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.

Easter Puppies Ready to Hop Into your Heart

We have a basketful of six adorable little puppies are looking for good homes. They were born on Easter Sunday and are black/brown mix in color. They have been homeless and will need puppy shots and worming. They are full of energy and eating well. Please contact Jessica Guerrero at 233-5746 to check out these cuties today!

Two Itty Bitty Kittys

We have two TINY little kittens that are about 4 weeks old, looking for some TLC and new homes. These were 2 seperate rescues, and not from the same litter. The male is a beautiful bright orange tabby and the female is a grey tabby. They have had their first worming, and are doing well for being abandoned so young. They are ADORABLE and very inquisitive and looking for a family that can give them some special attention and follow up medical care/worming/vaccinations. Contact us on the PAWS HOTLINE: 285-PAWS, if you would like to adopt one of these itty bitty kittys!

Good night sweet girl

By Jeffrey C. Turbitt

I lost a member of my family this week. There won't be a funeral. There will be no well wishers. No one will wear black. Some will even casually dismiss as absurd the melancholy that permeates my soul right now. You see, Shelby Turbitt wasn't my wife, child, parent, aunt or uncle; she was "just" my beloved dog for twelve years.

Shelby greeted me every time I walked in the door. She walked on the Oleai Beach Path with me. She watched television with me. When the Yankees won the World Series in 1996, the first time they did so in my mature lifetime, she got as excited as I did -- she just didn't know why. Friends move, stop calling or start ignoring our emails, but our pets are always there, especially if we take care of them -- at least for the relatively short time on Earth they grace us with their presence. She went to the vet each year. She was spayed. She got her preventative medicine. That gave her a relatively long and healthy life. I would urge all pet owners to find a way to do the same. In return for that investment, our pets add a bit of a soft touch to us -- even to a cynical SOB like me. They make us smile. They do things like give sight to the blind and teach children about love, loyalty, friendship and responsibility. They also act as companion to a lot of lonely senior citizens that tend to be forgotten.

It is indeed true that animals aren't people, and lots of good arguments can be made that we dote on them excessively. I "get that" on a pure reason basis, but we people aren't just Apollonian and guided only by reason. We have a Dionysian side that makes us human, not robot, and that makes the pain I feel very real and not the least bit diminished by any rational arguments from those purely practical people capable of minimizing this event -- an event that traumatizes many people who probably feel they need to hide their very real grief.

As couples tend to marry and have children later in life these days, pets tend to become surrogate children. Pet spending has doubled in the U.S. from $17 billion in 1994 to more than $34 billion today. When real children enter our lives, pets do tend to take that backseat. I noticed that trend myself. Shelby understandably went from being the only other living thing in my erstwhile bachelor pad, at least if I cleaned away the mold in the bathroom that week, to the dog that was part of a human family of four. She wasn't as prominent in my life, my older boy took on more of that role as her prime companion, but she and I still had all that history.

I still remember shamelessly walking with her when she was a puppy in the parks near Rutgers University in my mid-twenties for the express purpose of meeting college women. It worked, too. She was a great ice breaker. Every woman I dated had to pass the Shelby test. I knew I was going to be a hell of a lot more difficult to deal with than her, so she was a pretty good filter for potential romantic partners. When I took her into my life, I never imagined becoming an overseas teacher, but that was what I decided to do. I thought briefly about giving her up given the complex journey I was about to make, but she had woven herself into the fabric of my life way too deeply, so I brought her to travel the world with me. I like to joke that this little dog spread fertilizer further and wider than the John Deere Corporation.

