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The pet care resource listing shown above was updated today to Issue 1.5, specifically to provide supplemental information related to: the importation of pets the exportation of pets

Taking A Pet (Cat or Dog) Out of Panama (Version 1.2, Re-published January 28, 2019 with updated information regarding United Airlines.) What follows are the steps for taking pets out of Panama. In the context of this topic, the word pet only means a cat or a dog, and not birds, equine, reptiles, exotic, or controlled animals, etc. The term used for the procedure of taking a pet out of Panama is 'to export.' The export information provided here was compiled by Jeff Simon (former Boquete resident) and Judy Sacco based on their research and experiences. Judy provides this information to others who inquire of the export process. Judy has graciously agreed to let this information be published here in CL for the general benefit of pet owners wishing to export their pet from Panama. If you have questions about exporting a pet, you may post a reply here (assuming you are a CL member). Alternatively, Judy is a member of CL; you may contact her via private message to 'JudyS'. Portions of this posting were extracted from http://steptolife.blogspot.com/2008/08/taking-animal-out-of-panama.html. Are you making a trip to the United States or some other country and planning to take your pet? Panama requires that you complete certain procedures and get an Export Permit (read more about this below). These documents must be dated within ten days of your departure. In other words, if you get them one month before your departure they will not be valid. Your destination country and your state may have their own requirements. It is best to check your destination country and/or state requirements before you leave Panama. Panama requires both cats and dogs to have a General Health Certificate for the export process to be approved. If you have information changes that you believe should be included herein, please send your suggestions via email to petvet@chiriqui.life. The preferred method to share this information with others is to provide a URL hotlink for this topic. We request that references to this resource listing include attribution as to source, specifically meaning the Chiriqui.Life website. The URL hotlink for this resource listing is: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2406-taking-a-pet-out-of-panama Disclaimer: The information provided herein is simply information and a listing of resources. CL does not endorse, make recommendations, or screen the resources listed. It is suggested that you do your own due-diligence prior to engaging any of these resources. Documents You Will Need For Your Pet To satisfy Panama's export requirements you need two documents from a veterinarian in Panama: Vaccination Card showing that all vaccinations are up to date, specifically including rabies. The rabies vaccination must be done at least thirty (30) days before departure. General Certificate of Health, filled out in English and Spanish. Vets and Others Who Can Help You Get the Proper Forms Dra. Chely in Boquete, 6518-4127 Dr. Crespo, 6480-7273 Dr. Samuel Candanedo ("Dr. Sam"), Happy Pet Veterinary Clinic David, 775-0501 or 6948-1475 or happypetdavid@hotmail.com. Call ahead for an appointment. His hours are: Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm; Saturday, 9:00am to 3:00pm. He speaks English. His wife Patricia is also a vet. Also see the Pet Relocation Services section at the end of this posting. The above resources will make sure the paperwork gets to the right place and back to you. Allow a two-week time period to do this. Working With the Airlines Going to the USA Airlines have their own requirements, separate from those of Panama. Before traveling, contact the airline and find out what you need. Airline requirements can change, so be sure you have current information. Copa Airlines A cat, when under 20 lbs, can travel from David to Tocumen in the cabin on Copa Airlines if the cage fits under the seat. However, Copa only transports pets Monday through Thursday. COPA will only take pets in the cabin that fit under the seat; larger pets have to go as cargo. United Airlines If you are flying United Airlines and your cat is flying in cargo, make a reservation: Call: Eidy M. Gutierrez, Customer Sales Support at United, 238-4657 or 238-4411, Fax: 238-4585, email eidy.gutierrez@united.com. Eidy speaks English. She will handle your pet reservation and email you forms to fill out in advance. She will send you a Word document called: "Live Animal Booking Request". Fill it out and email or fax it back to her. Then she can proceed to make your pet's reservation. You probably should also read information about United Airlines in the topic regarding pet importation. Click Here for that topic. (This paragraph was added on January 28, 2019.) Copa and United Airlines To read all about transporting your pet via United Airlines or Copa Airlines, go on-line and carefully read all the info posted. Google “United Airlines Pet Travel” and it is recommended that you read everything very carefully. There are a lot of details regarding the size of kennel needed, etc. Key Point: do not tranquilize your pet. If you do, United will not ship the pet. Pets fly in the cabin or as cargo on United or COPA. These airlines no longer accept them as checked baggage. Delta Airlines Delta will fly pets in cabin, as checked baggage, and as cargo. Checked baggage is cheaper than cargo. If you want to take them in the cabin, you must make a reservation for your pet, as only two animals are allowed in coach per flight, and they must be small enough to fit under the seat. You can take only one animal per passenger in the cabin. Air Panama, or Land Transportation between Chiriquí Province and Panama City Air Panama will take pets, or you can hire a driver for land transportation between Chiriquí Province and Panama City. Air Panama will only take pets in the cabin that fit under the seat; larger pets have to go as cargo. Call Air Panama to find out if small pets can go in the cabin; it depends on the size of the plane. Update as of January 2015 - Includes Requirements for Europe Dra. Chely in Boquete can do this too. The following are instructions if you go to the offices of Dr. Samuel Candanedo ("Dr. Sam") at Happy Pet Clinic in David, Doleguita (Calle 6a Oeste, between Cl. M Norte and Cl. L Norte). He speaks fluent English. His wife is a vet too (Patricia). It is easy to find as there is a big sign in front of the clinic. Hours are Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm. Dr. Samuel Candanedo, Happy Pet Veterinary Clinic, 775-0501 or 6948-1475, email happypetdavid@hotmail.com. The cat or dog will need to get a rabies vaccination. This vaccination must be within 12 months of the day of transport but the pet cannot fly to the U.S. until thirty (30) days after he/she has the rabies vaccination, so don't wait until the last minute to do this. In the case of a cat traveling to EU countries, there must be a FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) titer test for the level of rabies antibodies. This test must be done at least ninety (90) days before the pet can travel to Europe. The only approved laboratory for this test near Panama is at the University of Kansas Rabies Laboratory (http://www.ksvdl.org/rabies-laboratory/). Pets must be micro-chipped to enter EU countries. For pets destined for the USA: four to six days before the pet is scheduled to depart Panama (and early in the morning), go back to Dr. Sam. He will examine the pet and complete a Health Certificate, which must be in English and Spanish. Dr. Sam then takes the Health Certificate and the pet's Vaccination Card to a local office in David and within 24 hours has your Export Permit. (If destined for Europe, there is a special health certificate required.) For example, assume that you see Dr. Sam at 9:00am on Monday, then you should return at 9:00am on Tuesday and he will have your Export Permit and you are good to go! You are now ready to transport the pet to the U.S. Pet Relocation Services [copied from the Pet Care Resource topic; see http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2354-pet-care-resources-of-the-chiriqui-province/] Golden Frog, José Saenz (English and Spanish), 6614-7811, jose@goldenfrog.net, http://www.goldenfrog.net/index.htm Panama Pet Relocation, Mario Vilar (English and Spanish), Gerente General, 6674-1598 or 6619-6964, info@panamapetrelocation.com, http://www.panamapetrelocation.com/, Magna Corp. Building, Suite 707, Financial District, 51st Street & 3rd Ave S., Panama City Luis Arce, 6536-1179, luistaxi777@yahoo.com

