Why I am a member of PAWS

When I moved to Saipan, I struggled to find a sense of purpose other than my job. I struggled with wondering why I was here. And then I found PAWS. PAWS, Pet Assistance and Welfare Services of Saipan, is an organization that strives to make Saipan a better place for animals. PAWS works to find lost, abandoned, and boonie dogs and cats appropriate homes, and works to educate the public on the benefits of responsible pet ownership. And I was drawn to PAWS because I shared a common interest with its members... a love of animals.

My love of animals goes way back. The first time I remember understanding a human's love of an animal was at age 3. I was just a little pixie of a thing, with long golden blond hair, and I remember standing at the kitchen sink looking up at my mother, who was crying. It's the first time I ever remember her crying. Her big fluffy white cat, Puff, had just died. Now, the story of Puff is one that my mother will have to tell, regarding how special this cat was. But, I looked up at her, and knew something wasn't right. I looked up at her and said, "Mommys don't cry." My mother looked down at me, and said, "Yes, they do." I remember 'getting it' then at the age of 3.

Since then, I have had an ongoing love affair with animals, thanks to my parents. I have had the following dogs in my life up to this point: Goldie, Hildie, Phoebe, Phoenix, Daisy, Brutus, Fred, Baxter, and my dearest of all, Ellie... who I miss every day. And Scarlett, who has more fight in her than any dog I've ever seen. I don't think I'm forgetting anyone, but I'm sure Mom will correct me if I am, just as she will supplement the list of cats, which is even longer. In my life, I have had the following cats: Puff, Brandy, Buttons, G.E., T.C., George (arguably the best cat ever), Adam, Eve (yes, brother and sister, and both still alive), Emmy, Charlotte (2nd in line for best cat ever), Scout, and Bubble and Squeak. Of my list, still currently in the Simms family are my dearest Ellie, Adam and Eve (albeit in delicate health at 15 years or so), Emmy, Scout, and of course, Scarlett, Bubble and Squeak, my foil Saipan animal family.

Now this list doesn't take into account the number of animals that we took in and found homes for, the number of baby birds we fed with a dropper, or the pet flying squirrel we adopted because it flew down the chimney. We named the squirrel Squeaky. There is a picture floating around somewhere of my dad wearing a super sexy brown velour 70s top with Squeaky sitting on his shoulder. Blackmail material, perhaps. And it doesn't take into account my mother's current flock of non-migratory Canadian geese and random ducks who have decided to make my parent's backyard home. They've been around for just about as long as we've lived there. And these birds are fat, corn-fed, and spoiled rotten. (While I was in Atlanta on my recent vacation, my dad and I were shocked to find goose droppings in the garage... apparently one bird was bold enough to come to the front of the house, and browse around my parent's garage... go figure.) My nieces love to feed them with the quality cracked corn my mother buys in bulk. And my father just about has the 'wild' squirrels trained well enough to take whole peanuts (It IS Georgia, after all) out of his hands.

My point is this: I was taught a love and respect for animals since birth. If children aren't taught how to treat animals, they will not grow up understanding animals, and will miss out on the amazing relationship that humans and animals can have. I've often said that I get along better with animals than I do with people, although that can change depending on the day. But animals don't judge... they love you simply because you are you, no matter what mood you happen to be in. What person do you know who can do that?

PAWS needs people who are passionate about animals. PAWS needs people who understand the amazing relationships that can prosper between people and their pets. PAWS needs people who want to change their community for the better. If you are one of those people, let me know. PAWS has some amazing things in store, and I know we have a place for you.

An old, healthy dog

This week marks the eleventh year I've had my dog Shelby. My sister had her one year, so she is twelve. Life took strange journeys, and never did I imagine I'd be bringing my dog all over the world, but that was what was required, so that is what I did. With an investment in veterinary care, an animal can live long and prosper, not to mention offer all types of life enriching experiences.

People say all these things about dogs being loyal, but I don't actually buy that. I had this dog for eight years, just her and me, but she is now more attached to my wife and ten year old. I don't begrudge that, though. She teaches my son about responsibilty, care and love, and she's still one, sweet, spoiled, old cutie.

A Happy Tail!

This is Tiger, a PAWS rescue, happily celebrating with his new family, the Ada Family!

