Ayuda

Bandit: Chow-mix abandoned in Pana

selaine — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:34:00 GMT

Mangey little Bandit 10-Nov-09

Bandit wandered into the bus stop bookstore coffee shop this week. The regular customers quickly realized that this puppy was all alone and looking for sanctuary so they called Ayuda.

With a mangey face, and perhaps his very first day away from his mother, Bandit was carried through the closest neighborhoods where residents were asked if they knew this puppy. Although he had been seen by the neighbors, no one knew where this little chow had originated. The popular suspicion is that he was probably dropped off from a passing bus.

The neighbors were made aware that Ayuda was taking him to Zoo Mascota for treatments, and that he would then go to a temporary foster home while he recovers.

Bandit is about 9 or 10 weeks old and we think we may have already found a nice family of humans for him. But first he will complete his mange treatments, become sterilized, and receive our standard series of vaccinations.

Despite our daily efforts to control the dog population, we still have a continuous supply of puppy adoption opportunities. Please Contact Us if you are interested in helping to find homes for homeless animals. Our supplies of basic medications for Bandit and others like him continue to become painfully reduced. In order to rebuild our inventory of supplies we desperately require cash and/or in-kind donations. We ask for support from local residents, visitors, and people like you who care about the plight of helpless animals.

Church Mom om the Mend

selaine — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:26:45 GMT

Church Mom in recovery 8-Aug-09

The name Church Mom has been given to this homeless girl because she spends most of her time around the courtyard in front of Panajachel’s Catholic church. She has always been one of our favorite street dogs.

We have seen and fed Church Mom almost daily for many months. We know that she has had at least one litter, and we were led to believe that she had been sterilized before we met her.

However, as this most recent and very intense “heat season” has progressed, we have come to learn that we were not given correct infomation. As evidenced by the encounter of yet another terrified female being pursued by a pack of males, Church Mom had not been previously spay/neutered.

Just like Little Sister, Feathers, Xela, and others whose stories have not been published, a very frightened Church Mom was similarily pulled from beneath a parked car while determined males postured and surrounded her.

Unfortunately, Church Mom’s sterilization surgery the next day did not go as well as normal. She was anemic upon arrival with a suspected blood disorder similar to sickle cell anemia and then lost a great deal of blood. It became necessary for this very gentle girl to receive blood transfusions from Dr. Miguel’s adopted dogs, Socks and Tzizu the tripod. She also received specialized medication and supplements for her anemia.

Church Mom has been brought to the home of Selaine and Harold where she is receiving close care and monitoring. She is very weak, but still makes it clear that she wants to get back to her freedom and street friends. Her condition appears to be improving every day and we hope to release her before the end of the week.

Feathers Flys to Safety

selaine — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:46:05 GMT

Numerous times over the course of a year the streets of Panajachel become plagued by large packs of roaming dogs. Somewhere at the front of the steadily moving pack there is almost always a female in heat. She may be trying to break away from the pursuing males, or she may be inviting them to have sex with her.

During these times it is very common to encounter a pack with as many as 15 or more dogs who have thrown caution to the wind. Vicious fighting among the males is also common as they move carelessly through the streets, contending to be the next in line, and often intimidating humans they encounter along their way.

When conditions have permitted, Ayuda volunteers have managed to grab a female and make an escape in a fast moving vehicle. However, many times conditions are not safe to do this. Even if a female is willing to be removed from a gang bang, it is not uncommon for the sex-crazed males to restrict her exit.

When unable to perform a capture safely, our standard practice has been to get as much information as possible about the female (ideally, a photo), and then try to track her down for her spay/neuter at a safer time. Unfortunately, many of these females go under cover and are not seen again until they are weeks into pregnancy. And as a further obstacle, sometimes a pack dog has a human family who, for various reasons, does not believe in having their animals sterilized and may even want their females in a constant state of pregnancy.

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Yesterday, Selaine was walking up a busy side street when she was approached by an unusually large pack of dogs. The street was busy with honking buses and trucks during rush hour traffic. Annoyed business owners and frightened pedestrians tried to shoo away the dogs by throwing water and other things at them. But the crazed dogs refused to cooperate.

Running directly towards Selaine in front of the pack was a little female whom we have named Feathers.

Feathers is not an unfamiliar face to Ayuda. We have seen her many times around town, but never before in heat and being pursued. When observed, Feathers consistently appears to be on the move and as if she has a purposed destination to get to. Judging from her breed and general condition, we have always assumed that Feathers most likely has a human family.