Bringing a Pet (Cat or Dog) Into Panama From the USA (Version 1.1, Updated January 28, 2019 With New Information about United Airlines) This topic applies specifically to the procedures and forms associated with bringing pets into Panama from the USA. In the context of this topic, the word pet only means a cat or a dog, and not birds, equine, reptiles, exotic, or controlled animals, etc. The term used for the procedure of bringing a pet into Panama is 'to import.' What follows are thirteen steps to follow in the sequence listed for importing a pet. These steps were compiled by Judy Sacco based on her research and experiences. She provides this information to those who inquire of the process. Judy has graciously agreed to let her information be published here in CL for the general benefit of pet owners wishing to bring their pet into Panama. For more restrictive information about using United Airlines for pet importation, please scroll to the bottom on this posting below the horizontal rule line. (Added January 28, 2019). If you have questions about importing a pet, you may post a reply here (assuming you are a CL member). Alternatively, Judy is a member of CL; you may contact her via private message to 'JudyS'. It is reasonable to think that bringing pets to Panama from countries other than the USA would follow roughly the same steps, but that the agencies in the home country would, of course, have different names and procedures. For background information, first go to the US Embassy website for Panama to find the requirements for bringing in a pet (Traveling With Pets). There is a two page Panamanian Ministerio de Salud form in PDF format called "Solicitud De Cuarentena Domociliaria" (Home Quarantine Request) that should be filled out and faxed to Panama. That PDF form is attached at the bottom of this posting. It is strongly recommended that you read the entire referenced page on the US Embassy website. If you have information changes that you believe should be included herein, please send your suggestions via email to petvet@chiriqui.life. The preferred method to share this information with others is to provide a URL hotlink for this topic. We request that references to this resource listing include attribution as to source, specifically meaning the Chiriqui.Life website. The URL hotlink for this resource listing is: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2405-bringing-a-pet-into-panama-from-the-usa Disclaimer: The information provided herein is simply information and a listing of resources. CL does not endorse, make recommendations, or screen the resources listed. It is suggested that you do your own due-diligence prior to engaging any of these resources. Step 1: Call the USDA office in your state and make sure you get the right forms that the veterinarian needs to fill out. This is really important because a lot of vets don't know the right forms (although they may say that they do), let alone even know if they are federally accredited or not. Also find out from the USDA if your vet is federally accredited -- they have a database of all vets that are accredited. Step 2: Call around to different airlines and see if they will allow the pet to travel either in cargo or in carry-on. This is important because depending on the airline and the time of year, sometimes you can't carry your animal in cargo. Be sure the airline has a temperature controlled and pressurized cargo hold for animals. Get it in writing and triple check that they know that you are traveling with a pet. If it is a carry-on animal, be extra careful that the carrier will fit under the seat in front of you. And don't trust the people from the airline on the phone as to what dimensions will fit. Step 3: Call the selected airline and book your tickets and your pet's ticket at the same time. This is because they only allow so many animals on one plane, and you do want your animal on the same flight as you. Then when it is done, call back and verify that everything is correct with a different agent. Step 4: Download the form Cuarentena de animales formularios y requisitos. You will also find this document as a link on the embassy website link listed above. Follow instructions in Step 11. Step 5: Ten days (not earlier or later, but ten days) prior to departing the USA for Panama, go to your veterinarian, who must be federally accredited (check with the USDA and make sure your vet is federally accredited, as mentioned before). Have the vet fill out three documents: the International Health Certificate (USDA Sanitary Certificate) the signed rabies certificate. The rabies vaccine must be at least 30 days old, but no more than 1 year when you arrive in Panama. Puppies and kittens under 4 months old do not need a rabies certificate. The pet also must have other recommended vaccinations. The vaccine records must accompany the pet when you take it to Panama. the general health certificate. This one is required by the airlines. It does not have to be sent to the embassy. Step 6: Take the International Health Certificate and signed rabies certificate from the vet to the USDA office the same day to be notarized (or apostilled). Go to the USDA office that notarizes animal health certificates (there is one per state that does this), and with all of the forms (the originally signed ones, not copies) and have the USDA office notarize all of the forms. Tell them to make sure to make copies of all forms before you send the originals to the embassy. Note: If you have more than one pet, all of them can be put on the same form. That way the $30.00 you will send to the Panamanian Consulate (see Step 7) will cover all the pets. If they are put on separate forms, it will be $30.00/pet. Step 7: Take or send by FedEx the USDA notarized forms (originals), along with a prepaid FedEx envelope that is addressed to yourself, to the Consulate of Panama in Washington DC. Enclose a $30.00 money order. Let them know you are sending something, so they can be on the look out for it. It is vital that there is a fast turn around time, and they will return the forms to you the same day they receive them if you let them know they are arriving. Step 8: Call the Panamanian Consulate to verify they have received the forms and check progress. Step 9: Make sure you purchase an animal carrier that is appropriate. Also get a harness and leash for each pet. Using sedatives for your pet can be risky. Check with your vet about this. Some vets do not recommend sedatives. Step 10: Receive health and rabies forms back from the Panamanian Consulate, and keep them with your passports because your animal won't be able to (a) get on airplane, or (b) get into Panama without them. To be sure you have enough cash, take at least $200.00 per pet. It costs $130.00/animal to get them through quarantine, and if they have to stay overnight, it will be a little more. Step 11: Three days prior to departure, email or fax the form, Cuarentena de animales formularios y requisitos (see Step 4 above) to the Ministry of Health in Panama. Their email address is dcontreras@minsa.gob.pa. The email might bounce, so you might have to fax it to (+507) 212-9449 and (+507) 238-4059. (Note: People and phone numbers change. To make sure you send it to the right place, contact José Saenz; contact information is at the end of this document). Step 12: Leave extra early for your flight, because there will almost certainly be complications, despite everyone's best efforts. If your pet is going as carry-on, you will have to remove it from its carrier when you go through Security. Cats get very frightened and can easily escape. Be sure to attach the leash to the harness (not a collar) before removing the cat. Step 13: Airport quarantine and vet release: If your flight is going to arrive (or may arrive due to delays) after 8:30pm Panama time, be sure to either (a) call the airport to have a vet stay later or meet you (for example on a weekend) or (b) be prepared to have your animal stay in quarantine at the airport until the following business day (Monday if over a weekend). Although they are open till 10:00pm, it can take an hour or more to get through customs to the vet. The vet is located after immigration has checked your passport, and near the place where customs scans your luggage after you pick it up off the conveyor. Import license fee is $16.00 for one pet and $10.00 for each additional pet. Health Ministry "Home Quarantine" process costs $130.00 per pet. The Panamanian authorities offer services Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. They are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Pet Relocation Services [copied from the Pet Care Resource topic; see http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2354-pet-care-resources-of-the-chiriqui-province/] Golden Frog, José Saenz (English and Spanish), 6614-7811, jose@goldenfrog.net, http://www.goldenfrog.net/index.htm Panama Pet Relocation, Mario Vilar (English and Spanish), Gerente General, 6674-1598 or 6619-6964, info@panamapetrelocation.com, http://www.panamapetrelocation.com/, Magna Corp. Building, Suite 707, Financial District, 51st Street & 3rd Ave S., Panama City Luis Arce, 6536-1179, luistaxi777@yahoo.com Click the below hotlink to download the MINSA form (see the paragraph just before Step 1 above): MINSA-Formularios Para Introduccion De Animales Menores.pdf The following USDA online resource may also be of interest: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/export/international-standard-setting-activities-oie/sa_by_country/sa_p/ct_animal_panama The following information has been provided by a community member regarding importation of pets when using United Airlines (meaning from Houston Intercontinental Airport, airport code IAH). New information (effective late 2018) about shipping pets to Panama (or any country) via United Airlines, an airline you can use if you want to go non-stop from Houston to Panama. United Airlines now will not accept several breeds of dogs and four cat breeds. Also they require people shipping internationally to use a pet relocation company. You can no longer arrange the shipping yourself. Pet re-locators are considerably more expensive than doing it yourself, so this is going to affect some people. You can find the banned breed list by Clicking On This Hotlink. Scroll down that page almost to the bottom to find the international shipping requirements. An alternative airline to fly non-stop from Houston to Panama City is Air China. Air China does not require you to use a professional pet relocation service.

