The new feral cat program got underway on Friday, October 18. Dr. Floyd Bennett was the visiting veterinary surgeon who joined forces with PHS for this program - Dr. Bennett donated his time and PHS paid for all medications - 7 cats were caught and neutered (5 female and 2 male). Ron Pitt, an enthusiastic supporter of PHS built special cages to trap the feral cats – individuals or businesses who wanted to take advantage of this program were responsible for catching the cats and bringing them to the Clinic.
          As one cat and its offspring can produce 420, 000 kittens in just seven years, the 5 female surgeries have helped to reduce the future cat population over the next seven years by 2,100,000 – a number that is almost too overwhelming to contemplate.
          Of course this does not take into consideration the 2 male cats – it is impossible to guesstimate how many female cats they would have impregnated during their lifetime.
          PHS recognizes that the over cat-population is an ongoing problem and plans to hold other feral cat clinics in the future. One area very successfully being brought under control is near Toadal Adventures – Deb Vernon is diligently catching feral cats and bringing them to each Clinic for neutering on a ‘neuter and release’ basis.  PHS is grateful for Deb Vernon’s interest and support in this program.
          It was a very successful day and we are grateful to everyone who participated. As PHS anticipates continuing with this program, anyone with a cat problem can get more information from our Clinic Coordinator – Mary Smith 523-4306. Please remember however that PHS will only provide the cages and the free Clinics – your part in this project is to catch the cat/kitten and bring it to the Clinic.
          PHS is a registered corporation run entirely by volunteers. We rely on donations and memberships to bring our programs to the community, and are now in our eighth year of operation – you can support us by becoming a member or by making a donation. For more information please take a moment to visit our website: www.placencia_pets.org 
 

Together we can make a difference.
Marcia Fox ~ President ~ Placencia Humane Society

Placencia Humane Society

          ….visiting US Veterinary Surgeon helps with November Clinic.
Bad weather kept Michael Friedlander from going out on a trip on Friday, November 18, but her interest was captured when she read about PHS’s Clinic being held over that weekend at the Community Center. As it happens Michael Frielander turned out to be Dr. Michael Frielander DMV and she decided to just drop in to the Community Center to see what was happening. Before too long Dr. Frielander was working along side Dr. Bennett assisting in the feral cat Clinic and stayed the whole day working wherever necessary.
          As if that wasn’t enough Dr. Frielander was at the Community Center again on Saturday for the Surgical Clinic.
          She was almost tempted to change her Sunday return flight to the States so she could work at the General Clinic!
          Having Dr. Frielander’s assistance and experience at the Clinic was a bonus for everyone and we appreciated here interest and her willingness to work with us.
          We welcome all visiting animal medical personnel to visit our Clinics (once a month and notices are posted around town) – our website: www.placencia_pets.org  will give you information about our Clinic dates or alternatively you can call our Clinic Coordinator, Mary Smith at 523-4306.

Marcia Fox
President
Placencia Humane Society

Placencia Humane Society
….November 19/20 Clinic Report

          Nearly 50 pets were treated at this month’s clinic. Dr. Floyd Bennett was the attending Veterinary Surgeon. In addition to the nine surgeries on Saturday, a total of 27 vaccinations and rabies shots were given (this is an important part of animal care). 26 pets were wormed and three were given ‘snap tests’ (a procedure to check for heart worm and tick disease).
          $104 was collected on outstanding loans and a further $632 made available to pet owners for payment of their pets’ medical procedures.
          Donations amounted to $50 for which we thank Kate Westby. It is only through the generous support of donors that we are able to continue with our work.
          We’re grateful to our volunteers for staffing the Clinic – this month our thanks go to Mary Smith, Stella Matthews, Kim Martens, Jody Hessler, Madalon Richardson and our new Kitten Care Coordinator, Pam Keck (see separate report on the feral cat Clinic held Friday, November 18).
          Dr. Bennett was hosted by Toadal Adventures. Deb Vernon of Toadal Adventures is a consistent supporter of PHS and we are truly appreciative of her ongoing involvement. Thank you Deb Vernon.
          If you would like more information about PHS or volunteering at one of the Clinics, please call 523-4306 and talk to Mary Smith.

Marcia Fox ~ President ~ Placencia Humane Society