As Selaine continued up the street she quickly came to realize that Feathers was in a state of terror. In desperation, the frightened dog went under a parked car seeking sanctuary, but still crying out for help, while a male dog also crawled under the car in hot pursuit.

Pushing the stubborn male suitors aside, Selaine tried unsuccessfully to reach far enough under the sheltering car and grab hold of Feathers. At this same time, one of the Ayuda volunteers who watch over the church courtyard dogs arrived on the scene. Rudy was able to crawl under the parked car and pull Feathers out to safety. As he handed the little dog over to Selaine, Feathers wrapped her paws around Selaine’s neck and clung to her for dear life.

Selaine then carried Feathers through the neighborhood, pushing away the anxious males at her feet, and asking business owners and residents if they knew if Feathers had a family. As she received steady replies of “no” she briefly explained that she runs a program for street dogs and that Feathers was going to Zoo Mascota to be sterilized. To which all gave her replies of support, ranging from “Good!” to blessings and pats on her back.

However, the journey to safety was not yet complete.

With Feathers still clinging to her and surrounded by the males, Selaine jumped into a tuk tuk taxi. But one persistent big boy would not give up. He too climbed into the tuk tuk trying to introduce himself to Feathers. Using her feet, Selaine was able to push him out. But then he chased them the entire way to the clinic, continuously jumping in and getting kicked out each time the tuk tuk had to stop.

Finally, Feathers and Selaine made it inside Zoo Mascota, but so did the pursuing male. He followed them in the front door. As soon as Feathers was secure, efforts were made to capture the male and sterilize him too. But he slipped away. This time.

By the end of the day, Feathers and another female who was captured from a different pack that same morning had both been successfully treated.

Xela! A happy, healthy, and appreciative street dog 19-Oct-09

Photos of Feathers have been omitted from this publication.

However, on the left is an “after” picture of another female who was also saved from a pack of males a couple of months ago.

Since her operation, Xela has put on a good deal of weight. With her keen sense of street smarts, we are very happy to say that Xela is doing very well in all ways.

Always a pleasure when we see each other, we have come to discover that Xela loves to show appreciation for the help she has received, including a daily meal of healthy food. We often encounter Xela if we are out in the evenings and she very dutifully accompanies us safely to our gate. Click here if you would like to read the original article about Xela.

BRIGITTE BARDOT FOUNDATION GIVES GRANT

selaine — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:30:09 GMT

Today we received excellent news from France.

Brigitte Bardot

The Brigitte Bardot Foundation has generously awarded Ayuda a grant of 8,000 Euros.

Through this award, five hundred animals will be sterilized over the next twelve months.

In addition to the grant itself, the Foundation is championing Ayuda relationships with other international animal welfare groups, which we hope will lead to exciting future projects.

With deepest gratitude and humble pride, we gratefully accept the generosity and faith bestowed in us by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, their donors, and the honorable Brigitte Bardot for her life commitment to animals everywhere. We will not let you down.

The Pups of Las Cavernas

selaine — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 02:25:58 GMT

Las Cavernas 18-Aug-09

Las Cavernas is another of Ayuda’s daily feeding stations. In keeping with our standards of safety to the dogs, this area is also a haven for many feral animals.

The feeding station gets its name from many cave-like nooks which homeless dogs claim for their own. Many births have happened in Las Cavernas. Many homeless pups are nursing there at this writing.

Home Sweet Home 18-Aug-09

Ayuda volunteer Marilena has been maintaining Las Cavernas feeding station. She has enrolled the support of restaurant and tienda owners, as well as other locals who spend much of their time around the San Marcos docks of Panajachel. These citizens keep caring eyes out for the dogs. They have told us of incidents where they have chased away intruding humans who tried to harrass and even take away some of the very young puppies.

Charo 31-Aug-09

Pictured on the right is Charo. She is one of a recent litter of Las Cavernas puppies. Charo and her sister Conchita have moved up from their cave and settled under Marta’s dockside tienda. Their mother’s name is Blanci. We have scheduled Blanci and her 2 pups for sterilization next week after her puppies are done chewing on her. The green on Charo’s nose is worming medication which had been added to her food.

Dr. Miguel treats Conchita with Marilena 4-Sep-09

Dr. Miguel recently accompanied Ayuda on a field trip to Las Cavernas. With his vaccinations in tow, 1 adult dog (Blanci) and 8 puppies were vaccinated against local deadly diseases. The puppies will be given Rabies vaccines as they are older and when we have them sterilized. Blanci will also be vaccinated against Rabies when she is sterilized next week.