Good points. Will go into re-think mode.

The replies on this topic struck a sensitive chord with the management of this website. When we were planning the structure of CL last fall, we discussed this issue at length. The end result was a special forum here on CL for the purpose of fundraising and donation requests. We placed words in the description specifically suggesting the minimum information to be provided. The above comments pretty much hit our hot buttons. Our sensitivity to this subject comes from the fact that we (Marcelyn and Bud) are frequently approached for donations of all kinds and all sizes for a variety of reasons and variety of recipients -- on the order to two or three every week. As a result, we have come up with the term "donor fatigue". Here is a link to the dedicated donation forum here on CL: http://www.chiriqui.life/forum/99-donations-fundraising/ To date, the number of postings in that forum are, surprise: ZERO. Maybe it is because members are not aware of the existence of that forum (that is what we choose to believe). However, there is always a lingering doubt. Given that the vast majority (perhaps all?) of the email requests for donations, charity support, fundraising, etc., are distributed via News Boquete, maybe we should reconsider how that category of information dissemination should be handled. Or are we being just too skeptical? We are not suggesting that legitimate charities be shunned. Quite the contrary. But the strong, broad desire for transparency suggests that we could support donations and charities in a better manner. Legitimate charities should be willing to provide a lot of information about their request without having to be asked. CL member feedback is solicited, either by posting here, or by sending an email to support@chiriqui.life. It is possible that your response could be -- just let go of this. And if there is a large number of replies, then I will split off the related replies into a new topic. In closing, we are NOT attacking the Kids' Camp or any other legitimate needy cause.

The pet care resource listing shown above was updated today to Issue 1.4: Clarifying the language capabilities of the pet relocation service resources, where known.

This pet care resource listing shown above was updated today to Issue 1.3: The contact information for Golden Frog (under pet relocation services) was expanded with new information. The contact information for scheduling of spay/neuter appointments for Spay Panama-Chiriqui was added. Note for the record: Issues 1.1 and 1.2 were simply to correct misspelled words.