On Dr. Tudor and the public animal clinic

Let me be the voice of moderation in all the acrimony being hurled about regarding Dr. Tudor, our lone private veterinarian on island. I have been using Dr. Tudor's services since I got here four years ago. I think he is a fabulous vet who knows his way around the many unique health issues facing animals here in Saipan. I have no intention at all of switching to a public clinic, and I seriously doubt people like me, CNMI expats obsessed with the well being of their pets, who I'm sure make up the crux of his business, plan to do so, either.

Dr. Tudor, you are a fine doctor offering a great service, and I hope you don't get angered by all the hostility being hurled over this issue and leave this island. We need you more than you need us. I'm sure the existence of the public clinic allows for a few animals, who for financial reasons will never see a vet the chance to get some basic care. In 2000 the census reported that 46 percent of the people here live in poverty. That number has gotten worse I'm sure with all the well documented economic issues we read about each day. People living in poverty are never going to drop a couple hundred of dollars per year on a pet. Like a lot of things, maintaining a healthy pet is expensive here, which is why I'm sure there are so many dogs living miserable lives. I also know you do a lot of pro bono work and have been a supporter of the arts. Pet care on island is a giant problem, and if someone else can help a bit, then good for the animals.

I personally would rather gouge my own eye out than watch my own pet suffer for lack of medical care to save a few bucks. I would imagine your clinic is full of pet owners who feel the same. Not everyone can get the money together to get private medical care for their pets, and I feel sorry for them and the animals. The doting on animals that is becoming an increasing part of American culture isn't very established here. Given that you are the first vet here, going to the vet probably isn't an ingrained part of the culture. In time I'm sure it will be. Dr. Dela Cruz's practice will help some animals. As a customer and animal lover, I implore you to please bear with the situation as best you can. You are needed here. The dogs and cats of the island need you. The children and adults who love those dogs and cats need you.

Why pets are important

Pets are very important parts of our lives because they help us cope withlife, are understanding, and have unconditional love for us I also would like to share a few amazing things that pets have done for people so below I put in some stories from http://nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/

Forget the dog park! Kato, a German shepherd mix, preferred to spend his downtime at Brooklyn’s Coney Island, in New York. At night, he guarded the Wonder Wheel, an eight-story-high Ferris wheel. But during the day, he rode it! It all started when someone put Kato on the ride to get him out of the way while cleaning. “He really liked it,” says John Vouderis, whose family owns the ride. Before long, he had his own special car outfitted with blankets, water, food, and weights to keep it from rocking. “When we’d start turning the wheel in the morning, he’d bark and scratch to go on it,” says Vouderis. He also barked to get off—for “bathroom” breaks.

Someone had set off the security alarm at the Gladstone Library, in Oregon—again. But when librarian Catherine Powers accompanied a police officer to the library, she found everything in order. This was the fourth false alarm in three months. Fed up, Powers called a repairman. After a thorough investigation, he came to an unusual conclusion. “I think it’s the cat,” he said, after repositioning the motion detectors. “He’s sliding down the banister.” Page, the library mascot, did have the run of the place. And there was a staircase. But still … a cat sliding down the banister? Powers was doubtful. Weeks later, however, another staff member looked up to see Page on the banister at the top of the staircase. “She saw him turn and slide to the bottom,” says Powers. “Then he just strolled away.”

One night, when Hazel Woodget lay down on the couch, only three of her four pet Chihuahuas snuggled beside her. Pepe, the most devoted pup, perched on her tummy, stared into her eyes, and kept sniffing her armpit instead. Annoyed, she pushed him away. Then the determined dog pounced on her chest. That’s when Woodget, of Wiltshire, England, in the United Kingdom, felt a pain that made her visit a doctor. Days later, a biopsy revealed a fast-growing cancer in her body. Woodget underwent surgery, and as soon as she was home and recovering, Pepe returned to snuggling. Months later, however, he started staring as he’d done before. Sure enough, Woodget’s cancer had spread. She was treated again.

Woodget’s cancer reappeared two more times after that, and both times Pepe alerted her. “He knew I was sick before I knew I was sick,” says Woodget. “It’s because of what Pepe did that I’m still here.” Pepe was so reliable that his story was used in a medical research study to see if cancer sniffer dogs could be trained. Turns out the answer is yes. That means hospitals may begin putting sensitive-sniffing lifesavers on staff.

