible pet ownership, not seeking early medical attention. And, second, aggressive behavior between pets where there are multiple family members living under the same roof. This shows a total lack of control and planning. And, this problem also occurs at animal shelters.
PPU: What’s the most valuable advice you can give to families who are struggling financially?
DL: I’d suggest they assess their personal circumstances — social, economic, health — that directly impact their ability to look after a pet. People should evaluate these things before getting a dog, or a cat. Are they willing to allow the animal to become a member of the family? If not, then it would be better for them not to have one.
Here are some of the people who deserve credit for the efforts described in this week’s blog. They are the heroes. Thank you for what you do!
Visit HospiPet Playa’s website: http://www.hospipetplaya.com
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hospipetplaya
Please be sure to check in next week. We’ll be returning to Tulum to see how the community works together for the good of the animals.
Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!
In case you missed any of the other articles in this series of six, here’s your chance to catch up now.
MEXICO’S STREET DOG HEROES
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/mexicos-street-dog-heroes/
DOG HOUSES SHELTER MEXICO’S PETS https://petpeevesunmasked.com/dog-houses-shelter-Mexico’s-pets/
TULUM’S TIRELESS ANIMAL ADVOCATES https://petpeevesunmasked.com/tulums-tireless-animal-advocates/
CANADIANS ADOPT HOMELESS MEXICAN PUPPIES
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/canadians-adopt-homeless-mexican-puppies/
CANCUN DOG RESCUER SAVED CHICA
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/cancun-dog-rescuer-saved-chica/
This week we are going to show how dog houses protect Mexican pets that have a human family. Yes, I know what you’re all about to ask. Well, sadly, and for whatever reason, the canines are not allowed inside the home. And, as a result, they live mostly outdoors, often in deplorable conditions.
As you will soon see, our photos tell the stories of before and after. Furthermore, we learn first hand why one small volunteer organization based in Playa del Carmen is able to step in and help.
“When we started in July 2015, our initial intention was to provide animals with a proper shelter. And, we also wanted to educate owners on responsible pet ownership and promote spay/neuter,” explains Kelly Whittemore, Founder and Director of The Snoopi Project.
In order to assist pet owners struggling financially, this organization donates dog houses for pets that are kept outside. These items are made locally out of recycled wooden pallets from nearby businesses. The objective is to protect the dogs from the tropical weather conditions prevalent in Quintana Roo state, on the Riviera Maya. That way, they are sheltered from the blistering sun and torrential rain that is typical during the summer hurricane season.
Interestingly she is originally from California and worked as a veterinary assistant in North Carolina before settling in south-east Mexico. She then explained that The Snoopi Project pays a carpenter, by the name of Alonso Roda, for his work. With the extra money he earns on top of his full-time job, he can provide a better life for his family.
As you have just seen, patience and dedication are what it takes to achieve meaningful results. And, this is a really good example of how small can help in a big way. The first dog house was delivered in July 2015. Now, the total count up to end December 2018 stands at 596. And, don’t forget, the work was done by just one carpenter, in his free time. Way to go! What an amazing achievement!
When I asked Whittemore how they hear about pet guardians who need help, she explained that residents and volunteers alert her. However, in addition to that, Kelly and her friend and helper, Stephanie La, constantly drive around poor neighborhoods. They look for outside pets in precarious situations and check on their welfare. She even laughed about the fact that residents are a little shocked to see them in their Snoopi Wagon. The fact is “most times people think we must have taken a wrong turn.”
Whittemore also commented that most people are very grateful and appreciate the help. “The Mexican community has, honestly, been very open. We have met a lot of wonderful people.”
The reason that The Snoopi Project is able to do its work is due entirely to the donations it receives. And, although providing dog houses to protect vulnerable Mexican pets is the principle objective, that is not all they do. Here are some examples.
Here are some of the people who deserve credit for the efforts described in this week’s blog. They are Mexico’s outdoor dog heroes. However, there are many more people who care about the wellbeing of these sentient beings. And, without any doubt, they are all trying to help these innocent animals who lack adequate care and protection. Thank you for what you do!
Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Snoopi-Project-Riviera-Maya-807710772678086/
To donate you can do so via PayPal to djwhittemore62@yahoo.com
Please be sure to follow me next week. We’ll be staying in Playa del Carmen to visit a veterinary hospital to discuss injuries, disease and preventio. It will also feature the challenging medical case of tiny patient, Chanel, seen here in the arms of Kelly Whittemore.
Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!
In case you missed any of the other articles in this series of six, here’s your chance to catch up now.