Maggie's List (Animal Care Resources of the Chiriquí Province), and Pet Abuse (Issue 1.34, Updated August 20, 2020 with updated contact info re Volcan resources) As a lead-in and related topic, there are legal restraints against the abuse of domestic animals in Panama. For those who wish to read the applicable statute, there is a separate topic here on CL that provides both the Spanish and the English language versions of Panama's Law 70, dated 18 October 2012. Here is a link to that topic: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2442-animal-protection-act-of-panama/ Below are various categories of resources in the Chiriqui Province that (a) support, (b) provide services or products related to, and/or (c) deal with pets. These resources are listed in alphabetical order based on the category name. Some of the listed resources are not located in the Chiriquí Province, but may be of interest to pet owners while in transit or needing pet relocation services. If you have additional resources that you would like to have included in this resource listing or corrections to information found here, please send your suggestions via email to pet.vet.info@chiriqui.life. The recommended method to share this information with others is to provide a URL hotlink for this topic. We request that references to this resource listing include attribution as to the source, specifically meaning the Chiriqui.Life website. The URL hotlink for this resource listing is: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2354-pet-care-resources-of-the-chiriqui-province Disclaimer: The information provided herein is simply a listing of resources. CL does not endorse, recommend, warrant, or screen the resources listed herein. It is suggested that you do your own due diligence prior to engaging any of these resources. ========================== Start of pet care resource listing. ========================== Dog Grooming Boquete Area The Dog Spot Boquete, Roberto Rios, professional groomer, English and Spanish, "Where Dogs Hang Out & Cool People Chill", across from San Francis Church on the main road just past Ivan heading into town, Alto Boquete, 6603-5347, thedogspotboquete@yahoo.com, www.thedogspotboquete.wix.com/go , www.facebook.com/TheDogSpotBoquete Charlies Pet Fashion, Calle 4a Sur, Bajo Boquete, Edificio Don Vidal, 720-1566, 6285-9897, Grooming walk-in or by appointment. Carries pet food to accessories and toys, clothes for most breeds, collars, leashes and barking collars, and specialty dietary foods; willing to order specialty items that are not stocked; hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM but closed during lunch from 12:00 noon until 1:00 PM. Grooming walk-in or by appointment. Clinica y Famarcia Veterinaria San José #2, grooming service by Cesar and Ruby, M-S 8:30 - 4 PM. (some English), 730-9618, 6090-2503; Ruby is an assistant and she speaks good English; see entry under veterinarians for location details Martha Beatriz Miranda, pet sitting, dog walking, also baths and light grooming, 6917-7784, boquetepaws@gmail.com, Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mirandaulate David Area Hospital Veterinario Happy Pet, Dr. Samuel Candanedo, and Dra Patricia Guirardi Candanedo, 6948-1476, 6948-1475, 775-0501, 775-2039, happypetdavid@hotmail.com, Spanish and Portuguese and English; see entry under veterinarians for location details, Calle 6ta Oeste, Doleguita Dog Training Boquete Area Jennie Allen, 6446-5830, jensallen94@hotmail.com South of Potrerillos Area Howling Success K9 Services, Kris Berg. Offers dog and puppy training, including all behavioral issues. “Creating a bond between dogs and their owners since 1977.” We are located in La Acequia, which is north of Dolega in between Boquete and David. Hours of operation are 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM by appointment only. Check out our website or email us for more information. http://www.howlingsuccess.com, www.bravodoberman.com, www.dogfetish.com, fordogs@howlingsuccess.com. 6879-5455. Hotels and Lodging (Pet-Friendly) Note: Pet policies at hotels can change with little or no advance notice; confirm pet policies with a hotel prior to booking reservations. Puerto Armuelles Area Hooked On Panama: Pet-friendly and a nice place to stay right on the beach; not just for fishing although that is their main business; info@hookedonpanama.com, http://www.hookedonpanama.com/, 6485-4124, +1 (888) 733-5368; pets stay free, located in Punta Burica,17 K south of Puerto Armuelles Panama City Area Hotel Centroamericano, 227-4555, Avenida Ecuador 4-24 Esq. Justo Arosemena, welcomes two pets of any size for an additional $10 per pet per night, http://www.hotelcentroamericano.com/english/, ventas@hotelcentroamericano.com Albrook Inn, 315-1789 or 315-1975, Las Magnolias Street #14, Albrook, Ancón, reserva@albrookinn.com, http://www.albrookinn.com/en/, $25 per dog per stay Hotel Riande Tocumen Airport, 291-9013 or 204-4473, resort-2@riandehoteles.com, http://riandehoteles.com/aeropuerto/, we are a pet-friendly hotel, like you we love our pets, but we must establish rules that allow the happy coexistence between the guests and the pets that visit us; when booking a room you must inform us that your pet will accompany you, attach a photograph and tell us the breed, size and weight to assign an adequate room accordingly needs; our facilities allow us to receive pets (cats and dogs only) up to 30 pounds and breeds that are considered friendly; the cost is $25 per pet per night, and a maximum of two pets per room is allowed; note that any damages caused by the animal in the room or common areas may result in additional charges; out of respect for other guests your pet should be tied when it transits through the common areas of the hotel; in areas such as the swimming pool, bars, restaurant, etc., your pet is not allowed, unless the dog is for guide or care service; these types of dogs should be reported, and on arrival must submit documentation or license to apply for no charge during your stay with us Le Meridien Hotel, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3259 Volcan/Cerro Punta Area Los Quetzales EcoLodge and Spa, 771-2291 or 774-5555, dogs stay free, stay@losquetzales.com, losquetzales@gmail.com, http://www.losquetzales.com/ Importation / Exportation of Pets (Supplemental Information Resources) This section is a pointer to additional information rather than a service or product. Three documents related to the importation and exportation of pets have been published on CL. For more information about those three related subjects, please visit the following topics: Panama Health Ministry, Department of Zoonosis Control, Information To Introduce Small Animals In The Country: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/sites/default/files/general/information_to_introduce_small_animals_in_the_ountry.pdf; Forms required: http://www.minsa.gob.pa/contenido/tramites-y-formularios Importation of Pets: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2405-bringing-a-pet-into-panama-from-the-usa/ Exportation of Pets: http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2406-taking-a-pet-out-of-panama/ Laboratory Services (Specifically Including Pet Samples) Boquete Area Laboratorio Clínico Biomedica, 720-1739, Edificio Doña Andrea, in the same block as Multibank but facing the side street and next door to the Personeria, some reports that they may provide containers/tubes for samples. David Area Laboratorio Dixon, Manuel Dixon, 777-0481, 6664-1581, Spanish and English, laboratoriodixon@gmail.com, analyzes skin scrapings, blood, etc., of animals (note: Laboratorio Dixon is a full-service laboratory that also analyzes other samples, including water, human samples, etc.), if possible it is recommended that you contact the laboratory prior to collecting samples for the proper procedures and supplies to be used for collecting, labeling, storing, protecting, and transporting samples; click here for Google Maps display of Laboratorio Dixon Laboratorio Clínico Biomedica, 774-2164, Plaza Oteima, across the street from Hotel Ciudad de David Frontera, Paso Canoas Area Laboratorio Clínico Biomedica, 6674-7905, 770-5007, Edificio Don Hidalgo in front of the park Pet Kennels, Boarding, Supervised Day Care Boquete Area The Dog Spot Boquete, Roberto Rios, professional groomer, English and Spanish, "Where Dogs Hang Out & Cool People Chill", across from San Francis Church on the main road, Alto Boquete, 6603-5347, thedogspotboquete@yahoo.com, www.thedogspotboquete.wix.com/go, www.facebook.com/TheDogSpotBoquete Dog Camp Boquete, Javier Madge, and Magaly Bustamante, 6143-6385, 6563-8686 (WhatsApp), javierandmagalyhouse@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008412934153, totally fenced and perfect for pets to run free but supervised Panama City Area Mascota Resort Panamá, 6639-9699 or 6857-3942, mascotaresort@hotmail.com, http://www.mascotaresort.com/, essentially a "hotel for dogs", website in Spanish South of Potrerillos Area Howling Success K9 Services, formerly managed by Kristine Berg but now by Jim Keihl, offers cage-free and kenneled dog boarding, behavioral training, basic obedience. Over 40 years of experience; located between Boquete and David. 