Lucia and her pups under an old boat 4-Sep-09

Six of the vaccinated puppies belong to Lucia. She and her pups have been living under an old boat situated just above the edge of the caves. We learned about their hiding spot from the guardian of the boat yard next door. Like his neighboring business owners, Gerardo also cares about the well being of the dogs he sees every day in his community

The day’s walking vaccination clinic drew a small crowd of attention, including meeting a new friend from the western shore village of Santa Cruz.

Amazingly, from her frequent boat trips to Panajachel, Marlena had come to know Lucia (under a different name) and recently took her to Zoo Mascota herself for the vaccination suite. What a great surprise to find another person who cares about the street animals! We look forward to working with Marlena on future projects.

Las Cavernas is just one more area of Panajachel where Ayuda provides shelter-type services to homeless animals. It is filled with opportunities to make a positive difference. And it is growing with new opportunities everyday. Unfortunately, our resources remain very limited. As our funding permits, we will see to the health and well being of as many homeless animals from Las Cavernas and throughout our region as we are able.

All donations which we receive go 100% towards the animals.

La Navidad Nike

selaine — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:36:15 GMT

Ayuda supplies food for at least seven daily feeding stations in Panajachel. Each station is located in an area which is out of harms way from traffic and other human dangers.

In addition to a safe place for food, the stations are used to discover new animals, as well as to base-line future surgery patients, and to administer medical treatments and dietary supplements.

Feeding Station Navidad is supplied twice each day for an average of 7 dogs per feeding. The number of dogs who await the feeder can vary based on his arrival time. By purposely varying the arrival times, survey taking becomes more consistent in determining which dogs are most likely homeless, and which are the most needy.

Nike rules Navidad 23-Aug-09

Nike showed herself at Navidad for the first time about two weeks ago. Before then she had been hiding in the bushes.

We call her Nike because she is such a good sneaker.

However, since she has taken to more comfortably showing herself, very few of the other regular dogs get to eat while she is there. And she is now there all the time.

Feeding the other dogs has become a bit of a game in which the feeder must try to cover more spread out meals while Nike keeps trying to claim and protect all of them from the other dogs at the same time. Eventually everybody running around settles down as Nike returns to the biggest meal, which was the first and served just to her. This process occurs twice each day.

We are certain that Nike is homeless. She is currently lactating and we do not know where her puppies are located. It is difficult to tell her age and how many litters she has already had. But it would appear to have been many.

She is also very undernourished so we sneak additional supplements into her daily regime. We hope to build her up by the time she finishes lactating so that she will be ready for sterilization. And we hope to find someone like you who would be willing to sponsor her for that surgery and vaccination. Please contact us if you would like to help Nike and others like her.

Poco a Poco July

selaine — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:41:02 GMT

Saludos! We celebrate this past week with more sterilizations and vaccinations, a special adoption announcement, and we begin plans to step into a new nest of opportunities here in Panajachel as a new month quickly approaches.

Cumbiya 23-Jul-09

Cumbiya is a mother who recently delivered 6 pups, had the pups taken away from her, and was then abandoned by her family. Since then, one of Ayuda’s local resident volunteers has been fostering Cumbiya in the hopes of one day finding her a permanent home. Cumbiya recently received the base-line Ayuda health care treatments. She was sterilized, vaccinated, and treated for internal and external parasites. We think that she is not quite 2 years old. Please contact us if would like more information about adopting Cumbiya.

Spotter On The Job 25-Jul-09

In contrast to Cumbiya, Spotter is the kind of street dog who may never want to settle down with one companion or family. This little fireplug loves to hang out on a busy street in front of a clothing shop or down by a key shop where young men lift weights (how she got her name). A very street-smart gal, Spotter was recently sterilized, vaccinated, and also treated for parasites. She was then returned to her little corner of the community where she is well known and watched over by caring humans. She is now getting a daily ration of high protein food from Ayuda. We’d put up a better picture of Spotter if we had one, but this one shows what is clearly her favorite and normal pose in her favorite and normal spot on the street.

Mamushka 9-Jul-09

In other good news report, we are very pleased to announce that we have found a wonderful home for Mamushka, our recovering cancer patient. An adoption of a street dog Mamushka’s age and under her circumstances is quite rare and special. Stay tuned for a future post with more information.

