An open letter to animal owners on Saipan

So here I am sitting in the Honolulu airport, getting ready to leave for Saipan. Honolulu was the site of my most recent continuing education seminar. Veterinarians are required to get 15 hours/year of CE (Continuing Education), to stay current on recent medical advances. I was amazed to find that last year I logged 81 hours of CE. This year I managed 35 hours.

This postgraduate education is expensive, but well worth the effort. I made a commitment to myself (and to my patients on Saipan) to relieve pain, suffering and disease. This is not possible without constant reading, instruction, and association with those that know more than I about this continually evolving profession. This is a commitment that I have gladly made and gladly kept.

Many of the diseases that we treat with little concern today used to be untreatable just a few years ago. I am continually learning new approaches, new medications, new surgical procedures that ensure a long, happy, life for my patients.

I love my profession and the part I play in making the world a better place.

God, in his infinite mercy, foresaw the need for a trusted and non-questioning companion to fill the deep void in the human soul. This void cannot be filled by human contact alone. This is why He blessed us with the human-animal bond.

My dogs and cats don't question me in any way, shape or form. They are happy to see me regardless of where I've been or what I've done, and they never question my motives, even when I do something that is unfavorable to them. Their love for me, and my family is 100 percent non-judgmental, and unconditional.

They have accepted my shortcomings, and deficiencies without feeling the need to give any “constructive” criticism. Their love and acceptance has helped me to develop into the kind of person that I have always wanted to become.

They watch the house at night and when I'm gone so that my own kind (humans) don't hurt me or take advantage of my absence to relieve me of my possessions. I sleep soundly thanks to my pets. I sleep soundly when I'm off island and Susan is home alone, thanks to my pets. They are truly a salve to my soul, and continually add to my peace of mind and sense of well being.

In short they give me the 3 A's (Acceptance, Approval, and Appreciation) that all humans want and need to feel complete within themselves.

They demand nothing in return.It seems to me that the least I can do is to give them the care that I should want to give to such a valued companion. If not I am a thief by taking something that is given freely and then refusing to return the favor, even to the point of illness and death. Some people know what I'm talking about, and some, sadly, don't.

It has been my privilege for 30 years to care for the animals of this world. It has been my privilege for the last seven years to care for the animals of the CNMI.

I hope to continue in this role for the next 20 years.at least!

Just thought you'd like to know.

Ed Tudor, DVMvia e-mail

Six Puppies Up for Adoption

PAWS has six beautiful puppies that are currently up for adoption to a good home. The pups were found abandoned on Thursday and are thought to be about 6-7 weeks of age. All the puppies have been de-wormed, treated for fleas and ticks, and bathed.

If you are interested in adopting one of these pups, please contact PAWS at 285-PAWS.

Been Dumped...will you love me???

Meet Rico, a tiny little bit of a pup, found abandoned near the old Puerto Rico dump. Nearly run over by a car in front of her, a PAWS member stopped to offer the shivering & starving puppy some assistance. Rico appears to be approximately 8 weeks old. She has had a flea dip, wormer and is eating some really good food at her foster home and is feeling a lot better. She is a happy little thing, following everyone around and wagging her tail. She is looking for a loving home, with a family that can provide continued worming/shots. She is shy around bigger dogs, but loves kids. Call or text Rose at 285-0408 for more information.

Brothers and Best Friends - Up for Adoption

PAWS is looking for a good home for two cat brothers that are best friends. Ideally, PAWS would like to place the animals in a responsible and loving home together.

Both cats are male 5 1/2 months old and have been neutered, so no serious cat fights over females, aggressive behavior, or peeing on furniture! Also, both cats have been vaccinated and de-wormed. They get along well with dogs and other animals. They are good outside cats, but are litter trained for those days/nights that they spend inside.

If you are interested in adopting these super friendly cats, please contact Madison at white_wolf933@hotmail.com, by cell phone at 789-5050, home number 285-9095, or PAWS at 285-PAWS.

Apollo:

Apollo is a great family dog that is up for adoption to a good responsible home. He has been fostered as an inside dog by a family with two children for almost three months, and according to the family, he has proven to be a great family pet that gets along well with other animals.

Apollo is a male boonie dog, thought to be about two (2) years in age. He has been vaccinated, de-wormed, and treated for mange.

If you are interested in meeting Apollo, please contact Maria at 256-0340.


Four Puppies:

Four beautiful and healthy puppies are up for adoption to good homes. These pups are about 7-8 weeks old, have been de-wormed and treated for fleas. There are three black pups and one white pup, all with loving personalities.

If you are interested in adopting one of these pups, please contact Sonny at 989-9059.


Watson:

PAWS President Katie Busenkell is fostering what she is calls “The Best Cat.”

Watson, ten month old tabby cat, was found starving to death by Busenkell’s dog, Holmes, about two months ago at Kilili Beach. Through lots of love, food, and numerous visits to the veterinarian, Watson has fully recovered and blossomed into quite a character.

Watson has been de-wormed and vaccinated. He is a very social animal, constantly looking for attention and talking. He gets along well with dogs and cats.

If you are interested in adopting Watson, please contact Katie at 256-0243.



If you are interested in adopting one of the above animals, or have questions about responsible pet ownership, please contact PAWS at 285-PAWS or visit our website at www.paws-saipan.org or our blog at www.paws-saipan.blogspot.com.