In humans our hearts are our weakest organs -- perhaps our pets play a role in softening them. In our pets, kidneys are their weakest organs. Kidneys filter away toxins, kind of like Shelby did for me. Hers began to fail. The veterinarian noticed she was having trouble concentrating her urine a few months back, but there were no other symptoms, and I was never going to do any radical steps to extend her life anyway. I don't believe in that even for people, really. She continued on without any sign of anything unusual for a few months. All of a sudden, I noticed she had lost weight -- weight she perhaps could afford to lose given how well my wife fed her, but there really was not much else pointing to a problem. In a blink of an eye it seemed, she went into kidney failure, vomited blood several times and died naturally in the middle of the night as I petted her and begged God for a miracle -- or at least to ease her pain. It was a harrowing experience. Nature and the circle of life can be a cruel and relentless mistress. She passed away quickly in the middle of the night, and it hurts really bad. There is a scene in Pulp Fiction where Butch aks Marcellus Wallace, after their encounter with the hillbillies, if he is "OK." Wallace responds, "I'm pretty f****ng far from OK." I feel a lot like Wallace right now.

Good night sweet girl. You touched me more than you could ever know.

Jeffrey C. Turbitt is the language arts department chairman at Saipan Southern High School, as well as an avid scuba diver and traveler. He offers more thoughts in his blog Hypercritical Thoughts at: www.turbittj.blogspot.com/ He welcomes feedback, tips and story ideas at turbittj@yahoo.com. His column appears regularly on Wednesdays.

Lovely Lady Ready to Join Your Family!

This beautiful yellow dog, goes by Agnes, or Aggie. She is a medium sized dog, about 35lbs and SUPER SWEET! She is up to date on all her shots and has been spayed. Almost a year old, she is thought to been born sometime last April. Miss Agnes is housebroken, socialized and plays well with others.

Contact Susan at #483-7834 right away, to make Aggie a part of your family today!

Big Thanks for Little Things that Help A Lot!

It often seems that everyone is short on money and on time these days, but maybe we don't realize how seemly little things can greatly help someone else. Such is the case with two special people who helped PAWS in a big way this past week.

Jenny Zhang contacted PAWS after seeing that we had 10 cats needing homes. Jenny was a cat lover and previously had two cats. One had passed away some time ago and the other recently was lost or ran away. She was considering getting a new cat from PAWS, but will be leaving island soon. She called us with a FANTASTIC offer..."Could PAWS use some cat supplies?"

Yes, we can! A volunteer met Jenny and she offered us a huge box of items, including a brand new 30lb container of cat litter. Thank you, thank you, Jenny for your generosity! And what a great idea!

Do you have any pet supplies or items you no longer need? Give us a call and donate them to PAWS! You can remove some clutter and make a difference to some pets at the same time!

Also this week, PAWS had a call to removed a sick/injured dog from a business in Garapan. A truck was needed to take her the short ride to the Vet's office. Unfortunately one could not be located in a timely manner and the dog needed urgent medical care. No government office would help after repeated calls. Then our PAWS volunteer spotted a man with a truck nearby. She went over to him and explained the situation. He said he would be happy to help!

Thank you so much to Steve Marron for taking the time to transport "Sweetie" to the vet! Your time and kindness was greatly appreciated by PAWS and this dog is no longer suffering on the streets. A ten minute ride changed her life.

These are just two examples of what some people might consider "little things" but they really did mean A LOT!

There are many ways you can help and volunteer with PAWS, even if time and money is limited. Next time you see a PAWS dontation box at a local business, throw some small change in it. Every little bit helps! Also, Memberships are only $10 right now, downloadable from our website at http://www.paws-saipan.org/. or at Juanny's Salon and Porky's Bar & Restaurant, or by contacting any Board Member.

PAWS would also like to thank Education Presentation volunteers Carol Danelius and Ann Brazel. We are having a lot of fun with them and with the great kids in the elementary schools. Please join us!

This is one of the most rewarding ways you can volunteer with PAWS. We are looking for more people to work in teams of 2, giving a 1/2 hour presentation one day a week. Yep, that's it - a 1/2 hour reading stories and having fun educating kids about animal compassion, care, responsibility and safety. Contact us to observe one of our next presentations and see what it is all about!

Or if you love working with kids and have a few hours once a month, come join us for Kids Night Out! Parents can drop off their kids for a night out and we entertain them with games, crafts, and pet related presentation and animal themed movie. Our next KNO (Kids Night Out) is Friday, February 29th and we are still looking for volunteers. Contact Melissa Simms at melissasimms56@hotmail.com to help out!