6879-5455. Found on Google Maps, Waze, or contact fordogs@howlingsuccess.com, www.howlingsuccess.com Pet Photography Boquete Area Javier Madge and Magaly Bustamante, 6143-6385, 6563-8686 (WhatsApp), javierandmagalyhouse@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008412934153 Beth Abrahams, bkabrahams@gmail.com My Best Friend Photography, Tania Cabal, 6567-0003, 6205-8162, 730-2992, mybfphoto@gmail.com, www.mybfphoto.com, https://www.facebook.com/My-best-friend-photography-193711314346910/ Pet Related Web Resources Boquete Area Furry Friends In Boquete: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FurryFriendsBoquete/ Panama City AdoptaPanamá, adoptapanama.com, Spanish only Pet Relocation Services Golden Frog, José Saenz (English and Spanish), 6614-7811, jose@goldenfrog.net, http://www.goldenfrog.net/index.htm Panama Pet Relocation, US & Canada Toll-Free 1-888-213-8550, +(507) 223-1598, Worldwide pet shipping services to and from Panama. All kennel sizes. WhatsApp/Local phones: All speak English/Spanish Mario Vilar, 6674-1598 / Paola Angulo, 6316-4953 / Karina Fay, 6619-6964, contact@panamapetrelocation.com, http://www.panamapetrelocation.com/ Testimonials at www.facebook.com/panamapetrelocation/reviews; address: Magna Corp Building, Suite 609, Financial District, Panama City, Panama, paola@panamapetrelocation.com Luis Arce, 6536-1179, All around logistics assistance. luistaxi777@yahoo.com Servicarga, in Panama City, for transporting large dogs or other large animals from Panama to other countries; helps with larger animals in 700-sized kennels. Dogs must fly into Miami, and then from there to their final destination. The owner is responsible for getting the animal through customs and onto the connecting flight. Alfredo Amaya is the contact person, phone 6671-0712, email amaya.alfredo@servicarga.com.pa. He is very helpful. Pet Services (Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, etc.) Boquete Area Dog Camp Boquete, Javier Madge, and Magaly Bustamante, pet sitting, dog walking, animal rescue, 6965-9423, 6563-8686 (WhatsApp), javierandmagalyhouse@gmail.com, dogcampboquete@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008412934153 Jennie Allen, dog walking, 6446-5830, jensallen94@hotmail.com Martha Beatriz Miranda, pet sitting, dog walking, also baths and light grooming, 6917-7784, boquetepaws@gmail.com, Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mirandaulate Pet Supplies (Food, Cages / Kennels, Accessories, Medicines, etc.) Boquete Area Mascotas y Jardines, across the street from Heladeria Ana's Sweets Pet Boutique, Roberto Rios, across from San Francis Church on the main road, Alto Boquete, 6603-5347, thedogspotboquete@yahoo.com, www.thedogspotboquete.wix.com/go Charlie's Pet Fashion, Calle 4a Sur,Bajo Boquete,Edificio Don Vidal, 720-1566, 6285-9897, most everything you need for your pet from food to accessories and toys, clothes for most breeds, collars, leashes and barking collars, and specialty dietary foods; willing to order specialty items that are not stocked; hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00PM but closed during lunch from 12:00 noon until 1:00PM. Grooming walk-in or by appointment. Limited vet services by appointment between 2 pm and 5 pm with Dr. Janzel Trujillo. Melo, same street as Romeros, north on left side past the new mercado complex, www.melopetandgarden.com Clinica y Farmacias Veterinaria San José #2, Dr. José Batista, pet food, supplies, and medicines; see entry under veterinarians for location details David Area Melo PET Terronal, 775-6194, 775-6197, on the InterAmerican Highway next door to Pio Pio, across from the Hyundai dealer; Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 8:00PM, Sunday from 9:00AM to 7:00PM, pet-terronal@grupomelo.com, www.melopetandgarden.com, has a large selection of all pet related items, especially including carry-alls/cages and houses, etc. Melo Downtown, in the same block as Tribunal Electoral, on the side of that building on the one-way street leading out of downtown, www.melopetandgarden.com Hospital Veterinario Happy Pet, Dr. Samuel Candanedo, and Dra Patricia Guirardi Candanedo, 6948-1476, 6948-1475, 775-0501, 775-2039, happypetdavid@hotmail.com, Spanish and Portuguese and English; see entry under veterinarians for location details Mr. Dog, Plaza Mallorca (on the main one-way street, across from Radio Megamix), 6543-4944 (Carlos, store owner, Spanish only), 6681-4422 (Joel, the son, Spanish and English), 730-7429 (business line), mr.dogpanama@hotmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/mr.dogpanama/, general pet type supplies, but also has the equipment to make custom engraved metal pet ID tags PriceSmart, for Kirkland brand foods in bulk for cats, dogs, and puppies Novey, a good selection of dog food such as Royal Canin and cat food such as Fancy Feast and flea and tick applications DoIt Center, some supplies, including dog crates Veterinaria San José, Dr. José Batista, pet food supplies, see entry under veterinarians for location details Clinica Vet Don Henry, Dr. Jorge Gomez, pet food supplies, see entry under veterinarians for location details Volcan Area Bodegon has Kirkland brand pet foods Rescue and Adoption Services Boquete Area Salvadores de Animales (Formerly known as ARF, Adoption Rescue Foster) Salvadores de Animales is a non-profit organization committed to the well-being of all companion animals, rescued, abused or injured. We provide medical treatment, fostering and adoption. We ensure all animals find a loving forever home. We dedicate our time through supporting the efforts through education, outreach, community services. www.saldea.org, saldeapanama@gmail.com Pets Want Homes: http://www.petswanthomes.com/index.html Dog Camp Boquete, Javier Madge, and Magaly Bustamante, 6143-6385, 6563-8686 (WhatsApp), javierandmagalyhouse@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008412934153, a big area, totally fenced and perfect for pets to run free but supervised David Area Patas y Pies: patasypiespanama@gmail.com Voz de los Animales: Iris Herrera, vozdelosanimales@yahoo.com, www.facebook.com/vozdelosanimales/ Angeles con Colitas: 6984-1110, angelesconcolitapty@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/fangelesconcolitas/ 4 Patitas: Dina, 4patitaschiriqui@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/4patitaschiriqui/ (predominantly Spanish) Puerto Armuelles Area Voluntarios por Los Animales Puerto Armuelles, contact is Irma Guerra at 6230-3623, Spanish and English; https://www.facebook.com/Voluntarios-Por-Los-Animales-1518793168339370/ but not updated frequently Panama Dog Rescue, Panama Dog Rescue has been operating since 2014 in and around the Portobelo National Park – a beautiful and remote part of Panama on the Caribbean coast. Our main focus is on setting up low cost sterilization clinics in the area as we really believe that a one of the biggest problems is a growing population of animals that are competing for a limited amount of food and shelter. Call, text or whatsapp us on 6030-2208 Email us at panamadogrescue@gmail.com. Find us on Facebook at Panama Dog Rescue Check out our fluffy pictures on instagram @panamadogrescue Spay and Neuter Services Boquete Area Asociación Amigos de Animales Boquete: http://fadab.org/, sponsors low-cost sterilization services on the last Sunday of the month, for appointment contact Magaly (English and Spanish) at boqueteanimales@gmail.com or 6563-8686 David Area Agnes and Patrick McKittrick: 6674-4842, agnespatrick@cwpanama.net, Spanish and English Puerto Armuelles Area Voluntarios por Los Animales Puerto Armuelles, contact is Irma Guerra at 6230-3623, Spanish and English; clinics occur on the third Saturday of each month; https://www.facebook.com/Voluntarios-Por-Los-Animales-1518793168339370/ but not updated frequently Volcan Area Spay Panama-Chiriqui: muffiemae@gmail.com, http://spaypanama-chiriqui.org, low-cost sterilization services once a month, Dr. Andres Tello is the doctor. Send whatsapp message to 6640-3171 for appointments. Veterinarians (Spanish: Médico Veterinario) Boquete Area Dr. Felix "Cuco" Gonzáles, 6588-3039, 720-1700, Spanish, makes house calls, available at night after normal working