ONE hundred fifteen dogs and 38 cats were spayed or neutered over eight days last month, thanks to a collaboration among visiting veterinarian Dr. Mariah Coakley, Saipan Humane Society volunteers and the staff of the Saipan Mayor’s Office, SHS founder Lauren Cabrera said on Friday.
She said Coakley’s presence on island was made possible through the support of the Banfield Foundation and the VCA Charities.
Coakley arrived on Saipan on Aug. 18, and performed surgeries on Aug. 21-24, and Aug. 28-31 at the animal shelter of the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
Cabrera said the veterinarian services were “so smooth” during this clinic because of the registration of veterinarian services; the Dog Control Program staff’s pre-operational preparation of animals; and Dr. Coakley’s timely services.
“Dr. Coakley was a fast and talented surgeon, and having efficient processes in place behind the scenes was important — otherwise we could not have kept up with her pace,” Cabrera told Variety.
She said Coakley also made time to see bleeding animals or animals struck by vehicles.
This past spay/neuter clinic was focused primarily on female dogs, Cabrera said. “[They] seem to be the greatest need and also a focus of the Dog Control Program,” she added.
Cabrera said future animal spay/neuter clinics are already being organized, possibly for October.
Moving forward, Cabrera and the Saipan Humane Society will focus on preventive care, sick and emergency visits, and a comprehensive heartworm program.
She said volunteers are welcomed by their organization.
“Volunteers and community sponsors are always needed,” she added. “We currently have two staff, and I am still a full-time volunteer while working on the side. We would love to welcome interns who are interested in animal health, and hope to grow our team more in many different ways.”
Interested parties can volunteer by contacting [email protected] or messaging @saipanhumanesociety on Instagram.
“We are so grateful to those in the community who continue to step forward to show support and help us accommodate vets and these clinics,” Cabrera said.
“Of course, the Saipan Mayor’s Office and [the Dog Control Program] for lending staff and allowing us to use their clinic space. A wonderful private sponsor who lends housing and vehicle for the veterinarians, Saipan Vegas for hosting our last visiting veterinarian, and amazing restaurants, such as The Shack, The Hut, Great Harvest, and Spicy Thai for sharing amazing sponsored lunches with our volunteer team. We are so grateful.”
Visiting veterinarian Dr. Mariah Coakley examines a dog at the animal shelter of the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
