A letter to San Pedro from the Veterinarian

I would like to thank Saga Humane Society and the local community for all their support over the last year. I have greatly enjoyed my work in my position as Saga Humane Society Veterinarian. It has been a very challenging year, but I am proud of the progress we have made in a number of areas, most importantly, controlling the dog population of San Pedro.

When I arrived in October 2008 the shelter was overflowing with dogs and cats in need of veterinary care. Many were sick, and few were spayed or neutered. The island had been without a veterinarian for a couple of months, and the result was startling and sad. One dog in particular at Saga, Cassie, was struggling to recover from a severe case of tick fever and a deep, infected machete wound. There were other dogs like her in the shelter with varying degrees of illness. When I spoke with local residents, they expressed their concerns that another round of poisoning of the stray dog population may occur. It was obvious to me that San Pedro was suffering in a number of ways due to the lack of veterinary care.

Because of this, I decided that two of my biggest goals as the humane society’s veterinarian would be to work to control the island’s dog population in humane ways and to actively work with government officials to initiate an alternative plan to strychnine poisoning.

With the help of staff members Ingrid and Noami, volunteers, and all the pet owners who allowed us to spay and neuter their pets, it appears that we have made great strides in achieving these goals. I would like to encourage all the pet owners of San Pedro to continue to have their pets spayed and neutered. It is the single most important thing you can do for your pet, your community, and to prevent the suffering of future homeless animals. I would also like to thank all of those in the community who have taken the time to listen to us and allow us to spay and neuter their pets.

Although it has become time for me to leave my position at Saga Humane Society, I will always be available to continue to work towards these goals. It is my belief that the animal population of San Pedro will be better served by a permanent private veterinary practice than by the temporary veterinarians that Saga can provide, often with gaps between them with little or no veterinary care.

I will be offering substantial discounts on care for the shelter animals and I am open to working with Saga to do what I can to continue to provide veterinary care to pet owners with financial needs. I plan to be available to the public for surgeries and consults Mondays through Saturdays, as well as for house calls as time allows. My cell phone number will be made available for emergency care after hours. My last day as Humane Society Veterinarian will be December 10th. Beginning December 11th I may be reached at mobile number 630-2479, so that there will be no lapse in veterinary care for the island.

After months of treatment, Cassie and many dogs like her are now living happy and healthy with loving families. Please continue to support Saga Humane Society and all the work that is done to rescue homeless animals, treat their illnesses, spay and neuter them, and find them homes.

Laurie Droke, DVM