SPCAI Staff, Author at SPCA International

Rio Visit Reveals Animal Suffering

July 20, 2016August 28, 2019

by SPCAI Staff

In June, our SPCA International team traveled to Rio de Janeiro, the host city of this year's summer Olympic and ParaOlympic Games, to assess the condition of the stray animal population. In prior Olympic Games and even World Cup Games, many host countries have dealt with the overpopulation of homeless animals in very inhumane ways. During the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, city authorities ramped up a campaign to exterminate street dogs through the use of poison. Many spectators, visitors and athletes described witnessing stray dogs dying agonizing long deaths. SPCA International is determined to prevent these kinds of inhumane actions ahead of the Olympic Games this year and into the future.

One of our primary goals during our June trip was to strengthen our partnerships with the organizations and individuals on the ground. Our joint efforts with Oito Vidas, a local non-profit group dedicated primarily to the welfare of stray cats, has been paramount in our ability to do make progress without stationing a staff member in Rio full time. Through their expertise we have been able to form new relationships and reach out to the government and Olympic authorities.

During our visit we examined Olympic sites where we rescued several dogs and cats (including the cat pictured here) that were left behind by individuals forced to leave their homes in order to build sporting event structures. The dogs and cats are now being well cared for and treated for disease, dehydration and malnutrition. Once they are strong enough, we will have them spayed or neutered and carefully select loving and deserving homes for each and every one of them.

There is still much to be done for the animals of Rio, and not just before the games, but for long thereafter. We believe that educating the people of Rio about humane care and treatment of their animals, the benefits of sterilization and encouraging adoptions will help elevate the animal population and provide much needed support for animal activists in Rio who are working on these issues daily.

Today we are gearing up for more field work in Rio. Our team leaves July 27^th to work on education, sterilization and adoption just ahead of the Opening Ceremonies. We have scheduled adoption events for some of the street animals that would otherwise have little chance of finding a home.

Please join us on Facebook to support our work and share our messages as we post and stream video live from the field. There is so much work to be done, but we can’t do it without your support!

Amazing visit to Spay Panama

June 7, 2016January 20, 2020

by SPCAI Staff

By Hannah Weitzenfeld, DVM When I was first invited by SPCA International to volunteer at Spay Panama, I had no idea what to expect. I was a bit concerned about safety, as well as standards of veterinary care in Panama compared with what I’m used to here in Canada. Upon arrival Patricia Chan, the founder of Spay Panama, warmly welcomed me at the airport. After an inspiring chat she brought me back to my accommodations at the center. The next morning, I met with all of the veterinarians and volunteers, who were quite friendly and helpful. Most of the volunteers and even some of the veterinarians began helping Spay Panama after the organization provided care to one of their family pets. On the first day, I had a chance to observe how the whole clinic is run. The morning was spent on spay and neuter surgeries, and in the afternoon veterinarians saw sick and injured patients. Volunteers worked at different stations, including registration, patient preparation, post-operative care, and instrument sterilization. Volunteers and veterinarians worked together efficiently and harmoniously, with lots of great conversation and laughter through the day. It was evident that everyone was grateful for the opportunity to care for these animals in need. By the end of the first day of watching this team work together, I knew that I was involved with a very special organization. The second day had something entirely different in store for me and part of the team: the head veterinarian, Dr. Augusto Barragan, along with another veterinarian, a technician and myself, were accompanied by a few locals as we went on a spay and neuter expedition to a remote area called Playa Blanca, in Colon province, on the Atlantic side of the country. After driving an hour, we packed our stuff into a boat and headed over to the remote area. There, after sterilizing several animals, we heard from one of the locals about an even more remote area where there were more dogs that needed help. We packed some supplies into a smaller boat and rode over. At the location, there was no paved path – we walked 20 minutes through bush and among cows, to get to a farm where there was a dog that needed to be neutered and had some lacerations that needed treatment. We treated the dog, and the farmer was incredibly grateful for our help. After returning to Playa Blanca, the locals gave us plantains and coconuts to thank us for our work. What a great day! After a few more days at the Spay Panama center, came the “Blitz” – basically a weekend spay and neuter marathon at an elementary school in an impoverished suburb of Panama City. Local officials and city workers spread the word to low-income residents that Spay Panama was doing a low-cost spay-neuter event in the covered outdoor yard of the school. On Friday afternoon when we got there, school children eagerly rushed to help us set up. They crowded the Spay Panama school bus to carry our equipment and supplies, and to set up the many tables for the different care stations. At first it seemed a bit chaotic, but with the leadership of the veterinarians and volunteers, the kids did an amazing job! Saturday morning, we arrived to a seemingly unending line of local residents with their pets – cats in pillowcases in owners’ arms, puppies in laundry baskets, etc. It was quite a sight! One by one, volunteers patiently registered, medicated and prepared patients for surgery. With 10 veterinarians working, we preformed 500 surgeries in two days, using primarily injectable anesthetic, with great success. After the procedures, pet owners waited lovingly, sometimes stroking or codling their recovering animals. Unfortunately, the following day it was time for me to return home. This experience was eye-opening and inspiring. Not only did I learn a lot about organizing large-scale spay-neuter events and the quick-spay method, I came to appreciate the importance of empathy, team cohesion and community involvement. I am so grateful to Spay Panama and SPCAI for this opportunity.