Dock Mother 26-Jul-09

Turning to new work ahead, the other day a young man stopped us on the street and asked if we were the people who run the program for homeless animals. He asked us to follow him on his motorcycle as he lead us to a section of town which Ayuda has not yet entered. The boat dock for the lake’s western shore villages is overrun with homeless female dogs. As part of our August plan, we will begin an approach to do what we can for these newly discovered “chicas”. Locals who work by the docks and operate the tiendas have offered their help to capture and provide post-op care. This area of Panajachel is very sectionalized. We believe that it could be quickly and methodically cleaned up. Our greatest obstacle is available funds in order to pay for the necessary medical services and supplies.

During August we will focus our efforts on fighting deadly diseases through vaccinations. It seems like almost daily we have been hearing disturbing tales of suffering and death that could have been prevented. According to Dr. Miguel, there has been a significant increase in cases of Parvo and Distemper in Panajachel during 2009. Rabies vaccines are offered free of charge by the Guatemalan Health Department, but vaccines to fight Parvo, Distemper and other deadly diseases must be purchased privately. Through our ever-increasing network of local volunteers, we will directly administer injections and keep records of series treatments, as well as continue the Ayuda standard of vaccinations for all animals that we spay/neuter.

For $30 an animal is spay/neutered and fully vaccinated by the Ayuda vet. For $10 an animal is separately vaccinated by the Ayuda vet. For $300 we can acquire a case of 100 vital vaccines that will be administered by the trained hands of unpaid volunteers. Many of these vaccines will be given to dogs and cats that have already been spay/neutered, but the owners have no knowledge of their vaccinations or series treatment schedules.

Please donate whatever you can to help us eliminate animal suffering caused by local deadly diseases. Vaccinations are vital for all the animals who live in this environment; especially the homeless and those who cannot afford to pay.

Call for Ayuda! (Help!)

selaine — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:25:19 GMT

Calling all vets, vet techs, vet students and animal welfare volunteers: Ayuda is seeking volunteer groups to come help us in our goal to sterilize 500 street animals over the next year. We need your help to end the idea that the only way to control overpopulation is to poison innocent dogs and cats. The people see the effects of our work & want more, munis are coming around, but we must keep up the pace! Ayuda!

Vaccinations R Us!

selaine — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:05:52 GMT

Spotter is a very sweet street dog who gets her name because she hangs out near an open building where young men lift weights. The other day while we were dropping her off for sterilization and vaccinations, Dr. Miguel showed us a very sad emergency case which he was working on.

Emergency Amputation 15-Jul-09

A puppy about 3 months old had been hit by a truck right in front of both the puppy’s family and Miguel. Besides multiple wounds and bruises, one of the puppy’s hind legs had compound irreparable breaks in four different places. It was clear to Miguel that the family loves the puppy and wanted to do something to save her. But the family is very poor and has no money to pay for the puppy’s medical needs.

Miguel brought the puppy back to Zoo Mascota, treated the wounds, and performed a merciful amputation of the broken leg as gratis for the impoverished family. In showing us the puppy, and in knowing our commitments for health concerns through vaccinations, Miguel asked if Ayuda would be willing to cover the costs of vaccines for the puppy, to which we readily approved.

We didn’t catch her name, but Panajachel now has yet another three legged dog. At the very least, we are pleased to know that this little girl has a family who loves her and a good chance for a healthy new start at life.

Ayuda does its best to hold focus on the homeless animals because their human caretakers tend to them through community support, as opposed to support through human families and full-time companions. However, in the events of emergencies such as this puppy, we also do what we can to help family animals with special circumstances. We place equal emphasis on sterilization and vaccination. We believe that spay/neuter is the means to better manage the issues of overpopulation and spread of sexually transmitted diseases. But we also believe that all dogs and cats should be immunized against common local deadly diseases which affect both animals and humans.

For each donation of $30 we are able to sterilize and vaccinate one more homeless animal. And for each donation of $10 we are able to separately do just the critical vaccinations for a needy animal, such as the little girl in this post. Given the financial resources, we would be pleased to arrange vaccination-only clinics for entire villages of impoverished indigenous dogs and cats.

It Really Does Take A Village

selaine — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:52:28 GMT

With all the latest fads and devices we have at our fingertips and inside our ears these days, the world continues to become a more virtual place with less person-to-person human contact. For our own use of technology, we have become reconnected with old friends who continue to support animal welfare in new and different ways. We have also become connected with many wonderful new friends, including new friends from afar. For a program as young as Ayuda, the long distance start up support we have been receiving is very encouraging and highly valued.

