How the U.S. Military is Joining Forces to Help Haiti’s Pets in Need

dog receiving vaccine

We wish it were so but the following is not exactly an exception. There are many animals around the world that need simple care but vet visits, if at all, are few and far between. Let’s give a hardy round of applause for these men and women who are trying to make a difference in these Haitian and canine lives!

On arrival, the team immediately set up its makeshift M.A.S.H unit as curious villagers with pets eagerly waited. Syringes were filled, and foldout operating tables were assembled. A translator shouted, “Bring your pets forward for vaccinations.” A large line formed as more villagers began pouring in with cats in small bags, puppies in wheelbarrows, and larger dogs wearing wire leashes.

“Haiti is a unique situation,” explained Major Marc Knobbe, U.S. Army lead veterinarian in charge of the mission. “There is no veterinary infrastructure here, even though there is an estimated 1.2 million dogs in Haiti.”

The mission’s goal was to vaccinate, spay/neuter, and deworm as many cats and dogs as possible over the course of two days. This was the last day of the program before our hospital ship, the USNS Comfort, would disembark and sail back to the U.S., completing its five-month mission. There were only a few hours of sunlight left in the day to treat as many pets as possible.

We can only imagine the relief many of the people of Haiti must feel, knowing that their fur-babies are vaccinated for any number of dog-sicknesses that are now running rampant in their country.

You can read more about this over on Dogster and note the photos; the relief and happiness of the animals’ owners!

This is a very good thing and we cannot think of a better way to start stamping out of harsh living and disease Haiti has experienced – one dog at a time!



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