Our mission is to provide low cost spaying and neutering of dogs and cats, and to promote the general welfare of animals in our community and surrounding areas. | | | | AMIGOS DE ANIMALES BOQUETE PANAMÁ JUNE 2024 NEWSLETTER | | | CLINIC MUSINGS FROM OUR PRESIDENT ;Healing Paws: How Animals Lifted My Spirits During a Difficult Tiime Losing a loved one is never easy, and when my father passed away recently, I found myself feeling out of sorts. That day just happened to be the day of our monthly clinic. My friend Allison, sent me snapshots of the cutest pets that had come into the clinic. From playful kittens to gentle dogs, each image brought a smile to my face. These furry patients not only raised my .spirits but also reminded me of the incredible bond we share with our pets. My three dogs—Sisi, Canela, and Lucy—have been my constant companions. Their wagging tails, wet noses, and unwavering loyalty make my life richer, fuller, and happier. They remind .me daily of the power of unconditional love. Animals have a magical way of healing our hearts. Whether it's a purring cat, a tail-wagging dog, or a sleepy horse, their presence brings comfort and joy. Let's cherish these moments and .continue to advocate for them.️ | | | Another Successful "Away" Clinic On June 9, something remarkable happened at El Frances Arriba School—a day filled with compassion, creativity, and dedication. Despite challenges like the lack of running water and scale issues, a group of volunteers from Amigos de Animales came together to make a difference. Their mission? To sterilize animals and promote responsible pet ownership. The absence of running water didn't deter our team. We adapted, finding innovative solutions to ensure the clinic's success. Creative thinking prevailed as we worked tirelessly to prepare for the day. Ninety-seven animals—cats, dogs, received the gift of sterilization. Each procedure meant fewer unwanted litters, reduced health risks, and a brighter future for these furry creatures. Despite the looming rain, our spirits remained high. The weather held off until we were all packed up, allowing us to focus on our mission. The joy of making a positive impact fueled our determination. Witnessing the families' love for their animals touched our hearts. Whether it was a child cradling a kitten or an elder petting a grateful dog, the bond between humans and pets was palpable. It's moments like these that remind us why we do what we do. For me, participating in these clinics feels like a privilege. We're not just providing medical care; we're fostering a community that values animal welfare. Our local schools become hubs of compassion, teaching the next generation about kindness and responsibility. To everyone who contributed—volunteers, families, and the animals themselves—thank you. Your dedication made this day truly amazing. | | | Help Us Help Them! We are offering you the chance to own a custom made quilt, lovingly crafted by Sarah Zink. Sarah is an absolutely amazing quilter who lives in Boquete, Panama. Sarah is a wonderful supporter of Amigos de Animales. This is the second quilt Sarah has made for us, and it's a masterpiece, sure to become a treasured family heirloom. | | | | | To get your ticket(s), please visit the Thursday Community Market at the Amigos de Animales clinic building or cick here: Order Tickets | | | CDC Issues Strict New Rules for Dogs Entering the US By Jack Phillips 5/9/2024 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published rules on May 8 that will significantly alter how dogs are brought into the United States. The rules are being changed in an attempt to control the spread of the rabies virus, which is 99 percent fatal, according to the CDC. Dog rabies isn't controlled in more than 100 countries, which creates "a risk" to the United States and thus requires limiting which dogs can enter. The CDC posted the new rules in the Federal Register on May 8; they will go into effect on Aug. 1. "Preventing infected dogs from entering the United States is a public health priority," the agency stated. "Each dog imported with rabies could infect people and other animals and could cost more than half a million dollars to contain." The expanded rules mandate that all dogs entering the country appear healthy when they arrive, be at least 6 months old, and have a microchip along with a CDC dog import form that was filled out two to 10 days before arrival in the United States. The import forms that are currently being used will expire on Aug. 31, according to the agency. "If you don't follow CDC's rules, your dog won't be allowed to enter the United States," the agency warned on its website, updated on May 8. "If denied entry, your dog will be sent back to the last country of departure at your expense. Country of departure is where the last trip originated—not where the dog was born or where it lives." The latest regulations "apply to all dogs, including puppies, service animals, and dogs that left the United States and are returning," the CDC stated, and they "also apply whether you are a U.S. citizen, legal U.S. resident, or foreign national." Dogs arriving from a country that the CDC deems a high risk for rabies or dogs who got a rabies vaccine in another country have to meet more criteria, according to the agency. Some dogs coming to the United States might have to get a blood test to ensure that it has immunity to the virus, pass a physical examination upon arrival, and get a vaccine inside the United States. Under some circumstances, the dog could be quarantined for 28 days, according to the agency. "If your dog's rabies vaccination expires before you get your dog a booster vaccine, your dog must have another titer drawn at least 30 days after booster vaccination to be eligible for importation. CDC recommends you always keep your dog's rabies vaccination current," according to the CDC website. People who travel with dogs should use the CDC's "DogBot" website section to see what rules apply to their animals, including those regarding where the dog is coming from and where it was vaccinated, according to the agency. "People should plan in advance for future travel to ensure requirements for dog importations will be met at the time their dogs will enter the United States," the CDC stated. Several dog rescue organizations, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, praised the new rules in statements posted online. However, another animal welfare group—the Humane Society—said that the rules would create significant problems. "The