Dale tends to street animals at the bus stop bookstore cafe 7-Jul-09

And also of great encouragement and value are the unsung care givers with whom we have been personally teaming from right inside our own neighborhoods.

These unpaid volunteers and concerned residents of our village have been helping to shape Ayuda’s cornerstone as it continues to form and perform.

This post is dedicated to our fellow community members, neighbors, and friends who have been independently providing their own forms of care and protection to our roaming fellow citizens; the homeless street animals. The bullets below represent Ayuda’s first list of Local Heroes for the village of Panajachel:

Russell is a well known and constant street guardian of the poor and homeless. We asked him to keep an eye out for our old street pal Staci after she didn’t show up in her usual spots for a few days. Shortly afterwards Russell not only let us know that he had found her, but that he was giving her a new home far off the streets. Staci and other formerly homeless dogs now live happily on Russell’s spacious property on the western shore of Lake Atitlan. We know Russell as a good friend, fellow animal lover, and someone who jumps in head first whenever asked to help.

Gabriel, Sue, Nanette, Barry, David, Yanna, and others have gone so far as to surprise us with unexpected donations as acknowledgments of neighborhood improvements and continued faith in our work.

Steve has very recently joined the ranks of Ayuda volunteers. Two nights ago we were on the lookout for a dog we had heard was badly injured and hangs out on Calle Arboles. We purposely went to dinner in a cafe with a good view of the street, and then it started to rain. As Steve was leaving he said he’d take the pain pill and go looking for the injured dog. For the next couple of hours we watched him walk up and down Arboles in the downpour searching for the dog. Steve was still on the job by the time we had finished our dinner and left to go home. Both he and the dog have been M.I.A. since that night, but we expect to get an update this evening. Steve has told us that he is anxious to help Ayuda in any way he can on his daily travels around Panajacel.

Local businesses (which shall remain un-named at this time) have also amazed us with cash and in-kind donations. Walking into a cafe or shop and then having the owner present a generous donation as a word of mouth gesture of support just blows us away with heartfelt appreciation.

The open air cafe near the Panajachel bus stop and bookstore is a coffee drinkers haven for many long time and new residents. A number of street dogs know that this is a good place to find food and shelter from the elements. Regulars like Dale and Bonnie have been mixing Glucosamine and Chondroitin in with dog food servings for special cases Blanca and Goldie. If Ayuda falls behind on keeping up with the cafe’s food supplies then the regulars chip in and do their own re-stocking. Keeping up the health of the homeless animals and keeping Ayuda informed on the dogs’ conditions has enabled a valuable bonding of community watch and care.

The public mercado building has a nasty disposal area (basurero) which is situated just off the street and down at one of the far ends. Perishables are pitched into rotting heaps. The farming people from the village of Tierra Linda sell their vegetables and other daily goods very close to the opening of the basurero. Territorial and starving dogs are regularly lured out of the depths of the basurero to receive Ayuda nutrients and meds, and sometimes escorted to the vet’s office for emergency and planned parenthood treatments. There are times when unruly and aggressive pack conditions can make things a bit nervy and delicate. But the always warm gestures of appreciation offered by the mercado people make the dirty jobs go so much easier. Their friendly pats on the back and genuine thanks for kindness to the animals is like fuel for the soul.

Sometimes living in Guatemala feels like being in the old wild west. Vigilantes abound, including one particular courageous protector of the Panajachel street animals. This guardian (who has specifically requested that his name not be published) is well known for hopping on his motorcycle and running down reckless tuk tuk taxi drivers when they harm or nearly harm a street animal. He makes it known to these drivers that the number of their taxi is going onto a black list. The black list is shared with fellow animal protectors in the community. More and more savvy residents are looking at the tuk tuk numbers before entering them, and telling the drivers why they won’t ride with them if their number is on the black list. Our Local Hero is our friend the vigilante rider. The black list concept is his doing, and it’s working.

We believe that there are more undiscovered people in the impoverished neighborhoods who are like Rosa, who feeds 14 dogs every day. Through our daily travels and growing network of volunteers, we hope to find more of the Rosas and offer them Ayuda support and camaraderie.