hours Dra Chely Castillo, 6518-4127, Spanish and some English, participate's in spay/neuter clinics Dr. Jansel Gonzalez-Trujillo, WhatsApp Chat 6593-1567. He has a clinic at his home but works mostly via home visits. Reportedly a good diagnostician. He speaks English. Dr. Roberto Crespo, 6480-7273, Spanish, area north of Boquete, lives in Concepción, vetcon@hotmail.com, house calls only Clinica y Farmacia Veterinaria San José #2, Dr. José Batista, near La Posada Restaurant, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 am -12 noon by appointment only. 730-9619, 6090-2503, 6480-7380 (Boquete clinic), 6650-0458 (emergency), Asst. Ruby, 6220-1805, Spanish and English; general medicine, surgery, pharmacy, diets, full service, grooming, pet and medical supplies, 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM Monday-Saturday. well staffed office and vet tech are knowledgeable; see listings under dog grooming and pet supplies as well. Dolega Area (mobile services) Vet-on-Wheels, Dr. César Mendoza, 6908-3833, Spanish and English, mobile vet clinic 24/7, home call vet service, vetonwheelspanama.com David Area Dr. Claudio Garcia, saintfrancishospital@hotmail.com, 6497-9399, 6700-1931 emergency or 730-3630, Spanish, 24-hour clinic (Ref: Martha), near St Francis Church, at the end of Calle Tercera next to Funeraria El Retiro Dr. Contaro, 6560-1158, Spanish, works with Amigos spay/neuter clinics, (Ref: Agnes & Patrick) Clinica Vet Don Henry, Dr. Jorge Gomez, Calle E Norte y Avenida Central, 775-7531 office, 775-7522 home, 6675-3719, Spanish and English, clinic, pharmacy, pet food supplies. Dr. Moisés Lezcano, Calle G Norte, 775-4969, Spanish and some English, 24/7 emergency clinic including holidays, x-ray, lab Hospital Veterinario Happy Pet, Dr Samuel Candanedo and Dra Patricia Guirardi Candanedo, 6948-1476, 6948-1475, 775-0501, 775-2039, happypetdavid@hotmail.com, Spanish and Portuguese and English, Calle 6 Oeste - Doleguita (go Obaldia toward town center, turn left Calle M Norte, left again on Calle 6a Oeste), hours 8:30AM-6:00PM Monday-Friday, Saturday till 3:00PM, closed on Sunday Veterinaria San José, Dr. José Batista, Quinyero Villareal St, 6090-2503, 6480-7380, 730-3329 (David clinic), 6650-0458 (emergency), Asst. Jimmy Gaitán, 6220-1805, Spanish and English (?); general medicine, surgery, pharmacy, diets, home visits for emergencies, full service, grooming, pet and medical supplies, 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM Monday-Saturday although he is in Boquete by appointment only. Clinica Belen, Dr. Pedro Caballero, 775-2998, Cls 3 Oeste y C Nte, Spanish Dr. Eduardo Alexis Alvarez, 775-5028, Ave 2/0 C Sur, Spanish Potrerillos Area Dra Sandy Ullstrup, part time, 6506-2974, English, participates in spay/neuter clinics, is retired, will provide answers/advice by phone only Emilio González, mainly horses and cattle but will take care of dogs, house calls only, egcvet@gmail.com, 6384-6933, Spanish and English, studied and practiced for many years in California USA Panama City Dr. Norman Escruceria, 6677-6785, 217-1310, Spanish and English, comes to Chiriqui for spay/neuter clinics Dra Anabel Herrera, 261-2470, 6604-5145, Spanish and English, comes to Chiriqui for spay/neuter clinics K-Nino, Dr. Miguel Gonzáles Rivera, 236-7131, 260-5748, 6612-6873, Spanish and some English, 24-hour emergency, x-ray Costa Rica (but close to the border with Panama) Dr. Andres Tello, [+506] 8326-5542 cell, [+506] 2783-3396 office, [+506] 8384-7849 home, Spanish and English, will come to the border and take animals to his clinic, operates at the spay/neuter clinics in Volcan once a month, once a month in David, and a few times a year in Boquete. ========================= End of pet care resource listing. ========================= ************************************************************************* Horse Care Information ************************************************************************* ============================== Start of equine care resource listing. ============================== Associations Panama Farrier Association, https://www.facebook.com/wellshodpanama/ Panama Quarter Horse Association, 730-7761 and 6107-5158, Daira Rivera Boarding Boquete Equestrian Center, 6622-9234, info@ridebec.com, Jessica. http://ridebec.com/, horse rescue services when space allows, training and classes, horses for sale, boarding, grooming, tack, and saddles. Equine Adoption, Rescue & Retirement BEC Rescues 6622-9234 Horse Angels, Panama Rescate Equino (co-founded with BEC) facebook group Farriers, Farrier and Blacksmith Supplies Dalander Faust, 6381-7107, deerusmc@gmail.com, US-trained, English, and Spanish. Very knowledgeable in hoof geometry and proper trim for correct foot fall. Barefoot Hoof Trimmers, Hoof Doctor Panama, 6622-9234 (all of Panama) Hoof Doctor Panama (APFA/CPFA, FIA) 6622-9234, hot/cold, normal, corrective, therapeutic to total reconstruction of the hoof. Hard cases and "impossible cases" gladly accepted. Specialty: transition from shoes to natural hooves in just one trim and bump angles up to 11 degrees in just one trim. Specialist in hoof care and maintenance. Tuscon Horseshoeing School, class of '96. References and testimonials. Pauli, shoer in Boquete. He can be found at the corner of building to East of Police Station in Boquete. El Corcel, David. Via Boquete, 2 blocks prior to Interamerican on the left-hand side, just past the gas station. Products: Mustad, Bellota, Derby, Diamond, Heller brands. Horseshoes plain, Hunter/Jumpers, rims. 00-2 sizes. Basic farrier tools for beginner trimmers and shoer Horse Branding Horse Brandmarks MELO, Boquete sells branding irons Horse/Equine Education & Employment Boquete Equestrian Centre (BEC), 6622-9234 , info@ridebec.com, Apprenticeship, working/competitor student position available. Equine Education: seminars, basic-advanced horsemanship classes (certification upon completion) Horse Events Boquete Equestrian Center (BEC), 6622-9234, info@ridebec.com, Jessica. http://ridebec.com/, offers barrel racing, roping, and many other equine sports training events. Horse Veterinarians Dr. Jose Vega (speaks English), 6614-5590, Veterinarian to vet international bound horses Dr. Carlos Nahder, 6614-8166 Medicines, Feed, Hay, and Supplies MELO Boquete Agropecuaria, across from MELO, kitty-corner. Agropecuaria el Semillero, David. (across the street from bus terminal) Agrocet Panama, 6672-4647 Finca La Yeguada, out towards Playa Barqueta Agropecuaria La Rueda, Dolega 776-0709 Agropecuaria, David, 3 blocks past Super Baru and on right-hand side Productos Moreno, compras@empresasmoreno.com Alexis, 6643-2395, delivers good clean hay Mascotas y Jardines, across the street from Heladeria Ana's Sweets on the same street as CHOX and Sr Gyros, Bajo Boquete Rodeo Arenas Pista Rancho, Las Trancas, Alto Boquete Pista La Agropecuaria, Dolega Internacional Feria, David Pista de Las Estrellas, David Pista Los Fundadores, Gualaca Saddles and Tack Boquete Equestrian Center (BEC), 6622-9234, info@ridebec.com, Jessica. http://ridebec.com/ El Corcel, David and Panama City, 6997-8687, www.facebook.com/elcorcelpanama/ High-end horse gear, clothing, etc. Stables, Ranches, Barns Boquete Equestrian Centre (BEC), 6622-9234, info@ridebec.com, Boarding, Lessons, Training, Classes, Clinics, Events, Rodeo, Horses for sale. Indoor riding arena, outdoor competition arena. 5 Star rated Boarding Facility, Volcan, Jose Batista Munoz, 6422-4684. Exceptional care and wonderful facility. Experienced and calm horsemen. Covered dome riding area. Western discipline. Boquete Country Club, 720-3696, Boarding Training, Classes, and Trail Riding Boquete Equestrian Center, 6622-9234, info@ridebec.com, Jessica. http://ridebec.com/ Starting young horses, rank horses, basic and advanced training. Trainers/Instructors Jessica Schrock N.A. info@ridebec.com Cert. 30+ years experience All types of training. Rank horses, additional cost Instruction in all disciplines. $25 group, $35 semi-private, $45 private class 1 hr+.Testimonials and references available. Hacienda La Rafaela, $65 per hour class. https://www.instagram.com/haciendalarafaela/ Transportation/Trailers Boquete Equestrian Center (BEC), 6622-9234, info@ridebec.com, Jessica. http://ridebec.com/, Transport 4 horses, slant load- gooseneck. Bandaged, wrapped, head bumpers, frequent stops, water breaks and free fed. Service to all of Panama and border of Costa Rica. Alexis, 6643-2395, up to 2 horses. Toyota Hilux with rack, Safe and reliable, Spanish only. Toto Gonzales, 6677-9311, medium and large size trucks Yeyo, 6565-3131, 4-6 horses, Spanish only, also safe and reliable. ============================ End of equine care resource listing. ============================

