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.  

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AMIGOS DE ANIMALES BOQUETE PANAMÁ

MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

CLINIC MUSINGS FROM OUR PRESIDENT & FEBRUARY CLINIC

Dear volunteers: As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over our bustling clinic, you stood tall—tired but resolute. Today was no ordinary day; it was a marathon of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Let's take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments that unfolded during this long and tiring clinic session.

1. **Sterilization Triumph**: You sterilized a staggering 328 animals. Among them were **153 dogs** and **175 cats**—each procedure a step toward curbing overpopulation and ensuring healthier lives for our furry companions.

2. **Tumor Warriors**: In a quiet corner, under the focused gaze of our skilled veterinarians, **three brave dogs** emerged victorious. Their tumors, once ominous, were skillfully excised. These pups can now wag their tails without pain, their futures brighter than ever.

3. **A Leg Restored**: Imagine the gratitude in the eyes of that one dog—the one whose leg was amputated today. The leg that had caused relentless pain and hindered mobility. You made the tough call, and now that dog can run, play, and embrace life anew.

4. **Sparkling Smiles**: Amid the flurry of surgeries, you didn't forget the basics. With gentle hands, you cleaned the teeth of **three lucky dogs**, ensuring not only fresh

breath but also healthier gums. Their wagging tails were your silent applause.

5. **Empathy and Information**: Our clinic isn't just about procedures; it's about families. You sat down with **two families**, their hearts heavy with concern. You updated them on their pets' cancer progression, allowing them time to weigh their options. Your empathy mattered.

6. **Antibiotics and Healing**:  You handed out little vials of hope—antibiotics to pets battling infections. These tiny doses would mend wounds, soothe fevers, and restore vitality. You sent them home with love and care.

7. **Puppy Spotlight**: And then there were the puppies—the wide-eyed, hopeful souls. You gave them exposure, a chance to be seen. Maybe it was the way they tilted their heads or the softness in their eyes, but you knew they deserved more. You increased their chances of adoption, one cuddle at a time.

**Volunteers, you are the heartbeat of our clinic. Your hands, your compassion, and your unwavering spirit create ripples of change. You've touched lives, healed hearts, and made a difference.**

You have my immense gratitude, Leslie Sherling, President

Celebrating Compassion: Potrerillos Clinic's Remarkable Day

147 animals underwent sterilization thanks to the efforts of our Potrerillos family.  

Raquel, Sara, Sol and talented students orchestrated this compassionate effort. Raquel herself brought in 9 animals and Sara arranged for care for a box of abandoned kittens!

A tiny abandoned pup was provided with loving care for the day and a valued volunteer took it home to continue care.

The incredible crew from Boquete showed up at  6 am to set up and stayed to the very end to make sure all animals were safe. Amazing!

Our deepest gratitude to all who made this day remarkable.

**Botflies: Uninvited Guests in the World of Mammals**

These remarkable insects have a fascinating life cycle, and their impact on mammals—is significant. Let's delve into the world of botflies: 

1. **What Are Botflies?**

   - A **botfly** is any fly within the family **Oestridae**. Their life cycles vary across species, but one common thread unites them: **internal parasitism**. These flies are masters of adaptation, each species finding its unique niche within their hosts.

2. **Life Cycle and Infestation**:
   - **Egg Deposition**: Botflies lay their eggs directly on a host or use intermediaries like mosquitoes, stable flies, or ticks to transport the eggs. The warmth of the host's body triggers hatching.
   - **Larval Invasion**: Once hatched, tiny botfly larvae penetrate the host's skin. Some species grow within the flesh, while others inhabit the alimentary tracts.
   - **The "Bot" Connection**: The term "bot" refers to the maggot stage of these flies.

3. **Protecting Dogs from Botflies**:
   - **Preventive Measures**:
     - **Inspect**: Regularly check your dog's skin for any unusual lumps or bumps.
     - **Avoid High-Risk Areas**: Keep your dog away from areas where botflies thrive.
     - **Insect Repellents**: Use dog-safe insect repellents to deter botflies.
   - **Treatment**:
     - **Prompt Removal**: If you notice a lump or suspect botfly infestation, consult a veterinarian. Early removal is crucial.
     - **Surgical Extraction**: In severe cases, surgical removal may be necessary.
     - **Pain Management**: Post-removal, manage pain and promote healing.
     - **Antibiotics**: If the wound becomes infected, antibiotics are essential.

4. **Remember**: Botflies are fascinating creatures, but their presence can be uncomfortable for our furry friends. Stay vigilant, seek professional help when needed, and let's protect our beloved dogs from these uninvited guests.

KEVIN LEO, "LITTLE PAVARATTI", CONCERTS AT LOS MOLINOS

We're excited to announce two concerts that will benefit DogCamp and us! Kevin Leo is a world-renowned performer. He has been dubbed “Little Pavarotti" as he has a really nice tenor voice.  He does singing and joke telling. He is a person who can sing opera and also Frank Sinatra, Elvis and other known artists.

The concerts will be held at Los Molinos on Friday April 12th from 6-9:30 PM, and on Sunday April 14th from 1-4 PM.

Tickets are $35 which includes the performance and a buffet meal by Los Molinos. There will be a cash bar. Tickets can be purchased at Mailboxes Etc, Mike's Global Grill, the BCP Tuesday Market, and the TapOut Tuesday Market

Contact Carol Cardinale-Santana at cardinalesantana@gmail.com or Javier and Magaly with DogCamp at 6830-6858 if you have any questions.

GET TO KNOW OUR AMIGOS DE ANIMALES FAMILY

This month we're featuring another husband and wife team:

Names: Ken and Maxi Andrews

Your position/title with AdA:  Ken - Animal taxi and data input at the clinics; Maxi - I am a surgical assistant, usually for Dr. Virgilio Gonzalez Quiel during the Boquete clinics and away clinics and am a surgical coordinator for the away clinics. 

How long have you been working with AdA?  Ken – A little over a year since January 2023; Maxi – 6.5 years 

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? Ken – At the home clinics in Boquete, I usually taxi dogs and cats from station to station in the morning and do data input for animal intake where the animals are weighed and given their anesthetic.  At the away clinics, I usually taxi the animals all day. I help with the set up for home clinics and with the van loading, unloading, and set up for the away clinics.
Maxi – I help the surgeon during surgery.  I also coordinate surgery for the away clinics and help load and unload the van for the away clinics.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA?  Ken - There is always something that needs to be done to facilitate the AdA goal of spay and neutering dogs and cats in Chiriqui. No matter what your life experience and expertise are, everyone has some useful to contribute to the many tasks that need to be done to coordinate a smoothly run clinic.  I really enjoy the camaraderie of the whole group and it’s focus on serving the community.

Maxi – Without the clinics, the unwanted animal population in our area would continue to increase.  There are so many ways to volunteer.  Everybody can find an opportunity to suit their talents and interests.

Click here for the rest of Ken's & Maxi's stories 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 Mailboxes and Mike's Global Grill 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 Tuesday 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 Tuesday 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 doing clinics 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 April 28, 2024  (held the last Sunday of each month - we are dark 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 statistics for February:

Here are 2024 statistics through February:

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

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Website:  www.aadab.org/

Contact us at info@aadab.org if you have any questions.

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