VIVA LA VIDA

Photography by Gabriel Szoke

"Be happy for this moment,
this moment is your life."

 AFFORDABLE STERILIZATION AT
                    HUMANE SOCIETY OF PR 

MAX

With some animals, it's a case of too many. For others, too few. Animals headed for extinction include the Syberian tiger (only about 200 left in the wild); the Giant Otter; the Nile Crocodile; the Iberian Imperial Eagle (only 150 pairs); the Sea Turtle; the Mountain Gorilla (600); the Scarlet Macaw; the African Black Rhinoceros (2,000); the Giant Panda (1,000). Most of these animals are hunted down for their skin. The sea turtle is prized for its meat. Meanwhile, many other animals are also at risk through habitat destruction, man's obsession with their body parts (elephant tusks, for example), and disease. And then there are millions and millions of cats and dogs. No danger of either of these species becoming extinct. Indeed, the streets of Puerto Rico offer the sad spectacle of too many derelict cats and dogs scrounging for a bite to eat. Some of them were abandoned by their owners, others are animals who got lost or ran away in a moment of wild abandon.  While out on the street,  abandoned or lost animals will reproduce, as is the law of nature, and in so doing, add to the ever growing population of strays. Which is why it is so important for animal owners to spay or neuter their cat or dog, in case that pet should get lost in the future. It's no secret that sterilization is an expensive service but just in time for the holidays the Humane Society of Puerto Rico has come to the rescue with an unbeatable offer: on December 24 and December 31 they will neuter male cats at a cost of $25 (the price includes the rabies vaccine). All you have to do is call the  organization and make an appointment for your pet (787.645.3418). Space is limited but an employee at the organization said they will try to fit in as many operations as possible within the allotted time of half a day. Even if you miss out on the deal, the Humane Society of Puerto Rico is a good option for affordably priced pet vaccinations and sterilizations. This service is available Monday through Saturday by appointment. The cost: $55 for dogs up to 50 pounds; $75 for dogs between 51 and 71 pounds; and $90 for dogs between 75 and 90 pounds.  Male cats: $45; females, $50. Other services the organization provides out of its base in Guaynabo ( in back of Caribbean Cinemas) are: vaccinations and implanting pet microchips for easier tracking of lost pets. Check out its website -- www.hspr.org -- for more information.  Photography by Denise Blasor "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away"                  MERCADO SF207                                  Concalma, known for its signature tote bags made by a women's coop in Puerto Rico, is playing host to a group of young green designers eager to show off their talents. Store owner/designer Matilsha Marxuach has invited 11 fellow designers to join in a collective market that will run from Thursday until Sunday, Dec. 23. The selection includes clothing, head pieces, accessories, and more. Concalma, San Francisco 207, Old San Juan Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Copyright 2012© Lorraine Blasor All Rights Reserved⚑

AFFORDABLE STERILIZATION

Miuccia, as seen through the lens of photographer Alex Berg

The pet world mirrors the human world in at least one way:  society is divided into haves and have nots and the same holds true for the cats, dogs, and other animal creatures that populate our homes and cities. Some lead lives of plenty, thanks to loving owners who pamper their pets as if they were children, while others lead lives of desperation, mistreated by owners and then unceremoniously cast off into the street like unwanted rubbish.

The problem of abandoned animals is among the more vexing issues to conquer mostly because, as with most most serious problems, dealing with it requires both the concerted efforts of the state and the concerned commitment of its citizenry. 

At the heart of the solution is education and controlling the animal population through  sterilization of cats and dogs, on the theory that pets abandoned or lost will not procreate needlessly once they're on the streets. Sterilization is a costly procedure as any pet owner in Puerto Rico is well aware of. Veterinarians charge high fees for the procedure and many citizens, especially if retired or jobless, can ill afford this expense. Thankfully, there is the  Center for the Adoption and Sterilization of Animals run by the city of San Juan.

Based on Kennedy Ave. , the center operates out of a dilapidated and quite dispiriting building but what the center lacks in appearance is more than made up by the dedication

and cordiality of  the people who work there, not easy when they are evidently working in less than ideal conditions. The staff comprises three veterinarians, seven veterinary technicians and additional administrative and janitorial personnel with 25 volunteers also chipping in to take care of adoptable pets, according to the center's director, Mariangeli Gely Cotto.  