PAWS wishes to thank ALL its volunteers: past, present and future! Don't delay, volunteer and contribute today!

A Conversation with Dr. Edgar Tudor

By Jeffrey C. Turbitt

Dr. Edgar Tudor has been a private care veterinarian in Saipan for seven years and is the owner of Paradise Island Animal Hospital . He spent time as a boy living in various Micronesian Islands, though not in the CNMI. His time in this region and a long career in rural veterinary practice influenced his decision to set up his practice in Saipan. Dr. Tudor also served in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. In this conversation he offered some candid comments on the state of pet care in the CNMI, the importance of preventative care, the costs involved with those pursuits and other issues.

JCT: What are some of the unique issues and problems pets and their owners face in the CNMI?

ET: The main challenge we face in the CNMI is that most of the people out here have grown up without the services of a small animal veterinarian. Because of this, many people here honestly have no idea what their responsibilities are to their pets. It's as simple as that. Keep in mind this is how I grew up.

JCT: If I am a pet owner with a limited budget like a lot of people here, what are the most important and cost effective things I can do to give my pet a better quality of life?

ET: The very simple answer is to remember that owning a pet is an option. No one forces you to have a pet. Taking care of that pet is not an option, it's an obligation not only to the pet, but to your family, your neighbors and your community. God gave us dominion over the animals and this means he gave us responsibility for their care. When we run into problems with this is when we try to sidestep our responsibility and make someone else responsible for our lives, or pets, as the case may be. So if you're truly unable to care for a pet, don't get one in the first place. It only leads to headaches, heartaches, and very bad feelings of guilt. Once you choose to bring a pet into your home and your heart, you need to jealously guard that pet from disease and this means preventative health care. It costs little to prevent disease, and much to treat the same disease, not to mention the emotional toll that a sick pet takes on the family. Before you get a pet, call the veterinarian and get an idea of what the likely cost will be. My wife Susan wants me to write an article titled, "How much does a FREE puppy cost?" Good point.

JCT: What advice would you offer the local government to deal with the problem of the large stray dog population on island? Also, do you have any thoughts on the anti-animal cruelty bill that seems to be languishing in the legislature?

ET: Very simple, enforce the laws that are already on the books. Prosecute those that steal and abuse pets. I know of no society that turns a blind eye to theft or destruction of private property, even if it's a dog or a cat. Enforce the laws equitably. More laws isn't the answer to unenforced laws. There are already an abundance of applicable laws that could be enforced but aren't. When the people of Saipan want an anti-cruelty law they'll pass one, but in the meantime, enforce the laws that are already on the books.

JCT: If the animal shelter is actually built, are there dangers that the dogs living in close contact could pass disease to each other, and if so, how can that be prevented?

ET: Very good question. This is my greatest fear if a shelter is forced through before the government is truly committed to its upkeep. Shelters tend to become cesspools of disease if not properly managed, and I see little commitment on anyone's part to actually run a shelter the way it should be run. Besides that, Saipan already has a shelter. It's called Paradise Island Animal Hospital , and it costs the government of Saipan, and the people of Saipan, nothing to run it. It is financed by those that bring in their pets for care, that is, those that do, not just complain. Not many in the government know about it precisely because it costs them nothing, and it doesn't show up on anyone's budget -- except mine.

JCT: Please explain why spaying and neutering is important, and is there a way with medical advancements that the indigent people here would be able to do this in a cost effective fashion that might even help diminish the large stray population?

ET: Spaying for female dogs and neutering for male dogs is part of preventative medicine. Spaying prevents breast cancer, uterine infections and prevents unwanted puppies and kittens. It also keeps us from losing our favorite pets during the birthing process, which happens quite a bit on Saipan to non-spayed females. Neutered male dogs tend to stay home, tend not to get hit by cars and get injured in dog fights, which keeps the pets healthier and the owners happier because they aren't spending money they don't have. Spayed and neutered dogs also tend to live much, much longer with a better quality of life than their non-spayed and non-neutered cousins because of the above. We spayed more dogs and cats last year than in any previous year -- all without the aid of subsidies. We have expanded the services offered by Paradise Island Animal Hospital way beyond what it was when I got here and this has been based purely on demand for more and better services by my clientele.