Soldier Adopts Puppy From Iraq

May 21, 2016August 28, 2019

by SPCAI Staff

U.S. Army veteran and international detachment fighter, Ken Wyrsch, befriended a puppy named Oliver while on the frontlines of the fight against ISIS. Ken contacted SPCA International for help getting Oliver out of Iraq when his time there came to an end. Mission impossible is now a mission complete and the local San Francisco news was there yesterday to catch their reunion on film!

Here's what Ken had to say a few hours after Oliver arrived:

"Oliver was so hungry and thirsty…he wouldn't eat or drink until later tonight. He was too excited. The neighbors dogs and him ran back and forth between houses across the street. We went to the park. Super scared at first then next thing you knew he had a following. Ran a pack….He's hugged me (and I mean he squeezes his hugs) a million times. He grabbed me with his mouth when he saw me. It was great. Thank you So So much!"

Local News Coverage

CBS News San Francisco - Bay Area Soldier Reunites With Puppy He Adopted In Iraq

ABC News San Francisco – Local Veteran Reunited With Puppy He Be Befriended In Iraq

Mission Tails 2016 Rescues Photos

May 7, 2016August 28, 2019

by SPCAI Staff

What a year 2016 has already been for our OBP: Worldwide program! Since January, we have been able to rescue 11 dogs and 10 cats for U.S. Military and American citizens serving in some very challenging areas of the world. And that’s not all; we have 10 more who are currently awaiting rescue as well, all thanks to your support. Here are just a few of these rescues. We know if they could speak, they would say a big thank you to you as well!

Dushka – In a remote area of war torn Iraq, this little pup escaped her otherwise horrible fate and won the heart of a brave veteran fighting ISIS on the front lines.

Evi – The enormous support that poured out for this sweet dog that found her way onto base and into the life of one very special Soldier deployed in Kuwait was simply heartwarming!

Marcus – When this docile cat began visiting the U.S. Base Camp in Kuwait, the Soldier who found him never imagined that her life would be forever changed. The two formed an unimaginable bond during her evening shifts when he would come and cuddle onto her lap.

Mini Me and Blackie – There was no resisting this adorable duo who were only just born and left to fend for themselves on the streets of Erbil in Iraq when one lovely U.S. Soldier found them and cared for them until they were able to be transported to her family in the U.S.

Mowgli – This friendly cat used to hang out the Ali Al Salam Air Base chow hall in Kuwait hoping to find some leftover table scraps. It wasn’t until one night last fall that a kind Soldier reached out to pet him and although he seemed hesitant at first, he warmed up to her several months later by showing up at her dorm each morning and even walking her across base. Sometimes he would even escort her to dinner and wait outside until she was done!

Ollie – When a young pup was in danger of being destroyed by animal control near Taji Base Camp in Iraq, a few Soldiers took it in their own hands to offer him a place to stay until they could figure out how to get him to the U.S. After several weeks, he became the morale booster for the Soldiers and when they were informed that they only had 48 hours to get him out, our team rushed to his rescue. He now lives the happiest life in the U.S. with one of the Soldiers who stole her heart.

Savage – This adorable little ball of fur escaped what could have been a terrible attack by two stray adult dogs when a bunch of heroic reservists came to his rescue and brought him to base in Jordan. All it took was one meeting by a Marine later that day and the bond was formed. It wasn’t long before we could get him to safety and bring home where they reunited just a couple of weeks ago in the U.S.!

Tucker – When a U.S. Contractor and his fiancé noticed a small puppy sitting all by himself for 3 consecutive days at Camp Bondsteel in Kosovo, they knew they had to come to his aid. This poor little guy was orphaned and had no idea how to fend for himself, so they called him Tucker and brought him home to where they were living. Now this puppy that has a personality larger than life is enjoying his days in the U.S. with his family that came to his rescue!