CDC's job is to maintain public health, but these new requirements may needlessly delay Americans—including government personnel and military families—from returning to the United States with their pets, creating great anguish and breaking up families in the process," Tracie Letterman, vice president of federal affairs at the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said in a statement. Ms. Letterman said the group "strongly advocated for sensible disease-prevention requirements because we should not have to choose between maintaining public safety and saving animals' lives." "With the confusion this new rule will cause, many rescues may have to make the heartbreaking decision to simply not bring dogs into the U.S.," she said. The group further added that the rules will delay animal rescue work carried out by groups such as the Humane Society, according to the statement. Rabies Symptoms CDC officials say that rabies, which a dog can contract from wild animals such as raccoons or bats, is "almost always fatal." Initial symptoms of rabies can include vomiting, lethargy, fever, and weight loss. But after several days, the animal can show signs of cerebral dysfunction, cranial nerve dysfunction, breathing issues, excessive salivation, aggression, abnormal behavior, paralysis, seizures, and weakness. "Furious rabies occurs when the rabid dog becomes aggressive, highly excitable, and displays evidence of a depraved appetite, eating and chewing stones, earth, and rubbish (pica). Paralysis eventually sets in and the rabid animal may be unable to eat and drink," the VCA Animal Hospitals' website states. "Hydrophobia (fear of water) is not a sign of rabies in dogs. This is a feature of human rabies. The dog finally dies in a violent seizure." | | | GET TO KNOW OUR AMIGOS DE ANIMALES FAMILY This month we're featuring a very special member of our team: Arturo Reyes Your Name: Arturo Reyes Rovira Your position/title with AdA: I am a volunteer at the entrance where the animals are admitted into the clinic for their sterilization procedure. I also train volunteers in Spanish; help with the recovery of the dogs and cats and am also involved in educational outreach to the community. How long have you been working with AdA? About 2 years | | | | Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? I am involved in many interesting things, including the recovery of small animals. I instruct the new Spanish speaking volunteers in what to do to make sure the animals are safe and sound as they recover from their sterilization procedure and come out of their anesthetized state. I also visit primary schools to educate children about the importance of sterilizing their pets and caring for them properly. Those efforts include reading, singing and playing fun games with the children. It's a really great experience. Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? For me, it is imperative to help improve the lives of our little furry friends, as they are members of the family and our community. It makes me so sad to see that there are thousands of homeless animals without any care. So volunteering in a variety of capacities is my way to give back to these animals who give us unconditional love. Click here for the rest of Arturo's story and more pictures on our website. | | | KIBBLE & BITS: • Food Drive: We are continuing to feed needy dogs and cats in Boquete at a cost of over $1,700 per month. You can donate by clicking here • 2024 Calendars - a few still remain. Buy them at the BCP Thursday Market for only $5 • Membership Drive: Sign up for your annual Amigos de Animales membership and receive a great car magnet. Membership is still only $10. You can sign up at the BCP Thursday Market or at a clinic. • Gift certificates: We have made gift certificates in the denomination of $10 and $20, the price of an individual sterilization for a cat or a dog. Give your neighbors, gardeners and maids certificates for their dogs and cats. Let's help each other help each other! These certificates are an easy way to help. They are available at the Animales table at the BCP Thursday Market, at Mike's Global Grill or at the clinics. • Educational Outreach program: We are visiting local schools to educate students about proper care for their pets, and the importance of spaying and neutering animals. Please email Cindy at cindy_wclayton@yahoo.com if you can help. Click here to donate, or click here to volunteer. • Spay or neuter your animal: we get new requests daily and are operating by appointment only. Contact Rosa, our appointment coordinator, at 6563-8686 to be added to our list. • Rescue/adoption?: The mission of Amigos de Animales is strictly spay and neuter, we are not a rescue, adoption or veterinary service. Please do not ask Rosa about any other service - there are many other rescue groups in and around Boquete. • We have been updating our website - check it out here • Animales is always looking for stories and pictures to share in this newsletter. Please contact us at info@aadab.org if you are interested. | | | MARK YOUR CALENDAR - UPCOMING EVENTS • Training - you can watch our new training here or our prior training here. We have training sessions for new volunteers Saturday at 9:45 the day before each clinic. Contact Leslie @ volunteer@aadab.org if you have any questions. • Clinics - Sunday July 28, 2024 (held the last Sunday of each month - no clinic in December). WhatsApp Rosa at 6563-8686 if you need to register an animal. | | | WAYS TO HELP AMIGOS DE ANIMALES: • Donations: Any amount will help. Click here for ways you can make a donation • If you would like to volunteer for Animales, contact Leslie or Raquel at volunteer@aadab.org • If you can donate dog or cat food, please drop it off at the Amigos de Boquete office in Alto Dorado or contact us @ info@aadab.org • Don't forget, the Animales Events Center is available to rent for meetings and gatherings of any kind. Contact Sherry Shirritt at sshirritt@gmail.com or 6858-3607. | | | Here are 2024 statistics through May: | | | 2024 Totals Animales Totals-to-Date | | | | Thank you for your support! We could not do what we do without all of our incredible donors, sponsors and volunteers! | | | | | Amigos De Animales, Inc. 11092 Sparkleberry Dr Fort Myers, FL 33913-8866 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser | | Website: www.aadab.org Contact us at info@aadab.org if you have any questions. Copyright © 2022 Amigos de Animales, All rights reserved. | | | |
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