The best way for me to save people money is to stress preventative care, not to provide cheap, ineffective care. If the dogs and cats are vaccinated, they don't get sick so the owner doesn't have to worry about not having enough money for the treatment. If the dog or cat is examined once a year and checked for parasites and other problems, any health challenges that are found can be caught earlier and treated easier and cheaper than by waiting until the pet is sick. People know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. What they don't know is that an ounce of prevention is lighter than a feather, while a pound of cure can be very heavy to bear.

JCT: What is it like to be the vet, in terms of the emotional highs and lows, of a place with an animal population in such distress?

ET: Relative to "an animal population in distress," I don't see that. I've seen nothing but positive change in the seven years I've been here. It is a daily improvement and that keeps me high on what is happening on Saipan. When I got here the best pet owners were the mainlanders with the "locals" barely showing up on the radar screen. What a lot of people didn't know however, was how much these people wanted good veterinary care for their pets. Now the best pet owners are my Chamorro and Carolinian clients, followed closely by the Japanese and then the mainlanders. People here don't necessarily do as much prevention as I would like, but they never give up on their pets when they bring them in for care. In that respect it's much more rewarding practicing out here than on the mainland. People are gradually learning about the benefits of preventative health care for their pets. People out here love and care for their pets the same as on the mainland. The ugly story that "locals" don't take care of their pets is just not true. The numbers of neglected pets per capita on the mainland is much higher than out there. On the mainland, the local animal control keeps unwanted pets off the streets and puts them to death to accomplish this. We don't have this option on Saipan, so when you look at the number of strays vs. the numbers that would be running loose on the mainland without animal control continually removing them, we are doing much better out here than they are on the mainland. Our problems are just more visible. Millions of dogs and cats are put to sleep every year on the mainland due to rampant neglect of pets. How can we think that we are qualified to lecture anyone else on how to take care of their pets when we can't manage it in our own country?

People on Saipan want better care for their pets, not cheaper, lower quality care. Jesus made the comment that "The poor will always be among us". Our benchmark should not be the poor, or neglectful pet owners for they will always be among us. Let's benchmark our efforts based on the behavior of the responsible pet owners. This number is growing rapidly on Saipan and it has little to do with financial ability. To be sure, we will never be totally free of stray dogs and cats, and this is where the local government will need to step up at some point with a leash law (already on the books but unenforced) and a decent shelter (already on the books but not provided), but not before the commitment is there. Saipan can become a model for good pet ownership throughout Micronesia with very little effort.

Jeffrey C. Turbitt is the language arts department chairman at Saipan Southern High School, as well as an avid scuba diver and traveler. He offers more thoughts in his blog Hypercritical Thoughts at: www.turbittj.blogspot.com/ He welcomes feedback, tips and story ideas at turbittj@yahoo.com. His column appears regularly on Wednesdays.

KIDS NIGHT OUT IS BACK! YEAH!!!!!!

Parents: Enjoy some special time to yourselves!

Kids: Join us for Food, Fun and Friends ~

WHEN: Friday, February 29th, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE: Whimsy Room – SAIPAN GRAND HOTEL
COST: $10 first child, $5 each add’l Sibling, ages 3-12
CHECK IN: 6:00 – 6:30 PM (No drop offs after 6:30)

PICK UP: BY 10:00 PM, Early pickups welcome

REGISTER: Via phone #285-PAWS (285-7297)
REGISTER: Via email - melissasimms56@hotmail.com

Sponsored by Saipan Grand Hotel

Thanks so much for your support Saipan Grand!

Don't delay...register TODAY!!

Kid's Night Out THIS Friday!