Brew – Brew melted all of our hearts in an instant. After being hit by a car and shot in the abdomen, this little beauty of a dog found refuge in a trash bin at a local gas station in Kosovo. For 6 months a Soldier visited and fed her at night because she was too afraid to come out during the day. Her injuries were quite severe, requiring an amputation of her front paw, but her spirit was never broken thanks to the love and care of the kindhearted Sargent that saved her life.

These are just a few of the happy “tails’ we get to share with you because of your generous support. Thank you being part of our OBP: Worldwide team, thank you for coming to their rescue!

2016 Shelter Support Photo Recap

May 7, 2016August 28, 2019

by SPCAI Staff

#1. Helping Paws Across Boards is an amazing organization that travels to poverty sticken areas all over the world, providing free veterinary care to the communities animals. SPCA International was proud to support their most recent clinic in Roatan, Honduras this February.

#2. True Friends shelter in the Astryakhan region of Russia sees some of the worst cases of animal abuse, like Tyapa. Thanks to the tremendous outpour of support for Tyapa SPCA International was able to give a substantial grant to True Friends to help build a clinic and improve their shelter. P.S. Tyapa is still looking for her forever home!

#3.Tanzania Animal Welfare Society never ceases to amaze us. Dr. Kahema and his team bring essential care to remote areas of Tanzania. From vaccines to financial aid, SPCA International counties to support their tireless efforts to bring care to the all the animals of Tanzania.

#4. RainCoast Dog Rescue Society, based in Canada, is a foster based organization that rescues dogs from areas in Canada, and high-kill shelters in CA. SPCA International has been able to support rescues from Mexico and most recently Romania.

#5. Elephant Aid International provides better lives for captive elephants and training for mahouts (elephant trainers). SPCA International was able to help provide a chain-free enclosure for a bull elephant in Nepal.

#6. Brightside Animal Center in Oregon is dedicated to providing all of its animals with the tools they need to find forever homes no matter how long it takes. SPCA International was happy to support their need for a new feline isolation ward.

#7. RR Refuge provides sanctuary for abused and neglected horses in Canada. SPCA International is proud to support RR Refuge again, as they continue to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abandoned horses.

#8.Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals has been providing a safe haven and advocacy for the abused and neglected farm animals in Canada. With the wonderful outpouring of support for two of their residents, Theo and Rudy, SPCA International was able to help support their wonderful work.

#9. SPCA Ouest de L’ile is a shelter in Cananda that is continuing to grow. SPCA International was excited to be able to visit and once again support their rescues and growth.

#10.Detroit Animal Welfare Group sees horrible cases of neglect and dog fighting. This past fall SPCA International was able to support the care and rehabilitation of Glory, most recently SPCAI provided a van to DAWG so that they are able to rescue more animals in need.

#11. Spay Panama is a wonderful initiative bringing week and weekend long spay/neuter clinics to the citizens of Panama. SPCA International has been a supporter of Spay Panama for the last 5 years, SPCAI was able to send a volunteer veterinarian, Hannah, to assist in the clinic and learn their patented quick spay technique.

Veterinary Supply Aid: Providing Essential Equipment to Remote Areas

April 7, 2016January 20, 2020

by SPCAI Staff

by: Emma Koeniger Veterinary medicine is an important part of pet ownership; it provides your furry friend with the essential vaccinations and preventative care so that they can live a happy and healthy life. In the United States we are used to having pertinent medications, preventatives and procedures at our disposal. It would be out of the norm to walk into a clinic and find that they do not have rabies vaccines or the supplies needed to perform a routine spay/neuter. However this scenario is all too common in less developed parts of the world. My dog Kuma’s annual exam included vaccines (Rabies, DA2PP, Bordetella and Leptospirosis), a fecal parasite screen and Heartworm/tick borne disease test; the total cost at a New York City clinic was $594.35. However in countries like Romania, Tanzania, Guatemala this routine care is not affordable, not only based on the cost that I had to pay but also it can be impossible to find or buy what we consider basic veterinary supplies in remote locations internationally. Through our Veterinary Supply Aid program we have been able to bring lifesaving medications and supplies to these clinics in desperate need for a fraction of the cost and alleviating their need to pay an import fee. In turn they are able to bring essential care to the people and animals of these remote areas and freeing up their own funds to improve their shelters, clinics and sometimes hire staff. Dr. Kahema, the Executive Director of Tanzania Animal Welfare Society recently sent us a letter about the Veterinary Supply Aid he received in Tanzania;

“Thank you very much for helping our veterinary clinics. Just returned yesterday from Dodoma and our team is still working there. We will be going to help the dogs at St. Augustine very soon and we will send you the report of the work. We are real very grateful for this big help and we are sure to reach many displaced animals and the animals in Mwanza. Our team always talks about you and SPCAI as you are pillar of Tanzania Animal Welfare Society and we are so much encouraged and motivated to work with you and we will reach many suffering animals in various parts of Tanzania this year of 2016.”

