From a chronological standpoint, this blog entry was written on September 13, prior to the last blog entry.

The documentary film crew was thorough, professional, and delightful.  They arrived as I left Iquitos to attend a wedding in their states.  Naturally, my focus in on Amazon c.a.r.e.s., and I do believe we will receive wonderful attention from the project, especially if it is picked up by Animal Planet or a similar channel.

I need to work on my communication skills.  Or actually, I need to take more time to listen and ask questions.  I never quite understood how the film crew learned of me.  Jeremiah Alley, the talented head of the project claimed he did a Flickr.com search for Amazon photos and found me, and then learned at the same time that his friend, Dr. Sheradan Harvey was planning an Amazon trip.  Vet. Beth says that she and Sheradan, who have worked together in the past on similar Veterinary projects, were the ones who told Jeremiah about the work we are doing.  In any case, that is not relevant.  I thought Jeremiah had contacted me through the Worldwide Veterinary Service, as they had also mentioned an interested filmmaker to me.

So I arrived in Iquitos as Jeremiah’s team was hustling to wrap up, thinking the project was more focused on Amazon c.a.r.e.s., when in reality, it is focused on Dr. Harvey’s work traveling to exotic locations.  Sheradan attended Veterinary school at the University of Georgia where I got my undergraduate degree.  She has an infectious smile and is very photogenic, charismatic, etc.  I think they could easily build a series around her traveling the world addressing animal welfare issues, although this was never discussed.   It is just an idea I am throwing out there as I type this.  The working title is “Vets Beyond Borders.”  I don’t know if this is the actual title.

Any attention to the welfare of animals in this remote region is crucial.  As an animal welfare activist, I am concerned about many, many issues that are beyond the scope of what Amazon c.a.r.e.s. does.  Domestic animal welfare is the niche that needed to be filled in Iquitos, and that is where I fit in.

Luckily, the film crew also shot footage at the Pintawassi Butterfly Farm and Animal Orphanage, and they spent several days filming at INRENA, where we released Priscilla the Oscilla that we saved from a certain death.  They even pitched in and made a really large cage, and they were very moved to know that they were providing more adequate living conditions for these animals.  Obviously, we would prefer these animals live free, but sometimes poachers leave these animals orphaned and vulnerable.

We had one of our mobile spay and neuter clinics above the meat market in Belen.  Sheradan, in addition to being a thorough surgeon, is also trained in animal acupuncture.  One of the females that we spayed was feeling some discomfort as her anesthesia wore off, and I was amazed at how Sheradan used acupuncture and the animal relaxed in a very short amount of time! 

Amazon c.a.r.e.s. is dedicated to bringing new information about veterinary medicine and responsible pet care to Iquitos and the region.  Previously Vet. Beth conducted a seminar on emergency medicine techniques and sterility and drug protocols.  On Friday Sheradan will present a seminar on acupuncture.

We also spayed 5 puppies this week.  They are about three months old.  Techniques and anesthesia and drugs are different for puppies.  Sterilizing any dog, but especially a puppy or kitten, is unheard of here, and it is not taught in Vet school.  I was happy that several local vets came to our clinic to observe, learn and participate in learning some of these techniques!  It feels so incredible to feel like I am making a difference, even though most would scoff at what I do as a mere drop in the bucket.

A few days ago, on Saturday, we opened up my garage to the public and advertised on my door and with flyers that we would be showing a FREE 17 minute film called “Un Nuevo Amigo Para La Vida,” (A New Friend for Life).  The video is GREAT and always generates questions and a dialogue about responsible pet ownership.  Since I purchased it from the ASPCA (for $79.95!!) we require all potential adopters to view the video.  Some people decide NOT to adopt after they gain a better understanding of what owning a pet requires.  But that is OK, as our overall adoption success rate is much higher.

Signing off for now, as I will be adding more very shortly.  As always, I am asking my friends to enter their email in the subscription box on the right of this page so that you will get updates on this blog.  Consider this my "newsletter" that I don't have time to do.

Also, if you have old cell phone and inkjet, photocopy and/or fax toner cartridges that are no longer of use, please recycle them, but do it through Amazon c.a.r.e.s.! I'll post information on my site about this soon.  In the meantime, don't toss that used ink cartridge in the trash, please!