Given the affordable cost of sterilizations, demand for the service is high which results in a somewhat onerous, two-pronged process. First, the owner must bring the pet to be vaccinated at which time the sterilization appointment is scheduled, often several weeks or more than a month down the line. Owners whose pets are already vaccinated can come in and make an appointment as long as they present an up-to-date vaccination certificate. On the appointed day, owners drops off pets before 8:30 a.m. and pick them up in the afternoon, between 1 and 3 p.m. The total cost is $70 or less (see chart). Owners are expected to return one more time to have the stitches removed from female pets. Despite the time consuming process, one would be hard pressed to hear complaints given that the service rendered is excellent and much appreciated by pet owners. On a typical day, owners patiently wait around to meet with the vet while exchanging stories about their four-legged charges. The saddest part is seeing people drop off pets they no longer want, or strays picked up from the street. 

Unless identified as good candidates for adoption, any animal turned in at the center is euthanized. Of the 4,328 animals dropped off between last year and now, more than 3,500 have been destroyed, said Gely Cotto.  That same period also saw a small number of adoptions: 380 in all. 

During the current fiscal year which ends at the end of the month, the center has carried out 2,958 sterilizations and administered some 19,647 vaccinations. Said Gely Cotto: "It is lamentable that our society prefers the option of buying rather adopting pets. Each year, we euthanize more than 3,500 animals abandoned by irresponsible owners. All shelters are overpopulated and day by day more animals are abandoned in our streets. Without a doubt,

 this is a problem for all, not just the municipal or state governments."

While the future of stray pets in Puerto Rico is uncertain, a brighter tomorrow is in store for the center. Around mid 2012, it will move into spacious new quarters in a more centric part of town. It cost the city $3 million to purchase the 24,000-square-foot property at Hoare Industrial Park in Miramar which, following a $1.5 million renovation, will open to the public to provide a farrago of services: a pet hospital, emergency veterinary clinic, a pet hotel, day care and resort spa with room for 46 dogs and 27 cats. 

San Juan Center for the Control and Adoption of Animals

787.480.3432, 480-3433, 480.3435

Vaccinations   Monday, Wed. and Friday  1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  and 1 p.m - 3 p.m.

Sterilizations Dogs (male and female)  San Juan residents pay $40 (up to 30 lbs),

 $50 ( 31-54 lbs) and $60 (55-100 lbs). Non residents: $50, $60 and $70, respectively. In the case of cats, San Juan residents pay $20 to sterilize a female and $15 for a male. Non-residents, $30 and $25. respectively. The procedure is by appointment only. Bring up-to-date vaccination certificate and proof of residency in San Juan when making appointment.

Adoptions   All adopted petsare vaccinated and sterilized prior to delivery to new owner.

Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Turn-ins   Fee is based on the animal's weight or $1 per pound for dogs; $10 for a cat, regardless of weight. For non-residents, $1.25 per pound; $15 for a cat.

Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

by Denise Blasor

All truths wait in all things, They neither hasten their own delivery nor resist it, They do not need the obstetric forceps of the surgeon,                        The insignificant is as big to me as any,  (what is less or more than a touch)...    -- Walt Whitman by Denise Blasor A new pet walking service promises relief for harried owners who are unable to provide their four-legged charges with a much needed daily constitutional. Club PETite (aka Dog Walkers Puerto Rico) currently serves customers in the Trujillo Alto area but will walk pets in other parts of town, such as Condado, according to Warren and Virginia Hill, who started the service. A 30 to 40 minute walk for your pet is $14.  As it builds up its clientele, Club PETite is working on kicking off a novel monthly club event at which dog owners can meet and party in the company of their trusty mascots. The event aims to break the barrier that typically relegates dogs outside most places of business, including eateries: It will be held at  Alquimia Bistro Club on July 8 and the entrance fee is $50, which entitles you to a couple of drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and the attention of a "doggie butler" whose job is to attend to the needs of doggy guests.   Alquimia is located next to Under the Trees on the ground floor of Gallery Plaza, on the corner of De Diego and Loiza Street. To sign up for the event call Club PETite at 787.446.6609. by Denise Blasor ZUMBA BY THE SEA Want to exercise but wish you were in the company of other people for added motivation and inspiration? Then try out zumba, the Latin-inspired, dance exercise program, courtesy of the Health Promotion Program of the Sports and Recreation Department. Every morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Ventana Al Mar plaza in Condado. Free of cost. For more information, call Gypssy at 787.550.7204. Copyright2011©Lorraine Blasor All Rights Reserved