We endeavor to help more organizations like TAWESO so that the veterinary care that is essential and so readily available to us in the United States can be available for everyone and every animal no matter where in the world they are.

Mission Tails: Evi +10 Rescue Details

April 4, 2016January 20, 2020

by SPCAI Staff

By Lori Kalef, SPCAI program manager

We are living in a time when it’s become next to impossible to wake up each day and not be frightened by what’s going in the world. It seems that with each new day, there is a bigger wake up call. Terrorism, abuse of power, violence, racism and abuse dominate the headlines on every social media or news site there is. The impact it has on our lives is considerable, even if we are lucky to live in a peaceful area of the world. Of course it is no surprise that our OBP: Worldwide program has been significantly challenged by current events as well since we many of our rescues originate in the Middle East.

It’s therefore especially rewarding during these precarious times when our team is able to save the lives of the beloved dogs and cats that have made brave U.S. servicemembers time overseas bearable. Evi is one of those perfect examples. When “Hawk” first found this beautiful dog at the entrance gate of his base, he said he fell in love with her the moment he saw her. “I was leaving base one day and saw her at the entry control point. She was just sitting quietly. I spoke to her and told her she was a beautiful girl. I wanted to scoop her up right then and there. ” Now Evi is getting ready to make her journey home to the United States to live with Hawk’s family until he returns home from Kuwait, all because of your generous support and encouragement.

In addition to Evi, your generous donations have helped us approve for rescue 10 other animals beloved by American’s stationed overseas – Mowgli in Kuwait; Nala and Squeaker in Egypt; Poly, Freckles, Nightboy, Mr.Meowgi, Oliver and Momma Dog in Iraq; and Savage the little pup in Jordan. And even as I write this, another U.S. Soldier just applied for a sweet little cat she has fallen for on base in Kuwait!

Each rescue for one of our heroic Soldiers and brave Americans serving overseas for our country is unique and there are many details, new hurdles, red tape and complications that arise for each one. The dogs and cats that we save for our military members come from remote areas or bases that are not typically easy to access. The recent plane hijacking in Egypt and high terror alerts in the Middle East has resulted in closed airports and a backlog of passengers. That is forcing us to get more creative and find alternate routes and methods. Many of you may have wondered why it sometimes takes weeks or months to complete a rescue, or how the costs are broken down so I thought I would take this opportunity to share.

It is quite often that we have to send a security team that have special access to check points and roads to rescue one of these beloved pets. Or we might utilize partners in nearby countries. Just these first steps normally cost hundreds of dollars. We often have to quarantine the animals in boarding for 30 days to give them appropriate care, vaccinations, find airline approved kennels as well as attain the export paperwork which amounts to hundreds of dollars as well.

The cost of an airline ticket and space in cargo can cost over one thousand dollars when we are able to use a flight volunteer. When a flight volunteer can’t be found, cargo travel (with the animal flying unaccompanied) can be even more expensive.

Once these dogs or cats reach the U.S., their paperwork becomes obsolete and they are once again issued new certificates, examined by a stateside veterinarian, boarded for 24 hours and then transported via pet cargo to their final destination. Again, all costing hundreds of dollars.

There are also many other costs that are not detailed here, like room and board for our flight volunteer, food, supplies, transport to and from airport and custom fees.

An all-volunteer organization it might be able to do a handful of these rescues at a lower cost, but they would not be able to operate in war zones, find routes to remote bases with each new request, or meet the demand we continually see without paid, fulltime staff and the extra expenses of security teams and paid veterinarians.

We are also proud to be able to offer all these related rescue services free of charge to our military personnel. We believe they have sacrificed enough and their anxiety about getting their pet to safety is enough for them to worry about – we don’t need to add surprisingly high cost of transport, veterinary exams and travel paperwork to their already worried minds.

So there you have it. Without the efforts of our many team members holding hands around the world, and without your outstanding support, these beloved four legged friends would never be able to be reunited with their heroic U.S. servicemembers who are risking their lives for our security and freedom. And that would be another tragedy in this already challenging world. YOU are saving lives!

