This was a return trip for Allandale Veterinary Hospital. We had been there previously in June 2019. We were quick to learn once we landed that there was no difference in temperatures between the two trips, it was still 40+ degrees Celsius with the humidity.
We were met at the airport by Dr. Santiago Soto and Lorna, the founders of the Roatan Animal Welfare group. We were ecstatic to see them again and to be helping out with the spay/neuter clinic in the city of Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan, Honduras.
Coxen Hole is the largest city on the island and was also in desperate need of veterinary care. We were returning to the same location, which was a little community centre in Coxen Hole. Roatan Animal Welfare is very well organized and had shown up with lots of volunteers. We all worked together to transform the outside into a waiting room; the small community center into a one room hospital, with prep tables, surgical tables, and a recovery ward.
Melissa and Rhys’ positions were prepping the patients for surgery. Melissa was here in June and has been doing clinics since 2013. She was comfortable in knowing what to expect, but this journey was a first for Rhys. Although a beginner, Rhys jumped right in and was quick to learn the ins and outs. He was a real asset to the team.
Natalie is a go-getter. She has been helping with spay/neuter clinics since 2013. She is utilized in every department and is a big part of handling the patients, which is always not the most comfortable job when the pets are infested with fleas, ticks, and lice.
Dr. Lechten, Dr. Murphy, Dr. Manesis, and Dr. Soto are dedicated veterinarians. They stand all day at their surgical tables, as patient after patient makes their way into surgery with only a brief lunch-break over the two days. At the end of the clinic their hands are cramped, blistered, and sore. Their bodies are broken. However, they are so stoic that they don’t complain. They do not turn any patient away.
Lorna is a valued part of the team. She spends a lot of time outside in the heat, sedating our patients. She also comes and works in the clinic, handling and helping out where ever is needed. Her positive attitude, infectious smile, singing, and dancing keeps our spirits up while working throughout the day.
In the two days we spent in Coxen Hole, Roatan, Honduras; we spayed/neutered 141 patients. The last two trips there we spayed/neutered approximately 300 pets. With Coxen Hole complete at this time, we are crossing our fingers to join Roatan Animal Welfare in a different location on the island that requires veterinary care, stay tuned….
Check out their facebook page at…
https://www.facebook.com/Roatan-Animal-Welfare-748731285207059/