When Tee Cee sits and stares directly into his face, Michael Edmonds immediately finds a chair. That’s because Tee Cee is warning him that he’s about to suffer an epileptic seizure. Edmonds, of Yorkshire, England, faints from the seizures. They can strike as often as three times a day. But Edmonds won’t get hurt if he’s sitting down. Not only does Tee Cee warn Edmonds, but the cat also finds and alerts Edmonds’s wife by biting and tugging on her pants. Then the cat stays with Edmonds until he regains consciousness.

“None of us knows how or why Tee Cee does this,” says Samantha Laidler, Edmonds’s stepdaughter. “But it’s quite reassuring. He hasn’t been wrong yet.” All this love comes from a cat that was saved from drowning in a river as a kitten. No wonder the Cats Protection organization named Tee Cee the 2006 Rescue Cat of the Year!

Zion, a Labrador retriever, reacted fast. He was paddling after a stick in Colorado’s Roaring Fork River, when Ryan Rambo, 8, floated by. Ryan’s life jacket made him look like one of the summer people who float down the river for fun. Only this was early May. The river was full of melted snow, and Ryan was so cold he could barely whisper. His body temperature was dropping dangerously low. Ryan had been kayaking with an adult when their boat flipped. The adult swam to shore, but Ryan got whisked downstream to where Chelsea Bennett, 13, of Glenwood Springs, was playing with her dog, Zion.

“Zion knew the boy was in trouble and needed help,” says Chelsea. “Ryan grabbed onto the dog’s collar, and Zion just turned around and came straight back in to shore.” Friends for life, Ryan visits Zion whenever he can.


Normally, Joey is a quiet lap-sitter. But last summer, the kitty created a ruckus. “I was napping in my bedroom, and I woke up to Joey screeching and running back and forth,” says Bernice McDowall, of McKenzie, North Dakota. Opening her eyes, McDowall found herself in a smoky haze. With Joey running alongside, she made her way through the living room, kitchen, and then out the door. By then, flames were shooting from the basement. As McDowall and Joey watched from the safety of the sheriff’s car, the firefighters who responded to her 911 call managed to quench the blaze.

McDowall had found Joey abandoned as a kitten—stuffed into a mailbox. She saved him and he’s lived with her ever since. “I feel very fortunate,” says McDowall. “Without him I’d have probably died in the smoke. Joey saved me and the house.”

It was an ordinary Saturday. Addilyn Carter, 4, and her friend Joshua Basti, 5, were playing in Addilyn’s Seabrook, New Hampshire, backyard. Their moms were nearby, and Addilyn’s dog, a Shetland sheepdog named Cinnamon, was standing guard, as usual. Suddenly a fox—acting strangely aggressive for no apparent reason—burst out of the nearby woods and headed straight for the kids. Joshua tried to run, but the fox bit his leg. Next the fox grabbed Addilyn’s pants and would have bitten her, too, if not for Cinnamon. The brave dog, barking fiercely, caught up to the quick-moving attacker and chased the fox away. Afterward, an animal control officer reported that the fox had bitten another child earlier that day, and that it had rabies. Both injured children received treatment and are fine now. “It was scary,” says Shelly, Addilyn’s mother. “Addilyn says Cinnamon is her hero and her pal.”


Don’t mess with Jack! That’s been the word around West Milford, New Jersey, ever since a young black bear dared to step onto Jack the cat’s home turf. “Jack goes out every day and patrols our perimeter,” says owner Donna Dickey. He chases off groundhogs, rabbits, and wandering cats. But bears? While black bears do live in New Jersey, they usually stay out of suburban neighborhoods.

Dickey thinks Jack—who often teases her dog—was hiding under a bush just before leaping out, spread-eagled. Startled, the timid bear scurried up a tree. And there he stayed, while Jack guarded the base. The stare-down lasted 15 minutes. When the bear did try to escape, Jack stood up and hissed, sending him up another tree. Only after Dickey called her pet home did the scaredy-bear slide down and run away. “He didn’t stop to look back!” says Dickey.

National Pet Week!

This year, Beautify CNMI! and PAWS are proud to celebrate National Pet Week. National Pet Week was established in 1981 by the American Veterinary Medical Association to promote responsible pet ownership, public awareness of veterinary medicine, and celebrate the human-animal bond. It is now celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world, including the CNMI! In 2007, National Pet Week will be observed from May 6-12. In observance of this special week, Beautify CNMI!, PAWS, and DLNR’s Dr. dela Cruz have planned numerous events intended to educate the public about the benefits of responsible pet ownership. To further these efforts, local businesses like Ace Hardware and Costco, are offering discounts on animal care items – so stock up while you can! Beautify CNMI!, PAWS, and DLNR have planned a well-balanced week to help the community experience the benefits of responsible pet ownership.

