Customs

Last year we were worried about getting through customs and of course had our drugs confiscated. The confiscated drugs were not controlled but were taken never the less. This year I divided the items concerned between everyone coming down from the Seattle area so if there was an issue perhaps some items would get through and we could reorder what didn't make it. I never dreamed that this year customs would decide that everything involved with the clinic was medical equipment and could not be allowed in to the country. We had 2 large bags and a cat trap full of all of the supplies. Everything was confiscated. There were 32 spay packs, the autoclave, gauze, sterile paper drapes, suture, needles, syringes,flea spray, plastic containers, catheter plugs, nolvasan, and everything else required for our clinic. I have a meeting with Morelia tonight to begin the process of getting everything out of impoundment. The officials said it would require a letter (not sure from whom) which seems pretty simple except this country is in the midst of a flu epidemic and the government has bigger worries than a small spay neuter clinic. I will add more as soon as I know more.

We Are On Our Way!!

It is 8:04 AM and we are at Sea Tac awaiting our flight to Cancun. Hard to imagine that in 6 hours we will be warm having left this cold, rainy climate behind. All supplies have been divided amongst volunteers coming from Washington. Our letter providing clearance through customs didn't arrive so all injectables face confiscation again. This year the packing and preparation went so much smoother. So all is ready and well. Well almost, as there is this one little issue called Swine Flu that has really gotten everyone's attention. Of all the things that could affect this trip and project I never dreamed of having to worry about an epidemic of flu. Time will tell if everyone can come as planned to help. I think the next week will be very interesting. If all goes well our clinic will be filmed by Jean Anderson who is an amateur maker of documentary films. I will try to update the blog frequently.

Animals like this little girl need our help.

Seven Weeks and Counting......

In just seven weeks we will be in the midst of our second clinic. There is so much to get done in such a short amount of time. I have managed to get a few major tasks accomplished. The IRS form 1023 has been submitted. We are awaiting our determination letter. Our first appeal letter went out last week and donations are coming in. Supplies have been ordered and are stacked all over the house. Surgical instruments have arrived but need to be taped for identification, organized, put in sleeves and autoclaved. Surgical drapes need to cut, packaged and autoclaved. Roddrigo has offered to transport some supplies to Holbox for us, including the autoclave. This will save extra baggage charges. Supplies must be packed and shipped to his home in El Paso.

Our most pressing need is for funds to cover the costs of the surgical packs and supplies. Please consider sending a donation to:

Isla Holbox Spay Neuter Project

33925 Eglon RD NE

Kingston WA 98346

Our Logo

Thank you MaryAnn Davis!!

Wish List for 2009 and Beyond

Isla Holbox Spay Neuter Project is now a Nonprofit Corporation in the State of Washington. This will allow donors to receive tax credit for donations.

Wish List for 2009

Non-disposable supplies to remain on Holbox

· Endotracheal Tubes: 3 each of sizes 3 mm to 11 mm (.5mm increments) $2-$6 each
· Canine Spay Packs: 1-20 $100-$300 each (depending on quality)
· Feline Spay Packs: 1-10 $100-$400 each (depending on quality)
· Oster A5 Turbo 2 Speed Clippers: 2 pairs $160 each
· #40 Blades for A5 clippers: 6 blades $21 each
· Thoracic positioners: 2 sets $86 each
· Assorted Carriers and cages

Disposable Supplies

· Nolvasan Solution
· Nolvasan Surgical Scrub
· Syringes 3cc, 10cc, 20cc
· Needles 22 gauge
· Gauze squares
· Surgical gloves size 6– 7 ½
· Alcohol
· Scalpel blades
· Suture material (absorbable, synthetic, monofilament 2-0, 3-0 like Monomend MT)
· Towels
· Frontline Plus
· Revolution
· Ivermectin
· Surgical Tissue Adhesive

Clinic Dates 2009

Our plans for 2009 are well under way. The clinic dates will be May 8, 9, 11 and 12. May 10 is Mexican Mothers Day so we will not hold a clinic that day. Morelia would like to see us concentrate on the towns on the mainland. Having just returned from Holbox and having seen more cats then ever before I hope also to target TNR on the island. Please contact me if you would like to help in any way.