Date: November 16, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Fiesta Resort Game Room
What: PAWS – Kids' Night Out
Cost: $10.00 for the first child and $5.00 for each additional sibling, for up to 5 children in the same immediate family.

Looking for a few hours to yourself? Want to enjoy a quiet dinner with someone special? Well, PAWS is here and able to help! PAWS and Fiesta Resort have teamed up to host a fundraiser called Kids' Night Out (KNO). Children ages 3-12 are welcome to participate in our fun program while parents take a few hours off. During this four-hour period, the children will play video games for a half hour, be engaged in arts and crafts, story reading, and a fun and educational movie about animals.

Fiesta Resort has generously offered to provide snacks and caffeine-free drinks. Check-in will be between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. Parents must pick up their children no later than 10:00 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about this great escape, please contact Melissa Simms at melissasimms56@hotmail.com.

Reserve your space ASAP by emailing melissasimms56@hotmail.com or calling Melissa Simms at 234-1253 after 5 pm. Reserve quickly, as we will filled up last month!

I also must take this opportunity to thank Fiesta Resort and the Saipan Grand - both of which are Tan Holding Companies - for their incredible generosity. They came to us and offered us the use of their facilities to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and compassion for animals. We are incredibly grateful for this kind act and their support of community efforts. Thank you.

Animals Safety Tips for You and Your Children (Island Locator Article)

Animals Safety Tips for You and Your Children
By Katie Busenkell


Over the last two months, PAWS has launched its education committee, which is designed to educate elementary school children about responsible pet ownership and compassion towards animals. The program also talks about animal safety, an important topic to know when living among such a large number of unconfined and roaming dogs.

In case your child has not experienced a PAWS presentation on animal safety, here are some tips that you can teach your children at home.

1. Always ask a dog’s owner if you may pet the dog:

Some dogs do not like to be approached by people, especially children, they do not know. Alternatively, some dogs may be doing what they have been trained to do, like watch the house or look after an individual. Or, the dog may not be feeling well or afraid of children. For these reasons, children should never approach an owned dog without the owner’s permission.



If the dog’s owner grants you permission to pet the dog, pet the dog under the chin or on the chest. Avoid patting the dog on the head.




2. Approach a dog from the front or side:

Like people, dogs cannot see what is happening behind them. Therefore, children that approach a dog from behind may scare or surprise the dog. Loud noises, yelling, and waving hands can also scare a dog. Scared and/or surprised dogs are more likely to act defensively or possibly bite.

To avoid scaring the dog, teach your children to approach dogs from the side or front so the dog can clearly see the child.

It is also important that the children keep their hands low and speak in a soft voice as they approach a dog. Teach your children the phrase, “quietly, softly, and gently.”

3. Do not make direct eye contact with an unknown dog:

In the animal kingdom, direct eye contact can be interpreted as a sign of dominance or aggression. So, to avoid challenging a dog that you do not know, do not look a dog directly in the eye!

4. Do not bother a dog that is asleep or eating:

Nobody likes to be bothered when they are eating or sleeping, and dogs are not any different. If you bother a dog while he is eating, he may think you are trying to take his food away. It is best to just leave him alone until he done with his food.

Likewise, if a dog is sleeping, he is unaware of your presence. Waking him may startle him, and startled dogs are more likely to bite. Again, it is best to wait until he wakes up. Alternatively, you may ring a bell, squeak a toy, or call out his name before approaching the dog.

5. Do not get too close to a dog that is tied or behind a fence:

Dogs are territorial, and that means that they naturally claim a certain amount of space as their own. Again, everyone likes to have his or her own space. Likewise, dogs have their own space. So, let them have some space. Failure to respect a dog’s space may cause the animals to act aggressively.

6. Watch out for special toys and/or objects:

Dogs have their favorite toys too! It may be a stick, a squeaky toy, a bone, or leaf. Whatever it is, if the dog has it in her mouth, leave it there unless you have trained your dog to drop it and give it to you.

7. Do not get too close to a mother dog and her puppies:

Most moms are naturally protective of their young. The same applies to dogs. Thus, children should not get too close to small puppies with the mother nearby. The mother may try to protect her puppies by biting.

