Herding Cats, Spaying Dogs

Andddd scene

Having 50 people over to the house felt like old times.

Like a restaurant or a catering affair from my previous life except with only Kirkland Nutbars for food and the chef was the Vet who worked for 10 hours never leaving his post for water or food or toilet. Which is what restaurant cooks do. The only thing missing was money at the end of the day when I soaked my feet and had a really hot shower. Despite that I was filled with joy and felt an accomplishment that money can’t replace. It helps don’t get me wrong. We had to pay the vet for all the 34 pets and their anesthesia and the gloves that he rolled their organs into. He listened to Heavy Metal in Spanish and sang along and Senora Flor kept the the flow going on the seating chart I made and I carried in dogs and cleaned up puke from cat owners that didn’t heed the warning not to feed them in the morning…Wrangling street dogs who are Ninja fast with a lady in a toga who will forever be to me Vacquera (cowgirl) and getting the babies done from Calico and Butterscotch who had started to show a pregnancy once he got inside, I had a feeling, but another unwanted litter on the streets to starve, get poisoned or run over, avoided.

Flor is professional and lovely and I wish she lived here still be she doesn’t and it was nice to be part of a team that was adult, easy breezy and sharp. Some people complained about waiting too long etc but whatever. I said to a few that they were welcome to give up their place in line and lug their cat to Hermosillo for the rattling 4 hour bus ride and get a private appointment. Ahem.

People who have seen me a thousand times were now up close and in my house. Most were surprised that I spoke Spanish. Not fast and perfect but yea. And most were really grateful that someone volunteered to organize the event. La Gringa did this? yea. Many were suspicious about who was supporting me. The government? hahahaha. Of which country? I’d have as good a chance getting support from the Bolivian government. I said no it’s all my money or private donors who support this unplanned mission. If you’re one of those donors thank you. Nearly 17 of the 34 dogs were street or given spay for $10 and I paid the rest. The vet was fast, does complete removal spay and the incision and stitches required no cones or malarkey follow up.

I had lots to do to keep moving to avoid talking about money with Mexicans (a hobby I’ve noticed) and why I’m crazy about saving dogs and building community even when I’m probably never going to be liked. But I’ll leave it better than I came and I made a couple new friends. Seriously can’t ask for more than that.