MEXICO’S STREET DOG HEROES
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/mexicos-street-dog-heroes/
VETERINARY MEDICINE IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN https://petpeevesunmasked.com/veterinary-medicine-in-Playa-del-Carmen/
TULUM’S TIRELESS ANIMAL ADVOCATES https://petpeevesunmasked.com/tulums-tireless-animal-advocates/
CANADIANS ADOPT HOMELESS MEXICAN PUPPIES https://petpeevesunmasked.com/canadians-adopt-homeless-mexican-puppies/
CANCUN DOG RESCUER SAVED CHICA
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/cancun-dog-rescuer-saved-chica/
For me, this blog began with a single topic in mind. However, it was merely the start of a really interesting journey. Surprisingly, it was one that grew into a series all about Mexico’s street dog heroes. To be more specific, it zeroes in on the tropical south-east region renowned for its beaches, archeological sites and eco-tourism. As you will see, the action initiates in Mérida, Yucatán, and travels across the state of Quintana Roo. There are stops in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and Cancún. And if you’re wondering who the heroes are, they represent the three North American countries (Mexico, Canada and the USA).
What first caught my eye mid 2018 was an article in the online version of the daily publication “Yucatán Al Minuto.” It was something I’d not heard of before. The story described the installation of outdoor feeders and waterers for dogs and cats. Importantly, those homeless animals that roam the streets of Mérida, the Yucatán state capital.
At the time, political campaigning was in progress for the upcoming general election. Mexicans would soon be voting for a new President as well as state officials nationwide. At the time, animal lovers working on behalf of the PRI party candidate for governor put their creativity to work. They decided to launch an initiative called “Yucaninos.” Interestingly, this word is a hybrid of the first four letters of Yucatán, and caninos, Spanish for canines.
Those working on this project decided to install the state’s first ever feeders and waterers in Mérida. Moreover, prior to the launch, they held orientations to get resident support in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. In addition, the plan included recruiting volunteers to ensure fresh food and water was always available and properly dispensed.
Unfortunately, I was unable to get comments from people on the ground there. However, the program appears to have been a success and was replicated in other communities. One of these is Tulum, where we will now make a stop.
People who know Alma García well can tell you that she has boundless energy and a fighting spirit. And it is these qualities that have enabled her to do the following three things.
Firstly, she and her Italian-born fiancé founded and manage two very successful boutique hotels. In addition, they also have a business that offers eco-tours to visitors from around the world. Second, García loves animals and raises money for local homeless dog and cat populations. And, her third endeavor is to push herself further and win more marathons!
It’s certainly disappointing but there are times when you have a great idea that just doesn’t work out. This is what happened when the entrepreneur set up feeders close to her hotels. As my readers probably know, distemper is highly contagious and potentially lethal. Sadly, there was an outbreak of this disease in Tulum which changed everything. Consequently, the local authorities stepped in and ordered the removal of the feeders to prevent it from spreading further.
Despite this setback, however, García continues to help Mexico’s street dogs and cats in other ways.
Undaunted, García supplements her personal donations with funds raised from the sale of tee-shirts in her gift shops. “Visitors are really motivated to ease the suffering of all the roaming dogs and cats they see in our area,” she said. “They love all our tee-shirt designs.”
Because of their support, García can buy food and contribute towards the cost of spay and neuter programs. And, there are many benefits to reducing the canine and feline populations on the streets. Both struggling and more financially stable communities and businesses are affected in a positive way. But, above all else, the animals themselves suffer just a little bit less. After all, it’s through no fault of their own that they are in constant survival mode.
In addition, funds are sometimes allocated to construct dog houses out of wooden pallets made by a local carpenter. That way, some of the animals can also shelter from the blazing sun and torrential rain.
Here are some of the people who deserve credit for the efforts described in this week’s blog. They are Mexico’s street dog heroes. They are the people who care about the wellbeing of these sentient beings who, through no fault of their own, end up struggling to survive on the streets. Thank you for what you do!
Please be sure to follow me next week. We’ll be taking a trip to Playa del Carmen for more on dog houses, the before and after photos, and The Snoopi Project!
Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!
In case you missed any of the other articles in this series of six, here’s your chance to catch up now.
Part 2 – DOG HOUSES SHELTER MEXICO’S PETS
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/dog-houses-shelter-Mexico’s-pets/
Part 3 – VETERINARY MEDICINE IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN https://petpeevesunmasked.com/veterinary-medicine-in-Playa-del-Carmen/
Part 4 – TULUM’S TIRELESS ANIMAL ADVOCATES
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/tulums-tireless-animal-advocates/
Part 5 – CANADIANS ADOPT HOMELESS MEXICAN PUPPIES https://petpeevesunmasked.com/canadians-adopt-homeless-mexican-puppies/
Part 6 – CANCUN DOG RESCUER SAVED CHICA https://petpeevesunmasked.com/cancun-dog-rescuer-saved-chica/