Hundreds of leashes and collars delivered to the dogs of Tanzania!

March 4, 2016August 28, 2019

by SPCAI Staff

By Lori Kalef, Program Manager

In the fall of last year, our team travelled to East Africa to work alongside our remarkable partners at TAWESO, who are making enormous strides for the welfare of all animals in Tanzania. During one of their organized free vaccine clinics, we were astonished to witness the many dogs with painful injuries caused by makeshift leashes and collars constructed from metal wires and scraps of steel thread. Open wounds and infections were a common theme among the animals due to these improvised collars embedding into their necks. Because these clinics focus on poverty stricken areas, resources and money are scarce, so we knew we had to do something about it. That is when we turned to you and you came through!

Thanks to your support we were able to deliver a sizable grant to TAWESO in order to purchase much needed leashes and collars that are now being handed out during clinics in the rural areas of Tanzania. These initial efforts are helping hundreds of dogs avoid this kind of pain and suffering. We couldn’t help but share what Dr.Kahema had to say about this campaign made possible thanks to your support:

“Our team always talks about SPCAI as the pillar of Tanzania Animal Welfare Society and we are so much encouraged and motivated to work with you and we will reach many suffering animals in various parts of Tanzania this year of 2016.

We are so grateful for your generous support and it’s clear to see through these images that the dogs are too!

Brew is Cruisin’ Home

March 4, 2016August 28, 2019

by SPCAI Staff

By Emma Koeniger , SPCAI Staff

In November we received an overwhelming amount of support for Brew, the little dog with the broken paw who had formed a bond with a U.S. Army Sgt. on deployment in Kosovo. After our partners drove 9 hours to bring Brew to their clinic in Romania we were able to see the extent of Brew’s injuries. On x-ray it was confirmed that Brew was shot and the bullet still lodged in her chest. Additionally, due to being purposefully hit by a car while living on the streets, Brew’s front right paw had to be amputated. Thankfully this girl is a survivor and being less one limb doesn’t seem to bother this little firecracker at all! She has recovered so well from the surgery and is in tip-top shape.

We had originally planned to fly Brew to the United States in December, but flight cancelations and her surgery set back her timeline. Our OBP: Worldwide team worked endlessly to facilitate this rescue and we are so happy to say that while you read this Brew is up in the air on her way to JFK airport in New York. After she lands Brew will have a short rest and another veterinary exam, and then be on her way to Sgt. David’s family in the Boston area where she will await his return from deployment. We are thankful to report that she won’t have to wait long; Sgt. David is due home before April. Stay tuned for news and photos from Brew and Sgt. David’s reunion!

A Safe Haven for Farm Animals: R.A.S.T.A.

February 16, 2016January 20, 2020

by SPCAI Staff

By Emma Koeniger, SPCA International staff Lucie Cerny founded the Rescue and Sanctuary for Threatened Animals (RASTA) in 2001. Located on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, R.A.S.T.A. provides a no-kill and cage-free permanent home to farm animals, as well as dogs and cats. Offering an interactive experience to the visiting public, Lucie and the RASTA volunteers aim to educate and promote compassion for all creatures great and small. R.A.S.T.A. is addressing an underserved animal community by providing advocacy and shelter to abused and neglected farm animals. The sanctuary is currently home to over 50 Pot Belly pigs; a steer by the name of Theo who was an abused veal calf, 2 goats, 2 donkeys, a miniature horse, geese and ducks. Each of these beautiful animals was the victim of abuse, neglect and/or saved from slaughter. Recently our Program Manager, Lori Kalef, visited Lucie and the animals she cares for at R.A.S.T.A.. She learned about the heartbreaking stories of these animals, the abuse that they’ve gone through. One that stood out in particular to her was Rudy, a potbelly pig who was over-bred for the “Micro Mini” and “Tea Cup Potbelly Pig” fad. No potbelly pig is meant to stay small, and uneducated fad fans quickly abandoned their pigs as they grew too large for their space. Because of the abuse Rudy endured, he walks with a terrible limp and a rounded spine, but he is still the most affectionate and gentle animal you could ever meet. Having recently moved to a new location, the R.A.S.T.A. team has a lot of work ahead of them. Having built all the enclosures and gates by their own manpower, they now plan to refurbish a barn on their new property with the help of an SPCA International grant. SPCA International is proud to support such a dedicated group of individuals giving homeless farm animals the love and attention they need to safely and happily live out their lives as they are meant to be. Want to know even more?! Visit their website: http://www.rastarescue.org/