Spay and Neuter Clinics - How You Can Be Part of the Animal Welfare Solution!
I have volunteered at many spay and neuter clinics in different countries, with different organizations, but my favorite was in 2017 in Mexico. Why? The volunteers!
This particular clinic was 7 days long, 14-16 hour days, and laden with the inner turmoil driven by ego, bullying, and popularity contests so common among those who run these events. And yet, it was amazing!!
For self-sanity reasons, I focused on the volunteers, who seemed untarnished by the underlying currents - a couple on their honey-moon who heard about the clinic at their hotel, a mom and daughter team on a bonding trip, an older gentleman who simply needed to spread the love in his heart. Volunteering is a personal experience - one you may not discover until you do it.
I somehow ended up heading the second recovery unit, which made sense since this is where the dogs come around after the surgery. This process can take hours - it is different for every dog, and some wake up less than pleased! I will never forget one young women who sat with a dog for hours - literally hours on a cement floor with a blanket, comforting a dog who struggled to “come to.” Did she think she would be doing that for hours? Probably not, and yet, she refused to leave this dog’s side. When he came around, less than pleasant, she was there for him. I do not know her backstory, but I am forever grateful.
The volunteers in the First Recovery Unit were a shining light! A well-seasoned group of women from a rescue on the west coast of USA, they brought a much needed light-hearted humor to the table - literally. In First Recovery, they perform tasks that are best done while the dogs are “under,” such as nail cutting, ear cleaning, and grooming. This one woman did the nails - she would talk to the dogs… “So, Maria, what color would you like for your pedicure today?”
Self preservation is key at these clinics.
I practiced my Spanish by taking on the role of calling in the locals with their dogs as their “number” came up, and finding the pet parent of the dog who just woke up. At one time I was fluent, so this was a great opportunity to pick it back up. I was fortunate in that an older woman, a local who was volunteering, took a liking to me and gave me pointers - I came to rely on her, and she was always there for me. The locals acknowledged my improvement in my Spanish as the week went along. This was motivating and I was proud of myself.
My friend who joined me was over whelmed , and yet he stepped up to the plate. Wow - almost two thousand dogs and almost as many cats went through the clinic! He carried them (still under) from First Recovery to the spot in Second Recovery.
There is no knowing what to expect.
The best advice…have no expectations. Find your place, or allow it to find you. Expect road bumps. Be Yourself. Hold your own.
To learn about volunteering opportunities, I suggest researching local vet clinics or rescue organizations - they will let you know!
Enjoy the experience - it is a once in a lifetime.