Rudy and Christian have been helping us tremendously by watching over the church courtyard dogs. They help with round ups, feedings, and scheduled treatments. They are also quick to alert us of new animals who find their way to the courtyard and claim a free spot of cobblestone as their new home base. Newcomers soon discover that they have wandered into one of the village’s open public sanctuaries, watched over by kind human guardians.

Marcel and Marcelle. Where to begin. Their generous support in so many different ways simply speaks for itself. Thank you both for so much, and we hope you’ll be pleased to know that the feral cat trap is finally in our possession.

Tootsie is a friendly big dog who has a family and spends a lot of time on the streets. Recently she was walking down a busy side street during a night of fireworks and fiestas. She came to a point where she could go no further. She knew that she was about to deliver. At that instance a taxi pulled up. Marilena was in the back seat. But instead of getting out at her stop, Tootsie looked up at her, stepped onto the floor of the tuk tuk at Marilena’s feet, and collapsed. It was clear to Marilena that this dog was about to have her puppies and that was that. She knew that Tootsie had a family but none of us knew where they lived. Tootsie went home to Marilena’s that night and had her pups in a safe and secure place, and with plenty of tender care. The dogs and the family were happily reunited soon afterwards. Marilena has a long history for her many acts of kindness and giving. But if not for her heroics on this one particular night, Tootsie probably would have given birth at the entrance to the always busy Circus Bar.

And last but not least in this post of acknowledgments to Local Heroes is long time resident, successful business owner, and Panajachel icon Kelly. Kelly has not only offered to be a member of Ayuda’s Board of Directors; she also certified her due diligence and faith through a generous donation. The always upbeat and forward-looking senses of community and spirit which Kelly brings to the Ayuda program are graciously welcomed and highly motivating.

Even though Ayuda has only been in existence for a little over one month, we are proud to publish this list of Local Heroes: our initial Wall of Fame.

Skin disease discussion with guardians of the church dogs 6-Jul-09

Ayuda believes that the kind of caring and concern which we have been unveiling and nurturing is a strong statement of community recognition for the problems, health, and well being of homeless animals. It is exactly what we have been hoping to bring to the surface and collectively harness. Through organized information, defined territories, treatment schedules, and the sharing of resources in all forms, we believe that our collective and simple approaches and measures will encourage others to join with us to create an even broader network of caring people.

If you are new to Ayuda we gratefully invite you to help extend this growing community of indigenous and international helping hands for helpless animals. When visiting Guatemala, please help us attend to the homeless on the streets and neighborhoods where they live and survive. Our supplies of medications and nutrients are steadily consumed and often difficult to replenish. Please bring with you whatever you can. We regularly discover new prime candidates for spay/neuter but often lack the funds to pay for their surgery and vital vaccines. For each donation of $30usd we are able to have one more homeless animal sterilized from reproducing further homeless offspring, as well as vaccinated against common local and deadly diseases. We welcome you to join our growing village of caring and support in any way you can.

Layed Back Lassie

selaine — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 02:10:58 GMT

The courtyard in front of the Panajachel Catholic Church is an open public area of non-stop energy. It is home base to many dogs and impoverished people, as well.

And as a community center, the animals and people who spend so much of their time there also look out for each other.

The other day we were successful in rounding up 3 out of 4 special dogs for treatments. Lassie had somehow managed to make herself conveniently absent when her friends Frederico, PP, and Little Boy made their escorted journey to Dr. Miguel’s.

We asked one of our courtyard volunteers to keep an eye out for Lassie. After contacting us, and as promised, this morning he was at the church with Lassie by his side.

Perhaps a bit reluctantly after chatting with her doggie buds, Lassie did make the escorted walk to Zoo Mascota. We’re happy to report that today she was vaccinated and sterilized. This evening she is spending a quiet indoor night of recovery. Tomorrow morning Lassie will be released to her home base, with her friends, and under the watchful eyes of caring human neighbors.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors and supporters. Through your contributions we are able to help dogs like Lassie to live healthier and happier lives.

C'est Magnifique!

selaine — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:26:25 GMT

This month of July is getting off to a great start.

Marcel and Marcelle have returned to Guatemala for a brief visit, and bearing wonderful gifts and news from our fellow animal lovers in France.

Generous donations of Euros have been delivered and most gratefully received. This includes our first ongoing monthly pledge! Very fondly to all who contributed, Merci Beaucoup.

