Quarterly Report Plus One

Introduction

Many a visitor to Lake Atitlan has witnessed the poverty that exists in the majority of indigenous homes. They have also seen the pathetic, starving, infirm animals roaming the street in search of food and shelter. Often they leave bewildered and wondering how to help the animals when the people are in such need.

The development of Healthy Pets as a program of Mayan Families was designed to addresses just that dilemma. It is a natural extension of the Family Aid and Medical programs operated by Mayan Families through the inclusion of pets as family members. When assessing the overall health and welfare of an individual or family, one must look at the conditions in which they live and the condition of their pets. Infirm animals can affect the health of their human companions.

Overpopulation of domestic animals creates another health risk for the general public. Human rabies cases are on the rise in neighboring Solola and are reported daily in the city of Xela. In the past, mass inhumane poisonings were used as the method of choice for population control. While at the federal level, this practice is now banned, local municipalities and business owners continue to poison on their own. They see it as the only solution; however short term. For them, the trap/neuter/release method for dealing with street animals just takes too long. A bi-annual holocaust of animals does not solve the problem. In 6 months you have the same amount to kill again. We believe this is morally bankrupt.

The integrated projects operated by the Healthy Pets program relieve domestic animal suffering through subsidized veterinary services, a food supplement plan and humane education. Sterilization and vaccinations are at the core of the program while humane education, emergency vet services, adoptions, foster care and transportation arrangements to the U.S. support the effort.

Quarterly Achievements Plus July Progress

TO VIEW THIS REPORT, PLEASE GO TO www.mayanfamilies.org/pets.htm

2nd Quarter Activities

Sterilizations – During the months of August and September, Healthy Pets is sponsoring a “clinic every day” for Panajachel. Rather than our usual one-day clinic at the end of the month, we will interview and refer people all month long.

One-Day clinics are scheduled for: 20 August – San Jorge
20 September – Solola

We expect to significantly increase our monthly numbers with this campaign.

Vaccinations – In observance of World Rabies Day, Healthy Pets is co-sponsoring a vaccination clinic with Centro de Salud on 27 September at the CdS office. Our partner will provide 300 free rabies vaccines and Healthy Pets will provide up to 300 low-cost combo vaccines for dogs and cats.

Emergency Services – to continue this service, we need your donations. This project is currently under review for elimination from the HP program for lack of funds. Please help! It is hard for any animal lover to walk past a bleeding or suffering animal. While we realize we can’t save them all, we would like to continue this service for as many as possible.

Humane Ed – The new team is focused on adding 4 additional schools by September. We recently received an official letter from the Minister of Education to be used as an introduction with school directors. It states that he has reviewed the materials and has approved our program for any school within the Department of Solola.

The University San Carlos, School of Vet Medicine continues to assist each month with our clinics. The Dean has assured us that this will continue as it provides much needed hands on experience for the University’s students. This relationship is to expand with the new school year (it begins in Jan) with students participating in more Healthy Pets activities.

Food Supplement – There is no shortage of animals that need proper nutrition. We are looking for ways to reduce the price to people even more than what we offer now because the cost of living is rising dramatically. Now that Mayan Families is a registered Guatemalan Foundation, the Healthy Pets program can accept donations of food from Purina as well as other Guatemalan based animal product companies. Purina has already committed to donate food on a monthly basis.

The University students provide anywhere from 50 – 100 lbs. of pet food each month in exchange for their learning experience. We are also fortunate to have two other local supporters who provide 25 – 50 lbs. of pet food each month. Additional food is purchased at wholesale prices through our relationship with Dr. Miguel.

Sterilization, vaccinations, emergency services and routine vet care are a huge part of what we provide; however, if the animals aren’t fed properly, it becomes a rather mute point. You can’t have a healthy pet without good nutrition!

Adoption and Foster Care – Our next quarter focus for this area is more advertising. We recently met with Prensa Libre, a daily newspaper. They have agreed to run an ad for us every day for 5-7 days one week prior to our clinics as well as periodic ads for adoptions.

The Review Magazine, based in Antigua donates monthly space for Healthy Pets.

We work with local television and radio stations for advertising and special programs featuring the Healthy Pets program. We are scheduled to broadcast a live radio call-in show during August to promote the clinics for San Jorge, Solola and World Rabies Day as well as adoptions.