08/05/2015 I spent the better part of Saturday the 25th at the airport waiting for the majority of the Helping Paws Across Borders vets and vet techs to arrive so I could help Kathy shuttle them and all of their gear to Oak Ridge. Bill got to the airport at 3 to help also, there were a lot of people and lots and lots of luggage (medical supplies, etc.) After some shots of tequila @ BJ’s (trust me, there’s the same amount of tequila in each of these glasses, even though some were shot glasses and some were drinking glasses), they got a boat to the Reef House Resort where they are staying. The Reef House is very close to Oak Ridge where the clinic will be.
On Tuesday I loaded Lola into my car and we were off for the vet clinic at 7:40 AM. Lola was getting spayed and I was volunteering at the clinic. We were SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO busy. I was trying to check people in and I had no clipboard to lean on to even write. My friend Mac came with his 2 gorgeous well behaved dogs and he gave me his clipboard, Damn, where is Bank of America’s BIG BLUE when you really need it??
It was a scorchingly hot day, I felt sorry for the animals and people waiting. When Lola came out of surgery we had a hard time rousing her. Some dogs handle anesthesia differently than others. I, myself, used to be a puke fest with it until I started telling the docs and they put anti nausea meds in it. What a difference. We got some ice packs for Lola and I was rubbing her tongue with ice, she was starting to come around. I called Bill to come get her but it was still awhile after he got there until they were comfortable to let her go. She took a few days to get back eating but seems to be doing fine almost 1 week after. We kept her away from the pups the first day and that only upset them and her. They adore her and were missing her terribly. Once we let her back out with them they didn’t stop licking her face..They love them some Lola.
I spent Tues, Wed and Thursday there from 8-5 everyday except Thursday when I got there at 9. (I was busy making the vets rum balls for their after work treats). The vets took a much deserved day off on Friday and we were all back at it again Saturday. I love working with this group of people!
They say a picture is worth 1000 words, here are the pics..
It is hot sweaty work for me, I can’t imagine what it’s like for the vets working with the animals. The temperature was over 90 everyday, the tents were hot, the people and their pets were waiting, it was stressful all around. We saw some very poorly cared for animals but they did take the time to bring them to us so they must care a little at least.
The first day was chaotic as always, the second day we were SLAMMED.
All in all it was a fabulous experience to help so many animals. some were well cared for, well fed and healthy, others were teeter tottering on the verge of death. That’s when it really gets to you. EVERY SINGLE VET AND VET TECH ASSISTANT in this group is madly passionate about animal care. They raise money to buy supplies, they pay for their own flights, their own rooms and food, all because they want to help the animals. If you are interested you can donate to this group, they are a legitimate 501C and would be grateful for any donation, no matter the size.
If I was mentally and physically exhausted after 4 days of vet clinics can you imagine how the vets and the techs felt?? I am in no way complaining, I am so grateful they came and that I got to know them all a little better. They are compassionate, committed and an absolute blast to be around. It’s nice to see a group of people, (some who met for the first time the day they arrived) with a common cause come together to try to make a difference. They were like a well oiled machine, I can’t say enough about them.
HELPING PAWS ACROSS BORDERS ROCKS!! Love all of you guys and thanks so much for what you did for the animal population on the east end of the island. Many thanks to Kathy Shupe, the absolute ultimate co-ordinator…
I apologize that I lost track of who took what photo. The main contributors are: Morgan Rivera, Nina Stively and Susan Neas and myself. If I missed you, I’m sorry, I was just grabbing photos whenever I could so I could show what actually went on at the clinic..
P.S. Any vets or vet techs needing a vacation are welcome to stay in our guest condo, anytime…warning though, we have 7 dogs.
Mermaid on a Raft 
Pure awesomeness! Such compassion and dedication is apparent in all that they do and what you do. Bravo!
Helping Paws Across Borders is a fabulous group of dedicated Vets and vet techs, it was a pleasure to help them while they were here!
Amazing work. Thank you so much for sharing this, Deb. I can’t wait to one day help.
Lizeth, I look forward to that!!