These donations are being put to immediate use. We received them last night and this morning three of our favorite street dogs were brought to Dr. Miguel. We’ve been watching and waiting for the right moment to corral Little Boy, P P, and Frederico, and today was the day! These kids are regulars of the courtyard in front of Panajachel’s Catholic Church. Today, all three were caught, neutered, vaccinated, and released by the end of the day. At this writing, all are recovering nicely under the watchful eyes of human regulars of the church’s courtyard. Leaving these volunteers with pain killers and cream for the stitches, we know the dogs are in the safe hands of their friendly human neighbors. But now, much healthier. Thanks to them and to you for making community events like this happen for the homeless.

Through your help, we are now able to increase our weekly rates of spay/neuters for July. Please watch for upcoming front page stories of animals we work with, enabled so much through your kindness.

In addition, we will be able to replenish our food supplies, which are being consumed at ever increasing rates.

And on top of the Euro donations, Marcel and Marcelle brought us a bag full of stylish and sturdy collars and leashes. Know that these will make some poor dogs happy as their caring families receive them as very nice gifts.

More pics at: http://ayudagt.wordpress.com/2009/07/04/viva-la-france/

Yet Another Chico

selaine — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:57:37 GMT

Don C operates the licuado stand where Mamushka lives (see previous story). As he was getting an update on her condition the other day he said that a new dog had recently shown up. Like Mamushka, this one was also very sickly and obviously without any companion.

The next day, there he was, right across the street. Looking terribly frightened, famished, and dodging the passing buses.

With all too familiar eyes, he looked up as if to say Someone! Please please help me! I am starving!

Some food was placed on a level area just up off the street and out of harms way. Very timidly, he looked up at the food, and then with all his strength his front legs desperately pulled his frail body up the short steps as fast as he was able. It was such a sad sight to see his hind legs clawing the concrete to get up to where the food was placed for him. This dog was so hungry and so fearful that he didn’t even allow himself a secure space to stand while he ate. His hind legs remained perched and shaking right on the edge of the step as he ravenously went for the kibble. With each bite he looked around nervously like he was expecting to be struck or chased away at any second.

He didn’t seem to have any problems with being given the name Chico. He gladly accepted a pill for intestinal worms, as well as a monthly flea treatment.

Perhaps Chico has worked his way down from the city dump up on the mountain. Perhaps he was born and lives by the river and has become so desperate for food that he’s left his weedy sanctuary in dangerous broad daylight.

Whatever Chico’s story, he has now worked his way onto Ayuda’s radar and into our hearts. We’ve scheduled him for a visit to Dr. Miguel’s in 2 weeks after he’s had more routine feedings and neighborhood care.

http://ayudagt.wordpress.com/2009/06/30/yet-another-chico/

WSPA, Ayuda Work Together for Lake Atitlan Basin Initiative

selaine — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:50:36 GMT

Yesterday in Guatemala City we had a terrific meeting with Max Brandt, our good friend and the Member Society Development Manager for WSPA (World Society for Protection of Animals). Max is based in WSPA’s Costa Rica office, which is our Regional Headquarters.

In between his many activities, such as conducting a fund raising workshop, Max was able to spend a couple of dedicated hours with Ayuda.

Topics from our meeting with Max included upcoming plans to more effectively approach the problem of humane education in the Guatemalan public schools, as well as brain-storming discussions for an exciting new project in the Lake Atitlan region.

We greatly look forward to partnering with all WSPA Member Societies, as well as the WSPA organization itself. As plans progress, additional animal protection, human health and environmental groups will be invited to participate! Stay tuned for reports about this new, ground-breaking project!

Thanks as always for your time, Max. It was very encouraging and fun!

Einstein, Retired Street Dog Supports Ayuda!

selaine — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:21:13 GMT

Woof woof from Panajachel . . . Einstein, retired street dog reporting!

I’m back! I was truly flattered and humbled by how many friends have asked about me. While I’m getting on up there in years, I feel pretty good. Thanks for asking!

Some of you also asked if it was me in the Ayuda promotional photo eating the tortilla. Nope, but it’s most likely a cousin! We do share similar features and age, don’t we!

My debute post for Ayuda is all good news and big wags!!

First up: A big wag of the tail goes out to Annie L., our artist friend and supporter. She surprised us with a donation of a barely used large dog carrier! This fabulous addition will help us transport some of my rascally street dog friends that need medical attention. Woof, woof Annie — we miss you! Come home to Guatemala soon!

Another big wag of the tail goes to the sweet, anonymous person who left a 40 lb. bag of dog food at our door! What a terrific surprise to come home to after making rounds feeding my needy friends! Woof, my tail almost wagged off my butt!

