Hello,
The Los Angeles-based nonprofit Community Canines (along with its online presence, IHeartMutts.com) has developed a comprehensive, cost-efficient, socially responsible and humane plan for dealing with the problems caused by homeless dogs in the Third World. Using mobile, high-volume spay-and-neuter clinics, we hope to substantially reduce unwanted litters. But we can’t make a difference without the generous participation of the veterinary-medicine community.
We’re looking for committed veterinarians, vet techs and veterinary students to bring quality medical services and a clinical environment to Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and other developing countries – and thus help reduce the ever-swelling populations of homeless dogs in the hemisphere.
We’re now planning a trip to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala; with the cooperation of local volunteers there and the teams we’re assembling here in the U.S., we hope to accomplish this journey before year’s end. But we can’t do it without you.
Guatemala and other economically underdeveloped countries lack the infrastructure and resources for shelters – so the lives of these animals live will never improve unless the larger community participates in a long-term strategy. Thus community education on caring for "Community Canines" is essential.
We plan to accomplish this mission by:
1. Greatly reducing the numbers of unwanted and abandoned animals through spay-and-neuter trips (Community Canines will continue to use surgical techniques until a safe, reliable pharmaceutical method is available).
2. Providing basic medical services such as vaccines, nutrition support and critical emergency care.
3. Community participation. By raising awareness and cultivating a sense of responsibility in these communities, we underscore that it “takes a village†to deal sensibly and humanely with this issue.
With a clear goal, dedicated volunteers and a staff of properly coordinated veterinary specialists, we know we can help change this situation for the better. We look forward to hearing from you; let’s work together to help improve the lives of canines and people alike in Third World communities.
Please feel free to email us with any questions or comments you may have!
The IheartMutts team
Neva@Iheartmutts.com