APC Report to General Meeting
September, 2009

Animal Protection Committee report:

Dear Amigos,

Animal rescue and support continues through the scalding and humid summer months. Ticks, fleas, mange mites and internal parasites are the biggest problem, and the need for meds to control them is huge. ALL animal parasites and the diseases they carry are of grave concern to humans (esp. children) as well. What is known as Rocky Mtn. Spotted Fever in the US and Canada is correctly named Erlichia and can have severe, debilitating and lasting effects, sometimes fatal. A bull mastiff, recently rescued from a careless Canadian in Sayulita, was 70 pounds underweight and near death with a swollen spleen ready to burst -- from Erlichia. It's mastiff companion suffered in agony for a week before it's spleen, so swollen that it severely pressed against it's spinal cord, finally burst. The situation was only discovered when a neighbor finally called someone to look and see why he heard a dog screaming for a week. Fleas of course carry tapeworm larvae, transferred through bites. Animal excrement may contain many types of parasitic larvae and bacterial amoeba, transmitted via contaminated food or drink.

Last week I successfully captured (after 2 1/2 years and several failed attempts!) a wild mama dog and her 2 pups and took them for spay/neuter to Sayulita Animals. All are now fine and the pups await adoption.

Out of 5 female dogs treated for the highly contagious canine venereal cancer, 2 are cured, 1 died, and 2 are still requiring more treatments due to the advanced state of their tumors entering into treatment. Many local residents continue to request help with spay/neuter of their pets, and help to transport animals to Sayulita Animals would be greatly appreciated when more human friends arrive from the cold north.

Marcelino Cruz-Parra, the local vet, says he and his cousin plan to open up a small animal clinic and animal pharmacy & lab in La Penita. Good news for those of us who really dislike or are unable to transport pets and rescues the long dangerous haul to Bucerias or Vallarta! Marcelino's business here will remain open.

Homeless dogs, cats, puppies & kittens are always awaiting adoption, so spread the word to any & all who may be traveling in this direction and are looking for a new animal companion.

Please reread the original Animal Protection Committee report for needed items. Besides anti-parasite products, large animal carrying crates are high on the list. Thank you all for your concern and support, and I look forward to seeing you this fall & winter! Happy traveling!

Respectfully Submitted,

Ana Embury-Lewis



Hello All, I've put in an inquiry for brand names or kind of blood analysis equip. necessary and will be sending you the reply. I don't know if Marcelino (the vet here) will REALLY open up a small animal clinic and lab in La Penita, so the next best place is Sayulita Animals -- now open year round. They need all types of equip. $ donations can always be made to them earmarked for such things. In the meantime, needs HERE include:

Flea & tick spray and tubes
Dewormer med for all animals
Large animal crates (more critical than other sizes, but med. and small are necessary too, as old ones rust and wear out)
Donations of dog food or $ earmarked for that.
Oster grooming shears but esp. blades -- # 5F, 7F, and 10
Collars all sizes (adjustable type with plastic latch) and leashes
Small animal traps (The mobile spay neuter clinic is allowing me to USE 1 large and 1 small trap, but many people around town have asked for help trapping nuisance wild cats, which can be fixed and released)
A decent stethescope & digital thermometers Plastic portable utility tub (at Home Depot in US and Canada)
Water dispensers (that you can put a 1 or 2 liter pop bottle in)

REMEMBER, USED, UGLY AND SLIGHTLY DAMAGED STUFF IS FINE! PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO OTHER INTERESTED FOLKS ALSO, AND THANKS!!!! Ana de Lo de Marcos