I’ve also been excited and encouraged by our membership progress! Big wags of the tail to all of our Facebook friends! Your support there and here is so greatly appreciated! You can’t imagine what a boost it is to know how many of you out there are in our corner!

And, finally, huge wags of the tail and sloppy doggie kisses to those of you who have made the generous financial donations that enable us to work every day for homeless animals. We can’t do it without you! Thank you!

Hand-in-Hand: Ayuda receives donations from local hotel

selaine — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:07:25 GMT

In keeping with our strategies of community donations through services, a beautiful lakeside hotel has made very generous donations of lodging for visitors working with Ayuda.

These donations have been very proudly accepted in the spirit of community service, and acknowledgment of community problems which must be solved. We look forward to a continuous partnership with Hotel Villa Santa Catarina.

Bringing the animal population down to manageable levels is a constant uphill battle fought on the streets.

WE NEED TROOPS!

Visiting vets, vet techs, vet students, and so many other forms of contributors to animal welfare. Please Contact us if you are planning a trip to Guatemala and would like to work with Ayuda. We may be able to help you with your lodging.

Brutus No Mas Brute

selaine — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:59:11 GMT

Meet Brutus. That’s what we’re calling him, although he hardly seems to be anything but a timid soul these days. Judging by the style of the heavy duty collar that is rotting on his neck, at one time in his life he might have been someone’s guardian watch dog. Perhaps people moved away and left him behind. Or perhaps he has some impoverished human companions who simply can’t afford to be mindful of his diet and health.

German Shepherds are not very common in our area. And homeless ones are even more rare. But this big boy showed up one day at our Navidad feeding station. We don’t know exactly when it was that he realized that he could find food every day if he returned to this same spot. But one day he was there hiding in the bushes and waiting for someone to leave something good to eat.

The first very noticeable thing about Brutus was how underweight he is. A Shepherd his size should be around 85 pounds. But he probably weighs in at less than 55 pounds. And it’s not easy to tell his age. From the hard life he’s likely had, Brutus is probably a lot younger than the years of wear and tear he shows.

He has been getting worm treatment mixed into his food. And every time he’s seen he gets extra large portions of food, as well. Hopefully these simple measures are helping him to feel healthier and get to a respectable German Shepherd’s weight.

Brutus will probably not object to some flea treatment. But he’s getting a little more time to get used to human kindness from strangers before being handled when there’s food in front of him. He’d probably be glad to lose his heavy rotting collar too. But time is also being allowed to see if any humans emerge who can tell us the hidden story of the life of Brutus.

Shaggy-Do Where Are You?

selaine — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:27:29 GMT

Shaggy showed up on the streets of Panajachel over a year ago. Poor guy was skin and bones and had only tufts of fur here and there on this body, nothing on his ears and face. He was already fully grown with a sweet, gentle personality.

Since then, Shaggy was sterilized and vaccinated during a local clinic and several friends feed and keep an eye on him. Ayuda provides him with worm and flea medications on a regular basis. His fur has grown back but is very dry and brittle.

A good friend of the Ayuda program donated a bottle of DermCaps over the weekend, so today, Shaggy will begin some treatments to restore his fur even more!

Look For Shaggy-Do at the Mercado and on Santander! He’s a little shy, but a really nice boy!

Mama & La Siesta Pack

selaine — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:23:05 GMT

Please take another good look at the banner photo at the top of this page, then come on back down and read the story!

If only she could talk . . .

Looking directly into the camera is “Mama”, one of our puppy factories! By no fault of her own, of course, she’s just another of the homeless. According to locals, she has lived on the street and in the wooded barrio near my home for her entire life.

On the far right, is one of her daughters from a litter she delivered about a year ago and the 3 pups are her latest litter. Not pictured are 2 other females and 2 males from the older litter! The pack is growing and it’s time for Ayuda to intervene.

For the last several months, I have been feeding the pack and inching closer and closer in the hopes of establishing some trust. They are all as feral as they come and the team is concerned about trying oral tranquilizers to capture them for sterilization. Past experience has taught us that there are no guarantees on how quickly orals will take affect and typically, the dogs don’t stay in one place and tracking can be very difficult through the neighborhoods and woods.

Through our friendships and discussions with people in the neighborhood, they’re ready to help capture the feral pack for sterilization! They understand it needs to happen and really want to help.

Stay tuned for updates on Mama & La Siesta pack.