8. Do not run or move quickly around unfamiliar dogs:

Quick movements can startle a dog and startled dogs are more likely to bite because they are scared.

9. Stand motionless when approached by nervous or excited dog:



If a nervous dog gets close to you, stand like a tree. When you stand like a tree, you should be standing still with your arms by your side. Look down at your feet and avoid making eye contact with the dog. Be sure to keep the dog in your line of vision. Let the dog sniff you, and more than likely, he will think you are boring and non-threatening and then walk away.




10. If a dog attacks you, assume the position of a rock.

If a dog attacks, assume the position of a rock. That means curling up into a ball and protecting your face and body.

If the dog bites, be sure to wash the wound immediately with warm, soapy water for about 10 minutes. It is highly suggested that you receive medical attention.

Be sure to isolate the dog if possible. Do not further agitate the situation by kicking, yelling, or shooting the dog. Instead, try to isolate the dog and call one of the two veterinarians on the island:

Dr. Edgar Tudor
Paradise Island Animal Hospital
234-9669

Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz
Department of Land and Natural Resources
234-6169


Sources of Information:
1. http://www.akc.org/public_education/resources.cfm?page=7
2. http://www.wspa-international.org/educational.asp

For more information on PAWS, visit http://www.paws-saipan.org/ or http://www.paws-saipan.blogspot.com/.

Cat looking for home -- Update Now Adopted

Butter...aka Buttercup...aka Butterball Garfield...eat your heart out! He's got all the looks and a laid back personality. This white and orange tabby cat is looking for a new home. He would prefer to be an indoor cat and is vocal when he wants attention. He is a real cuddler and looking for some love. If you would like to make Butter a part of your family, please contact: Rose Callier at italiarose@hotmail.com or at 285-0408.

Keep your vet bills under control

This is a very informative article about how to keep your veterinary bills under control. I highly recommend reading it.

Please Help Find These Dogs!

The AWC and PAWS are asking for your help in locating two missing dogs. We are asking that you post the following information and pictures on your blog and/or website. The more people that see these postings, the more likely we are to get these animals back to their rightful owners.

If you or someone you know has information regarding the following two dogs, please contact Katie at 256-0243 or 286-0970.

Remember, this could be you and your pet or your property, depending on how you look at it. Let's work together to bring these animals/stolen property home and send a message to the community that we are looking out for one another.



On August 30, 2007, a dog by the name of Rocky went missing from the corner of Lucia St. and Texas Rd. in CK. The dog is a male boonie that is white with brown spots and longer hair. If you or anyone you know has information regarding Rocky or his disappearance, please call 287-5972. You may also call PAWS at 256-0243. The family is offering a $300.00 reward for the return of Rocky. Please help us find him and bring him home to his family.



Missing As Matuis Dog

A couple living in As Matuis are asking for your help in finding their female dog Gypsy. On Sunday, August 26, 2007 Gypsy and the couple’s two other dogs took themselves for a walk in the jungle. The two other dogs returned home two days later, however Gypsy remains missing.

Gypsy is a female boonie dog, who is about 3 years old. She is mixed in color and weighs about 30 pounds.

If you have any information that could lead to the return of Gypsy to her family, please contact Lindsay at 322-2449. You may also contact PAWS at 256-0243 or at busenkell@gmail.com.

Please, help this family reunite with their dog that they love and miss very much.

Making a Difference

Once a man was walking along a beach. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Off in the distance he could see a little boy going back and forth between the surf's edge and and the beach. Back and forth the little boy went. As the man approached he could see that there were hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as the result of the natural action of the tide.

The man was struck by the the apparent futility of the task. There were far too many starfish. Many of them were sure to perish. As he approached, the boy continued the task of picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the surf.

As he came up to the boy he said, "You must be crazy. There are thousands of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can't possibly make a difference." The little boy looked at the man. He then reached down and picked up one more starfish and threw it back into the ocean. He turned back to the man and said, "It sure made a difference to that one!"

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.