Public Education:
1) May 7-11: The PAWS Education Committee will launch their education program in schools around the island. Through the program, children will learn how to responsibly take care of animals, learn about animal behavior and how to approach an animal safely, and learn how to feel compassionately for animals.

2) Monday, May 7, 2007 at 7:00 a.m., Katie Busenkell, a PAWS Board Member and the Chair of Beautify CNMI!’s Animal Welfare Committee, will be on the Harry Blalock Show. The topic of conversation will be the newly introduced Animal Protection Act, why responsible pet ownership is so important for our community, pet care tips, and events planned for National Pet Week.

3) KZMI and Beautify CNMI! recently recorded pet care tips that will be broadcasted over the radio. The tips will be played throughout the month of May in observance of National Pet Week.

Low-Cost Veterinary Clinics:
4) Tuesday, May 8th, 8:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m.: Dr. dela Cruz, from DLNR, will hold a special clinic in observance of National Pet Week at the DLNR Animal Health Center. Services that are available include: parvo vaccination for $5.00, a combo vaccination for $10.00, treatment for skin diseases, and Revolution prescriptions for $5.00. Revolution is a topical parasiticide that is applied to the skin of dogs six weeks of age or older, and is used to: prevent heartworm; kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and ear mite infestation, AND kills roundworms and hookworms. Revolution is also used to treat and control sarcopic mange.

What is sarcopic mange? It’s a skin mite that eats your dog’s skin, and it’s itchy! It also causes the dog’s hair to fall out. So, all those dogs you see sitting by the side of the road hairless and itching themselves raw – they have it and they need treatment by a licensed veterinarian.

Family Event – The Dog Show:

5) May 12th, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: The Best of the Worst Dog Show!!! The show will be held at the airport football field. Everyone is invited to participate. There is no entry fee. All those wishing to enter their dog(s) in the show must have their dog fitted with a collar and leash.Prizes will be awarded for the dog that wins in the following categories:

The Fattest,

The Most Uneven Ears,

The Shortest Legs,

The Most Disobedient,

The Silliest Pure Breed, and

The Booniest (Best of Show).

Prizes include certificates for free vaccinations at DLNR’s clinic, a gift basket from Ace Hardware, a three month supply of Frontline, large bags of dog food, collars and leashes, and flea and tick shampoo. This is not a serious event. Rather, it is intended to bring family and friends together to laugh at ourselves, and of course, the animals we love. Dogs don’t even have to know how to sit (and if they don’t, we suggest you sign them up for “Most Disobedient” category). All your dog has to do is walk a short distance in front of three celebrity judges on a leash. The dog with the most points wins the prizes - that’s it!!

Following the event, Beautify CNMI! and PAWS will do a clean up of the bomb shelters. Again, everyone and their dog(s) are invited to participate in the clean up.

ALSO, PAWS Education Committee is sponsoring a PAWS Mascot competition, open to children in Grades 1-6. Entry forms have been sent to all Elementary Schools in Saipan, both public and private. If you are interested in entering, and need a form, contact me, and I'll be happy to forward you one. The prize is 2 tickets to the PIC Water Park, generously donated by PIC.If you have any questions on the events that are planned for National Pet Week, please email Katie Busenkell at busenkell@gmail.com.

PAWS Rescues 2006-2007

PAWS Commercial

Blogger Meetup

There will be a Blogger meetup for interested people at 7pm at Java Joes on Wednesday, March 28.

If you have a blog, are interested in having a blog, have questions that you want answered, or just want to hang out with Bloggers, please join us!

PAWS is looking for schools!

The PAWS education committee has been diligently working to plan lesson plans to present to Elementary and Middle schools on Saipan. We are planning short 30 minute age appropriate presentations to teach children about caring for animals, including proper feeding and vet care.

If you are a teacher or principal, and are interested in having a PAWS volunteer come to your school, please leave a comment here with your name and school information, and someone will contact you. You may also email Katie at busenkell@gmail.com or Melissa at melissasimms56@hotmail.com.

PAWS is very excited to begin our presentations, and teaching children about how to properly care for dogs and cats, and showing the love they can bring to families!