Things are not posting twice. CL has the ability to quote a prior posting so that it is abundantly clear, where appropriate, to indicate the words ibeing replied to. Look for the "Quote" icon in the lower left of all postings. If you are logged in and click that link, then a new reply will be started and the posting that is being replied to will be reflected in that new reply, but inside of a "quoted text" box. I used the quote functionality in this posting, and then removed the part of your posting that was not relevant. You can, in fact, reply to multiple postings all at once. Rare, but sometimes handy. That would be the "+" icon.

Just posting here to re-queue this topic in the activity stream, now that the missing photos have been inserted.

For those interested in seeing the press release directly on the State Department website, here is the link to the English language version, which includes hotlinks to additional information resources: http://panama.usembassy.gov/pr050516.html And as provided in Marcela's posting, here is the link to the Spanish language version: http://spanish.panama.usembassy.gov/sp051316.html

Posting here simply to requeue this topic. Contact information has been added to this ad.

I suspect that few would have expected 190 views of 16 replies (so far, and still counting) for this simple question. But we do have a special community here of caring and sharing people. Thank you for starting this topic.

De nada. We already have received some resource information, but could use a LOT more. Let's hope the community supports this project.

A suggestion that you try searching CL for the word Colibri. You will find about a dozen postings. That should be a good start to answering your questions.

No forgiveness needed. You are doing fine. Welcome aboard. And if you need help, just ask. See our email address in the footer of everything we post.

There is a somewhat related topic started by Chris McCall. It is not appropriate to merge the two topics because they are not really the same spin. For additional information, you may wish to see http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/2254-president-varela-closing-panama-land-border-between-panama-and-colombia/

Keith, good catch on the title for this topic. After reviewing the situation, the management of CL decided to modify the title of this topic. For Chris: please do not be offended by our action. If you do not agree, send us a private message or email.

A bit more information about this topic for those who may want to know more of the history behind this new functionality. And a closing with kudos to a friend. CL went live in early October 2015. One of the long term goals of the owners/administrators of CL has been to provide a public archive of the News Boquete (NB) email distribution service that is funded and administered by Penny Barrett in her alternate persona as the "News Lady". For those who may not know, I (Bud) am the technical person behind the News Boquete service. I have been associated with NB for more than a decade, and fondly recall working closely with Hershel Stolebarger in those early days here in Boquete. Experience tells us (Penny and me) that there are a non-trivial number of requests for access to information that has been distributed by News Boquete. Further, some people wish to comment on the information distributed via News Boquete. Until the archiving of the News Boquete emails was begun via CL in mid-October 2015, access to that information and the ability to comment on that information simply was not possible. Like many things in life, having the NB archives on CL lead to opposing views. Some two to three dozen CL members objected to having to read NB twice. They weren't being ugly or confrontational, but simply let CL management know that the archives were, insofar as they were concerned, a negative, not a positive. Thus began a search for either a work around or a true solution. A few work arounds were crafted, but they were somewhat of a kludge. And so many months ago I began searching for a real solution. What has been posted here is the result of that effort. A lot of man-hours has gone into this "solution". It seems rather elegant, especially given the underlying complexity of the software that drives CL. But it does seem to be a viable solution, with a downside of pushing people away because of the need to configure it, i.e., perceived complexity. Configuration is a one-time thing, unless someone wishes to tweak their solution. The neat thing is that each member gets to decide for themselves how they deal with custom activity stream, or to use a kludge, or simply to live with the situation. And assistance in configuring a custom activity stream is available simply by asking (support@chiriqui.life). One thing is for certain, however, and that is the NB archives will remain a part of CL. That is a joint decision by Penny and me, and based on positive feedback by a large portion of our community, as well as first hand experience. If you wish to share your views, please come forth. In closing, I wish to publicly thank Bonnie for her assistance and support in working through this new functionality. She has been a steadfast supporter of CL, even though at times disappointed in how long it takes me to get things done. Bonnie was one of the CL members wanting to remove the NB postings from their daily drudgery. But Bonnie was one of the very few willing to give of her time and energy to help work toward a solution. Thank you, Bonnie.

For the curious among our users, Keith's URL of www.chiriqui.life/discover/ is an alias that means the same thing as using the "All Activity" display as part of the activity stream. The All Activity stream displays all activity (take the words literally), regardless of having been viewed or not, and in all channels. All Activity also displays incidental information, e.g., positive reputations being awarded, new registrations, etc. This alias URL is yet another example of the robustness of the CL software. Different things work for different folk. Having options leans toward more complexity, which tends to push people away, and so we try to avoid confusing people with too many options. Obviously Keith is experienced and inquisitive and technically savvy (besides being a nice person).

