Anyine who has known me very well would definitely state that I am not a “morning person.”  These mornings when I wake up at 5:30 AM and can’t go back to sleep baffles me.  Usually I start my day reading or working on my laptop from bed!  Some mornings, like this one, I have to get myself “in gear,” and leave the house very early.  Two more Veterinarians arrive this morning at 7 AM.  Both are from Ireland.

 How fortunate Amazon c.a.r.e.s. is to gain attention and interest from Veterinarians from around the world who are willing to donate time, money and skills to us!  The other night Dr. Sheradan Harvey of Hawaii did a presentation to local vets on animal acupuncture.  One of my employees, Wilfredo Bardales, came on his own time just because he has a thirst for knowledge, and that says a lot about his commitment and love of animals.  Sheradan’s lecture was fascinating.

 Dr. Jane Little of South Africa has arrived and is settled in to our new Volunteer Housing on the second floor of the Pevas clinic.  Iquitos Tourism week kicks off today.  It ends Sunday with the conclusion of the raft race.  At that time we will say goodbye to Sheradan and Beth.  How can we ever express enough gratitude for her many contributions to the growth of Amazon c.a.r.e.s..  She had the vision to start the mobile clinics and stray animal health campaigns, and they have become our primary focus.  Were it not for her, I’d still be trapping 1-2 dogs a week, treating & sheltering them, and seeking families for them.  Now, instead of concentrating my energies on a few dogs we are tackling the pet overpopulation problem on a large scale that will yield more permanent solutions.  

Look at the time! Almost 7 AM!  I need to get to the airport.  We are printing GREAT commemorative tee shirts for the raft race.  See design in prior blog entry.  Get a free tee-shirt with your donation of $50 or more!  (Specify size please).  I finally got a computer cable in the mail that I had accidentally left behind when I was in the US for a wedding, so I will, once again, be working on that website update I’ve been talking about FOREVER!  Hopefully I can put some interesting options on the site about ways to contribute to Amazon c.a.r.e.s..

 Here is our most recent publicity with article translation:

From La Region, the primary daily newspaper of Iquitos, Peru

September16, 2006

Foreigners began to arrive in our city to participate in the eighth annual International Great Amazon Raft Race, part of the Iquitos weeklong celebration of tourism.   

This competition will take place from September 22 to September 24 and will have as the starting point the city of Nauta; passing through Tamshiyacu, and concluding in our city.   

Yesterday the first team that will compete in the race race arrived. The team is comprised of the foreigners Beth McGennisken of Australia, Sheradan Harvey of Hawaii, Janey Little of South Africa and Aoife O'Sullivan of Ireland. These four women have come with the intention of winning the title and donating the prize money to a charity that is devoted to the health and protection of the animals.   

These ladies, not only love the sport but they also have passion for medicine, as all of them are professional Veterinarians.  They arrived thanks to the coordination of Molly Mednikow, Director of Amazon Community Animals Rescue, Education and Health.   

It will be a true challenge for them, because it will be the first time that they will be involved in this adventure sport. 

Read more.  The story begins in the JOURNAL ARCHIVE!!!!! 

Amazon c.a.r.e.s. is a program of International HumanitiesCenter, a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.  Amazon c.a.r.e.s. now accepts donations through IHCenter. Please use THEIR donation links.  We appreciate any and all support that you can afford.  All donations over $50 US will receive official acknowledgement for your income tax records.  All donations receive recognition on our website.