What Are Activity Streams? How Does An Activity Stream Help Me? The functionality mentioned in this question -- activity streams -- is perhaps the single most important concept for members of CL to embrace. It is not intuitively obvious if the functionality exists, or if it does then how to invoke it, or what it does for the member. One of the comments that we as administrators hear from some CL members is that they want to see only the new content that has been posted. One variation of that goal is that they want to see only the content that they have not previously seen since their last visit to CL. Those two variants sound like the same, but they actually are different. Why is this activity stream functionality so important? One reason the activity stream is important is that CL uses a community bulletin board style information content structure (meaning information is categorized and stored in a segregated forum based on content), as opposed to a blog style (meaning one common "bin" in which everything is stored). There is a presumption by some who are unfamiliar with a community bulletin board structure that CL is not as user friendly as a blog style website because a member must then check each forum looking for the new content. There really are many forums here on CL, and so that is a logical conclusion, but incorrect. The end result is that these members decide that CL is not user friendly and they tend to move away from CL. That is unfortunate because with just one single click on the landing page, there can be a display (typically in descending chronological order) of all content that has not yet been seen by that member. This activity stream tool gives the members the best of both worlds, with the only downside being the need to click on one link. The "tool" that makes this unseen content display happen is called an "activity stream." There are several predefined (stock) activity stream displays, and one of them is specified (by the member, if so desired) as the default activity stream. But the productive aspect of activity streams is that registered members may create their own "custom activity stream" (or streams, plural). The complete list of activity streams and the default activity stream are not hidden, but at the same time they are not intuitively obvious as to location. The complete list of activity streams is found by clicking on the "Activity" channel in the upper left of the landing page. Click on that tab and you will find five predefined activity stream options. On the other hand, the default activity stream is found in the upper right of the landing page, and its wording will depend on what has been defined as the default activity stream. The default activity stream is immediately to the left of a link that reads "Mark site read", which itself is just below where your login Display Name is found in the upper right of the landing page. An activity stream is a tool for selecting what [unseen] information will be displayed. This tool can be configured to display only the new content since you were last logged into CL, or perhaps only content from selected forums that is new, or content that is created by some particular person, etc. It is a very robust tool that requires a bit of configuration, but once configured it will dramatically improve your productivity by showing you only what you are interested in reading, rather than having to look through the dozens of forums, blogs, and calendar events, etc. More About 'Custom' Activity Streams CL gives registered members the ability to create a "custom activity stream" (or streams, plural) that is in addition to the predefined activity stream options, of which "Unread content" is a subset. These custom activity streams mean that members can now: create (using a name that the user chooses to describe it), edit (if being done on a desktop or laptop machine, but not on portables, mobiles, or tablets), rename, and delete a "custom" activity stream(s). Also, any activity stream (even a custom activity stream) can be set as the default. You will read more about what a default means later on in this posting. Who Can Create and Use A Custom Activity Stream? Custom activity streams are available only to registered members when they are logged into CL. Guests (unregistered users) of CL are not permitted to use custom activity streams. This limitation is principally because custom activity streams require a dedicated profile for storing configuration parameters, and guests do not have a profile; only registered members have a profile. Tell Me More About A Custom Activity Stream - Give Me An Example What is the advantage to a CL member of using a custom activity stream? It means that you can tailor what is being displayed in the activity stream. There are seven different configuration parameters, which are accessed by clicking on the pull-down menus while looking at an activity stream. Given that there are seven parameters coupled with many options for each parameter, that means there are many different ways to get much closer to and possibly directly at what a member wishes to have displayed when initiating an activity stream display. For the sake of discussion, let's assume that you wish NOT to see the News Boquete archive postings that are routinely placed on CL. The "Content Types" parameter allows you to specify which forums are to be displayed. Unfortunately there is not an option to display all forums except forum 'xyz.' But by selecting all forums except for the News Boquete forum you can eliminate News Boquete postings from displaying in your activity stream. Then save that custom activity stream, using a name such as "New Content (Less News Boquete)", and there you have it. Note that it is important that you configure each of the parameters. DO NOT ASSUME that by selecting all forums except the NB forum that you can ignore all of the remaining parameters. That would prove unwise. What Are The Specific Steps To Create a Custom Activity Stream? Here are the specific steps to follow to create a custom activity stream that eliminates the News Boquete forum from displaying: be sure that you are logged into CL select the "Activity" channel (top left of the landing page) select "My Activity Streams" at the bottom of the list select "Create New Stream" give this new stream that you are going to create a fairly descriptive name, e.g., "New Content (Less NB)" -- without the quote signs of course but with the parenthesis; you may want a different custom activity stream such as "New Content (Less NB and TMM)" if you are so motivated now go through each category of options for configuring the parameters for "Show Me" select the first option of "Content item, comments, and review", but then you may want only the "Content items only" option; your choice for "Content Types", select Topics, and then click on the gear symbol and the down-pointing arrow to the right then go through all of the forums, clicking each one to add it to the list of those forums to be displayed, but omit the News Boquete forum (this is where you spend several minutes); you likely will have to scroll down on your screen several times as the list gets longer if you wish to include blogs and/or calendar events in your custom activity stream, then be sure to click on those items as well (otherwise you will see only the selected discussion forums in your custom activity stream) under "Read Status" select "Content I haven't read"; note that you will be ignoring the NB stuff, but you want to eliminate items in forums that will be allowed display, but only for content that you have not yet read under "Ownership" select "Everything" under "Following" select "Everything" under "Time Period", stop and think what you want to select here; it likely will be either (you decide here) the "Any time" ***OR*** "Since my last visit" then click "Save Changes" Testing, Tweaking and Saving A Custom Activity Stream Once you have created a custom activity stream, then try it out for a couple of days. You select that custom activity stream by going to steps 1, 2, and 3 listed above, and then clicking on the name of the custom activity stream that you created. If you like it, then you may want to set it as your default activity stream (see next section). If you wish to tweak it a bit, then call it up, and at the bottom of the description (which could be very lengthy) you can change a few things and save it back using the same name, OR save it using a new name. Setting A Custom Activity Stream As Your Default Activity Stream To set a custom activity stream as your default activity stream means that when you are on the landing page, you will see one (and only one) "default" activity stream option listed below your login information in the upper right of the window of the landing page. The default will be immediately to the left of the "Mark site read" icon. What is set as your default activity stream is what shows in that area. There can be one and only one default activity stream, and there will always be one, even if you have not set one. You set the default activity stream by clicking on the third of three little round icons immediately to the right of the name of the custom activity stream. The first round icon lets you rename that activity stream; the second little round icon lets you remove (delete) that activity stream; the third little round icon sets that activity stream as your default. Non-custom activity streams cannot be renamed or deleted. A Few More Details About Custom Activity Streams Note that there is no limit to the number of custom activity streams that you can create. The key is to go slowly at first, thinking through what it is that one wishes to see, and then NAME that custom activity stream appropriately. The nice thing is that if you get close but need to tweak it a bit, then you can do that, and save the edited custom activity stream back using the same name or a different name. And if all effort is for naught, then no damage is done because you can just delete that custom activity stream. The standard (stock) activity streams that come with the software cannot be renamed or deleted or modified (edited). The Impact of Using Different Devices to Access CL versus Custom Activity Streams (More Good News) Another nice thing is that if you access CL on multiple devices (e.g., a desktop and a tablet or iPhone), then your custom activity streams "follow" you because they are uploaded and saved as part of your profile. One limitation, at least so far as I can see right now, is that you can do everything discussed above EXCEPT the editing of a custom activity stream. It appears that only a desktop device is capable of editing an existing custom activity stream. That may have something to do with the lack of a mouse/pointer device with touch screen display panels.

One of the comments that we as administrators hear from some CL members is that they want to see only the new content that has been posted since the last time that the member viewed the content. Further, some members prefer NOT to see the News Boquete archive postings that are part of CL. They are looking for an easy way to exclude News Boquete archives from being highlighted in the Activity Stream's "Unread Content". And so a really important question is: how does a member control the display by the Activity Stream so that only the desired new (unseen) content since their last viewing is displayed?

Marcelyn and I discussed whether we should respond. Consider this to be only a sidebar comment for the benefit of CL members. We are not commenting on anything that the management of other websites may or may not do, or threaten to do. Be advised that CL does not release its members' private (contact) information. Never have, never will, except under legal process. Each member's email address is part of the private information, which is accessible only by the owners/administrators of CL. Further, we do not have any other member contact information, such as your telephone, physical address, Twitter, Facebook, etc. CL members are free to disclose their private information if they so choose. Just don't look to CL as the source of any leak. Note, however, that the information in each member's profile is public information, and visible by anyone who chooses to look there. The only way a CL member can be contacted by another person through CL would be via a private message. We have the tools to manage anyone who abuses the private message functionality of CL. So far that has not happened, and hopefully will not. For more information about CL's privacy policy, please see http://www.chiriqui.life/topic/5-privacy-policy/.